Australian ROI Calculator
Work out your return on investment in AUD — total and annualised returns, compared against inflation and the RBA cash rate.
AU ROI Calculator
Return on Investment · ATO CGT 2026-27
Buy Price
Sell Price & Income
Holding Period & Tax
Distributed: the gain is taxed to the beneficiary at their marginal rate, with the 50% discount where it applies. Enter the beneficiary's taxable income below. Per the ATO.
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Promoted · SharesightAUD 23,200 is the gain on one investment. Sharesight shows the return on every holding you own, with dividends and currency movements included.
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ROI · After-tax position · Benchmarks
ROI Summary
Based on a total cost base of AUD 51,000 and net proceeds of AUD 74,200, the capital gain is AUD 23,200, giving a total return of AUD 23,200.
The total ROI is 45.49% over 5 years, with a CAGR of 7.79% p.a. After estimated tax of AUD 3,480, the after-tax ROI is 38.67%.
CGT Impact on ROI
Per the ATO, when a CGT asset is sold, the net capital gain is added to assessable income and taxed at the marginal rate. Individuals and trusts holding 12+ months are eligible for the 50% CGT discount; companies receive no discount and pay the company tax rate (30% where net capital gains and other passive income exceed 80% of assessable income, typical for an investment-holding company; 25% for base rate entities with aggregated turnover under AUD 50 million).
SharesightTax reports to ATO rules, for every holding
- Taxable income, capital gains and all-trades reports in the Tax Pack
- CGT discount applied automatically where eligible
- FIFO, LIFO and other sale allocation methods
- Unrealised CGT report to model a sale before you make it
CGT Discount: Held <12 Months vs >12 Months
CGT Discount Eligibility (ATO 2026-27)
| Entity | Held <12 months | Held >12 months |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | Full gain at marginal rate | 50% discount applies |
| Trust | Full gain taxed | 50% discount (passed to beneficiaries) |
| Company | 30% flat corporate rate | 30% flat — no discount |
Break-even & Target Sell Price
Based on the cost base and disposal costs, what sale price is needed? Enter a target ROI below, or see the prices required to break even, beat inflation, or beat the RBA cash rate.
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How ROI Is Calculated
Return on Investment measures the percentage gain or loss on an investment relative to its full cost. The calculation captures every dollar in and every dollar out — purchase price plus acquisition costs on the way in, sale proceeds minus disposal costs on the way out, plus any income earned along the way.
Total ROI (period return)
Gross ROI compares total return to the cost base. Useful for a single snapshot of performance.
Total Return = Capital Gain + Income During Hold
Example: AUD 50,000 + AUD 1,000 cost; sold AUD 75,000 − AUD 800 = AUD 74,200 net. Capital Gain AUD 23,200 → ROI 45.5%.
CAGR (annualised return)
Compound Annual Growth Rate converts the total return into a consistent yearly rate, so investments held for different lengths of time can be compared on the same basis.
Example: AUD 51,000 grows to AUD 74,200 over 5 years → CAGR ≈ 7.8% p.a.
What Is (and Isn't) Subject to CGT
Per the ATO, most investment assets are CGT assets — when sold at a profit, the net capital gain is added to assessable income and taxed at the marginal rate. Some assets are exempt or partially exempt, and one major concession (the 50% discount) reduces the effective rate for long-held assets.
Subject to CGT
- ✓Shares, ETFs and managed fund units
- ✓Investment property (not main residence)
- ✓Cryptocurrency and NFTs
- ✓Collectables over AUD 500 (art, jewellery, antiques)
- ✓Business assets and goodwill
Exempt or Concessional
- –Main residence (full exemption, conditions apply)
- –Personal use assets ≤ AUD 10,000 (e.g. boat, furniture)
- –Assets acquired before 20 September 1985 (pre-CGT)
- –Compensation for personal injury
- –Awards for valour or bravery
ATO Marginal Tax Rates 2026-27
CGT on a net taxable gain is calculated at the marginal rate — adding the gain to assessable income may push part of it into a higher bracket. These are the resident rates for 2026-27: the Stage 3 scale from 1 July 2024, with the second band cut from 16% to 15% from 1 July 2026.
