Startup exit in Sept 2025: Can I still save LTCG tax using Section 54F or CGAS?

I exited my startup as a co-founder in September 2025 after the company, which had raised funding in 2022, bought back/acquired my shares. I received around ₹2 crore, and the amount is subject to long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax.

Initially, I was advised that I could save tax by investing in a residential property. However, I couldn't finalize a property purchase before 31 March 2026. Later, someone told me that I could still claim the exemption if I either purchased the property or deposited the amount into the Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS) before the ITR filing due date (31 July 2026).

Now that 31 July 2026 is approaching, I have a few questions:

  1. Can I still purchase a residential property before 31 July 2026 and claim the LTCG exemption?

  2. Can I deposit the entire ₹2 crore (or the eligible amount) into the Capital Gains Account Scheme before the ITR filing due date and purchase the property later?

  3. If I buy a property worth ₹1 crore, can I deposit the remaining amount into the Capital Gains Account Scheme and still claim proportionate exemption?

  4. If none of the above is possible, are there any other legitimate options available now to reduce or defer the LTCG tax?

Assume I am otherwise eligible for the exemption (e.g., under Section 54F, if applicable). I'm looking for guidance on what options are still available at this stage.

Replies (2)
Quick Summary
If you exited your startup in September 2025 and received ₹2 crore, you may still be able to save Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) tax. Section 54F allows for exemptions when investing in residential property, with a window of one year prior to or two years after the asset transfer. You can still purchase a property before 31 July 2026, or deposit eligible funds into the Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS) before the ITR filing deadline to secure the exemption. Proportionate exemption is also possible if you invest a partial amount and deposit the rest.

@ Krishna

Following are the answers from me:-

1.You can still buy a property before Sept 2027 [ i.e. Before 2 years are completed after realizing the Capital Gain].

2. You can put the CG into Capital Gains account but the amount must be used for some property purchase [ whole or lesser amount] before Sept 2027. And the CG Account has to be closed within 2 years [exact date] of when you received the C Gain.

3. The reporting in the ITR has to be done in AY2026-27, and once again in AY 2028-29 [ for closing of CG Account , if you open it].

I am not an expert, but experts in this forum may give more or better guidance.

Section 54F applies here, not Section 54. Section 54 is for LTCG from a residential house; 54F covers LTCG from ANY long-term capital asset including startup equity and unlisted shares.

On your questions:

1. BUYING BEFORE JULY 31: Yes. Purchase window is 1 year before or 2 years after date of transfer (roughly Sept 2024 to Sept 2027).

2. CGAS OPTION: Yes. Deposit the unutilized amount in CGAS (Form A savings or Form B term deposit at authorised bank) before July 31, 2026 and use it to buy or construct within the allowed window.

3. PROPORTIONATE EXEMPTION: Yes. Formula: (Amount invested / Net Sale Consideration) x Capital Gain. Invest Rs 1 crore + deposit balance in CGAS = proportionate exemption on both.

4. OTHER OPTIONS: Section 54EC bonds (6-month window) closed around March 2026 for a Sept 2025 transfer. No longer available.

Key eligibility check: should not own more than one residential house (other than the new one) at time of transfer.

This [Section 54F capital gains exemption guide](https://taxgarden.in/blog/capital-gains-exemption-section-54-54f-54ec) covers the CGAS procedure and proportionate calculation with examples.

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