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4 unmissable forum events for tax professionals around Australia

Published: 13 Mar 2023

   

As always, there is lots happening in the world of tax. 100A and undetermined cases, payroll tax developments in the health industry, changes to superannuation and state tax initiatives such as windfall gain tax – to name a few.

Last week South Australian tax professionals gathered in Adelaide to hear from the experts and explore these pressing issues affecting them and their clients at the SA Tax Forum.

Here’s what delegates had to say:

‘The highlight of the event is the chance to catch up and network - hard to pick out a stand out session because I enjoyed so many of them.’

‘The topics were highly relevant to me, and the entire event was great.’

But it’s not just South Australian tax practitioners who need get the chance to explore these issues, broaden their networks and learn important client skills this year. The Tax Institute’s Tax Forums are happening around the country, covering a wide breadth of tax topics affecting each State at a local level.

So if you’re working in tax and need to be up-to-date on changes and ideas that affect your clients, check out the event coming up in your state.

Western Australia

WA Tax Forum | Perth | 22-23 March

Originally the WA State Convention, this event is now in it’s 56th year, long established as the most important event on the WA CPD calendar.

Dedicated SME and Corporate streams cover an array of topics relevant to practitioners in Western Australia. Subject matter experts will cover topics such as the taxation of succession structures, needs from tax advisors from listed, private and not-for-profit boards and data security.

You’ll have the chance to hear from WA tax rockstars such as Clare Thompson SC, ATI, Tracey Scotchbrook, CTA and Mathew Chamberlain, CTA. Plus, don’t miss the unique opportunity to hear directly from Justice Thawley about his decision in BBlood Enterprises Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation [2022] FCA 1112, where he considered section 100A and dividend stripping.

Explore the program

Victoria

VIC Tax Forum | Melbourne | 3-4 May

In 2022, the VIC Tax Forum celebrated its 10th birthday.  Moving into it’s second decade, the 2023 program is stronger than ever.

Chair of VIC Tax Forum Organising Committee, Chaya Lal, FTI, says, ‘The conversation is now ‘things will get better, but it may take the rest of this year’. But how? As practitioners, our job does not only entail providing our clients sound tax advice. It also involves providing a holistic view on where the economy is generally heading, the speed bumps to look out for, and of course, the impact of measures the government (including the ATO & SRO) may take on tax legislation.’

Kicking off the program and addressing exactly this, Paul Broderick, CEO and Commissioner of State Revenue Office Victoria, Louise Clarke, Deputy Commissioner, Australian Taxation Office and

Prof. Miranda Stewart, CTA, Melbourne Law School will come together to share their thoughts and insights on how practitioners can navigate change and uncertainty in tax policy, law and administration.

The Forum then splits into SME, Corporate and Hot Topics streams covering front of mind issues for Victorians such as the Windfall Gains Tax, estate planning, affordable housing, LLP and employee share schemes.

Event highlight:

Don’t miss Tax & LPP – What are the boundaries for practitioners and the ATO on Day 1 of the Vic Tax Forum.

The session is presented by Eu-Jin Teo, CTA, of the University of Melbourne, who discovered that aspects of the approach adopted by the ATO in obtaining information from taxpayers and their legal representatives may potentially be illegal, in breach of the criminal law.

‘This clearly has implications for the ATO, as revelations like those in relation to ‘Robodebt’ remind us of the general importance of all actors in the system being aware of their obligations under the law,’ says Eu-Jin.

‘Well-meaning but overzealous ATO officers, in pursuit of their laudable objective that the legally ‘correct’ amount of tax be paid, may expose themselves to criminal culpability if they seek to pressure legal practitioners in relation to claims of legal professional privilege.’

Explore the program

NSW

NSW Tax Forum | Sydney | 17-18 May

As Revenue NSW continues payroll tax reviews, the Bywater case causes fundamental changes in company tax resident rules and the property market remains in a state of flux, the NSW Tax Forum brings together the NSW tax community, to discuss emerging issues for you and your clients.  

The NSW Tax Forum boasts the biggest program on the Tax Forum calendar, offering something for every tax practitioner at every level, including sessions dedicated to emerging leaders.

With 42 sessions on offer across 4 streams, there’s no chance you’ll be bored with this program. Delve into topics such as property development, M&A, taxation of entertainers and sportspersons and Corporate Residency and tailor your CPD journey to suit your interests and client needs. 

The program represents all corners of the NSW tax industry, with a huge variety of firms and thought leaders from across NSW presenting and providing their insight. Plus, with around 600 tax professionals attending the event each year, this is an excellent chance to expand your network and find connections to advance your career.

Explore the program

Queensland

QLD Tax Forum | Brisbane | 24-25 May

Last but most certainly not least, the QLD Tax Forum rounds out the season of forum events.

The organising committee, chaired by Angie Hicks, CTA of KPMG are bringing The Great Tax Reform Debate back, with the esteemed Paul Mills leading and challenging a panel of experts from legal, tax and regulatory roles on the approach and progress of tax reform.

‘What is old is new again as policy makers, regulators, advisers and clients walk the tightrope, balancing increased social, corporate and economic pressures with demand for growth. You can expect focussed technical and practical insights across both the SME and Corporate streams, helping you and your clients to walk the tightrope of balance,’ says Angie Hicks.

Other sessions include Part IVA with Dr Graeme Cooper, FTI who will take delegates through a deep dive into the tax planning realm discussion, including some of the anti avoidance provisions available to be called upon or be aware of in planning, and the Heads of Tax Panel, back by popular demand!

Tackling core topics such as Division 7A, Section 100A, small business CGT concessions as well as topical issues such as the housing crisis, demands of capital management and ongoing workforce management challenges, the QLD Tax Forum is the must-attend tax event for the sunshine state.

Explore the program