| Taxable Income (AUD) | Marginal Rate | Tax on This Bracket |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 18,200 | 0% | Nil |
| 18,201 – 45,000 | 15% | Up to AUD 4,020 |
| 45,001 – 135,000 | 30% | Up to AUD 27,000 |
| 135,001 – 190,000 | 37% | Up to AUD 20,350 |
| Above 190,000 | 45% | 45 cents per dollar |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ROI calculation, CGT in Australia, cost base, and how different investment types are treated — answers verified against official ATO, ABS and RBA guidance.
Return on Investment (ROI) measures the total percentage gain or loss on an investment relative to its full cost. It is calculated as: ROI = (Net Profit ÷ Total Cost Base) × 100.
For example, if AUD 51,000 (including costs) was paid for an asset and it was sold for net AUD 74,200, the ROI is (AUD 23,200 ÷ AUD 51,000) × 100 = 45.5%. ROI does not account for how long the investment was held — CAGR provides time-adjusted comparisons.
ASIC MoneySmart — InvestingCAGR stands for Compound Annual Growth Rate. While ROI measures total percentage gain over the full holding period, CAGR converts this into a consistent annual rate — making it easier to compare investments held for different lengths of time.
The formula is: CAGR = (Final Value ÷ Cost Base)^(1 ÷ Years) − 1. For example, a 47% ROI over 5 years equals a CAGR of approximately 8.0% per year, while the same 47% ROI over 10 years is only 3.9% per year.
ASIC MoneySmartThere is no universal benchmark, but two common reference points are: the RBA cash rate (4.85% p.a. effective 4 November 2026) as a risk-free baseline, and the ABS CPI inflation rate (4.3% p.a. in the 12 months to September 2026) as the minimum needed to preserve purchasing power.
An investment that beats both benchmarks on an after-tax, annualised basis (CAGR) is generally considered to have delivered a positive real return.
RBA Cash RateAfter-tax ROI is the return after Capital Gains Tax (CGT) has been deducted. Since CGT is added to assessable income and taxed at the marginal rate, the real return kept can be significantly lower than the gross figure — especially at higher income levels.
After-Tax ROI = (After-Tax Profit ÷ Total Cost Base) × 100. For example, a 47% gross ROI may become around 38% after-tax at the 37% marginal rate with the 50% CGT discount applied.
ATO — Capital Gains TaxInflation erodes purchasing power over time. The ABS CPI annual inflation rate was 4.3% in the 12 months to September 2026. An ROI that does not exceed cumulative inflation over the holding period represents a real-terms loss in purchasing power — even if it appears profitable in dollar terms.
This calculator compares the after-tax ROI against both cumulative inflation and the cumulative RBA cash rate so the real return is visible alongside the headline figure.
Inflation — ABS CPI. Cumulative inflation measures how much prices have risen over the holding period. An after-tax ROI below cumulative inflation means a real-terms loss of purchasing power.
Cumulative Inflation = (1 + 0.043)years − 1
Latest annual CPI: 4.3% in the 12 months to September 2026 (ABS).
RBA Cash Rate. The RBA cash rate is the near-risk-free benchmark for the Australian dollar. The equivalent cumulative return shows what a cash deposit at this rate would have earned over the same period.
Cumulative Cash Return = (1 + 0.046)years − 1
Current cash rate: 4.60% effective 30 September 2026 (RBA).
ABS — Consumer Price IndexThe break-even sell price is the minimum amount needed to recover total outlay — including purchase price, acquisition costs, and disposal costs — with zero profit. It is calculated as: Break-even = Total Cost Base + Disposal Costs.
Knowing the break-even price provides a floor on acceptable sale prices, and helps frame how far an investment is above or below recovery at any given moment.
