The structure of the tax system is a major influence on business decisions and economic outcomes. The taxation Centre of Excellence (TCoE) ensures that CPA Australia is a recognised, leading voice on taxation matters at the international (where appropriate), national and state levels with the purpose of influencing tax policy, tax law and tax administration.
The CoE's role is to act broadly in an advisory capacity. It is also a source of member representatives for a wide range of consultative committees with government agencies, including particularly the ATO and the Department of Treasury as well as representation at parliamentary committees.
Purpose of the CoE
- provide guidance on policy and issues relating to its topic area
- identify current and emerging issues relevant to the profession in a timely and effective way
- provide advice on relevant legislation requiring response / comment
- provide input and feedback on appropriate policy responses
- provide thought leadership
- address issues which impact across the profession, focussing on changes in the wider economic environment including globalisation and e-business
- be a strategic sounding board for management
- provide input on possible CPA Australia products and assist development of outputs
Areas of interest
The focus of this CoE is taxation policy, the law and high-level systemic issues in tax administration, particularly in respect to the following:
- income tax
- company tax
- capital gains tax (CGT)
- fringe benefits tax (FBT)
- goods and services tax (GST)
- excise arrangements
- state taxes / duties
The use of the tax system to provide assistance to industry or individuals and the interaction between the tax and transfer systems also falls within the ambit of this CoE.
Background and experience
Members are selected on the basis of having core expertise in the major tax areas (as per above) and typically fall within one of the following categories:
- senior tax managers of large corporations
- public sector representative with extensive tax expertise
- public practitioners
- consultants on tax policy and administration
- academics specialising in tax matters
Representation
In appointing members to represent the CoE, we look for a cross-section of members from:
- small-to-medium sized enterprises
- corporate sector
- public sector
- public practice
- business advisers and consultants
- academia
- not-for-profit organisations