The VU Tax Clinic is a dedicated student-run clinic providing free tax assistance to clients in need. Our clinic operates under the Tax practitioner model under the supervision of experienced tax agents and faculty members who support our mission. Students participating in the VU Tax Clinic are enrolled in Accounting and Business courses and are required to have completed certain mandatory subjects to be eligible to volunteer and gain practical experience in their tax-related disciplines.
We strive to empower students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios while providing valuable assistance to individuals and small businesses. We are dedicated to nurturing a supportive and inclusive environment where clients receive top-notch service, and students have the chance to hone their skills and professional capabilities, leading to enhanced employability prospects upon completion of their studies.
How the VU tax clinic operates
The VU Tax Clinic operates under the guidance of Victoria University and adheres to established protocols to ensure the delivery of quality service. We maintain a student-centric approach focused on practical learning and client engagement.
Key features of the VU Tax Clinic's operations include the following.
- Structured client sessions: Our clinic follows a structured approach to client sessions, beginning each day with a 30-minute meeting to review scheduled clients, assign cases to students, and discuss strategies for providing assistance.
- Direct client interaction: During these sessions, students engage directly with clients to address their inquiries under the supervision and mentorship of experienced professionals. Students play an active role in supporting clients while honing their skills.
- Documentation and tracking: To ensure comprehensive client support, students are responsible for preparing detailed notes for each client interaction. Additionally, our administrator maintains the client tracker to record client details, case progress, and follow-up actions, facilitating efficient case management and continuity of care.
Victoria University – VU Tax Clinic:
Tuesdays @ Building N - Room N115 - Footscray Nicholson Campus
Fridays @ VU City Tower Campus - 370 Little Lonsdale Street (opened in November 2023)
Educational coordinator:
Sonia Jammal – Manager (Interim)
VU Tax Clinic, Business, Legal and Finance Programs
Victoria University Dual Sector - TAFE & Higher Education
Staff:
Abid Hussain – Tax Agent
Nghia Tran – Tax Agent
Niki Dulkai – Administrator
Highlights for 2023
In 2023, VU Tax Clinic:
- had 18 students involved
- operated over 42 weeks
- operated for 62 days
- assisted 303 clients
- resolved 95% of matters in full
- invested 640 student hours.
Our range of services
The VU Tax Clinic is dedicated to addressing a wide range of tax-related issues impacting the clients who reach out to us. Our clinic covers various key focus areas, including the following.
- General tax assistance: Helping to better understand the tax system, assisting in understanding withholdings and the various taxes. Providing guidance, education and support to individuals and small businesses on a variety of tax-related matters, including residency status, deductions, general tax preparedness.
- Tax return lodgments: Assisting individuals and some small business taxpayers with basic lodgments and amendments to ensure compliance with tax obligations.
- Assisting to apply for a TFN and ABN, register or de-register for GST.
- Assisting in the set-up of Client myGov portals including linking to government services such as ATO online services.
Through our focused approach and dedicated assistance, the VU Tax Clinic aims to empower individuals and small businesses to navigate tax-related challenges and achieve positive outcomes in their financial affairs.
Case studies
Case study A
Client A, following a tragic life event in 1999, did not engage in formal employment and instead pursued hobbies as a means of coping mentally. For over 2 decades, Client A did not lodge tax returns, attributing the lapse to his emotional turmoil and disengagement from conventional employment. Upon receiving alerts from the ATO in 2023, Client A sought assistance from the VU Tax Clinic. Our clinic supported Client A in completing all outstanding lodgments via paper after a thorough discussion, ensuring adherence to tax regulations.
Case study B
Client B, a housewife and part-time Uber delivery driver, found herself grappling with tax obligations while on a student visa dependent. Despite the necessity to supplement family income, Client B lacked the knowledge and guidance to navigate tax responsibilities. Commencing work in 2021, Client B accumulated 4 outstanding tax returns and received numerous alerts from the ATO. After the appropriate discussions and provided relevant documentation regarding income and expenses, Client B entrusted the clinic to facilitate the outstanding lodgments and acquired essential tax knowledge to complete future lodgments.