Taxation provides the government with funding to deliver essential services and manage the economy. As the Australian taxation system is quite complex, taxation professionals assist organisations with a range of business decisions. These range from choosing a business car to establishing retirement plans for employees, to financing offshore expansion. An awareness of taxation legislation and policies enables companies and individuals to structure their business transactions in a tax effective manner, increasing profit and efficiency.

Studying Taxation at UNSW

Taxation programs at UNSW are offered by both the Australian School of Business (www.business.unsw.edu.au) and the Australian School of Taxation (ATAX, www.atax.unsw.edu.au), the taxation school in the Faculty of Law.

Taxation is offered as an undergraduate major by the Australian School of Business for commerce and economics students. The Taxation major is designed for students who are interested in becoming taxation professionals or who are looking to enhance their studies with taxation knowledge. Students who complete a major in Taxation and a second major in Accounting may satisfy the requirements of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia for admission to the CA program, subject to meeting further requirements. The major in Taxation can be structured so that it satisfies the requirements of the Tax Agents Registration Board.

Atax currently offers the Bachelor of Taxation at undergraduate level. Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Taxation program wishing to attain professional accounting accreditation can choose to study Accounting elective courses. The degree is accredited by CPA Australia and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia.

Students with above average grades in their Taxation courses are invited to join the Honours program, requiring an additional year of study. An Honours year adds extra value to an undergraduate degree and is highly regarded by employers.