Overview
Revenue Law is an important consideration for those engaging in legal practice insofar as issues arising out of revenue law will impact on advice given in a range of different situations. This unit gives an understanding of the underlying concepts of revenue law focusing on the Income Tax Assessment Acts and supporting legislation as well as looking at other important areas of revenue law practice which impact on advice given such as Goods and Services Tax and Fringe Benefits Tax. The unit also considers state taxation, such as stamp duty, land and payroll tax.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Prerequisite: 48 credit points of Law units including LAWS11057.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student feedback, prior results and self-reflection
Students need more detailed feedback on their work.
More detailed general feedback on how to tackle a tax problem question will be focused on.
Feedback from Self-reflection on exam results and observation of student performance on the exam.
Students need shorted questions in the time-limited exam.
The quantity of problem-solving required for the exam should be reviewed and revised.
Feedback from Self-reflection
Students may lack proper understanding of the advantages and pitfalls of the use of AI in solving tax problems.
The unit should include training on the use of AI in solving tax problems, and assessments should be designed so that they allow the use of AI and test the students' effectiveness in using it.
- Explain the distinction between income and capital and determine when taxpayers will be assessed on income or capital gains tax
- Differentiate between expenses which constitute deductions and expenses which constitute capital and determine when expenditure may be utilised to reduce a taxpayer's assessable income
- Apply the current tax legislation to the taxation of various entities at a state and federal level, including consideration of international taxation agreements
- Apply analytical and critical legal skills in formulating ethical solutions to problems in revenue law.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 60% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
Understanding Taxation Law 2025
- (2024)
- Authors: Alistair Haskett , Michael Walpole , Tony Ciro , Ian Murray
- LexisNexis
- ISBN: 9780409361452
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Headphones or speaker
- Microphone and camera for use with Zoom
- ZOOM
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Australian Guide to Legal Citation, 4th ed
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
k.unger@cqu.edu.au
n.corbett-jarvis@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 09 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Introduction to Revenue Law
Chapter
Michael Walpole et al, Understanding Taxation Law (Lexis Nexis, 2025) Ch 1 and 2 (to 2.31)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 2
Begin Date: 16 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Income and Issues of Residence and Source
Chapter
Michael Walpole et al, Understanding Taxation Law (LexisNexis, 2025) Ch 2 (from 2.32) and 3 (to 3.38)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 3
Begin Date: 23 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Income from Personal Exertion, Assets, Business and Compensation
Chapter
Michael Walpole et al, Understanding Taxation Law (LexisNexis, 2025) Ch 3 (from 3.39)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 4
Begin Date: 30 Mar 2026Module/Topic
General Deductions
Chapter
Michael Walpole et al, Understanding Taxation Law (LexisNexis, 2025) Ch 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 5
Begin Date: 06 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Specific Deductions and Tax Offsets
Chapter
Michael Walpole et al, Understanding Taxation Law (LexisNexis, 2025) Ch 9 and Ch 10
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6
Begin Date: 13 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
Chapter
Michael Walpole et al, Understanding Taxation Law (LexisNexis, 2025) Ch 6 (to 6.148)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 20 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7
Begin Date: 27 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT), Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Stamp Duties
Chapter
Michael Walpole et al, Understanding Taxation Law (LexisNexis, 2025) Ch 7 and 19
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 8
Begin Date: 04 May 2026Module/Topic
Trading Stock and Tax Accounting and Small Business Exemptions
Chapter
Michael Walpole et al, Understanding Taxation Law (LexisNexis, 2025) Ch 4, 11 and 6 (from 6.149 to 6.160)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 9
Begin Date: 11 May 2026Module/Topic
Tax Entities- Trusts and Partnerships
Chapter
Michael Walpole et al, Understanding Taxation Law (LexisNexis, 2025) Ch 15 (to 15.85) and 14 (to 14.29)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 10
Begin Date: 18 May 2026Module/Topic
Tax Entities- Corporations, Shareholders, and Superannuation
Chapter
Michael Walpole et al, Understanding Taxation Law (LexisNexis, 2025) Ch 12 (to 12.62), 13 (to 13.55) and 5 (from 5.26 to 5.42)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 11
Begin Date: 25 May 2026Module/Topic
Tax Avoidance and Tax Administration
Chapter
Michael Walpole et al, Understanding Taxation Law (LexisNexis, 2025) Ch 16, 17 (to 17.18)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 12
Begin Date: 01 Jun 2026Module/Topic
International Taxation
Chapter
Michael Walpole et al, Understanding Taxation Law (LexisNexis, 2025) Ch 18 (to 18.24 and from 18.37 to 18.52 and from 18.82 to 18.85)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Exam Week
Begin Date: 08 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 15 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
This assessment item is an individual written assignment worth 40% of the total unit mark. It covers aspects of the unit covered in Weeks 1 to 4 of the term. These weeks introduce several key concepts of taxation law, including residency, assessable income and allowable deductions. This assessment is designed to allow students to demonstrate an understanding of these key concepts and apply them in hypothetical scenarios. The total word count for the assignment will not be more than 2000 words. Further details regarding the assignment will be provided on the Moodle site for the unit at the start of the term.
