Tax litigation
We represent clients who want to dispute tax decisions in the Court or Tribunal.
While many tax disputes can be resolved before a formal hearing, when litigation becomes necessary, our team provides expert guidance and strategic advice to ensure the best possible outcome for our clients.
What we do
When taxpayers receive unfavourable objection decisions from the ATO or State revenue authority, they can apply to a court or tribunal to appeal or review that decision.
In our experience, many disputes are resolved after an appeal or review is filed, often before the hearing date. However, if the matter progresses to a hearing, we are experienced in litigating tax disputes in both state and federal courts and tribunals.
Where a matter cannot be resolved, we work with taxpayers and their advisers (including barristers) to develop case strategies to secure the best possible result. Whether that be by dispute resolution or litigation.
Who we help
We help all taxpayers and their advisers (such as accountants, lawyers, and financial planners) with a wide range of tax matters. Our clients include:
- family groups and high net wealth individuals, including those with wealth in Australia and interests overseas, collaborating alongside foreign advisers as needed
- Australian-based corporations and international corporations with business interests in Australia
- property developers
- small to medium enterprises (SMEs)
- accountants
- lawyers
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.
Ways we help our clients
We are recognised leading tax practitioners in Australia, with demonstrated success in handling large-scale, complex and sensitive tax issues in Australia and abroad.
We service all taxpayers and their advisers, including high net-worth individuals, large corporations and private businesses, collaborating with professional advisers and other specialist lawyers where required.
Tax residency status can have significant implications for an individual’s tax obligations in Australia. We help taxpayers challenge residency decisions by the Commissioner, Tribunals, and Courts.
Fletch Heinemann
Principal
The application of the general anti-avoidance rules under Part IVA, and specific avoidance provisions like dividend stripping, can have significant consequences for taxpayers. We help clients with disputes about these topics.
Sarah Lancaster
Principal
Payroll tax grouping can have significant implications for businesses. We help businesses challenge grouping decisions by the Commissioner, Tribunals, and Courts, including obtaining exclusion orders to de-group certain businesses from a payroll tax group.
Hannah Bobby
Associate
We advise clients on tax and superannuation issues that arise in relation to their employees. Whether these are advising on FBT issues, an employer’s superannuation guarantee obligations, or planning and implementing employee share schemes, we are happy to help.
Murray Shume
Principal