"For CGT purposes, where the bonus shares are taken to be a dividend:
- the amount of the dividend is included in the first element of the cost base, and - the bonus shares are taken to be acquired when they were issued.
Where the bonus shares are not a dividend: - if the original shares are post CGT, the bonus shares are acquired at the time the original shares were acquired and the cost base is apportioned in a reasonable way (ie, pro-rata)".
There are other issues between fully paid and partly paid shares if the shares are pre CGT but the above should cover most CGT situations.
Also, the issue will differ markedly if you are classified as a "share trader" for tax purposes as CGT may not apply.
Opinion only, please seek professional advice before acting on any of the above.
