CQUniversity Unit Profile
LAWS20060 Taxation Law of Australia
Taxation Law of Australia
All details in this unit profile for LAWS20060 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit enables students to acquire a sound knowledge of the Australian taxation system and the compliance requirements. It also provides students with an awareness of the key provisions of the relevant taxation legislation, and enables them to apply the relevant legislative concepts to determine taxation consequences.Topics include: the Constitution and taxation power; the concept, source and derivation of income; trading stock, exempt income, allowable deductions; tax offsets; and the determination of taxable income; decline in value; and miscellaneous business deducations; tax administration; fringe benefits tax; and goods and services tax. If you have successfully completed the unit LAWS20023 you should not enrol in this unit.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 9
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 10
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

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 - 2021

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

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).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Postgraduate 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

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Practical and Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%
2. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 60%

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.

Previous Student Feedback

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 Survey

Feedback

Feedback for assignment could be improved

Recommendation

More detailed feedback will be provided to students. Individual feedback will be recorded and provided in Feedback Studio, discussing various elements of the student's assignment, in addition to providing general feedback to the student cohort.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the Australian Taxation system and the sources of Australian taxation by researching and reporting on the Australian regulatory framework for taxation
  2. Demonstrate a professional knowledge of the main concepts and principles of Australian taxation law by analysing given business scenarios and reporting on the most appropriate planning for, or application of, Australian taxation law
  3. Demonstrate competence in applying Australian taxation law by calculating and reporting on the correct or most appropriate preparation of income tax returns of moderate complexity for individual taxpayers, companies, partnerships and trusts
  4. Analyse and report on the compliance requirements of the Australian taxation system, including a critical awareness of the concept of tax avoidance and of general tax avoidance provisions in the Australian Tax legislation
  5. Provide strategic advice to stakeholders regarding the tax issues arising from common scenarios.
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Practical and Written Assessment - 40%
2 - Online Quiz(zes) - 60%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Knowledge
2 - Communication
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills
4 - Research
5 - Self-management
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility
7 - Leadership
8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 - Practical and Written Assessment - 40%
2 - Online Quiz(zes) - 60%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Australian Taxation

1st edition
Authors: Bevacqua, Marsden, Morton, Xu, Devos and Whait
Wiley
ISBN: 978-0-7303-8565-3
Binding: Paperback

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • ZOOM
  • Microphone and camera to attend the Zoom sessions
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing styles below:

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Kirsty Abbott Unit Coordinator
k.unger@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 - The Australian Taxation System and the Tax Formula Begin Date: 08 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Overview and structure of the Australian taxation system

Chapter

Bevacqua et al, Australian Taxation (Wiley, 1st edition, 2021)  - Chapter 1

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 - Residence and Source Begin Date: 15 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Residence and source of income

Chapter

Bevacqua et al, Australian Taxation (Wiley, 1st edition, 2021) - Chapter 2 (pages 33- 40 and 45-49)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 - Income Begin Date: 22 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Assessable income/ income tax

Chapter

Bevacqua et al, Australian Taxation (Wiley, 1st edition, 2021) - Chapter 3

Events and Submissions/Topic

General deductions/ Specific deductions and applications of deductibility Begin Date: 29 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

General deductions/ Specific deductions and applications of deductibility

Chapter

Bevacqua et al, Australian Taxation (Wiley, 1st edition, 2021) - Chapters 6 and 7

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 - Capital gains tax Begin Date: 05 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Capital gains tax

Chapter

Bevacqua et al, Australian Taxation (Wiley, 1st edition, 2021) - Chapter 4

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 12 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 - Taxation of Individuals - bringing it all together Begin Date: 19 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Taxation of Individuals - bringing it all together

Chapter

Bevacqua et al, Australian Taxation (Wiley, 1st edition, 2021) , Chapter 10 (pages 271-275, 281-289 and 293-313)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 - Fringe benefits tax Begin Date: 26 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Fringe benefits tax

Chapter

Bevacqua et al, Australian Taxation (Wiley, 1st edition, 2021) - Chapter 5

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assignment 1 Due: Week 7 Wednesday (28 Apr 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 8 - Capital Allowances Begin Date: 03 May 2021

Module/Topic

Capital Allowances

Chapter

Bevacqua et al, Australian Taxation (Wiley, 1st edition, 2021) - Chapter 8

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 - Company tax and trading stock Begin Date: 10 May 2021

Module/Topic

Taxation of companies and trading stock

Chapter

Bevacqua et al, Australian Taxation (Wiley, 1st edition, 2021) - Chapter 11, Chapter 2 (pages 40-43) and Chapter 9 (pages 254 - 269)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 - Taxation of Partnerships and Trusts Begin Date: 17 May 2021

Module/Topic

Taxation of Partnerships and Trusts

Chapter

Bevacqua et al, Australian Taxation (Wiley, 1st edition, 2021) - Chapter 12 (pages 351-370)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 - Ethics, Tax Avoidance and Evasion Begin Date: 24 May 2021

Module/Topic

Ethics, Tax Avoidance and Evasion

Chapter

Bevacqua et al, Australian Taxation (Wiley, 1st edition, 2021) - Chapter 14

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 - GST and Revision Begin Date: 31 May 2021

Module/Topic

GST and Revision

Chapter

Bevacqua et al, Australian Taxation (Wiley, 1st edition, 2021) - Chapter 13

Events and Submissions/Topic

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 07 Jun 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 14 Jun 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

End of semester online Moodle quiz. Date and time to be confirmed during the Term. 

