Capital gains tax entrepreneurs’ relief provides for a 10% rate on the disposal of a business, including a sole trade or shares in a trading company. The relief extends to the disposals within 36 months of cessation of trading, provided the business qualified for entrepreneurs’ relief for the 12 months up to the cessation date.

A recent case before the Tax Tribunal reminds us of the importance of timing in tax planning. A Mr Rice owned a car dealership in Peterborough which ceased trading in May 2005, but the premises from which the business traded were not sold until April 2008 – just within the 36 month period so the relief was available!