For details of this merger, see Class Ruling CR 2008/63 Income tax: scrip for scrip: merger of St George Bank Limited and Westpac Banking Corporation.
For more information about the tax implications of owning shares generally, see the following publications:
- You and your shares (NAT 2632) - this publication is for individuals investing in shares or convertible notes and offers guidance on the tax of dividends from investments (including an explanation of the 45-day holding rule), allowable deductions from dividend income and record keeping requirements for investors.
- Guide to capital gains tax (NAT 4151) - this publication explains how capital gains tax works and will help you to calculate your net capital gain or net capital loss.
- Personal investors guide to capital gains tax (NAT 4152) - shorter than the Guide to capital gains tax, this publication covers the sale, gift or other disposal of shares or units, distribution of capital gains from managed funds and non-assessable payments from companies or managed funds.
It does not cover the CGT consequences for bonus shares, shares acquired under an employee share scheme, bonus units, rights and options, and shares and units where a takeover or demerger has occurred - for these you will need to refer to the longer Guide to capital gains tax.
For help applying this information to your own situation, phone us on 13 28 61.
This fact sheet outlines some of the tax consequences as a result of the bank merger of St George and Westpac.