Tax Law & Dispute Resolution

Our lawyers and accountants have experience dealing with many tax related matters. We provide both tax and legal services in one place so there is no need to see a lawyer and then explain the circumstances to your accountant separately – reducing fees and miscommunications!

Taxation Reviews and Audits  

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) conducts a review where they believe they have identified a compliance risk. A review will typically begin with a written notice from the ATO, in this notice the ATO will specify their concern and request information and documents by the specified time frame. They may also require lodgements of income tax returns and business activity statements as applicable.

Where the ATO does find evidence during a review that a taxpayer has not met their obligations then they may conduct an audit. Otherwise, if the ATO do not believe a review can look into the issues sufficiently an audit will commence without the need for a review.  An audit will typically begin with a written notice from the ATO, in this notice the ATO will specify the reason for the audit and request information and documents by the specified time frame. Once this information has been received, they will review the material and make a decision.

Professional advice should be obtained as early as possible as in some circumstances it may be better to make a voluntary disclosure to limit any interest or penalties which may apply. In other circumstances there may be the option of negotiating and seeking a settlement.

State Revenue Office Investigations

The State Revenue Office (SRO) administers Victoria’s taxation legislation and collects a range of taxes, duties and levies (such as stamp duty, land tax, payroll tax etc). Similarly, the SRO has powers to commence an investigation/review. When this does occur, an investigator will contact you to advise that an investigation is commencing, outline the process, ask any questions and request information/documents by the specified time frame. At the end of the review/investigation a decision will be made.

Professional advice should be obtained as early as possible this can also help to limit any interest or penalties which may apply.

Objections

Where a decision is made by the ATO or SRO there is scope to object if you disagree with the decision. The objection process is essentially on opportunity for the taxpayer to request a review of the decision. The basis to object should always be well grounded, supported by evidence, legislation, case law, ruling etc.

Reasonably Arguable Position Paper and Private Binding Rulings

We can assist in drafting Reasonably Arguable Position Papers (RAPP) and Private Binding Rulings where required.

We also provide advice on the following:

  • Tax Debt and disputes with the ATO
  • Director Penalty Notices (DPN)
  • Goods and Services Tax (GST)
  • Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
  • Profit on Sale
  • Land Tax
  • Payroll Tax
  • Stamp Duty

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We get results!

Our team have achieved great outcomes for our clients. Most recently our lawyers successfully negotiated the remission of almost $180,000 in interest and penalties off a significant ATO debt. In another matter our team successfully objected to an audit decision which resulted in a significant decrease in the capital gain and associated tax payable.

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How we can help

 

Income Tax, GST, PAYG Withholding

Stamp duty and land tax advice

Business structure

Tax minimisation/efficiency

Preparation of private binding rulings-Objections and dispute resolution with state and federal bodies

Tax Returns & Compliance – For individuals, companies, trusts and partnerships

Why Choose Us

Boutique Firm

As a boutique legal and accounting firm, we provide a complete business solution for small and medium sized businesses.

Tax & Legal All-In-One

Tax and legal at the same place! No need to see a lawyer and then explain the circumstances to your accountant separately.

Business Specialists

Specialists in business law, property and tax – we deal with all tax and legal aspects of business on daily basis.

Tech Savy

Tech-savy – unlike some “old-school” solicitors – we leverage technology to provide you and your business with cost efficient services.

Business and Commercial Law

As a boutique firm – you will be dealing with the same small team of advisors-meaning you don’t speak to a new person everytime you call.

Dedicated team

Dedicated lawyer and accountant – our principal supervises all matters directly.

Meet Nick

With over 10 years experience, Nick has worked at Global Professional Services Firms and advised on multi-billion $ deals across almost all industries.

Since departing the large firms, Nick has been advising small and medium businesses as well as individuals using the experience gained at the top-tier law and accounting firms, for a fraction of the cost for our clients!

Quite separate to law, Nick understands business and has hands-on experience launching and running start-up organisations, including some of Australia’s first group-purchasing and consumer power platforms.

Nick has governance experience as a former Board Member of the Crowd Funding Institute of Australia and is a currently on the Board for Moreland Early Years Management, a NFP that operates six early learning kindergartens in Moreland.