Outline

Overview

Most matters handled by legal and accounting professionals have Capital Gains Tax (CGT) implications - ranging from a simple conveyance or will, to a real estate development or litigation settlement. CGT is a major issue for all taxpayers and their advisors because the pervasive reach of the CGT provisions means that even straightforward commercial and domestic transactions often give rise to complex CGT issues. This unit examines the basic structure and core concepts of the CGT, as well as the specialist provisions that apply in a range of commercial and non-commercial contexts, such as compensation receipts, earnouts, the main residence exemption, property development and the operation of CGT in relation to non-residents. Refer to Sydney Law School timetable - https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/4533/pages/postgraduate-lecture-timetable

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Law
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	It is assumed that students undertaking this unit have an understanding of Australian income taxation law commensurate with that which would be obtained from completing undergraduate study in Australian taxation law or five years working with Australian tax law in a law or accounting practice in an industry role or in the Australian Taxation Office. Students who do not have such knowledge or work experience should undertake LAWS6825 Fundamentals of Australian Taxation before enrolling in other units. For students have not studied Australian law it is recommended that they undertake LAWS6252 Legal Reasoning and the Common Law System before enrolling in LAWS6825 and this unit.
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Celeste Black, celeste.black@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final exam (50%) Problem-based questions (2 hours plus 30 mins reading time)	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	(Alternative) Capstone essay Capstone research essay	0%	Formal exam period Due date: 16 Nov 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 Nov 2026	7000 words / 8 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task (0%) Quiz	0%	Week 03 Due date: 18 Aug 2026 at 23:59	10 questions	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assignment One: Mock Tax Determination (25%) Assignment	25%	Week 06 Due date: 13 Sep 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 27 Sep 2026	2000 words / 2.5 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	(Alternative) Capstone proposal Topic proposal	0%	Week 08 Due date: 21 Sep 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 28 Sep 2026	500 words / 7 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assignment Two: Mock Advice Memo (25%) Research assignment	25%	Week 10 Due date: 18 Oct 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 01 Nov 2026	2000 words / 3.5 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Early Feedback Task (0%): This unit includes an Early Feedback Task that is designed to provide students with timely insights into their understanding and engagement with the unit content. The Early Feedback Task in this unit is a 10 question multiple choice test. The task will be available on Canvas from 9:00am on 17 August 2026 to 23:59pm on 18 August 2026, Sydney Australia time. It will be tailored to reflect key concepts from Weeks 1-2. Students will be provided with immediate automated feedback upon completion of the task.

Assignment One: Mock Tax Determination (25%): Assignment One is worth 25% and has a word limit of 2,000 words (including references). No penalty will apply if you exceed the word limit but any words beyond this limit will NOT be read or marked. You will be asked to draft a mock tax determination on a topic to be released on Canvas at 12 noon on 26 August 2026. Detailed instructions will be provided on Canvas. The assignment is due at 11:59pm on 13 September 2026, Sydney Australia time.

Assignment Two: Mock Advice Memo (25%): Assignment Two is worth 25% and has a word limit of 2,000 words (including references). No penalty will apply if you exceed the word limit but any words beyond this limit will NOT be read or marked. You will be asked to draft a mock client memorandum of advice on a topic to be released on Canvas at 12 noon on 23 September 2026. Detailed instructions will be provided on Canvas. You will be required to undertake independent research to complete this assignment. The assignment is due at 11:59pm on 18 October 2026, Sydney Australia time.

Final exam (On-campus supervised) (50%): The final examination will be comprised of a number of short answer and problem-based questions and all topics and materials covered throughout the semester are examinable, including the topics of the assignments. The total duration of the final exam is 2 hours plus 30 minutes of reading time. It will be open book (hard copy/printed materials only, no electronic devices). The final exam will take place during the university's formal exam period (16 to 28 November 2026). The exam timetable will be released by the Exams Office in due course. For further information, please refer to: https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/exams/timetables.html.

Alternative Capstone proposal, essay and oral defence (100%): LLM students who are undertaking this unit towards the end of their degree, and need a capstone experience to complete their degree, must apply to the unit coordinator to undertake the assessment option of a Capstone Essay. The Capstone Essay is worth 100% of your marks for the unit and replaces all assessment tasks, though students should still complete the Early Feedback Task.

Students wishing to take up this option are required to submit a 500-word topic proposal via Canvas by 11.59pm on 21 September 2026 Sydney, Australia time. Your essay topic should respond to the material covered in the present unit. However, at the same time, in order to serve as a capstone for your LLM, it should build upon the learning that has taken place during your LLM studies more generally. Feedback will be provided on topic proposal but it will not be marked.

