Postgraduate coursework

LAWS6814 - Comparative Value Added Tax

Objectives

Examine the design principles, operation, compliance and administration of consumption type value-added taxes (known commonly as either VAT or GST).
Consider the major foundational principles of VAT and their operation in practice and the different ways in which these have been given effect in different jurisdictions, focusing in particular on the European Union, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada, but also considering a range of other jurisdictions and the model VATs drafted by the IMF.
Gain an in depth understanding of the policies underlying VAT/GST and of the options for VAT treatment that have been adopted in other jurisdictions, enabling you to compare the Australian treatment and identify areas of potential conflict.

Content

Different options and methods for taxing consumption; the history, spread and prevalence of credit-invoice systems of VAT; different forms of VAT/GST and the relationship between VAT and other tax bases; rate differentiation - use of multiple rates, including zero; administration of VAT, including registration, invoices, assessment and collection; the taxable person and concepts of enterprise/business/taxable activity; the treatment of Government entities and charities; the taxable transaction – the concept of supply and distinctions between supplies of goods and services; taxable supplies, exemption with credit (zero-rating/GST-free), and exemption without credit (input taxation); the taxable amount – consideration, valuation, and calculation of output tax; input tax – the entitlement to deduction/credit or input tax;international issues, including the place of supply,the treatment of imports and exports, and the use of reverse charge mechanisms; special rules for supplies of financial services and insurance and the options for taxing, exempting, or zero-rating such supplies; specialised regimes for small traders, e-commerce, gambling, tour operators etc; the treatment of capital and second hand goods; the treatment of real property; and anti-avoidance provisions.

Session

Semester 1 2010
Wednesday Evenings, 6-8pm

The timetable is subject to frequent changes. Please refer to the latest version of the Postgraduate Timetable.

Assessment

Classwork (30%)
1 x Exam or Research Essay (70%)

Courses this unit is available in

Sydney Law School