We’ve created this guide because we want to make tax time as easy as possible and help you navigate some of the documentation and jargon which may seem intimidating. Don’t worry, you got this, and we’re here to help.
If this is your first time investing, you may be required to report on your shares in your tax return. In general you will need to include any investment income in your tax return, which may include interest, dividends, managed fund distributions, rent and capital gains from shares, property or crypto.
Things to remember around tax time
Good record keeping is important. Save and hold onto your financial statements and records.
There are multiple ways to lodge your tax return, including with a professional tax agent or accountant or online through MyTax. Find out more here.
Ask for help if you’re stuck. There are lots of resources out there and if in doubt, speak to a professional!
Important dates for tax reporting
What you’ll receive from SIX
These will be emailed to you from our trading partner Finclear from reports@fincleartech.io
Portfolio Holdings Statement
Includes the profit loss summary for the last financial year
Portfolio holdings statement
Client statement
Shows all movements in your account
Client statement
What you’ll receive from the companies or ETFs you invest in
Information about the performance of your investment
This is usually sent anywhere between July and August.
A notice of any dividends paid to you
This is often distributed to your email through share registries like MUFG (formerly LinkMarket Services) and Computershare and you will usually need your HIN to access them.
You’ll usually need some or all of these documents to help you complete your tax return.
How to use these documents
1. Use your statements from SIX to help you with your tax return
What you’ll need to know:
Capital gains/losses: Capital Gains Tax (CGT) may be applicable if you sold shares during the financial year. If you made a gain on your investment, you may need to pay tax on that gain.
Capital gains tax discount: If you have owned an investment for more than 12 months and you sell, you'll only be taxed on 50% of the profit. Read more about reporting capital gains or losses through myTax.
Note: The CGT discount is changing in 2027. Read about the changes through the ATO here.
2. Use the documentation from the ETF or company you invested in to find out if you were paid a dividend.
What you’ll need to know:
Did you receive any dividends? If you received any dividends from your investments you will have received a Dividends Statement or a letter containing information about your dividends from them. You can also view your dividends in your SIX Wallet transactions. This will include information about which portion of your dividend is franked or unfranked.
Franking credits: A franking credit is a tax credit that reflects the tax a company has already paid on its profits. When Australian companies pay dividends to shareholders, they may attach franking credits to those dividends. Shareholders may be able to use these credits to reduce their own income tax, or get a refund if their tax rate is lower than the company rate. You can read more about franking credits here. Check out this information from the ATO about Owning Shares and Investment Income.
Not sick of reading about tax yet and looking to go deeper?
Use these resources to support you at tax time (and in your finances (generally).
This is not tax or financial advice and doesn’t take into account information about personal finances. You should consider speaking to a tax accountant or financial adviser for information specific to your circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
If I transferred shares in this last financial year will I be able to see them in my transactions?
Where can I find a dividend statement?
How can I add my TFN to my account?
Will I still receive a holdings statement if I sold all my shares or transferred out of SIX?
