TaxVibe

In this episode of TaxVibe, host Scott Treatt, CTA, engages with David Montani, CTA and author of Tax Wars, to discuss the complexities of tax reform in Australia. They explore the definitions of tax reform, the political gridlock that has hindered progress, and the historical context of tax policy debates. For more information about The Tax Institute: https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/

In this episode of TaxVibe, host Robyn Jacobson and tax expert John Storey delve into the complexities of Australian tax law. They explore the inherent challenges of tax legislation, discussing the differences between principles-based and black-letter drafting, the evolution of tax laws, and the impact of government actions on tax complexity. The conversation highlights the unavoidable and avoidable complexities within the tax system, the consequences of retrospective legislation, and the role of tax advisors in navigating these challenges. They conclude with a discussion on the future of tax reform and the importance of collaboration among stakeholders. For more information about The Tax Institute: https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/

In this episode of Tax Vibe, host Robyn Jacobson engages with Tracy Dunn, Director of Private Tax at EY, to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and the tax profession. They discuss the evolution of AI, particularly generative AI, and its implications for ethical practices, professional standards, and the future of work in the tax field. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding AI's limitations, the need for ethical guidelines, and the potential for AI to enhance professional efficiency while emphasising the necessity of human oversight. For more information about The Tax Institute: https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/

In this episode of Taxvibe, host Robyn Jacobson speaks with Ruth Owen, the Tax Ombudsman, about her role and the importance of effective communication in the Australian tax system. They discuss the functions of the Tax Ombudsman, the challenges faced by taxpayers and tax agents, and the need for systemic improvements in tax administration. Ruth shares insights from her recent review of ATO communication practices and outlines recommendations for enhancing clarity and accessibility. The conversation emphasises the importance of collaboration between the ATO, tax agents, and the community to ensure a fair and efficient tax system. For more information about The Tax Institute: https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/

In this episode of TaxVibe, host Robyn Jacobson speaks with Rob Thompson from the ATO about the critical period of Tax Time in Australia. They discuss the importance of getting tax returns right, common mistakes taxpayers make, and the various deductions available. The conversation covers key dates, the importance of good record keeping, and the ATO’s resources to assist taxpayers. They also touch on the implications of multiple income sources, the responsibilities of rental property owners, and the importance of cybersecurity in tax matters. The episode concludes with practical advice for both taxpayers and tax professionals. For more information about The Tax Institute: https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/

In this bonus episode of TaxVibe, a snippet of our member-only webinar, you'll hear presenters Robyn Jacobson, CTA, and Svetlana Kolyasnikova, CTA, cover some of the hot tax topics to be aware of as we near the end of the financial year. This episode covers insights into: Key 2025 Budget & election dates Personal income tax cuts & work-related expenses  Car expenses  Clothing expenses Self-education expenses Working from home expenses To see the full webinar and access other member-only insights and resources, become a member of The Tax Institute. https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/membership  For more information about The Tax Institute: https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/

In this latest episode of TaxVibe, Paul Hockridge, CTA, principal of Hockridge Advisory, delves into the tax implications following divorce and separations – an intrinsic and unavoidable part of modern living in relationships. While many assume the CGT roll-over makes divorce tax matters straightforward, the reality is far more complex. Tax practitioners often need specialised knowledge when advising clients through relationship breakdowns, considering both immediate tax relief options and long-term implications.   The episode covers:   Relief under Subdivision 126-A of the ITAA 1997: Provides CGT roll-over relief in certain circumstances,  but doesn’t apply universally  De facto vs. marriage: Different legal treatments affecting tax outcomes  Property settlements: Tax implications beyond simple asset transfers. Host: Robyn Jacobson, CTA Guest: Paul Hockridge, CTA, Hockridge Advisory For more information about The Tax Institute: https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/

Robyn Jacobson, CTA, chats with Anthony Marvello, Assistant Commissioner, Client Engagement Group, ATO, about the enduring and evolving challenges of Division 7A. They unpack the ATO’s increased scrutiny, common fundamental errors being made and the importance of proactive advice. Learn about complying loans, the use of journal entries to make loan repayments, the Commissioner’s discretion to disregard a deemed dividend, and key tips for navigating Division 7A compliance. Recorded live at The Tax Summit 2024. Host: Robyn Jacobson, CTA Guest: Anthony Marvello, Assistant Commissioner, Client Engagement Group, ATO For more information about The Tax Institute: https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/

