UNSW Tax and Business Advisory Clinic provides free tax and business advice, in-community education, and research-driven advocacy for those most in need.
Our team of registered tax agents provide professional tax and business advice year-round to individuals and small business owners in severe financial distress located state-wide. Further, they mentor university students on placement at the clinic.
Additional funding
We are very grateful for the Federal Government’s continued funding and the ATO’s ongoing support. This has strengthened the case for additional support from other sources, including NSW Department of Communities & Justice’s Investing in Women Funding Program, Ecstra Foundation Grant Program, and UNSW Business School.
Community partner testimonial
“It has been a godsend to have services such as the UNSW Tax & Business Advisory Clinic as a referral option for financial counsellors with small business clients. The clinic can help clients with preparing records, lodging tax records and negotiating payment arrangements with the ATO.”
- Fiona Guthrie (CEO, Financial Counselling Australia)
Operating model
- Four registered tax agents each employed for 1-2 full days/week year-round.
- UNSW Business School students enrolled in TABL3033/5933 complete clinic placements of one full day/week for 10-week term.
- UNSW Law students volunteer on AHEGS-recognised clinic placements dedicating a minimum of 20 hours each.
- Administrative Officer providing 3 full days/week support and continuity of client care year-round.
- Award-winning multidisciplinary research team.
Target client base
Since 2019, our innovative community-led approach has ensured the integrity of the client base. We partner with the community sector (financial counsellors, crisis support, domestic violence support, pro-bono legal clinics) as our ‘channel to market’ for casework clients.
Identifying people in hardship
Financial hardship can look like: over indebtedness, late payments and non-communication, as shown below. It is imperative that this is not conflated with ‘voluntary non-compliance’ within the ATO’s Compliance Pyramid.
In 2023, our clinic served over 120 clients in serious financial hardship with over 1,900 hours of free advice delivered by CA/CPA/IPA-qualified registered tax agents, and a further 1,400 hours by students on placement.
|
Category |
Our clients |
General population |
|---|---|---|
|
Micro/small business |
81% |
28% |
|
Mental health problems |
80% |
21% |
|
Physical disability |
32% |
18% |
|
Carer responsibilities |
27% |
10.8% |
|
Women experiencing domestic violence |
80% |
23% |
|
Experiencing high-overwhelming levels of financial distress |
79% |
17.4% |
Snapshot of tax problems
$25,260
Average ATO debt amount
Average 4 years
behind on ITR (Long-term overdue income tax returns)
Average 16 BAS
(4 years) behind (Long-term overdue Business Activity Statements (BAS) returns)
Measuring our impact
100%
client satisfaction
100%
reduced anxiousness
Client testimonial
“I couldn't manage this on my own, and hiring a tax agent wasn't financially feasible for me. However, I discovered that there was nothing to fear; the tax office isn't as intimidating as I once believed. Initially unaware of their rules and procedures, I now feel confident dealing with the ATO. My tax agent was incredibly patient, kind, and knowledgeable throughout the process. Everything I learned during this experience will undoubtedly be beneficial for the future, and I can't recommend seeking professional assistance enough.”
Student testimonials
“The experience at the tax clinic has truly been the highlight of my degree … I can't express enough my gratitude for the wealth of knowledge I’ve gained during this period.”
“Joining the tax clinic has undoubtedly been the best decision for me. Your clear explanations and step-by-step guidance have been instrumental in shaping our understanding. Thank you once again for the opportunity and for your unwavering support. It has been an enriching journey that I'll always value.”