FiscalFox is an evidence-first calculator. It normalises supported broker records, resolves security identity, applies HMRC’s share identification order, and keeps disposal-level matches visible. Warnings are part of the result: they identify facts that software should not silently invent.
1. Source data and normalisation
Each supported importer maps the broker’s dates, transaction type, quantity, price, fees, currency and instrument identifiers into a common transaction model. File rows that cannot be interpreted safely are rejected or shown for review. An optional AI-assisted parser is only used after consent when a layout is not recognised.
2. Security identity across accounts
UK matching applies to the same shares held by the same beneficial owner, not to each broker statement in isolation. FiscalFox uses available identifiers and a security-resolution step to bring matching instruments together. Ambiguous identifiers remain review items.
3. HMRC share identification order
- Same day: a disposal is matched with acquisitions of the same shares made on that date.
- Following 30 days: remaining shares are matched with acquisitions in the 30 days after disposal, in date order.
- Section 104 holding: any remainder is matched against the pooled holding and its average allowable cost.
This order follows HMRC helpsheet HS284. Pool histories are built chronologically even when the user filters the report to one tax year.
4. Gain, loss and estimated tax
For each disposal, proceeds are reduced by allowable disposal costs and the matched allowable acquisition cost. Gains and losses found in the imported transactions are then summarised for the selected year. The individual annual exempt amount is £3,000 in 2026/27. Main rates for shares are 18% and 24%, depending on the amount of the basic-rate band left after income.
Known limit: a capital-loss balance brought forward from earlier years is not currently entered or automatically applied. It must be considered separately in the final return.
5. Corporate actions and incomplete history
Potential splits, reorganisations, unmatched sales, duplicate rows and missing acquisition history can materially change a pool. FiscalFox detects or flags these conditions where possible. A warning is not a tax conclusion: the user or adviser must confirm the legal and economic facts of the event.
6. Validation and reproducible evidence
Automated tests cover core matching and tax logic, while importer tests use representative broker layouts. The report layer exposes transaction counts, proceeds, costs, gains, losses and matched lots so totals can be reconciled. See the sample 2025/26 report and the public changelog.
7. Reporting boundary
FiscalFox can estimate 2026/27 transactions using enacted rates and allowances. HMRC has not yet published the 2026/27 SA108 form, so SA108 field mapping is limited to filing years for which the official form is available. Reports are supporting calculations, not an HMRC submission and not personal tax advice.