Are shares considered chattels for capital gains tax purposes?

Shares are not considered chattels for capital gains tax purposes because they represent a financial interest in a company rather than a physical, tangible asset. Chattels typically refer to physical items that can be moved or are personal property but do not include intangible assets like stocks or shares. Shares are categorized as financial instruments rather than chattels, as they grant ownership rights and potential dividends rather than serving as physical possessions.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for accurately determining tax obligations on gains from selling shares. While tangible assets might be subject to different regulations regarding capital gains, shares as intangible assets follow their own set of tax rules, underscoring the fundamental nature of what constitutes a chattel in this context.