19 November 2021
The University of South Australia will continue to offer free taxation advice to the community thanks to the extension of the National Tax Clinic program.
The Federal Government announced the program’s continuation to 2024 at the Institute of Public Accountants 2021 National Congress.
Administered by the Australian Taxation Office since 2018, and hosted by universities around Australia, the National Tax Clinic Program helps people who may not be able to afford professional advice or representation with their tax affairs.
UniSA is the only South Australian university to host a Tax Clinic, providing no-cost advice, advocacy representation and education about specific tax matters to individuals and small businesses.
The Tax Clinic is staffed by students under the supervision of a Registered Tax Agent.
UniSA Tax Clinic Manager Rob Whait says the Tax Clinic has helped both students and the community to learn and navigate the complex taxation system.
“UniSA is pleased to be selected to continue operating its tax clinic,” Whait says.
“It will give more business and law students an opportunity to experience what it’s like to work in the tax profession and apply what they have learned in class to real-world problems.
“The tax system is very complex and many people struggle to comply with it.
“Many vulnerable taxpayers from all over South Australia have benefited from the UniSA Tax Clinic by getting help with their tax matters and were relieved that somebody was there to help them at no cost.
“We look forward to building on our relationships with the community and the many organisations that help those who are in difficulty.
“Many people in the community have to deal with a variety of issues and the Tax Clinic is here to assist them with relieving their tax burdens.”
Federal Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar says the government-funded National Tax Clinic program is an initiative to resolve tax issues and help individuals, small businesses, not-for-profits and charities who may not be able to afford professional tax advice and assistance.
Hosted by universities around Australia, the National Tax Clinic program supports students studying tax-related courses to provide free tax advice and support under the supervision of qualified clinic managers.
For more information about the UniSA Tax Clinic, please visit: https://www.unisa.edu.au/connect/community-clinics/tax-clinic/
For more information about the National Tax Clinic Program, please visit: https://www.ato.gov.au/General/Gen/National-Tax-Clinic-program/
Contact for interview: Dr Rob Whait M: 0488 939 559 E: rob.whait@unisa.edu.au
Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au
