The ATO requires you to keep records that support every element of a capital gain or capital loss claim. Without adequate records, you may not be able to substantiate your cost base — which means a higher taxable gain or the loss of a capital loss claim.
How Long to Keep CGT Records
You must generally keep CGT records for 5 years from when you lodge your tax return for the income year in which the CGT event occurred. However:
- If you carry forward a capital loss, keep records until 5 years after the year the loss is eventually offset against a gain
- If you own a main residence, keep records from the date of purchase until 5 years after you sell it
- If there is a dispute with the ATO, records may need to be retained until the dispute is resolved
What Records You Need to Keep
For Shares and ETFs
| Record | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| CHESS holding statements or broker confirmations | Evidence of acquisition date and purchase price |
| Brokerage receipts / trade confirmations | Supports cost base (brokerage is included) |
| Dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) records | Each DRP creates a new parcel — separate cost base |
| Share split or consolidation notices | Adjusts the cost base of each parcel |
| Sale trade confirmations | Capital proceeds and disposal date |
| Broker annual tax statement | Summarises dividends, franking credits, CGT |
For Investment Property
| Record | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Contract of sale (purchase) | Acquisition date and purchase price |
| Stamp duty and settlement statement | Incidental acquisition costs for cost base |
| Legal and conveyancing invoices | Incidental costs |
| Building and pest inspection receipts | Incidental costs |
| Renovation and capital improvement invoices | Element 4 of cost base |
| Depreciation schedule | Claimed deductions reduce the cost base |
| Agent commission and advertising invoices (sale) | Element 5 of cost base |
| Contract of sale (disposal) | Capital proceeds and disposal date |
For Cryptocurrency
| Record | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Transaction history from exchanges | Acquisition and disposal dates, AUD values |
| AUD value at each acquisition | Establishes cost base |
| AUD value at each disposal | Establishes capital proceeds |
| Exchange fees | Included in cost base and disposal costs |
For crypto, you must record the AUD value at the time of each transaction — not just the current price. Crypto tax software (such as Koinly or CoinTracker) can automate much of this.
Digital Records Are Acceptable
The ATO accepts digital records, provided they are a true copy of the original. Storing records in a cloud service, accounting software, or encrypted file system is acceptable. Regularly backing up records is recommended.
What Happens If You Don’t Have Records?
If you cannot substantiate your cost base, the ATO may:
- Assess the cost base as nil (meaning your entire proceeds are treated as a gain)
- Disallow capital loss claims
- Issue amended assessments with interest and penalties
For pre-1985 assets, the ATO may accept a statutory declaration or other evidence of the value at the relevant date.
Related Articles
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to keep CGT records in Australia? Generally 5 years from when you lodge your tax return for the year of the CGT event. If a capital loss is carried forward, keep records until 5 years after the year it is finally offset.
Can I use my broker’s tax statement as my CGT record? Broker annual tax statements are a useful starting point, but they may not include all the information you need (such as the original cost base for old parcels). You should retain trade confirmations and CHESS statements as primary records.
Do I need to keep records for assets I still own? Yes. Records should be kept from the date of acquisition — not just when you sell. For investment properties, retain all purchase and improvement records from day one.
This article provides general tax information for FY2025–26. For advice tailored to your situation, speak with a registered tax agent or accountant. Find one through the Tax Practitioners Board register.