You won't want to miss this bonus episode, where you'll get a sneak peek behind the closed doors of this week's member-only webinar: Federal Budget 2025–26 Reflections & Insights. In the webinar, Robyn Jacobson, CTA, facilitates a panel of experts: Tim Sandow, CTA, Tax Partner, BDO & President, The Tax Institute Julie Abdalla, FTI, Head of Tax & Legal, The Tax Institute Jonathon Ortner, FTI, Tax Partner, Arnold Bloch Leibler Scott Treatt, CTA, CEO, The Tax Institute You'll hear the first 20 minutes of the episode, plus a bonus snippet of the discussion where they summarise the issues covered in an earlier #Bendel webinar – nothing but the topical content you want to hear! They discuss the commercial and practical implications and considerations of the Budget’s key tax and superannuation measures. Listen here wherever you get your podcasts! For a deeper dive into what the Budget means for you and your clients, and to access other member-only insights and resources, including the Federal Budget 2025-26 report, become a member of The Tax Institute. Learn more: https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/membership/benefits For more information about The Tax Institute: https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/

For the past 16 years, the question of whether an unpaid present entitlement (UPE) is a loan for Division 7A purposes has challenged the tax profession. Now, in a landmark ruling, the Full Federal Court has delivered its judgment in Commissioner of Taxation v Bendel [2025] FCAFC 15 (Bendel) – confirming that a corporate beneficiary’s UPE is not a loan for Division 7A purposes. This finding has significant implications for taxpayers, tax practitioners and the ATO. Following the decision, this latest episode of TaxVibe delves into the details, exploring the implications. Robyn Jacobson and guest Neil Brydges, CTA, Principal at Sladen Legal, discuss the potential for further legal challenges and legislative changes, and how tax practitioners may navigate the resulting uncertainty. And we'll continue the conversation with an expert panel at our member-only webinar on 25 March – members can head to our website to register! https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/events/member-webinars/2024-25-member-webinar-series For more information about The Tax Institute: https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/

This episode of TaxVibe dives deep with Paul Banister, CTA, as we uncover the risks associated with new client relationships. Learn how to spot red flags, mitigate risks, and navigate the complexities of past tax blunders. This episode is a must-listen for any tax professional looking to protect their practice.   Robyn and Paul cover:   Taking on a new client  Practical examples of common risks  What should a practitioner do if they find an error?   Host: Robyn Jacobson, CTA  Guest: Paul Banister, CTA, Grant Thornton Australia  For more information about The Tax Institute: https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/

In this episode of TaxVibe, Robyn chats with Tim Sandow, CTA, Tax Partner, BDO, and Julie Abdalla, FTI, Head of Tax & Legal at The Tax Institute with their reflections on the hits and misses of 2024 and their expectations for 2025 on matters of tax policy and administration.  They cover:   Reflections of 2024, including TASA, IAWO, and more!  As The Tax Institute’s President for 2025, Tim’s focuses for the year  The Tax Institute’s Tax Policy and Advocacy priorities in 2025  ABUMs – announced but unenacted measures  Upcoming budget and election   Host: Robyn Jacobson, CTA  Guests: Tim Sandow, CTA, Tax Partner, BDO, and Julie Abdalla, FTI, Head of Tax & Legal, The Tax Institute  For more information about The Tax Institute: https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/

In this episode of TaxVibe, Robyn chats with David Montani, CTA, National Tax Director, about the exciting release of his upcoming book, Tax Wars – an insightful look at the need for, and the challenges facing, holistic tax reform in Australia. They cover: The reason for the title of the book, Tax Wars The approach of using pop culture references to explain complex tax concepts The timing of the book's release relative to the upcoming Federal election Whether or not the book will challenge long-term thinking around tax reform No spoilers included! Host: Robyn Jacobson, CTA Guest: David Montani, CTA, National Tax Director For more information about The Tax Institute: https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/

