Taxation

Subject 730-407 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008. Search for this in the current handbook Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: Estimated total time commitment of 96 hours.
Prerequisites: Legal Method and Reasoning; Principles of Public Law; Torts; Legal Theory or in each case their equivalents. Students will find it advantageous to have studied, or be studying, Equity and Trusts and Corporations Law.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
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

Coordinator

Associate Professor A O'Connell
Subject Overview:

The subject is intended to introduce law students to Australia's tax system including the income tax and Goods and Services Tax. It then focuses on the principles of income taxation and the policy issues in the design of an income tax including issues of equity, efficiency and simplicity in the tax law and the progressive income tax rate structure. The core of the subject is an examination of the principles, statutory and case law of the income tax including assessable income, capital gains, fringe benefits, deductible expenses and anti-avoidance provisions.

Assessment: A policy essay of 1500 words, 25% (due week 6), a written exercise of 1500 words, 25% (due week 10); and a final examination of two hours, 50%.
Prescribed Texts: Current Tax Legislation, CCH or ATP. Income Tax: Text, Materials and Essential Cases (Kobetsky, Krever, O'Connell and Stewart), 7th edn, Federation Press, 2007
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of the subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • attitudes towards knowledge that include valuing truth, openness to new ideas and ethics associated with knowledge creation and usage
  • the capacity for close reading and analysis of a range of sources
  • the capacity for critical and independent thought and reflection
  • the capacity to solve problems, including through the collection and evaluation of information
  • the capacity to communicate, both orally and in writing
  • the capacity to plan and manage time
  • the capacity to participate as a member of a team
  • intercultural sensitivity and understanding

In addition, on completion of the subject, students should have developed the following skills specific to the discipline of law:

  • they should be able to undertake research, and in particular online research, in relation to taxation;
  • they should be able to formulate tax policy arguments and critically evaluate tax reform proposals on the basis of tax policy;
  • they should be able to provide advice in relation to tax issues; and
  • they should be able to carry out a number of tasks such as writing articles that are well structured and well written.

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