The instructions that follow will take you through each part of the application. Tear out one of the applications at the back of this publication and start with item 1.
Item 1 Your tax file number (TFN)
Write your TFN on page 1 of your application. If you are not sure of your TFN or need to apply for one, phone us on 13 28 61.
Item 2 Were you an Australian resident for the whole period 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015?
You must be an Australian resident for tax purposes for the whole period 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015 to apply for a refund of franking credits.
The standards we use to determine your residency status are not the same as those used by the Department of Home Affairs. Generally, if you have always lived in Australia or you have come to Australia to live permanently, we consider you to be a resident for tax purposes.
If you need help in deciding whether or not you are an Australian resident for tax purposes, use our Are you a resident? tool or phone us on 13 28 61.
Items 3 to 9 Personal details
Complete all these items accurately to avoid delays in the processing of your application.
If you want to lodge your application for refund of franking credits by phone, we need to have your current name and address on our records before you lodge your application. If anything has changed or you are unsure what details you last gave us, go to ato.gov.au/updatedetails or phone 13 28 61 to find out how to update your name and address.
If you will be lodging your application for refund of franking credits by mail, we need to have your current name on our records before you lodge your application. If your name has changed or you are unsure what name you last gave us, go to ato.gov.au/updatedetails or phone 13 28 61 to find out how to update your name.
Item 10 Electronic funds transfer (EFT)
Direct refund
Complete your account details even if you have provided them to us before. Joint accounts are acceptable.
Complete the following:
- BSB number (this number has six digits, do not include spaces or hyphens)
- account number (this number has no more than nine digits, do not include spaces or hyphens)
- account name, as it appears on the bank account records. Include blank spaces where required. If the account name exceeds 32 characters, provide only the first 32 characters.
For more information about refunds, go to ato.gov.au
Item 11 Dividends
If you received a distribution statement from a managed fund or Australian franking credits from a New Zealand company, print X in the YES box.
If you have more than one dividend or distribution statement, you can use the worksheet to help you calculate the amounts to show at item 11.
At S, T, U and V write your:
- unfranked amount
- franked amount
- franking credit (also known as imputation credit)
- TFN amounts withheld or deducted from dividends (if applicable).
Your dividend or distribution statement should show these amounts.
‘Tax file number amounts withheld from dividends’ are only withheld if you did not provide your TFN to the investment body.
A dividend statement from a New Zealand company will show the amount of Australian franking credits (if any) you can claim.
Total dividend income
Add up the amounts shown at S, T and U on your application and write the total at $ Total dividend income.
If you are 18 years old or older on 30 June 2015 and your total dividend income amount is more than $18,200, or you are under 18 years old on 30 June 2015 and your total dividend amount is more than $416, you cannot use this application. You will need to lodge a tax return to claim your refund of franking credits.
Your declaration
Read, sign and date Your declaration on page 2 of the application.