Principles of Taxation Law II (BLAW30003)

Principles of Taxation Law II builds on the foundational knowledge developed in Principles of Taxation Law I, extending students’ understanding of how tax operates in more complex settings. While Principles of Taxation Law I focuses on the income tax treatment of individuals and the Goods and Services Tax (GST), this subject broadens the scope to cover a wider array of tax types and legal contexts.

The subject explores the legal principles, frameworks, and policy considerations underpinning the taxation of business structures such as companies, trusts and partnerships, as well as the treatment of superannuation and state-based taxes. It also introduces students to the international dimensions of tax law, including the residence and source rules and Australia's approach to taxing foreign income. Ethical and regulatory obligations of registered tax agents are also considered.

Although it moves into more detailed and applied topics, Principles of Taxation Law II is not an advanced tax course. It is designed to equip students with the practical legal and conceptual tools  needed to understand taxation across a broad range of real-world circumstances—such as starting a business, navigating superannuation, or dealing with tax implications across multiple jurisdictions.

By the end of this subject, students will have built upon their earlier learning to develop a more holistic and sophisticated understanding of the Australian taxation system and the role of tax in commercial, personal and public life.

Indicative list of principal topics:

• Taxation of business structures (companies, trusts and partnerships)
• Tax timing rules and trading stock
• Taxation of superannuation
• International taxation
• Tax administration and anti-avoidance rules
• State taxes
• Regulation and responsibilities of tax agents

This subject is ideal for students considering a career in tax advisory, commercial law, accounting, or government. Completion of BLAW30002 Principles of Taxation Law I and BLAW30003 Principles of Taxation Law II satisfies the requirements for a Tax Practitioners Board ‘approved course in Australian taxation law’ under the ‘mix and match’ approach. For further information, refer to www.tpb.gov.au.