Turn tax return into passive income with these ASX dividend shares

These options can bring solid returns through passive income. 

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

With the end of the financial year around the corner, many investors will be eagerly awaiting their tax return. Here are some ASX dividend shares to keep an eye on that could turn your tax return into a steady income stream. 

Smiling business woman calculates tax at desk in office.

Image source: Getty Images

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Woodside Energy is Australia's largest independent oil and gas company. It is involved in the exploration, development, production, and sale of hydrocarbons, primarily natural gas, crude oil, and condensate.

Not only is it a blue-chip company, but it consistently pays a high dividend yield. 

Its share price has fallen 14.14% in 2025. However because of the lower share price, the dividend yield could still be very strong. 

According to the forecasts on Commsec, Woodside is forecast to pay a grossed-up dividend yield of approximately 8% in the 2025 and 2026 financial years.

If these projections come true, a $5,000 investment in this ASX dividend share, would total approximately $800, including franking credits over the next two years. 

Helia Group Ltd (ASX: HLI)

Helia is Australia's largest provider of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

It has already risen 11.71% so far this year, and 24.70% over the past 12 months. 

This ASX dividend share paid a fully franked interim dividend of 15 cents per share. It also paid a final ordinary dividend of 16 cents per share. They also paid a fully franked special dividend of 53 cents per share on 3 April.

Based on these figures, an investor with 1,000 units in Helia (totalling an investment of roughly $5,150) would have received: 

  • $150 from the interim dividend
  • $160 from the final ordinary dividend
  • $530 from the special dividend
  • Total cash received: $840

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX:VHY)

Of course breaking down passive income from dividends is fun, but potential investors should also research these companies to see if there is room for share price growth. 

Basically, thinking about dividend payments is exciting, but if the company share price is tanking you could be at a net loss. 

That's where an exchange traded fund like Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX:VHY) could be a viable option. 

Spreading your investment over a wide range of holdings can offset some risk, while still generating passive income. 

It offers exposure to companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) that have higher forecast dividends relative to other ASX-listed companies. 

According to the fund, security diversification is achieved by restricting the proportion invested in any one industry to 40% of the total ETF and 10% for any one company. 

At the time of writing it includes 69 holdings. This includes blue-chip, high dividend paying companies like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP). 

At the time of writing the fund offers a dividend yield of approximately 5%.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Dividend Investing

Stacks of coins in a row with each higher than the last, and a person standing on top of each one watching them grow.
Dividend Investing

How I'd invest $2,000 in high-yield ASX 300 shares

I rate these businesses as strong buys for the long-term.

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

3 high-yield ASX dividend shares paying 9% (or more)

These ASX dividend shares pay a consistent dividend payment to shareholders, and at a high rate.

Read more »

Woman holding $50 notes with a delighted face.
Dividend Investing

3 ASX dividend stocks with 4% yields to buy for a winning income portfolio

There are still income stocks out there with hefty yields...

Read more »

Two woman shopping and pointing at a bargain opportunity.
Dividend Investing

Are Wesfarmers shares a good buy for passive income?

After falling more than 10% this year, are Wesfarmers shares still a good pick for passive income?

Read more »

View of a business man's hand passing a $100 note to another with a bank in the background.
Bank Shares

New ANZ dividend: Here's everything you need to know

ANZ's new dividend has just been revealed.

Read more »

A man points at a paper as he holds an alarm clock, indicating the ex-dividend date is approaching.
Dividend Investing

16 ASX shares going ex-dividend in May

Newmont is among the ASX shares to go ex-dividend this month.

Read more »

Man holding fifty Australian Dollar banknotes in his hands, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

3 star ASX dividend income stocks for the rest of 2026

I rate these businesses as strong income buys.

Read more »

Children skipping and jumping up a hill.
Dividend Investing

Want passive income? These ASX dividend shares offer 5%+ yields

These companies grow their payouts over time.

Read more »