Assessment Tasks

1 Practical and Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assignment 1

Task Description

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 5 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 same in hypothetical scenarios. The total word count for the assignment will not be more than 2000 words, and will consist of two parts. Further details regarding the assignment will be provided on the Moodle site for the unit at the start of the term.


Assessment Due Date

Week 7 Wednesday (28 Apr 2021) 11:45 pm AEST

Assignments submitted after this date (or a date approved by the unit coordinator after an online extension application) may incur a penalty of 5% of the total marks available for the assignment per day in accordance with CQU policy.


Return Date to Students

Week 9 Wednesday (12 May 2021)

Assignments will be returned two weeks after due date. If an assignment is submitted late it may be returned after this time.


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

The assignment will be assessed using the following criteria:

  1. Problem solving: students are required to demonstrate problem solving skills by identifying and applying relevant legal rules and principles to a fact scenario.
  2. Critical thinking: students are required to demonstrate critical thinking by analysing, applying and evaluating facts and law in a problem solving context.
  3. Information literacy: students are required to demonstrate information literacy by identifying, understanding and applying legal rules and principles in a taxation law scenario.
  4. Writing and presentation: students are required to submit answers with a clear writing style that uses appropriate grammar and expression. Ideas and arguments are to be presented in a logical structure and order.
  5. Referencing: students must use appropriate referencing when using secondary materials (for example, ATO guidance products, websites, books or journal articles) legislation and cases.

A marking rubric is available on Moodle.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submission Instructions This assignment is to be submitted online via Moodle in one (1) Word document only. It is suggested that where necessary you put your calculations into columns or tables to improve readability of the assignment document. The method of referencing to be used is APA or the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (AGLC) 4rd Edition. Additional information regarding this method is available through the library and the Academic Learning Centre. When making a reference, cite the original source or authority in preference to a secondary source such as the textbook, especially when you are discussing various sections of legislation. This means you should make reference to legislation, cases and Tax Rulings as a priority to back up any arguments that you make in your assignment.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate a sound understanding of the Australian Taxation system and the sources of Australian taxation by researching and reporting on the Australian regulatory framework for taxation
  • Demonstrate a professional knowledge of the main concepts and principles of Australian taxation law by analysing given business scenarios and reporting on the most appropriate planning for, or application of, Australian taxation law
  • Demonstrate competence in applying Australian taxation law by calculating and reporting on the correct or most appropriate preparation of income tax returns of moderate complexity for individual taxpayers, companies, partnerships and trusts
  • Provide strategic advice to stakeholders regarding the tax issues arising from common scenarios.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills

2 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
End of semester quiz

Task Description

The Moodle quiz will be worth 60% of the total unit mark, and will assess weeks 6-12 of the course. It will consist of a mixture of multiple choice, true and false, calculation, and short answer questions. The quiz has a time limit of 180 minutes. More details will be provided on Moodle during the term. 


Number of Quizzes

1


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

The Moodle quiz will be held during the standard exam period. More details will be provided on Moodle during the term.


Return Date to Students

Results from the online Moodle quiz will be released after certification of grades.


Weighting
60%

Assessment Criteria

The quiz will assess the content from weeks 6 - 12 of the course. The multiple choice and true/false questions will be marked automatically based on accuracy. The calculation questions will also be marked based on accuracy, with provision made for awarding part marks.

Overall, the online quiz will assess a number of skills, such as

  • Ability to use a clear writing style that uses appropriate grammar and expression.
  • Ability to identify and apply taxation legislation, case law and ATO guidance materials to a number of different taxpayers, including individuals, companies, trusts and partnerships.
  • Ability to discuss the Australian regulatory framework for taxation
  • Ability to apply taxation law to solve problems, and/or to answer questions;
  • Ability to reach a conclusion and/or provide advice based on legal analysis.
  • Ability to provide strategic advice to stakeholders regarding the tax issues arising from common scenarios.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
You will be advised during the term how to access the online Moodle quiz

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate a sound understanding of the Australian Taxation system and the sources of Australian taxation by researching and reporting on the Australian regulatory framework for taxation
  • Demonstrate a professional knowledge of the main concepts and principles of Australian taxation law by analysing given business scenarios and reporting on the most appropriate planning for, or application of, Australian taxation law
  • Demonstrate competence in applying Australian taxation law by calculating and reporting on the correct or most appropriate preparation of income tax returns of moderate complexity for individual taxpayers, companies, partnerships and trusts
  • Analyse and report on the compliance requirements of the Australian taxation system, including a critical awareness of the concept of tax avoidance and of general tax avoidance provisions in the Australian Tax legislation
  • Provide strategic advice to stakeholders regarding the tax issues arising from common scenarios.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills

Academic Integrity Statement

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?