Outline

Overview

This unit introduces the basic elements of Australia's income tax (including fringe benefits tax and capital gains tax) and Goods and Services Tax, with an emphasis on their impact on businesses, whether conducted directly or via a partnership, trust or company. The unit covers the following topics: the main structural features of the tax system; assessability of business revenue; treatment of business expenses; timing rules for revenue and expense recognition; trading forms (companies, partnerships, trusts), capital raising and costs of servicing invested capital; cross-border issues; and anti-avoidance rules. The unit is approved by the Tax Practitioners Board in the subject area Australian Taxation Law - Introductory. Refer to the 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 ?	LAWS3412 or LAWS5112
Assumed knowledge ?	It is assumed that students undertaking specified tax units 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 taxation 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 who have not studied Australian law, it is recommended that they undertake LAWS6252 Legal Reasoning and the Common Law System before enrolling in this unit.
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Chidozie Chukwudumogu, chidozie.chukwudumogu@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Chidozie Chukwudumogu, chidozie.chukwudumogu@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 14 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam (60%) On-campus, supervised final exam	60%	April exam week	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Structured Class Participation (10%) On-call Structured Class Participation	10%	Multiple weeks	5-10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	In-class test (30%) In-class test	30%	Week 03 Due date: 10 Mar 2025 at 10:00	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Structured Class Participation (10%)
Participation marks will be assessed primarily, but not only, on a student’s participation when on call. Students who are "on-call" must prepare to discuss and review assigned problem(s) on a seminar topic. Time is between 5 and 10 minutes and it may vary depending on the class size.

In-class test (30%)
Students will complete a 1 hour in-class test with an additional 15 minutes of reading time. (Total duration 1 hour and 15 minutes). The test will be held at 10am on 10 March 2025 Sydney, Australia time. It will be on campus supervised and students are required to answer a number of questions including multiple-choice, essay and problem-based questions. Materials from the first three days of the intensive are examinable in this test.

Final Exam (60%)
The supervised final exam will be held on-campus. The exam is an open book (hard copy/printed materials only, no electronic devices). The final exam will be 2 hours (plus 30 minutes reading time). The supervised final exam will take place on-campus during the April exam week commencing 14 April 2025 Sydney, Australia time. The exam timetable will be released by the Exams Office in due course. For further information, please refer to the Exam Timetable: https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/exams/timetables.html

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.

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. Demonstrates the minimum level of competence and satisfies the requirements to proceed to higher-level studies.
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.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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:

Late penalties do not apply to exams and tests and any late submission will not be accepted.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

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 2023 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 2023. 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
Week 02	SCANA [Student Communication and Needs Assessment]. A short online activity designed to give you insights into your academic language skills and connect you with relevant academic support to help you optimize your participation in your studies.	Independent study (1 hr)
	Intro to Australian Tax System; Concepts of income; Studying tax law: research and writing; Investment income; Capital gains tax	Seminar (5.2 hr)
	The existence of a business and business income; Business expenses: relevance, capital v current expenses; Transactions with inventory (trading stock); Capital allowances: depreciation and buildings; Labour costs and fringe benefits tax	Seminar (5.2 hr)
Week 03	Transactions with inventory (trading stock); Capital allowances: depreciation and buildings; Labour costs and fringe benefits tax; Taxation of income derived through entities: partnerships, companies and trusts	Seminar (5.2 hr)
	International tax: taxing non-residents and taxing residents on income from offshore	Seminar (5.2 hr)
	Tax accounting; Basics of tax administration; Ethical conduct and rules to control tax avoidance; Goods and services tax	Seminar (5.2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend 100% 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).

Referencing: The Sydney Law School expects you to use the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th edition, 2018) for your footnoting style, although you should confirm this with your lecturer. A link to the library website where this is set out comprehensively is available at Referencing and Citation Styles: AGLC4.

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

Legislation
You are required to have access to an up-to-date (2025) version of the income tax legislation. The student editions of the legislation (one volume) will contain most of the necessary provisions:
Fundamental Tax Legislation (Thomson Reuters) (latest edition) (may be purchased as a bulk pack with the required text)

Required Text
Cooper, Dirkis, Stewart & Vann, Income Taxation: Commentary and Materials, 10th edition (Thomson Reuters, 2023)
The readings for each topic are listed on Canvas. Any additional readings will be made available on Canvas.

Cases, rulings and additional statutory materials
Most Australian cases can now be accessed via AustLII: http://www.austlii.edu.au/
Tax rulings and other administrative materials are available from the ATO’s legal database: https://www.ato.gov.au/law/#Law
Statutory material (including the explanatory memorandum to a bill) can be found at the Federal Register of Legislation: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Home

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. Critically analyse the application and operation of the Australian income tax law for business, whether conducted directly or via a company, partnership or trust.
LO2. Critically apply Australian income tax law to a variety of domestic commercial transactions, focusing on timing (tax accounting) rules.
LO3. Identify and critically analyse income tax issues arising in international commercial transactions.
LO4. Critically examine the principles and application of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Fringe Benefits Tax in various contexts.
LO5. Investigate and articulate the framework governing the administration of income tax in Australia.
LO6. Identify and describe the ethical responsibilities of tax advisors under the Tax Agent Services Act, with an emphasis on professional conduct.

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.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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) and automated writing tools

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

LAWS6825: Fundamentals of Australian Taxation

Semester 1a, 2025 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect