How capital gains are taxed in Tanzania: the basics

Published July 26, 2026 · 2 min read

How to estimate capital gains tax on shares, property or other assets sold in Tanzania: gain, costs, rate and net proceeds.

Working out the gain

The taxable gain is usually the sale price minus the purchase price and allowable costs, such as broker fees, legal fees or improvement costs. If the result is negative, you have a loss, which may be offset against other gains depending on the rules in Tanzania.

Worked example

Here is the calculation with sample figures. Change any number in the Tanzania Capital Gains Tax Calculator to run your own.

Rates, allowances and holding periods

Many countries tax gains at a different rate from salary, offer an annual tax-free allowance, or reduce the rate for assets held longer. Some exempt a main home. Because these rules differ so widely, the calculator uses an editable rate that you can set from current guidance in Tanzania.

Keep the paperwork

Keep purchase contracts, statements and receipts for costs. Without them, proving your cost basis can be difficult years later.

Quick reference at 18%

Common amounts in Tanzania, worked both ways: adding tax to a net price, and extracting it from a price that already includes tax.

How Tanzania compares

Standard rates on file for other countries. A difference of a few points matters most on high-value purchases and on cross-border sales.

Using the calculator step by step

1. Open the Tanzania Capital Gains Tax Calculator.
2. Type your figures into the numbered lines. Results update as you type.
3. Check the rate field. It starts at 18%; change it if a reduced rate, local surcharge or exemption applies to you.
4. Read the result on the receipt panel, and use the formula shown under it if you need to explain the figure to a client or colleague.

Key terms

Effective rate

Total tax divided by total income, the average rate you actually pay.

Net amount

The amount before tax is added. On an invoice it is the figure the tax is calculated on.

Exempt supply

A sale that falls outside the tax entirely. No tax is charged and input tax usually cannot be reclaimed.

Withholding

Tax deducted at source, by an employer or payer, before the money reaches you.

Reduced rate

A lower rate that applies to specific categories, often essentials such as food, medicine or books.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Forgetting to deduct buying and selling costs.
• Ignoring an annual allowance or holding-period relief.
• Not keeping records of the original purchase price.

Frequently asked questions

This article is general information for planning, not tax advice. Rates and rules change; confirm with your tax authority or a qualified adviser.