Australian Institute of Financial Services and Accounting

Australian Taxation Law Course

In order to become a Registered Tax Agent, an individual or entity must meet certain eligibility criteria including the requirements set out by the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 (TASR). One of these requirements is that a tax agent seeking registration (or renewal) must meet certain educational qualifications one of which is a ‘course in Australian taxation law that is approved by the board’.

AIFA’s Australian Taxation Law course (ATL) meets the Tax Practitioners Board requirements*, was developed in late 2011 and is right up to date having been mapped to the FNS10 Training Package. Certain professionals that offer tax related advice may also be deemed to be providing services that constitute 'tax agent services'. As an example, a Quantity Surveyor who receives a fee for preparing depreciation reports which enables a client to calculate tax deductions is deemed to be providing tax agent services. Another example is where a consultant advises a client on tax concessions for research and development. For a list of services that constitute a tax agent service, refer to this page on the TPB website.

Australian Taxation Law Course - Frequently Asked Questionsa course in Australian taxation law that is approved by the board

How do I know if I meet the requirements for Tax Agent Registration or Renewal?

We have compiled a questionnaire that you can use to determine whether you meet TPB education and experience requirements. This questionnaire will take you just 2 minutes to complete and our Training Advisors will come back to you with an answer within one business day. Click here for the questionnaire.

What Units of Competency are included in this course?

The information below summarises the topics or subject areas to be covered, minimum education levels and assessment requirements of a Board approved course in Australian taxation law.

For more information, refer to TPB (PG) 03/2010 Course in Australian taxation law that is approved by the Board.

 

Topics or subject areas to be covered

 

  • The rules and principles of Australian tax law including an understanding of the legal environment in which these principles operate, including basics of the legal system, constitutional considerations, separation of powers
  • The key aspects of the income tax law covering concepts of residence and source, related elements (only) of international tax, assessable income, deductions, tax rebates/offsets and tax accounting
  • The key aspects of taxes that extend the ordinary income tax base including relevant principles and application of the capital gains tax and fringe benefits tax rules
  • Goods and services tax
  • Taxation of individuals and basic entities including partnerships, trusts and companies
  • Taxation aspects of superannuation law
  • Administrative aspects of the taxes identified above including returns, tax collection and withholding mechanisms, assessments, objections, rulings, penalties and audits
  • Rules addressing specific and general anti tax avoidance, and
  • Ethical and professional responsibilities of tax agents including obligations under the Tax Agent Services Act 2009and Tax Agent Services Regulations 2009.

Duration

Two tertiary level subjects (200 to 260 hours in duration). The AIFA Australian tax law course has a duration of 26 weeks with an average of 10 hours per week of study, research and tuition.

Minimum education level

Diploma level (Australian Qualifications Framework level 5).

Assessment requirements

Assessed to a significant degree under some form of independent supervision and in a manner demonstrating rigour and integrity.

There are open book assessments at intervals throughout the course. It is also a Tax Practitioners Board requirement that students complete a supervised exam at the conclusion of the course. This will be conducted via our WebLT Learning Management System.

 

How is this course delivered?

Most of your course materials, trainer communications, forums and assessments will be delivered to you online via our AQUA Learning Management System. Two books covering some key taxation principles are also required which will be posted to you.

 

Who is this course for?

This course is for any individual wishing to operate as a Tax Agent. Other individuals or organisations whose work involves assessing and making decisions for their clients based on Tax Returns may also need to complete this course. For example, if you advise your clients on tax concessions or you install computer software and determine default GST codes tailored to your client, these are considered Tax Agent Services. For a list of the types of services that might constitute a 'tax agent service' please visit the TPB.gov.au website.

 

Why Choose AIFA For Your Australian Taxation Law Course?

  1. Low Student to Trainer Ratio.
  2. FNS10 training package (This is the latest course available. Some courses on the market are 2007 courses).
  3. Industry-experienced trainers and assessors deliver your lessons, monitor your progress, offer help, and mark your assessments.
  4. Nationally Recognised (See Our Qualifications Here).
  5. Flexible study times. Complete the course while you continue to work.
  6. Time-frames are set for assessments & assignments to help you stay on track.
  7. Interact, network or simply listen and read posts from fellow students and trainers in the forum and during the fortnightly live Web based tutorials.
  8. Tax Practitioners Board compliant course.
  9. Open-book, competency based assessments.
  10. Our course is designed around a simulated practice environment so you’ll gain real life experience working with colleagues, managers and clients.



 

 

*Note: AIFA has updated this course and is awaiting final approval from the Tax Practitioners Board. Approval is expected in March 2012.