Franking Credits

A franking credit is a unit of tax paid by companies in countries with a dividend imputation system. The Australian simplified imputation system started on 01 July 2002 which allows that only frankable distributions may be franked.

Who can frank credits?

Australian resident companies, corporate limited partnerships, corporate unit trusts and public trading trusts are franking entities. Mutual life insurance companies are excluded from issuing franking credits.

What distributions can be franked?

How long you want to own your shares will depend on what's your goal. If you bought a fully franked stock and want to receive the full dividend amount, you have to hold the stock for 45 days. This excludes the day you made the purchase and the day you sold the stock. More importantly the 45 day rule (plus 2 days) makes you eligible to receive franking credits, if your imputation credits entitlement totals more than $5000. The key is to own the shares in 45 days after the ex-dividend date. You will need 90 days for preference shares.