In this episode of TaxVibe, Robyn chats with Andy Milidoni, CTA, Partner, Johnson Winter Slattery, about how to support clients amid firmer action on ATO debt collection. They cover: Recent changes and the current environment  The Commissioner’s powers to collect debts ATO Support Advice for practitioners supporting clients with tax debts Host: Robyn Jacobson, CTA Guest: Andy Milidoni, CTA, Partner, Johnson Winter Slattery For more information about The Tax Institute: https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/

In this episode of TaxVibe, Robyn chats with Adrian Cartland, Principal Solicitor of Cartland Law. Adrian is also the creator of Ailira, the Artificially Intelligent Legal Information Research Assistant, which automates legal research and advice.  Robyn and Adrian chat about the increasing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology on the tax profession, going back to the basics of the evolution of technology in tax, what AI actually is, and how it can be used. They also gaze into their crystal balls to discuss AI's role as another tool in the toolbox for practitioners and how it may shape the provision of tax advice in the future.  Host: Robyn Jacobson, CTA  Guest: Adrian Cartland  For more information about The Tax Institute: https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/

Domestic violence is a national problem and has been labelled a crisis in recent times. But did you know that most cases of domestic violence have an element of financial/economic abuse? The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that 2.4m Australians have experienced intimate partner financial abuse. And it is often financial instability that can lead someone back into or to remain in an abusive relationship – highlighting the importance of the systems supporting victim-survivors. In this episode of TaxVibe, Robyn chats with Dr Ann Kayis-Kumar, Associate Professor of Taxation Law at the UNSW Business School, about financial abuse perpetrated through the tax system and what tax practitioners can do to respond to this form of domestic violence to support their clients.In this episode of TaxVibe, Robyn chats with Dr Ann Kayis-Kumar, Associate Professor of Taxation Law at the UNSW Business School, about financial abuse perpetrated through the tax system and what tax practitioners can do to respond to this form of domestic violence.  Host: Robyn Jacobson, CTA  Guest: Dr Ann Kayis-Kumar, Associate Professor, UNSW Business School  For more information about The Tax Institute: https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/

In this very topical episode, Robyn chats with Peter de Cure, Chair of the Tax Practitioners Board, about the latest changes to the regulation of the tax profession. They discuss the key issues affecting practitioners and how the TPB will implement and administer the significant changes.  More on this topic will be available in Session 13.3: The TPB and professional obligations at The Tax Summit 2024. We hope to see you there!  For more information about The Tax Institute: https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/

Tax time is here again!  In this episode of TaxVibe, Robyn Jacobson, CTA, chats with Robert Thomson, Assistant Commissioner and Tax Time Spokesperson at the Australian Taxation Office in the Individuals and Intermediaries space, about Tax Time 2024.  They discuss the top issues for 2023–24, including:  The ATO’s focus on undisclosed income  Work-related expenses  Rental properties Record keeping  Top tips for getting tax returns right the first time Host: Robyn Jacobson, CTA  Guest: Robert Thomson  For more information about The Tax Institute: https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/

In this bonus episode of TaxVibe, a snippet of our member-only webinar, you'll hear Robyn Jacobson, CTA, cover some of the hot tax topics to be aware of as we near the end of the financial year.  This episode covers insights into:  Personal income tax cuts Student loans Work-related expenses Rental properties To see the full webinar, and access other member-only insights and resources, become a member of The Tax Institute.  https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/membership 

You won't want to miss this bonus episode of TaxVibe, where you'll get a sneak peek behind the closed doors of our member-only Federal Budget 2024-25 webinar.  In this facilitated panel discussion, our CEO, Scott Treatt CTA, facilitates a panel of experts: Annemarie Wilmore, ATI, Partner, Tax, Johnson Winter Slattery  Clare Mazzetti, ATI, Chair, The Tax Institute  Todd Want, CTA, Head of Tax Services, William Buck & President, The Tax Institute  Robyn Jacobson, CTA, Senior Advocate. The Tax Institute  They unpack the commercial and practical implications and considerations of the Budget’s key tax and superannuation measures.  To hear the full webinar and access other member-only insights and resources, become a member of The Tax Institute. You can learn more at our website.