Glossary · Investing

Gilt

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Content updated: 26 May 2026

By the Money Guide editorial team · Editorial responsibility: Kaiser Khan, Editorial Director · How we check facts

Definition: A bond issued by the UK government. Coupon income is taxable as savings interest; capital gains on gilts are exempt from Capital Gains Tax.

Issued by the Debt Management Office; you can buy direct via the DMO's purchase-and-sale service or through any broker. Low-coupon gilts trading below par are particularly tax-efficient for higher-rate taxpayers.

Primary source: dmo.gov.uk

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