Australian (ASX) Stock Market Forum

Interest on margin cover deductible?

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I am not too sure about the location where this should be posted but as my question relates primarily to derivatives, I have chosen to post here. Please forgive me if incorrect :eek:

Is the interest cost of redrawing funds from a line of credit (secured against property) tax deductible if used for margins cover when writing put options?

Scenario: I am considering writing put options on against shares I would be happy to own as (a) a cashflow strategy and (b) a chance to buy below current market prices.

For example considering using $50K in redraw - interest rate of 8% pa.
Funds placed into cash management account for margin cover, account paying 5% interest pa.
Put options written against XYZ shares where total position is $50K. Premium received is $1000 net of brokerage.

This is repeated each month.

I guess other questions would be:
Is interest received from cash management account taxable? I guess so.
Is interest costs from LOC deductible on the full $50K

Hope you can provide some initial answers.

OSS
 
OSS, if you are generating income on borrowings (ie the interest generated on margin cover), that interest payable on your borrowing is generally regarded as a deductable expense. If you are taxed on an accrual rather than a cash basis (a trader rather than an investor) these expenses should be included in your personal P&L.

As usual, consult your licensed tax professional etc. etc.
 
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