What is the difference between short term and long term capital gain?

Short-Term Capital Asset - Any capital asset held by the taxpayer for a period of not more than 36 months immediately preceding the date of its transfer will be treated as short-term capital asset. However, in respect of certain assets like shares (equity or preference) which are listed in a recognised stock exchange in India units of equity oriented mutual funds, listed securities like debentures and Government securities, Units of UTI and Zero Coupon Bonds, the period of holding to be considered is 12 months instead of 36 months

Long term capital asset Any capital asset held by the taxpayer for a period of more than 36 months immediately preceding the date of its transfer will be treated as long-term capital asset. However, in respect of certain assets like shares (equity or preference) which are listed in a recognised stock exchange in India, units of equity oriented mutual funds, listed securities like debentures and Government securities, Units of UTI and Zero Coupon Bonds, the period of holding to be considered is 12 months instead of 36 months

**Differrence bewteen short term capital gain and long term capita gain** Short-Term Capital Asset - Any capital asset held by the taxpayer for a period of not more than 36 months immediately preceding the date of its transfer will be treated as short-term capital asset. However, in respect of certain assets like shares (equity or preference) which are listed in a recognised stock exchange in India units of equity oriented mutual funds, listed securities like debentures and Government securities, Units of UTI and Zero Coupon Bonds, the period of holding to be considered is 12 months instead of 36 months Long term capital asset Any capital asset held by the taxpayer for a period of more than 36 months immediately preceding the date of its transfer will be treated as long-term capital asset. However, in respect of certain assets like shares (equity or preference) which are listed in a recognised stock exchange in India, units of equity oriented mutual funds, listed securities like debentures and Government securities, Units of UTI and Zero Coupon Bonds, the period of holding to be considered is 12 months instead of 36 months Profits or gains arising from transfer of a capital asset are called "Capital Gains" and are charged to tax under the head "Capital Gains". Gain arising on transfer of capital asset is charged to tax under the head "Capital Gains". Income from capital gains is classified as "Short Term Capital Gains" and "Long Term Capital Gains". Regards, Tushar Sampat M.com, CS, CA-Finalist, Practicing -Numerologist & Handwriting & Signature Analyst