Capital Gains Tax: do I really need receipts for improvements?

[Saracen]

Trying to decide how much to claim for improvements while we owned the house. We have receipts for the big things. There's photographic evidence of some of the smaller things such as better fences.

I think a reasonable person would think we aren't taking the piss. The amount I plan to claim isn't outrageous - we didn't make that many improvements! But I can't prove the exact amounts for all of it.

Would you go on estimates, or just not claim for the items where you've lost the receipts?

You don't need receipts when you make the claim, you just enter the figures
However, if they wanted to review it (v high/unrealistic amount) they could ask for proof then

You can only claim for improvements though, not like for like replacements
So if the fence was rubbish cheap wood and you replaced with concrete/wooden slats or composite then ok to claim

Replacing old wooden windows with new double/triple glazing - yes, claim. Basic old upvc with basic new upvc - no

Big things would be upgrading kitchen, bathroom, new roof, composite doors etc.

Anything smallish you have not kept receipts for probably wouldn't apply anyway

Thanks! That's what I thought. Yes, I understand that improvements need to be upgrades. It was a much more substantial fence than the little chain-link one it replaced, as we could demonstrate with photos.

There are a number of small energy-efficiency improvements, such as loft insulation and thermostatic radiator valves. We owned the house for 25 years. It all adds up!