Melbourne Law School Tax Clinic to benefit community

Unrepresented individuals, small businesses and small not-for-profit organisations can now apply to receive free tax assistance from the Melbourne Law School (MLS) Tax Clinic.

MLS Tax Clinic

Launching 8th August, the MLS Tax Clinic is part of an Australia-wide tax clinic network that aims to improve access to tax justice by providing confidential support for taxpayers.

All clinic work will be done by JD students under the supervision of pro bono tax professionals and a dedicated MLS Tax Clinic Supervisor.

Between August and October, MLS JD students will meet with clients to provide free, confidential assistance with their tax matters. The MLS Tax Clinic can also assist clients in dealing with the Australian Taxation Office.

The clinic will focus on assisting unrepresented taxpayers, particularly those who may be on a low income, lack financial literacy or have language difficulties.

Melbourne Law School Dean Professor Pip Nicholson has welcomed this initiative.

“The national tax clinic network will assist those unable to access expert taxation advice and help develop processes to better advise Australian taxpayers.”

“The MLS Tax Clinic will benefit from co-location with the Law School’s existing clinical program, which includes partnerships with community legal centres and clinics focusing on sustainability, disability human rights and developing digital applications to increase access to justice,” she said.

Melbourne Law School senior lecturer and Public Interest Law Initiative director Kate Fischer Doherty has said the clinic will also give students the opportunity to put their learning into practice.

“The clinic will engage JD students in learning through experience, allowing them to work under supervision on real issues and for real clients,” she said.

MLS Tax Clinic services include advice on completing and lodging current and/or prior year tax returns, assistance with outstanding tax debts, penalties or interest waivers, income and deductions, residency for tax purposes, registration for GST, assistance in understanding ATO correspondence as well as representation for clients dealing with the ATO.

The clinic is currently accepting applications from eligible taxpayers.To find out if you are eligible to apply for assistance, click here.

For media enquiries please contact Ms Kate Fischer Doherty via ph +61 3 8344 1304 or kfischer@unimelb.edu.au.