Our insights

Fraud or Evasion? A rare taxpayer victory in Kirtlan and Commissioner of Taxation
The decision in Kirtlan and Commissioner of Taxation (Taxation) [2025] ARTA 539 provides a rare example of a taxpayer proving the Commissioner’s evasion opinion should not have been formed.

Sarah Lancaster shortlisted for 2025 Taxation Partner of the Year Award
HLS Tax Law principal Sarah Lancaster shortlisted for Taxation Partner of the Year.

Fletch Heinemann recognised in The Best Lawyers in Australia Awards for 2026
HLS Tax Law’s Fletch Heinemann recognised in The Best Lawyers in Australia Awards for 2026

Do I reside in Australia for tax purposes?
The tests for tax residency in Australia can be complicated, and getting it wrong can be costly. In this article, we set out the most common mistakes to watch out for.

The Bendel decision: ATO’s UPE loan view is overturned
The Full Court in Commissioner of Taxation v Bendel [2025] FCAFC 15 has overturned the ATO’s longstanding view that unpaid present entitlements (UPEs) to private companies are loans under Division 7A.

Commissioner of Taxation v Liang – you, me and the burden make three
This article discusses the Full Court of the Federal Court’s decision in Commissioner of Taxation v Liang and what it means for taxpayers trying to meet their burden of proof—especially when the ATO questions unexplained income. So, what does this mean for taxpayers, and how can they avoid getting caught

Payroll tax exemption for payments to some GPs – but watch out for the gap!
The recent exemption will provide relief for some, but will leave others still navigating these issues.
Our team
Your tax law experts
Our Brisbane based tax lawyers use their expertise to provide clear advice and identify solutions. We are here to help, whether you require specialist advice, our assistance with review or audits, or are in a dispute with the ATO or State revenue authorities.
Our principals have been recognised as leading tax lawyers by Doyle’s Guide and Best Lawyers.
Our Expertise
How we can help
Our lawyers use their tax expertise to provide clear advice and identify solutions, whether your matter requires specialist advice, assistance with responding to review or audits, or litigation with the revenue authorities.
We assist all taxpayers and their advisers (accountants, lawyers, and financial planners) with a wide range of tax matters.
Tax advice
We provide expert, timely and clear advice on a range of difficult tax issues including international tax issues, income tax, CGT, GST, withholding taxes, fringe benefits tax, payroll tax, stamp duty, land tax.
Tax audits and objections
We help clients respond to review and audit activity from the ATO and State revenue authorities. Where assessments are issued following a review or audit, we represent clients in objections to those assessments.
Tax litigation
We represent clients who want to dispute tax decisions in the Court or Tribunal. Often, tax disputes can be resolved before a Court or Tribunal hearing; however, where this is not possible, our team has a consistent record of advising on effective strategies to achieve the best possible outcome for clients.