Week 6 Friday (17 Apr 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
The due time is given as Qld time. Students outside Queensland must adjust for their time zone. Assignments that are not submitted on time will attract a late penalty unless an extension has been granted. All extension applications should be made via Moodle supported by documentary evidence.
Estimated return time is 2 weeks. Papers will be returned once all papers (including those with authorised extensions) have been submitted.
The following criteria will be used to grade the assessment:
1. Your ability to identify the key issues.
2. Your ability to develop these key issues into a logical argument. In the case of hypothetical questions, this will mean supporting your answers with reference to legislation, case law and ATO guidance materials, and applying the law to the facts.
3. Accurate numerical answers, where relevant.
4. Clarity of communication which will include, but not be limited to, the development of a clear and logical structure, the use of headings and professional presentation of the content.
5. Correct referencing. Please note that you are required to follow the Australian Guide to Legal Citation version 4 and adopt footnote referencing.
- Explain the distinction between income and capital and determine when taxpayers will be assessed on income or capital gains tax
- Differentiate between expenses which constitute deductions and expenses which constitute capital and determine when expenditure may be utilised to reduce a taxpayer's assessable income
- Apply the current tax legislation to the taxation of various entities at a state and federal level, including consideration of international taxation agreements
- Apply analytical and critical legal skills in formulating ethical solutions to problems in revenue law.
2 Written Assessment
This assessment item is an individual take-home exam of 2.5 hours duration worth 60% of the total unit mark. This assessment is designed to allow students to demonstrate an understanding of these key concepts and apply them in hypothetical scenarios.
This assessment must be submitted by the specified due date and time (To be advised).
Submissions after the deadline has passed will not be accepted and will be graded as zero. Extensions are not available for take home papers.
Due to the nature of the take home exam, the standard 72-hour grace period does not apply. We recognise that unexpected circumstances may arise and encourage students to reach out as early as possible if they are experiencing difficulties, so that appropriate support or adjustments can be considered in line with university policy.
During the exam, the use of generative artificial intelligence technologies — such as large language models (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) or any comparable automated text, code, or content generation tools — is prohibited and any such use will be regarded as an academic misconduct issue.
This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. Assessment 2 (take home exam) is at level 1 No AI. You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Date and time of exam TBA. The take-home exam will be released 2.5 hours before the due time. The due time is given as Qld time. Students outside Queensland must adjust for their time zone.
Results will be released to students after certification of grades.
The following criteria will generally be used to grade the assessment:
1. Your ability to identify the key issues.
2. Your ability to develop these key issues into a logical argument. In the case of the hypothetical questions, this will mean supporting your answers with reference to legislation, case law and ATO guidance materials, and applying the law to the facts.
3. Accurate numerical answers, where relevant.
4. Clarity of communication, which will include, but not be limited to the development of a clear and logical structure, the use of headings and professional presentaiton of content.
5. Correct referencing. Please note that you are required to follow the Australian Guide to Legal Citation version 4 and adopt footnote referencing.
- Explain the distinction between income and capital and determine when taxpayers will be assessed on income or capital gains tax
- Differentiate between expenses which constitute deductions and expenses which constitute capital and determine when expenditure may be utilised to reduce a taxpayer's assessable income
- Apply the current tax legislation to the taxation of various entities at a state and federal level, including consideration of international taxation agreements
- Apply analytical and critical legal skills in formulating ethical solutions to problems in revenue law.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
