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Unit of study_
LAWS5112: Australian Income Tax
2026 unit information
This unit introduces the Australian income tax system by exploring the operation of the tax statutes (and cases interpreting them), the underlying principles that those laws seek to implement, and fundamental issues in tax policy. The topics covered include the concept and categories of income; the calculation and treatment of capital gains; the taxation of remuneration including fringe benefits; business income; deductions; the basics of trading stock accounting and depreciation; an introduction to the taxation of partnerships, trusts and companies; the tax assessment process; the Goods and Services Tax; legislative responses to tax avoidance; and the ethical responsibilities of tax advisers. This unit is a prerequisite for Advanced Taxation Law.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Sydney Law School
| Study level | Postgraduate |
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| Academic unit | Law |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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LAWS3412 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Analyse the historical development and motivations underpinning Australian taxation policy and law, evaluate their impact on contemporary tax structures and reform debates.
- LO2. Describe to an advanced level the statutory frameworks and administrative mechanisms governing income tax, FBT, and GST within the Australian taxation system.
- LO3. Diagnose complex taxation issues in varied commercial and private tax law contexts and formulate reasoned solutions supported by statutory interpretation and case law.
- LO4. Apply and integrate statutory provisions and case law to resolve factual taxation scenarios involving income tax, FBT, and GST.
- LO5. Communicate persuasive and well-reasoned analyses of taxation consequences in professional and client-facing contexts.
- LO6. Evaluate and apply professional and ethical standards governing taxation practice, including duties under the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 (Cth) and broader obligations to clients, the courts, and the community.
Unit availability
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