What records to keep
Generally, for investments you will need to keep your records for 5 years after we've processed your return.
You need to keep records relating to your investments showing:
- how much you paid for them
- what you received if you disposed of them
- what income you received from them
- the expenses you incurred in owning them and maintaining them.
You should keep records if you prepare your own tax return or use a tax agent.
For more information about the records you need for investments and assets, see:
- Keeping records of shares and units
- Records for rental properties and holiday homes
- Keeping records for property – your main residence and inherited dwellings
- Acquiring CGT assets – keeping records
- Exchange traded funds (ETF) – keep good records
- Keeping crypto records.
Asset registers
You can set up an asset register as an easy way to keep your records. Once you have entered your information into the register, had the information certified by a registered tax agent or a person approved by the Commissioner and kept the records for 5 years, you may be able to throw out your records.
For more information, see Taxation Ruling TR 2002/10 Income tax: capital gains tax: asset register.