TaxVibe

This conversation explores the role of micro-credentials in professional education, particularly in the tax field. Murray Cassar and Deb Friel discuss the definition, advantages, and future of micro-credentials, emphasizing their flexibility, stackability, and relevance in today's fast-paced learning environment. They highlight the importance of micro-credentials for continuous professional d...

In this episode of TaxVibe, host John Storey, Tax Counsel at The Tax Institute and Jonathan Ortner, FTI, Tax Partner at Arnold Bloch Leibler, discuss trusts - specifically the Family Trust Distribution Tax in Australia, and its complexities. John and Jonathan delve into the origins of FTDT and the traps that can arise from misunderstandings of the rules. Their conversation highlights the negative...

You won't want to miss this bonus episode, where you'll get a sneak peek behind the closed doors of this week's member-only webinar: Federal Budget 2026–27 Reflections & Insights. In the webinar, Tim Sandow, CTA, facilitates a panel of experts: Julie Abdalla, FTI, Head of Tax & Legal, The Tax Institute Jane Harris, CTA, Brown Wright Stein Lawyers Chris Jenkins, ATI, account....

In this episode of TaxVibe, John Storey, Tax Counsel at The Tax Institute talks with Randstad's finance recruitment expert Richard Kennedy and The Tax Institute's Director of Learning Sharon Smulders, about how to embark on and pursue a career in tax in the age of AI. Their conversations covered important issues that are impacting both professionals and students in today’s fast-paced and...

In this episode of TaxVibe, Julie Abdalla, FTI, Head of Tax & Legal at The Tax Institute talks with Tony Frost, a seasoned tax professional turned leadership coach, exploring leadership, management, and career development in the tax industry. Discover practical insights on humility, communication, time management, and building a personal brand to excel in your career.  About Tony  Tony Frost i...

In this episode of TaxVibe, Julie Abdalla speaks with Natasha Janssens, a certified money coach and founder of Women with Sense, about the importance of financial literacy and empowerment for women. They discuss Natasha's unique background, her journey from tax accountant to financial coach, and the challenges women face in discussing money. The conversation highlights the significance of com...

TaxVibe is back! Our first episode for 2026 has now been published, and in this episode Tax Counsel John Storey chats with Paul Banister, Vice-President of The Tax Institute to talk about the federal budget and how the annual media circus makes our tax system worse. From tax reform and the challenges for the tax profession, to Paul’s wish list for the year ahead, we’re keeping you informed and ent...

In this episode of TaxVibe, host Scott Treatt, CTA, engages with David Montani, CTA and author of Tax Wars , to discuss the complexities of tax reform in Australia. They explore the definitions of tax reform, the political gridlock that has hindered progress, and the historical context of tax policy debates. For more information about The Tax Institute: https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/

In this episode of TaxVibe, host Robyn Jacobson and tax expert John Storey delve into the complexities of Australian tax law. They explore the inherent challenges of tax legislation, discussing the differences between principles-based and black-letter drafting, the evolution of tax laws, and the impact of government actions on tax complexity. The conversation highlights the unavoidable and avoidab...

In this episode of Tax Vibe, host Robyn Jacobson engages with Tracy Dunn, Director of Private Tax at EY, to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and the tax profession. They discuss the evolution of AI, particularly generative AI, and its implications for ethical practices, professional standards, and the future of work in the tax field. The conversation highlights the importan...

In this episode of Taxvibe, host Robyn Jacobson speaks with Ruth Owen, the Tax Ombudsman, about her role and the importance of effective communication in the Australian tax system. They discuss the functions of the Tax Ombudsman, the challenges faced by taxpayers and tax agents, and the need for systemic improvements in tax administration. Ruth shares insights from her recent review of ATO communi...

In this episode of TaxVibe, host Robyn Jacobson speaks with Rob Thompson from the ATO about the critical period of Tax Time in Australia. They discuss the importance of getting tax returns right, common mistakes taxpayers make, and the various deductions available. The conversation covers key dates, the importance of good record keeping, and the ATO’s resources to assist taxpayers. They also touch...

