No, the capital gains tax rate in Australia is not 50%. Australia operates under a progressive tax system for capital gains, which means that the tax rate varies depending on your income and the length of time you held the asset.
For individuals, the capital gains tax is generally calculated by adding the capital gain to your assessable income for the year and then applying the marginal tax rates. As of the 2021-2022 financial year, the maximum marginal tax rate for individuals is 45%, which is applied to the portion of your income exceeding AUD 180,001.
Capital gains are taxed at the same rate as taxable income — i.e. if you earn $40,000 (32.5% tax bracket) per year and make a capital gain of $60,000, you will pay income tax for $100,000 (37% income tax) and your capital gains will be taxed at 37%.
For certain assets, such as collectibles, the capital gains tax rate can be higher, up to a maximum of 50%. However, this rate does not apply to most assets.
It’s important to note that tax rates and regulations can change over time, so it’s always a good idea to consult the latest information from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or seek advice from a qualified tax professional for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding capital gains tax rates in Australia.