ATO — Cost BaseAccording to the ATO, when a CGT asset (such as shares, investment property, ETFs, or crypto) is disposed of, any capital gain is added to assessable income and taxed at the marginal income tax rate.
CGT is not a separate tax — it forms part of the annual income tax return. The capital gain is calculated as sale proceeds minus the total cost base of the asset.
ATO — Capital Gains TaxAccording to the ATO, individuals and trusts that hold a CGT asset for more than 12 months before disposing of it are entitled to a 50% CGT discount — only half the net capital gain is included in assessable income.
Companies are not eligible for the discount and pay a flat 30% corporate rate on capital gains. SMSFs receive a reduced 33⅓% discount for assets held more than 12 months.
ATO — CGT DiscountThe calculation has four steps:
- (1) Calculate the capital gain: Sale Proceeds − Total Cost Base.
- (2) Offset any current-year or carried-forward capital losses.
- (3) Apply the 50% CGT discount if eligible (held 12+ months, individual or trust).
- (4) Add the net taxable gain to other income and calculate tax at the marginal rate.
The ATO 2026-27 resident marginal rates are: 0% (up to AUD 18,200), 15% (AUD 18,201–45,000), 30% (AUD 45,001–135,000), 37% (AUD 135,001–190,000), 45% (above AUD 190,000).
ATO — Tax Rates 2026-27Yes. According to the ATO, capital losses can only be offset against capital gains — they cannot reduce ordinary income such as salary or wages. Losses are applied before the 50% CGT discount is calculated.
Unused capital losses can be carried forward indefinitely to future income years. Losses from collectables can only be offset against gains from other collectables.
ATO — Using Capital LossesDividends from Australian shares are classified as ordinary income — taxed at the marginal rate in the year received. They are not subject to CGT rules and the 50% discount does not apply. Franking credits (attached to fully or partially franked dividends) can offset the income tax liability.
Capital gains, by contrast, only arise when the asset is disposed of and may benefit from the 50% discount.
ATO — DividendsYes. According to the ATO, all capital gains and losses from CGT events during a financial year must be declared in the annual income tax return — reported in the Capital gains tax schedule or directly in the return.
Even a capital loss (which reduces future CGT) must still be declared. Failure to declare capital gains can result in penalties and interest. The ATO requires records of purchase dates, costs, sale dates and proceeds for every CGT asset.
ATO — Reporting CGTAccording to the ATO, the cost base of an asset includes:
- (1) Purchase price — the amount paid for the asset.
- (2) Acquisition costs — incidental costs such as brokerage fees, stamp duty, and legal fees paid when buying.
- (3) Disposal costs — incidental costs such as agent commissions, advertising, and legal fees paid when selling.
Including all eligible costs in the cost base reduces the taxable capital gain.
ATO — Cost BaseDisposal costs (e.g. agent fees, brokerage on sale) reduce net sale proceeds and are also part of the ATO cost base — both effects reduce the taxable capital gain.
For ROI purposes: Net Proceeds = Sale Price − Disposal Costs, and Total Cost Base = Purchase Price + Acquisition Costs. This calculator includes both acquisition and disposal costs, giving an accurate picture of real profit.
ATO — Cost BaseYes. Income received while holding an investment — such as dividends from shares, rent from property, or interest from bonds — contributes to total return and should be included for an accurate ROI picture. This calculator includes an optional field for income earned during hold.
Important: This income is taxed separately as ordinary income at the marginal rate — it is not a capital gain and the 50% CGT discount does not apply to it.
ATO — Investment IncomeYes. According to the ATO, shares, ETFs, and managed fund units are CGT assets. When sold at a profit, the capital gain is added to assessable income and taxed at the marginal rate.
For individuals and trusts holding the shares for more than 12 months, the 50% CGT discount applies. Dividends received while holding shares are taxed separately as ordinary income.
ATO — Investing in SharesYes. The ATO treats cryptocurrency (including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and NFTs) as a CGT asset, not currency. Disposing of crypto — whether by selling, trading, gifting, or using it to buy goods — is a CGT event.
