Portfolio Settings
Portfolio settings control how Metrifly calculates tax obligations and allocates cost basis when you sell shares. Configuring these correctly is important for accurate tax reporting.
Accessing Portfolio Settings
- Select the portfolio you want to configure from the portfolio dropdown.
- Navigate to the portfolio page.
- Click the Settings icon (gear icon) or navigate to Portfolio Settings.
Tax Entity Type
The tax entity type determines which tax rules Metrifly applies when generating reports.
| Entity Type | Description | CGT Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | Personal investment account | 50% discount on assets held >12 months |
| Company | Corporate investment account | No CGT discount |
| Trust | Family or discretionary trust | 50% discount (distributed to individual beneficiaries) |
| SMSF | Self-Managed Super Fund | 33.33% discount on assets held >12 months |
To change the entity type:
- Open Portfolio Settings.
- Under Tax Entity Type, select the appropriate option from the dropdown.
- Click Save.
The entity type affects tax report calculations retroactively. If you change it, your existing tax reports will recalculate automatically.
Allocation Method
The allocation method determines which shares are sold first when you record a SELL transaction. This directly impacts your realised capital gains and losses.
| Method | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| FIFO (First In, First Out) | Sells the oldest shares first | Default choice; matches most broker behaviours |
| LIFO (Last In, First Out) | Sells the most recently purchased shares first | Minimising short-term gains if recent purchases are at a loss |
| Maximise Gain | Sells the lots that produce the largest gain | Rarely used; may be useful in specific tax planning scenarios |
| Minimise Gain | Sells the lots that produce the smallest gain | Deferring gains to future tax years |
| Minimise CGT | Optimises for the lowest Capital Gains Tax liability | Accounts for CGT discount on lots held >12 months |
To change the allocation method:
- Open Portfolio Settings.
- Under Allocation Method, select your preferred method.
- Click Save.
If you are unsure, start with FIFO. It is the most commonly used method and matches the default behaviour of most brokers and tax authorities. Consult your accountant if you need a specific method.
Changing the allocation method recalculates all realised gains across your portfolio. Existing SELL transactions will show different gain/loss amounts based on the new method. Review your Capital Gains Report after making changes.
Settings Summary
After configuring your settings, you can verify them on the Portfolio Settings page. The current configuration is displayed at the top of the settings panel.
Related Guides
- Tax Setup -- Full guide to configuring Metrifly for Australian tax reporting
- Capital Gains Report -- Understanding the impact of your allocation method on tax
- Benchmarks -- Add market indices to compare against your portfolio