Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Business and Law

School: Law and Justice

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Principles of Taxation Law

• Unit Code

  LAW6300

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  2

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  20

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

Description

The Australian income tax system is considered to be one of the most complex income tax systems in the world. Australian taxation law is a vast and complex area of law that is continually evolving. Tax affects everyone. Individuals and entities earning income from personal exertion, business or property, pay tax. Tax is also paid by all persons buying goods or services. The aim of the unit is to provide a concise introduction to the fundamental concepts and rules underlying the Australian taxation system. The main emphasis of the unit is on current tax principles and Commonwealth legislation applicable to determine the income tax liability of individuals (including minors), partnerships, companies and trusts. The unit also includes an introduction to Fringe Benefits Tax and to Goods and Services Tax.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass 1 units from LAW6501

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Acquire knowledge and mastery of the fundamental concepts underlying the Australian taxation system.
2. Analyse and synthesise complex information, problems and concepts embedded in the units topics.
3. Determine, calculate and advise taxpayers of their the tax liabilities by applying these legal principles.
4. Navigate their way around the relevant tax legislation and selected case-law.
5. Use such skills and knowledge to solve complex taxation problems by interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the tax legislation and legal principles established in selected legal cases.

Unit Content

1. Introduction to Taxation Law in Australia.
2. The concept of assessable income including capital gains tax ordinary income and statutory income.
3. The concept of deductions general deductions and specific deductions.
4. Offsets and rebates.
5. Taxation of income earned by partnerships, trusts, companies and minors.
6. Introduction to Goods and Services Tax.
7. Introduction to Fringe Benefits Tax.
8. Regulation and responsibilities of tax professionals.

Additional Learning Experience Information

On-campus students attend a weekly three-hour seminar per week which will include the following learning modes: a lecture component aimed at providing students with the knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of taxation law and the relevant provisions of the tax legislation; and a tutorial component aimed at further developing knowledge, interpretation and understanding of these fundamental principles of taxation law and the tax legislation and applying them to hypothetical tax problems. For off-campus students, the unit is delivered on-line with lecture notes and tutorials available on Blackboard. Regular online access is required.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• ^ Barkoczy, S. (2015). Foundations of taxation law (7th ed.). Sydney: CCH Australia.
• ^ Barkoczy, S. (2015). Core tax legislation and study guide (18th ed.). Sydney: CCH Australia.
• ^ LAW6300 Study Guide (2015). ECU.
• (2014). Australian master tax guide (50th ed.). Sydney: CCH Australia.

^ Mandatory reference