← Guides / Jamaica

Jamaica Capital Gains Tax Guide

Jamaica does not impose a separate capital gains tax (CGT). Individuals do not pay tax on gains from the sale of shares, securities, or personal assets. However, businesses include capital gains as ordinary income taxed at CIT rates, and property transfers attract transfer tax (0.5%) and stamp duty (2–5%).

For related guidance, see our Property Tax Guide → and Investment Income Guide →.

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) — 0% for Individuals

  • Jamaica does not levy a standalone capital gains tax on individuals.
  • Gains from the sale of shares, stocks, bonds, securities, and other financial instruments are not taxable for individuals.
  • Gains from the sale of personal assets (cars, jewelry, collectibles) are not subject to CGT.
  • There is no CGT on real estate gains for individuals — however, property transfers are subject to transfer tax and stamp duty.

Business Capital Gains

  • For companies, capital gains are treated as ordinary income and taxed at the applicable CIT rate (25% standard, 20% small business).
  • Capital gains are recognized on the disposal of business assets, including property, plant, and equipment.
  • Capital allowances (depreciation) claimed on assets may be subject to balancing charges on disposal.

Transfer Tax (Property)

  • Rate: 0.5% of the consideration value (or market value, whichever is higher).
  • Payable by the vendor/transferor on the transfer of real property.
  • Exemptions apply for transfers between spouses, certain family transfers, and transfers of principal residences (subject to conditions).

Stamp Duty (Property)

  • Rate: 2% to 5% of the consideration value, on a sliding scale.
  • Generally payable by the purchaser/transferee.
  • First JMD 1,000,000 of consideration: 2% (concessionary rate for principal residences).
  • Above JMD 1,000,000: 5% for commercial properties and non-principal residences.
  • Stamp duty applies to the transfer document (deed of conveyance).

Crypto and Digital Assets

  • Cryptocurrency gains for individuals are treated as ordinary income, taxed at progressive PAYE rates (0–30%).
  • There is no separate CGT treatment for crypto; gains are assessed as income.
  • For businesses dealing in crypto, gains are taxed as trading income at CIT rates.

Key Takeaways

  • No capital gains tax for individuals on shares, securities, or property.
  • Transfer tax 0.5% (vendor) and stamp duty 2–5% (purchaser) apply to property transfers.
  • Business capital gains are taxed as ordinary income at CIT rates.
  • No inheritance tax, no gift tax, no wealth tax.

Related Guides

Tajikistan Capital Gains Tax Guide 2026 — Taxed at IIT Rates, Property & SecuritiesTajikistan capital gains tax. Capital gains are taxed at progressive IIT rates (12-23%) for individuals and standard CIT rate (18%) for companies. Treatment of property, securities, and business assetAustria Wealth Tax Guide (No Vermögensteuer 2026)Austria abolished its wealth tax (Vermögensteuer) in the 1990s. Learn the history of the abolished tax and understand why Austria has no net wealth tax, no inheritance tax, and no gift tax.Brunei Corporate Tax Guide 2026 — CIT 18.5%, No Capital Gains TaxBruneian corporate income tax. Standard CIT rate 18.5% on chargeable income. No capital gains tax. Resident companies incorporated in Brunei or with place of effective management in Brunei. No DTTs foAustralia Low Income Super Tax Offset Guide (LISTO, Super Co-Contribution, Government Super Contributions)Australian low-income superannuation tax offsets — the 'Low Income Super Tax Offset (the 'LISTO')', the 'super co-contribution', and the 'government super contributions for the low-income earners'.Gift Tax GuideThe federal gift tax applies to transfers of money or property during your lifetime. Learn about the annual exclusion, lifetime exemption, and strategies...Armenia Personal Tax Guide 2026 — Flat 20% IIT, No Personal AllowanceArmenian personal income tax (IIT). Flat 20% rate on all income. No personal allowance. Microbusiness 0% tax for turnover under AMD 24M. Resident and non-resident taxation for 2026.
Browse all guides →