The UTAS Tax Clinic has branches in Hobart and Launceston and operates for 10 months of the year 5 days a week across both locations.
In 2023 this translated to over 300 hours in client meetings, 26 weeks of formal internship placements with 70% of the participants in the program being able to secure employment in an accounting/tax practice, 362 new clients and 286 tax/BAS returns with $1,922.90 average refund achieved.
Aligning theory with practice
Participation in the clinic is a privilege, not a right and places are limited to ensure a quality student and client experience. This was emphasised in our new approach to recruiting and participating in 2023.
Much like applying for a job, prospective student participants are required to progress through a formal application process involving the production of a CV, cover letter and selection criteria and then invited to participate in a round of interviews.
The clinic functions as a boutique tax practice and students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and can learn and engage with all aspects of the program from matter management, file note preparation, drafting of advice, research, tax return preparation, client interviews and time management.
Notable successes
The UTAS Tax Clinic has grown significantly over the past 12 months. The reflections and comments below highlight some but certainly not all of the successes of the program over the past year.
The Clinic takes on a national presence
The UTAS Tax Clinic was elevated to the national stage on no less than 2 occasions this past year.
The clinic first played host to Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness and Minister for Small Business Julie Collins MP who discussed the recent Budget announcement to expand the National Tax Clinic program.
The Budget measure will provide funding for 5 new tax clinics (from 1 January 2025), and eligibility for funding will be extended to TAFE institutions to improve access to tax clinic services in regional areas.
The second saw Clinic Director, Donovan Castelyn, provide the keynote address at the Tax Institutes Tasmania Convention.
Donovan reported on the success of the National Tax Clinic program as a whole and explored the need for such a program in Tasmania.
Addressing the need in the west and east
Outreach activities were high on the agenda this year which saw the clinic travel to and establish critical connections with other community service providers in Zeehan, Queenstown, Burnie and Launceston.
Leveraging these relationships will see us roll out a series of pop-up clinics in 2024 and further deepen and support or relationships with community partners.
Getting the message out
The clinic has also been active in promoting its services and has attended over 20 community or university-organised events over the course of the year.
The clinic found a voice on radio and through the production of resources such as tax time tips for the most recent tax period. The Clinic is also making an impact through research. With collaborative efforts between other members of the National Tax Clinic program, we aim to change and shape a better tax system for all.
In 2024 the clinic will look to support the wider community by developing a bank of educational resources and continue to advance initiatives surrounding tax and financial literacy.