LAWS6814 - Comparative Value Added Tax
This unit provides an introduction to the design and operation of consumption type value-added taxes (known commonly as either VAT or GST). The unit will consider the major foundational principles of VAT and the different ways in which they can be given effect in different jurisdictions, taking examples from the VAT Directive of the European Union, the GST laws of New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, and a range of African and other jurisdictions and/or model VATs. Participants familiar with Australian GST will gain an understanding of the policies underlying VAT/GST and of the options for VAT treatment that have been adopted in other jurisdictions. International participants will find that the generic and comparative discussion of VAT/GST principles will be readily transferable to the operation of VAT in their country of residence.
Topics covered include: different methods for taxing consumption; the history, spread and prevalence of credit-invoice systems of VAT; different models of VAT/GST; the relationship between VAT and other tax bases; the use of multiple rates; registration, invoices, assessment and collection; notions of taxable person, taxable activity, taxable supplies, and the taxable amount; the treatment of government and charities; exemption with credit (zero-rating/GST-free) and exemption without credit (input taxation); the aim of fiscal neutrality and the importance of the input tax credit/deduction; international issues and the avoidance of double or non-taxation; hard-to-tax commodities (financial services, insurance, gambling, real property); and problems with VAT evasion.
Session
Semester 1 Intensive
15-17 & 20, 21 May 2013
The timetable is subject to frequent changes. Please refer to the latest version of the Postgraduate Timetable.
Assessment
- Classwork/Test (35%)
- 1 x Two-Hour Exam (65%)
Legal Professional Development (LPD)
You can credit this unit towards Legal Professional Development (LPD). Units of study that are part of Sydney Law School’s Postgraduate Program meet the necessary Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) of the Law Society of New South Wales and the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements of the New South Wales Bar Association. You may complete this unit of study by enrolling on a non-degree basis or on an audit basis only with no assessment via Single Unit Enrolment.
Courses this unit is available in
Master of Laws | Graduate Diploma in Law | Master of Global Law | Master of Business Law | Master of International Law | Graduate Diploma in International Law | Graduate Diploma in International Business Law | Master of International Business and Law | Master of International Taxation | Master of Taxation | Graduate Diploma in Taxation
