Taxation
In today’s fast-changing economy – where crypto, side hustles, influencer income and gig work are the norm – understanding tax is essential. A taxation major gives you the practical knowledge to navigate modern financial realities and opens doors to high-demand careers.
Subject overview
Tax is a cost on business, and tax compliance is the most common area where business, government and the law come into contact. Accordingly, a basic understanding of tax is useful for all business and law students.
The Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) major includes courses that are essential prerequisites for those planning to join Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) or Certified Practising Accountants Australia (CPA Australia). You can study finance and property law, company law and/or commercial contracts, before undertaking courses that will provide you with an advanced understanding of taxation.
The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) includes an elective course in taxation, although this is an essential course for graduates who want to become a tax lawyer.
Whether taken on its own or as a double-major with Accounting, Finance, Economics or Business, a Taxation major offers:
- Career security and demand. Tax professionals are always needed. With constant regulatory change and increasingly complex income streams, skilled tax experts enjoy strong job security and excellent salaries.
- Practical relevance. From day one, you’ll gain practical knowledge – understanding your own tax obligations, maximising deductions and making informed investment decisions across crypto, shares, rental income and freelance work.
- Diverse career pathways. Tax skills are transferable across industries – from public accounting and corporate tax to government, consultancy and academia.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills. You’ll sharpen your analytical thinking to complement your computational skills. You’ll learn to interpret complex legislation, identify opportunities and solve intricate problems – skills highly valued across the business world.
- Modern financial literacy. Tax is more relevant than ever in the digital economy. You’ll be equipped to handle the tax implications of modern business and personal finance.
Where can Taxation take you?
A BCom major or LLB specialisation in taxation gives your degree a point of difference that can lead to a range of specialist career possibilities.
Tax as a career is less subject to the normal business cycles, and demand for tax professionals and tax lawyers is always strong.
Career opportunities range from tax law consulting and financial planning to international structured finance.