Hey there! Have you ever wondered if you’re an investor or a trader, especially when it comes to shares and cryptocurrency? Before you start to panic, you’re not alone—and no, it doesn’t mean you’ll end up paying more tax. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between being an investor and a trader, and how each affects your tax obligations.

If you’re more of a visual / audio learner, you can check out our video here.

The Stereotypes: Investor vs. Trader

Let’s paint a quick picture. An investor typically holds onto their assets, whether it’s crypto or shares, and believes in the long-term growth of their investments. On the flip side, a trader is the fast-paced Wall Street persona, making frequent trades based on market fluctuations and technical indicators. Easy to spot, right? But what if you’re somewhere in between?

What Does the ATO Say?

According to the Australian Tax Office (ATO), your classification boils down to four main factors:

1. The purpose behind your trading activities.
2. The frequency and volume of your trades.
3. The organization and business-like manner of your activities.
4. The amount of capital you’ve invested.

While there’s no single criteria that defines you, these factors combined paint a picture of your status.

So, Are You a Trader?

If you’re ticking most of these boxes: you have a trading plan, maintain detailed records, and trade according to set rules, then you’re likely a trader. But remember, being a trader doesn’t mean you’re incurring more tax; it just changes how the tax is calculated and applied.

Or, Are You an Investor?

If you’re not fitting into the ‘Trader’ checklist, you’re likely an investor. Your investment choices might be based more on fundamental research or even the occasional hot tip. And remember, being an investor doesn’t mean you’re missing out—it simply has different tax implications.

The Tax Game: Trader vs. Investor

• Trader: Your income and losses are categorized as Business Income and Losses. You’ll be taxed at your marginal tax rate, and if you incur a loss, you might be able to offset it against other types of income.
• Investor: Your gains and losses are under the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) system. If you’ve held an asset for at least 12 months, you can take advantage of the 50% CGT discount. However, any losses can only offset future capital gains, not other income types.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it. Whether you’re a trader or investor, it’s crucial to understand how each classification impacts your tax obligations. Still a bit hazy? Check out the ATO website for more details or reach out to us—we’re here to help!