Griffith Business School has secured a $100,000 Federal Government grant to support a second year of its successful tax clinic.
Griffith Tax Clinic is in its third trimester of operation and has seen 31 student tax advisers receive more than 260 applications for tax assistance from individuals and small businesses. The clinic has also held 16 free public seminars with about 180 attendees.
Professor of Taxation Brett Freudenberg said the funding was a boon for Griffith Business School and secured the future of the clinic.
“This funding provides Griffith the opportunity to build on the success of the Griffith Tax Clinic,” Professor Freudenberg said.
“It is particularly great for the community we assist who are otherwise scared or not sure how to do their tax.”
Student tax advisers provide free advice to anyone without a registered tax agent, completing tax returns and answering tax queries under the supervision of experienced tax practitioners.
Pro Vice Chancellor (GBS) Professor David Grant said the clinic provided a rich learning experience for students.
“Griffith Tax Clinic has become a valuable tool for teaching our students,” Professor Grant said.
“Our aspiring tax practitioners are learning first-hand the skills required to process tax returns and experiencing situations that may not otherwise arise in a classroom or textbook scenario.
“They are also learning the importance of giving back to the community, which is at the core of Griffith’s values.”
Professor Freudenberg said the clinic was popular and a beneficial experience for both students and the community.
“Student tax advisers get to develop important skills, such as communication and presentation skills, which are so critical for their future careers,” he said.
“For the community, it provides the ability to seek free tax assistance, which is especially important for those who may be recent immigrants or new to the workforce and are not sure how to navigate Australia’s tax system.”
The clinic was previously held at Griffith’s Logan campus, but has since moved online due to COVID-19, with client interviews to be conducted through Teams Meetings.