The Economics of Taxation

Subject ECON30016 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2016.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Two 1-hour lectures and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

The following:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Summer Term, Semester 1
12.50
Corequisites:

None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

Please refer to Prerequisites and Corequisites.
Non Allowed Subjects:

Students may not obtain credit for both ECON30016 The Economics of Taxation and 316-305 Public Finance (1998 Handbook).
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Contact

neville.norman@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

Topics include review of the economic framework for analysing decision making; background to the Australian and other relevant taxation systems; issues and controversies in relation to the tax system and taxpayer decisions; objectives of tax collectors and taxpayers; why taxes exist; options and issues concerning tax bases: income, company profits, expenditures, wealth; the economic impact of taxes on work effort, prices, consumption and saving, investment and financial decisions, corporate investment and corporate financing, welfare, the international location of profits, tax avoidance and evasion; economic analysis of taxpayer decisions concerning legal entities, filing procedures, objections and reviews, negotiation strategies; and policy decisions concerning the tax mix, rate structures and administrative options, legal processes.
Learning Outcomes:
  • Explain and evaluate the selection and effects of taxation systems
  • Identify and classify patterns in taxation systems
  • Apply economic theory to relevant social questions
  • Apply and develop existing economic theories
  • Evaluate alternative taxation reform proposals
Assessment:

A 2-hour end-of-semester examination (60%), assignments totalling not more than 2000 words (20%) and case studies (20%).
Prescribed Texts:

You will be advised of prescribed texts by your lecturer.
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • High level of development: written communication; problem solving; application of theory to practice; interpretation and analysis; critical thinking; receptiveness to alternative ideas.

  • Moderate level of development: collaborative learning; team work; statistical reasoning; evaluation of data and other information; accessing data and other information from a range of sources.

  • Some level of development: oral communication; synthesis of data and other information; use of computer software.
Notes:

Students may not obtain credit for both 316-329 The Economics of Taxation and 316-305 Public Finance (1998 Handbook).

Download PDF version.