Does moving reset your asset’s tax cost?
Compare which countries use original acquisition cost, which recognise an arrival value, and where the answer depends on the asset.
Select a country to inspect its rule and sources.
Compare all jurisdictions in a table
The same asset. Two different starting points.
An asset’s tax cost, often called its basis, is the amount used when calculating a gain or loss. A move can change that amount in some countries. In others, growth before the move can still be included when you sell.
Original cost retained
250,000Illustrative gain before costs, reliefs and tax.
Arrival value replaces cost
50,000Illustrative gain before costs, reliefs and tax.
Use one currency throughout. This demonstrates the arithmetic only: it does not determine whether a rule applies, calculate a tax bill or recommend a transaction. A lower arrival value can also reduce the basis.
Read the rule behind the colour
Arrival market value
Covered assets enter at a value measured when the relevant tax status begins. Exceptions can leave some assets on their existing basis.
Original cost normally retained
The ordinary acquisition-cost rule remains the starting point. A move alone does not establish a replacement value; special elections and asset rules may still change it.
Asset-specific or conditional
The answer cannot be described by one country-wide reset rule. The asset, a foreign exit tax or a particular investment regime changes the result.
Private gains generally outside tax
For genuine private capital gains, exclusion from tax may make the basis question immaterial locally. Trading, employment equity and foreign obligations still need review.
What to document before a move
| Record | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Original purchase and subsequent adjustments | Retain trade confirmations, purchase contracts, improvements, corporate actions, gifts and inheritance records. |
| Tax-residence and regime-entry dates | The relevant date may differ from your flight, visa issue or local registration. |
| Valuation at the relevant date | Keep market prices or a defensible valuation for private companies and other illiquid property. |
| Foreign exit-tax computation | A treaty or domestic rule may recognise a foreign deemed disposal, subject to conditions or an election. |
| Currency and asset classification | Separate exchange-rate effects and identify shares, funds, property, business assets and employee equity. |