Do you pay capital gains tax on an inherited house in Australia?
Answered byKevin FinnHead of LegalWatch · 0:41Inheriting a house does not usually trigger capital gains tax immediately. Tax may arise when you later sell it. An eligible inherited main residence may be exempt if the sale settles within two years of death, subject to conditions including the property’s use and ownership history. Missing that deadline does not automatically mean tax is payable: other exemptions or an extension may apply. Ask an accountant to check your circumstances before selling.
For related guidance, see what happens to the family home when a parent moves into aged care?.
Read the video transcript
No capital gains tax is triggered at the moment of inheritance. Capital gains tax only comes into play if you later sell an asset. If the property was the deceased's main residence until the date of their death, then the property will usually have a two year window in which to sell and settle the property without a capital gains tax liability. Miss that two year deadline and the capital gains tax rules kick in.
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