How Are ETFs Taxed in Australia?

ETFs are one of the easiest ways to invest, right up until the annual tax statement lands and the numbers are more involved than expected.

Distributions are income

ETFs pass through the income they earn, and your distributions can include dividends, interest, foreign income and even capital gains made inside the fund. Each component is reported on your annual tax (AMMA) statement and is assessable in the year it is attributed to you, whether you take it as cash or reinvest it.

Capital gains when you sell

Selling your ETF units is a CGT event, just like selling shares. The 50% discount applies if you held the units for more than 12 months.

The cost base adjustment nobody expects

Because most Australian ETFs are AMIT funds, your cost base can move up or down each year based on the components of your distribution. Ignore these adjustments and you can overstate or understate your capital gain when you eventually sell.

Keep the statements straight

Summ brings your ETF distributions and disposals together and keeps track of cost base adjustments, so your annual statements line up with your return.

Try Summ for free.

This article is general information only and does not take your personal circumstances into account. For advice specific to your situation, speak to a registered tax agent.