Graduate Certificate in Taxation

The company remains the most widely used vehicle for the collective investment of capital. The central role of the company in our modern liberal market economy requires special and close consideration of the taxation of it, and its members. Corporate tax integration policy has led to the introduction of the imputation system, and the technical legal rules surrounding the distribution of corporate profits are a focus of this subject. Because the imputation system confers tax benefits upon shareholders, a variety of anti-avoidance rules have been constructed to prevent the use of those benefits in tax arbitrage strategies.

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The trust is a major form of vehicle used for holding investment assets, for transferring family wealth to future generations and for income splitting. In addition, fixed public trusts, which are now commonly known as public unit trusts, funds or 'collective investment vehicles', have become a major form of public investment vehicle. Most superannuation funds are, in fact, trusts. The trust is not a distinct legal entity and is not taxed as a separate entity. The primary rule is that the beneficiary under a trust is subject to tax. Only where the beneficiary is not subject to tax will the trustee be assessed to pay tax. This course is mainly concerned with establishing when the primary rule applies, and when it is displaced by the exceptional rules. An understanding of the specific tax treatment of trusts is important to any student setting out to acquire, or refine, an understanding of the Australian tax system.

UNSW Online Handbook Summary
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UNSW Online Handbook Summary
UNSW Class Timetable

This course centres upon the basic structure and central concepts of the Australian Capital Gains Tax. It considers the policy rationale for taxing capital gains, and provides in-depth technical analysis of the legislation. It covers the general scheme, detailed calculation provisions, the impact of CGT on entities (such as companies, trusts and partnerships) and on specific assets, and the CGT concessions that exist in the roll-over and exemption provisions for individuals and large and small businesses. The course explores some of the key anti-avoidance provisions that exist, and aims to provide a thorough understanding of the key aspects of the Australian CGT.

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This course provides a broad overview of the most important elements of Australian tax law as it affects international transactions (whether involving the movement of funds, of property or of people). It examines the policy issues in international taxation, the framework of Australian rules, the basis upon which Australian tax jurisdiction is exercised (ie, residence in Australia and source of income) and examines the manner in which Australia taxes Australian source income of non-residents and foreign source income of Australian residents (including foreign source income of controlled foreign corporations and trusts which is attributed to Australian resident controllers) as well as the operation of Australia's Double Tax Agreements and international anti avoidance provisions.

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The object of this course is to provide high level conceptual and analytical knowledge of GST appropriate to the practical requirements of business, legal and accounting advisers working with GST on a regular basis. This course works through most aspects of the GST law and looks briefly at the underlying policy implications in some areas of the law. It briefly analyses related legal and taxation issues. The course concentrates on the Australian legislation although there is some mention of relevant overseas experience. The focus of the course will be to achieve a sound understanding of the principles of Australia's GST law. There will be an emphasis on day to day practical operational features - including the rulings - which you must obtain separately. You will also need to stay up to date with relevant journal articles and any new rulings as the session progresses.

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This course examines the treatment of employee remuneration in the Australian taxation system. We start by examining the employer/employee relationship, contrasting it with the principal/independent contractor relationship. This distinction is central to understanding our tax laws. Tax collection obligations imposed on employers, including under PAYG and the pay-roll tax system, are considered in detail. Employers' obligations and employees' rights under the superannuation guarantee system are examined, as are tax concessions for contributions and the taxation of payments made on termination of employment (eg, arising from redundancy, unfair dismissal or death). The course examines the treatment of personal services income when it is derived through an interposed entity, and the tax consequences of salary sacrifice arrangements and salary packaging. Finally, we look at the Tax Office's response to arrangements aimed at avoiding tax on payments for services performed.

UNSW Online Handbook Summary
UNSW Class Timetable