This unit provides an introduction to the law and practice of income taxation in Australia. It focuses on the principles governing the assessment of income and deductibility of expenditure, the treatment of capital gains and losses, the key provisions affecting individuals, partnerships, companies and trusts, and aspects of compliance and the appeals process. Core provisions of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 are examined. Kindred legislation such as the Fringe Benefits Tax Assessment Act 1986 and the Taxation Administration Act 1953 is also considered.
Students are able to (1) identify the fundamental provisions of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936, Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and Fringe Benefits Tax Assessment Act 1986; (2) identify important tax cases relevant to the interpretation of tax provisions, and commentaries relevant to them; (3) critically evaluate and solve basic to moderately difficult problems involving the computation of taxable income and tax liability; (4) think and reason logically when examining income tax issues, drawing on knowledge gained from reading and interpreting legislation and case law; and (5) justify and communicate advice on the tax consequences of events such as the disposal of an asset and the payment of an amount to a beneficiary of a trust.
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignments; (2) online activities; and (3) examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Students enrolled in the combined Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws course are advised to enrol in the corresponding Bachelor of Laws unit LAWS3362 Income Taxation Law as this unit, ACCT2331 Taxation, cannot be credited towards the Bachelor of Laws, nor does it meet the prerequisite for further Bachelor of Laws units in this area.