The Charles Darwin University (CDU) Free Tax Clinic was set up to offer free and easy-to-access services to residents in the Northern Territory (NT). This initiative is funded by the Australian Government via the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), focusing on helping unrepresented taxpayers who may not have the means to pay for expert tax advice.
Our tax clinic aims to help people in the NT handle their tax matters properly. We support selected students studying accounting at CDU, both undergraduates and postgraduates. These students work under the guidance of academic staff and experienced tax professionals.
Our 2023 tax clinic team
Raul David CA - Lead Project Manager
Simon Morris FCA - Academic Representative
Ali Dhirani ASA - Clinic Supervisor
Manfred Mletsin ASA - Clinic Supervisor
Janine Bowen, WIL - Manager
Students / participants (on duty)
Anupama Khadka, Deepak Chhetry, Hoang Ninh Truong, Jolene Le, Li Chen, Srijana K C
Office address
Level 3, CDU Waterfront Campus
21 Kitchener Drive, Darwin City, NT 0800
Highlights for 2023
In 2023, the CDU tax clinic:
- assisted 532 individual clients
- assisted 89 sole trader clients
- helped prepare 102 prior year lodgments for individuals
- provided advice on 82 complex tax issues
- assisted 151 small businesses and not-for-profits
- supported 8 victims of domestic abuse
- supported 78 taxpayers in remote communities
- achieved 97% client satisfaction rate
- had 10 student participants
- delivered 11 community education events.
Our focus areas
- Darwin, Palmerston, and surrounding suburbs
- Remote areas (Alice Springs, Katherine, Tennant Creek)
- Helping customers get on MyGov and linking ATO
- Previous year tax returns
- Vulnerable individuals (DV victims, single parents, people with disabilities, pensioners)
- Migrants, international students and workers
- Small businesses, sole traders, charities & NFPs’ BAS compliance
- Tax debts and compliance issues
- Community education
- Preparing and lodging objections with ATO
Graduate outcomes
In 2023, the CDU Tax Clinic made a big difference in the community by giving vital tax help to eligible individuals, small businesses, and NFPs.
Working closely with our industry partners at SAMAF Accountants & Consultants, we provided over 1,500 hours of free tax advice.
These efforts have helped us empower taxpayers with the information and support they require to understand tax laws and meet their obligations. It highlights our dedication to the financial health of everyone in our community.
Our students also secured jobs in the Northern Territory after their mentored work experience program at our tax clinic. Student participants secured jobs with Northern Territory Government, KPMG, Deloitte, BDO, Merit Partners Chartered Accountants, SAMAF Accountants & Consultants, and the NT Police.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the tax clinic this year. I had a magnificent experience working with the team and learning new techniques and skills. I gained insight into how things are done professionally – plus a great way to help your community!” – 2023 student.
Client story: Overturning an ATO decision for a working holiday visa holder
Sarah*, an Indonesian adventurer on a working holiday visa in Australia, encountered a puzzling setback when the ATO contested her tax return. She was uncertain about her options and turned to the CDU Tax Clinic for guidance. Upon thorough review, we uncovered an oversight by the ATO in rejecting Sarah's valid deductions.
We constructed a solid case supporting Sarah's deductions, emphasising her genuine work-related expenses. Following the submission of an objection and comprehensive documentation, the ATO re-evaluated their decision, relieving Sarah of financial strain by overturning their initial ruling.
This underscores our unwavering dedication to assisting individuals like Sarah and ensuring fair treatment within the Australian tax system. Through our advocacy and expertise, we empower taxpayers to confidently confront tax challenges, particularly those navigating the complexities of working holiday visas, allowing them to fully embrace their Australian experience without unnecessary financial burdens.
* Client name changed for privacy.
Community educational programs
We have provided educational programs and seminars to the following organisations in the NT:
- STEPS AMEP (Adult Migrant English Program)
- STEPS Community Session with CALD communities
- Red Cross Northern Territory
- Melaleuca Refugee Centre
- StudyNT Ambassadors
- Youth Shack (Working Holiday Visa)
- Charles Darwin University Student Groups
- Alana Kaye College Students
- Darwin Head to Health Visitors.