The Capstone Essay must be no less than 7000 words and no more than 8000 words (references included) and is due at 11.59pm 16 November 2026, Sydney Australia time.

An oral defence of the Capstone will be held within two weeks of submission of the essay. The oral defence may be in person or via Zoom and will not exceed 30 minutes. The final mark for the Capstone essay will be determined taking into account both the written material and the oral defence.

The total word count for the Capstone essay will include all headings and footnotes. A bibliography is not required. No penalty will apply if you exceed the word limit but any words beyond this limit will NOT be read or marked.

Referencing: The Sydney Law School expects you to use the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th edition, 2018) for your footnoting style.

Special consideration: Successful grants of Special Consideration may involve alternative tasks, as appropriate.

Assessment requirements to pass a unit of study: A student must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks set out in this Unit of Study in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above); otherwise an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student’s result for this Unit of Study. As the EFT is an early diagnostic tool, this task is not included in the final grade for the unit.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	• Completely answers the question. • Contains striking originality of approach or analysis. • Demonstrates exhaustive or innovative research (where independent research required). • Exceptionally well written, structured and expressed. • Is otherwise exceptional in some way.
Distinction	75 - 84	• Completely answers the question. • Achieves a critical and evaluative approach to the issues. • Content and structure is well organised in support of the argument. • Demonstrates extensive research and analysis to support a well-documented argument. • Generally well expressed and free from errors. • Has a clear structure and is well articulated.
Credit	65 - 74	• Covers main issues fairly well in answering the question. • Contains no significant errors • Demonstrates an attempted critical approach to the issues. • Demonstrates reasonably sound research and analysis in addressing the key issues. • Has a clear structure and reasonably clear expression.
Pass	50 - 64	• Identifies the key issues, but does not follow through with a reasoned argument. • Contains some significant errors. • Displays satisfactory engagement with the key issues. • Offers descriptive summary of material relevant to the question. • Superficial use of material, and may display a tendency to paraphrase. • Demonstrates little evidence of in-depth research or analysis. • Adequate expression. • Overall, demonstrates the minimum level of competence in the assessment and satisfies the requirements to proceed to higher-level studies in the degree or subject area.
Fail	0 - 49	• Does not answer the question. • Contains significant or numerous errors. • Few or no identifiable arguments. • Content that is inappropriate or irrelevant. • Lack of research or analysis. • Difficult or impossible to understand through poor grammar, expression or structure. • Overall, does not demonstrate the minimum level of competence in the assessment.

Guide to Grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The late submission of a piece of assessment, without an approved extension, will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment per 24 hours or part thereof, after the due time on the due date. Penalties for late submission will be applied strictly, subject to a 5 minute grace period.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Mid-semester break	Main residence exception	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 01	Key concepts in CGT	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 02	CGT assets and core CGT events	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 03	Cost base	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 04	Capital proceeds and modifications	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 05	Calculation of net capital gain or loss	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 06	Compensation receipts and insurance	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 07	Contingent payments and earnouts	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 08	Special regimes for individuals	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 10	Property development	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 11	CGT consequences on death	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 12	Small business concessions	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 13	International issues; Completion of the student feedback survey for this unit of study	Seminar (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend 70% of classes to satisfy the pass requirements for this unit. Failure to meet this requirement will result in an Absent Fail grade being recorded as the student’s result for this unit (see The University of Sydney Law School Resolutions: Coursework Awards cl 11).

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Required text: Chris Evans and Glenn Davies, Australian CGT Handbook 2025-26 (Thomson Reuters, 2025). Students are encouraged to obtain their own copy of the textbook but it is also available electronically through the University of Sydney Library, Checkpoint Thomson Reuters database.

Legislation: Students are expected to have access to an up-to-date (2026) full version of the income tax legislation.

A detailed Learning Guide provided via Canvas specifies the readings for each seminar.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Identify and describe relevant principles of taxation law specifically in relation to CGT assets and CGT events and related issues derived from statutory tax rules and case law
LO2. Synthesise and apply relevant taxation law to a variety of commercial and private settings involving CGT assets and events through constructing and defending coherent and persuasive arguments
LO3. Integrate cognitive, technical, and creative skills to address and resolve complex CGT issues in a variety of commercial and private settings and scenarios
LO4. Employ research skills and specialised resource tools to locate, organise and synthesise CGT law and policy information

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Based on feedback received, the assessment regime has been changed to introduce some variation in the types of assessment tasks. The in-semester test has been replaced by two written assignments. In addition, to reduce the intensity of the final exam, its weighting has been reduced from 60% to 50%.

Additional information

Resources - Sydney Law Students

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

LAWS6169: Capital Gains Tax

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal evening] - Castlereagh St, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links