The 50% discount applies to individuals and trusts holding crypto for more than 12 months. Staking and mining rewards are generally treated as ordinary income when received.
ATO — Crypto Asset InvestmentsGenerally, yes. According to the ATO, a main residence (principal home) is exempt from CGT. However, a partial exemption applies if:
- Part or all of the home was rented out during ownership
- Part was used for business purposes
- It was not the main residence for the entire ownership period
For an investment property that was also lived in, the calculation can be complex — consult a registered tax agent.
ATO — Main Residence ExemptionRental income is classified as ordinary income and taxed at the marginal rate in the financial year received — the 50% CGT discount does not apply.
Capital gain from selling an investment property is a CGT event, added to income in the year of sale, with the 50% discount available if held 12+ months. Both types of income must be declared in the annual tax return. Allowable rental deductions (property management, repairs, interest) can reduce rental income.
ATO — Rental PropertiesYes, partially. According to the ATO, personal use assets — items used mainly for personal enjoyment such as a boat or furniture — are exempt from CGT if they were acquired for AUD 10,000 or less. Cars and motorcycles are exempt from CGT regardless of cost. Capital losses from personal use assets cannot be claimed.
Collectables (artwork, jewellery, antiques) with a cost over AUD 500 are subject to CGT, and losses from collectables can only offset gains from other collectables.
ATO — Personal Use AssetsImportant Disclaimer
For educational and informational purposes only. This calculator produces estimates of Return on Investment (ROI), Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) and Australian Capital Gains Tax (CGT) based on the inputs provided and Australian Taxation Office (ATO) 2026-27 resident individual marginal tax rates (Stage 3 scale, with the second band cut to 15% from 1 July 2026): 0% up to AUD 18,200; 15% on AUD 18,201 to 45,000; 30% on AUD 45,001 to 135,000; 37% on AUD 135,001 to 190,000; and 45% above AUD 190,000. The 50% CGT discount applies to capital gains made by individuals or trusts on assets held for more than 12 months; companies pay a flat 30% corporate rate with no discount. Benchmark figures use the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Consumer Price Index of 4.3% in the 12 months to September 2026 and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cash rate of 4.85% effective 4 November 2026. Both figures change from time to time and should be verified against the official source.
2027 CGT reform announced. The 2026–27 Federal Budget (12 May 2026) announced that the 50% CGT discount will be replaced by cost base indexation, combined with a 30% minimum tax on net capital gains, for assets disposed of from 1 July 2027 onwards. The reform applies to individuals, trusts and partnerships (not companies or complying superannuation funds, which retain existing CGT treatment). Main residence exemption is unchanged and existing investments will be subject to transitional rules. The measure is not yet law and remains subject to Parliamentary passage. This calculator continues to apply the 50% CGT discount for the 2025–26 financial year and does not model the proposed 2027 changes. Per ATO.
No warranty of accuracy. While Money Snap takes reasonable care to source figures from official authorities (ATO, ABS, RBA, ASIC MoneySmart), this calculator is provided "as is" without any express or implied warranty as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or fitness for any particular purpose. Tax rates, CGT rules, thresholds, indexation arrangements and benchmark rates change over time — figures shown may be out of date. Individual circumstances such as the Medicare Levy (2%) and Medicare Levy Surcharge, prior capital losses, the main residence exemption, small business CGT concessions, foreign resident treatment, SMSF concessions, scrip-for-scrip rollovers, deceased estate rollovers, or any other concession or rollover not captured by the inputs may materially affect actual CGT and after-tax returns.
Not financial or tax advice. Information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account personal circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Results do not constitute financial product advice, tax advice, or investment advice, and use of this calculator does not create an advisory relationship. Before relying on any figure shown, obtain personalised advice from a registered tax agent, qualified financial adviser, or directly from the ATO. For an investment product, the issuer's Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) set out its full terms, fees and risks.
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