The benefits of dividend distributions to maximise your profits
- June 30, 2023
- 4 min read
When a company makes a profit, it can choose to distribute some of that profit to its shareholders as dividends. Dividends are like an interest payment to the shareholders for investing in the company.
However, before the company distributes the dividends, it needs to pay taxes on the profits it made. These taxes are called corporate taxes, and they are paid to the government.
After the company has paid its corporate taxes, it can then distribute the remaining profits to the shareholders as dividends.
An investor may like dividends as an income-producing purpose and claim the deductions because they can potentially claim a deduction to increase their after-tax return on investment.
So, in short, dividend distributions are the taxes and/or expenses that a company has to pay on its profits before it can distribute dividends to its shareholders.
What is dividend deduction?
Dividend deductions refer to the expenses such as interest and borrowing costs on loans taken to invest or management fees etc., credits or charges, that a company deducts from its dividend payments to shareholders. These deductions are typically made to cover the company’s operating costs or other expenses.
In Australia, you can obtain information about your dividend deductions from the statements that you receive from the companies that you have invested in or from your stockbroker or investment advisor. The document called a “Dividend Statement,” details the dividends that you received during the year and any taxes that were withheld.
Dividend deductions in Australia:
So, what dividend deductions may be available in Australia for investors?
There are various types of dividend deductions that a company may apply, depending on the specific circumstances.
In Australia, dividend deductions may include the following:
Franking credits
Australian companies may attach franking credits to their dividend payments, which represent the company’s payment of tax on the profits distributed as dividends, this in turn helps reduce the amount of tax payable on individual tax liability.
In other words, Shareholders can use these credits to claim a deduction to reduce their tax liability.
Imputation credits
Similar to franking credits, imputation credits are credits attached to dividend payments that represent the company’s payment of tax on the profits distributed as dividends.
These credits can be used by shareholders to offset their tax liability.
Dividend withholding tax
Non-resident shareholders may be subject to a dividend withholding tax of up to 30% on their unfranked dividend payments.
However, Australia has tax treaties with over 40 countries that may reduce the withholding tax rate for residents of those countries.
Management fees
Australian companies may deduct management fees from their dividend payments to cover the cost of managing the business.
Other expenses:
Australian companies may also deduct other expenses from their dividend payments, such as only interest expenses, ongoing management fees, allowable account-keeping fees, interest income expenses and administrative expenses.
Shareholders need to be aware of any dividend deductions that may apply to their investments in Australian companies, as these tax deductions can impact the amount of income they receive from their shares.
Can dividends be deducted?
Dividends themselves are not typically tax deductions, as they represent a distribution of a company’s profits to its shareholders.
However, there may be certain circumstances where share income expenses related to paying dividends can be deductible on your tax return.
For example, if a company borrows money to pay its dividends, the interest expenses incurred on the loan may be deductible as an expense for tax purposes.
Similarly, ongoing management fees paid to financial institutions to facilitate the payment of dividends may be a tax deduction.
How much tax will I pay on dividends?
In Australia, the amount of tax you will pay on dividends depends on several factors, including your income tax rate, other investment income, the amount of dividends you receive, and any applicable tax credits or deductions.
As of the 2022-2023 tax year, the tax rates on dividends for Australian residents are as follows:
- If you earn up to $18,200, you pay no tax on your dividends.
If you earn between $18,201 and $45,000, you pay 19% tax on your dividends. - If you earn between $45,001 and $120,000, you pay 32.5% tax on your dividends.
- If you earn between $120,001 and $180,000, you pay 37% tax on your dividends.
If you earn over $180,000, you pay 45% tax on your dividends.
As we discussed above, Australian residents may be eligible for franking credits off their personal tax debt, which represents the tax paid by the company on the profits distributed as dividends.
You can claim a deduction of these credits and use them to offset the amount of tax you owe on your dividends and related investments on your tax return.
How do you reduce tax on dividend income?
There are several ways to potentially reduce the amount of tax you pay on your dividend and other investment income in Australia.
Our Sleek accountants say to consider these:
Use franking credits: As mentioned earlier, franking credits represent the tax paid by the company on the profits distributed as dividends. Australian residents can use these credits to claim a deduction to offset their tax liability on their dividend income.
Contribute to superannuation: Contributing to a superannuation fund can help reduce your taxable income and, therefore, the amount of tax you pay on your dividend income. This strategy may be particularly effective for individuals in higher income tax brackets.
Consider holding investments in a tax-effective structure: Holding investments in a tax-effective structure, such as a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) or a family trust, may help to reduce your tax liability on your dividend investment income.
Seek professional advice: It’s important to consult with a tax professional or financial advisor for guidance and advice relating to your specific tax situation and any potential tax minimisation strategies that may be appropriate for you.
It’s worth noting that tax minimisation strategies should be considered in the context of your overall financial goals and investment strategy. Always carefully consider the potential benefits and risks associated with any investment income strategy before making any decisions. Call a Sleek accountant today on +61 4 9100 0480 or schedule an appointment at your convenience here to get clarification.
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