The University of Canberra Tax Clinic showcases what can be achieved by our university working with the community to impact its wellbeing and sustainability as well as enhancing academic excellence through the production of job-ready graduates.
The University of Canberra (UC) Tax Clinic helps financially vulnerable people with their tax obligations, for example from a failing business, mental health problems, family issues or English language proficiency, Indigenous communities, migrants or prisoners/detainees. We also accept referrals from other organisations that assist financially vulnerable people, for example debt and financial counselling services.
The UC Tax Clinic commenced operation in August 2022 and operates like a professional tax practice. Our students have the opportunity to assist with the resolution of a range of tax issues and prepare tax returns for our clients, which can involve more complex issues relating to trusts, partnerships and companies. The students gain this experience under the supervision of a registered tax agent, providing tax assistance to real clients and developing their tax technical knowledge and broader accounting skills, problem solving and analytical skills, research skills and communication skills. The students receive training from the ATO about its systems and on related tax technical issues. Training is also provided to the staff and students of the clinic to assist them to deal with vulnerable clients, including trauma-informed practice.
Students participating in the UC Tax Clinic have completed at least one taxation law unit as part of their accounting, business or law degrees. Participation in the clinic counts as a placement for the relevant internship unit offered in their degrees and as ‘supervised practice’ for the purpose of registration with the Tax Practitioners Board.
Our team in 2023
Tax clinic Academic Manager
Carole Grey CTA
Tax clinic supervisors
Abid Hussain CA Registered Tax Agent
Peter Bayliss CA Registered Tax Agent (June to November)
Our tax services
Our services include the following:
- tax advice, including claiming of deductions
- preparation of tax returns, BAS and other ATO forms
- assistance with responding to ATO letters and notices
- help with managing tax debts, including negotiation of payment plans
- ATO dispute resolution, including remission of penalties (but not litigation)
- applying for a Tax File Number, Australian Business Number and GST registration
- education regarding taxpayer rights and obligations under Australian tax law.
Mode of operation
The UC Tax Clinic is open Mondays and Thursdays 10am to 2pm, other times by arrangement. We are open all year round but close for a few weeks over the Christmas/New Year period.
The clinic operates online, utilising digital platforms for client interactions. The clinic also offers appointments face-to-face and by phone where required. We have assisted clients located locally and interstate, including several clients from remote and regional areas.
Year in review
In its first full year of operation, the UC Tax Clinic has made a valuable contribution to the National Tax Clinic program. The clinic has established relationships with key stakeholders such as ACT Corrective Services, offering services to clients detained in the Alexander Maconochie Centre and on transitional release into the community. The UC Tax Clinic has facilitated successful transitions for detainees re-entering the community, enabling them to access substantial tax refunds that assist them with entering the workforce and finding accommodation. We are one of 2 tax clinics in Australia offering services to clients detained in correctional facilities.
Our partners
The UC Tax Clinic values our partners from across Australia with whom we collaborate to support small businesses in hardship and financially vulnerable taxpayers. Our local partners include:
- Care Financial Counselling Service
- The Millhouse Ventures Ltd
- ACT Legal Aid.
Highlights for 2023
In 2023, the UC Tax Clinic:
- lodged 311 tax returns
- lodged 28 business activity statements
- served 175 clients
- supported 15 taxpayers in remote and rural communities
- delivered 3 community education events to community
- had 6 student participants.
Client testimonials
This is what our clients have to say about us this year (names changed for privacy reasons).
John:
“The team at UC Tax Clinic have been life savers for me. Due to my financial situation, it was difficult to access help and the team dealt with my issues quickly and without judgment which helped to relieve some of the stress I was going through.
Thank you so much guys.”
Tom:
“The UC Tax Clinic is one of the best free tax services provided in the ACT. Extremely friendly and helpful staff members sorted my tax-related enquiries in less than an hour.
It's absolutely amazing that Canberra has the UC Tax Clinic for small business owners like me.”
Mary:
“Friendly and understanding, I got fast responses to emails and everything was explained well.
Would highly recommend this service.”