Private ruling: Deductions - shares
Date of advice: 1 May 2026
Published: 17 August 2026
Ruling period: Year ending in 20YY | Year ending in 20YY | Year ending in 20YY
Date scheme commenced: 1 June 20YY

Ruling: Q1: Are you entitled to claim a deduction for expenses in that you incur in managing your share portfolio, under section 8-1 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 | A1: Yes.

Relevant facts and circumstances: You are retired. You have a share portfolio that produces assessable income which you manage using your laptop, this laptop allows you to track company performance and account for dividend payments and franking credits, as well as other correspondence. Banking term deposits are also managed using the computer in relation to access information on maturity dates, interest payments and re investment policy. To access these products, you are required to maintain an internet connection, as well as a phone to enable you to receive one-time passwords and other security means of identification whilst conducting my affairs online. You estimate 80% of the following items usage was spent on managing said portfolio: • Laptop • Internet • Phone Plan

Relevant legislative provisions: Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 section 8-1