Dividends are a key component of stock market investment, representing a distribution of a portion of a company’s earnings to its shareholders. Understanding how dividends work is essential for investors as they can provide a regular source of income in addition to potential capital gains. This article explains what dividends are, how they are paid, and their tax implications in Australia.

What Are Dividends?

Dividends are payments made by a company to its shareholders out of its profits. They are one of the ways shareholders can earn a return from investing in a company’s stock, alongside potential increases in the stock’s price.

Types of Dividends
  1. Ordinary Dividends: Regular payments made from the company’s profits.
  2. Special Dividends: One-off payments made in addition to ordinary dividends, usually when a company has excess profits.
  3. Fully Franked Dividends: Dividends that have been taxed at the company level, meaning the shareholder receives a franking credit.
How Dividends Are Paid
  • Declaration Date: The date on which the company announces it will pay a dividend.
  • Ex-Dividend Date: To be eligible for the dividend, investors must own the stock before this date.
  • Record Date: The date on which the company checks its records to identify shareholders.
  • Payment Date: The date on which dividends are actually paid out to shareholders.
Franking Credits

A unique feature of the Australian dividend system is the franking credit, which avoids double taxation of dividends. When a company pays tax on its profits, these taxes are passed onto shareholders as franking credits when dividends are paid. Shareholders can then offset these credits against their income tax liability.

Dividend Reinvestment Plans (DRPs)

Some companies offer DRPs, allowing shareholders to automatically reinvest their dividends to purchase additional shares in the company, often at a discount and without brokerage fees.

 Tax Implications
  • Taxable Income: Dividends are considered taxable income for shareholders.
  • Franking Credits: Shareholders can use franking credits to reduce their income tax payable. If the credits exceed the tax liability, they may receive a refund.
  • Capital Gains Tax: If shareholders sell shares purchased through a DRP, they may be subject to Capital Gains Tax on any profit.
Strategies for Investors
  • Diversification: Consider diversifying your portfolio across different companies and sectors to reduce risk.
  • Long-Term Planning: Look at dividends as part of a long-term investment strategy, considering the company’s potential for growth and sustainability of dividend payments.
  • Tax Planning: Understand the tax implications of your dividend income and how it fits into your overall tax situation.


Dividends are an important aspect of investing in the Australian stock market, offering potential income through regular payments from companies. Understanding how dividends work, including their tax implications and the concept of franking credits, is crucial for investors. Whether you’re seeking regular income or reinvestment opportunities, dividends can play a significant role in your investment strategy and financial planning. As with all investments, it’s advisable to seek professional financial advice to align dividend strategies with your individual financial goals.