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Franked Dividends

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Should we change the company tax rate?

The headline 30% corporate tax rate masks a complex system of dividend imputation and franking credits that ensures Australian shareholders are taxed only once, challenging traditional measures of tax competitiveness. 

Are franking credits back in Labor's sights?

A recent Treasury Department statement on tax spending includes franking credits, which may be coincidence or something more ominous. Here's why the Labor Government shouldn't target franked credits to raise revenue.

After-tax returns and the value of franking credits

The market often does not fully recognise the value of franking credits held in some companies, and investors should know the after-tax returns achieved on their investments for more accurate view of returns.

The danger in Labor's new franking credit proposal

Listed companies often raise capital around the same time they pay dividends and return capital to shareholders, but proposed legislation may prevent companies paying franked dividends during a capital funding.

Let's make this clear again ... franking credits are fair

Critics of franking credits are missing the main point. The taxable income of shareholders/taxpayers must also include the company tax previously paid to the ATO before the dividend was distributed. It is fair.

7 strategies to manage a loss of franking

Much has been written about Labor's franking policy, so we bring together a range of possible strategies. It's likely that even if implemented, it will not be in its current guise, so anyone affected should wait before taking action.

Labor's franking policy is a ticking bomb for all super funds

Labor's franking proposal could affect many more super funds than expected, not only SMSFs, depending on the allocation to Australian shares, their franking and the percentage of assets in pension phase.

Tax on so-called 'super rich' could prove costly

The ALP imputation policy, even with the Pensioner Guarantee, hurts self-funded retirees who are not pensioners. Ten organisations have formed the Alliance for a Fairer Retirement System to oppose the policy.

SMSFs, member-direct and Labor's franking

Labor’s proposal to deny cash refunds of franking credits may become law next year. SMSFs will consider the various alternatives to minimise loss of franking credits, including the use of member-directed investments.

Let’s get the numbers right on imputation

Every day, an expert writes somewhere about the adverse impact of a reduction in franking credits due to a lower company tax rate. This tax rate has no impact on the after-tax returns received by Australian shareholders.

Tax and the financial planning process

A perfect tax system would not affect how people save and invest, but in practice, there are many ways that Australia's tax system influences investor behaviour.

Caveat Emptor: LICs versus ETFs

We’ve asked two industry professionals to state their cases for and against these two investment types that are growing in popularity: Listed Investment Companies and Exchanged Traded Funds.

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Ray Dalio on 2025’s real story, Trump, and what’s next

The renowned investor says 2025’s real story wasn’t AI or US stocks but the shift away from American assets and a collapse in the value of money. And he outlines how to best position portfolios for what’s ahead.

Making sense of record high markets as the world catches fire

The post-World War Two economic system is unravelling, leading to huge shifts in currency, bond and commodity markets, yet stocks seem oblivious to the chaos. This looks to history as a guide for what’s next.

3 ways to fix Australia’s affordability crisis

Our cost-of-living pressures go beyond the RBA: surging house prices, excessive migration, and expanding government programs, including the NDIS, are fuelling inflation, demanding bold, structural solutions.

Is there a better way to reform the CGT discount?

The capital gains tax discount is under review, but debate should go beyond its size. Its original purpose, design flaws and distortions suggest Australia could adopt a better, more targeted approach.

How cutting the CGT discount could help rebalance housing market

A more rational taxation system that supports home ownership but discourages asset speculation could provide greater financial support to first home buyers.

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 648 with weekend update

This is my last edition as Editor of Firstlinks. I’m moving onto a new role though the newsletter will remain in good hands until my permanent replacement is found.

  • 5 February 2026

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