Who can claim
This deduction is available to individuals and companies.
- The cost is ongoing and sufficiently connected with earning assessable dividend or investment income.
What you cannot claim
- Share purchase and sale costs are generally capital and are considered for capital-gains-tax cost-base purposes instead.
- Private or non-income-producing portions are excluded.
How the amount is worked out
Claim the deductible ongoing income-producing portion.
Records the ATO expects
- Investment statements
- Fee invoices
- Apportionment calculation
Where this rule comes from
Primary source: ATO investment income deductions (ATO investment-income deductions guidance accessed 30 July 2026). Reviewed 30 July 2026. Covers the 2025-26 and 2026-27 income years.
Supporting sources:
- Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 section 8-1 (Section 8-1)