In this bonus episode of TaxVibe, a snippet of our member-only webinar, you'll hear presenters Robyn Jacobson, CTA, and Svetlana Kolyasnikova, CTA, cover some of the hot tax topics to be aware of as we near the end of the financial year. This episode covers insights into: Key 2025 Budget & election dates Personal income tax cuts & work-related expenses  Car expenses  Clothing expenses...

In this latest episode of TaxVibe, Paul Hockridge, CTA, principal of Hockridge Advisory, delves into the tax implications following divorce and separations – an intrinsic and unavoidable part of modern living in relationships. While many assume the CGT roll-over makes divorce tax matters straightforward, the reality is far more complex. Tax practitioners often need specialised knowledge when advis...

Robyn Jacobson, CTA, chats with Anthony Marvello, Assistant Commissioner, Client Engagement Group, ATO, about the enduring and evolving challenges of Division 7A. They unpack the ATO’s increased scrutiny, common fundamental errors being made and the importance of proactive advice. Learn about complying loans, the use of journal entries to make loan repayments, the Commissioner’s discretion to disr...

You won't want to miss this bonus episode, where you'll get a sneak peek behind the closed doors of this week's member-only webinar: Federal Budget 2025–26 Reflections & Insights. In the webinar, Robyn Jacobson, CTA, facilitates a panel of experts: Tim Sandow, CTA, Tax Partner, BDO & President, The Tax Institute Julie Abdalla, FTI, Head of Tax & Legal, The Tax Institute...

For the past 16 years, the question of whether an unpaid present entitlement ( UPE ) is a loan for Division 7A purposes has challenged the tax profession. Now, in a landmark ruling, the Full Federal Court has delivered its judgment in Commissioner of Taxation v Bendel [2025] FCAFC 15 (Bendel) – confirming that a corporate beneficiary’s UPE is not a loan for Division 7A purposes. This finding has s...

This episode of TaxVibe dives deep with Paul Banister, CTA, as we uncover the risks associated with new client relationships. Learn how to spot red flags, mitigate risks, and navigate the complexities of past tax blunders. This episode is a must-listen for any tax professional looking to protect their practice.   Robyn and Paul cover:   Taking on a new client  Practical examples of common risks  W...

In this episode of TaxVibe, Robyn chats with Tim Sandow, CTA, Tax Partner, BDO, and Julie Abdalla, FTI, Head of Tax & Legal at The Tax Institute with their reflections on the hits and misses of 2024 and their expectations for 2025 on matters of tax policy and administration.  They cover:   Reflections of 2024, including TASA, IAWO, and more!  As The Tax Institute’s President for 2025, Tim’s fo...

In this episode of TaxVibe, Robyn chats with David Montani, CTA, National Tax Director, about the exciting release of his upcoming book, Tax Wars – an insightful look at the need for, and the challenges facing, holistic tax reform in Australia. They cover: The reason for the title of the book, Tax Wars The approach of using pop culture references to explain complex tax concepts The timing of the b...

In this episode of TaxVibe, Robyn chats with Andy Milidoni, CTA, Partner, Johnson Winter Slattery, about how to support clients amid firmer action on ATO debt collection. They cover: Recent changes and the current environment  The Commissioner’s powers to collect debts ATO Support Advice for practitioners supporting clients with tax debts Host: Robyn Jacobson, CTA Guest: Andy Milidoni, CTA, Partne...

In this episode of TaxVibe, Robyn chats with Adrian Cartland, Principal Solicitor of Cartland Law. Adrian is also the creator of Ailira, the Artificially Intelligent Legal Information Research Assistant, which automates legal research and advice.  Robyn and Adrian chat about the increasing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology on the tax profession, going back to the basics of the...

Domestic violence is a national problem and has been labelled a crisis in recent times. But did you know that most cases of domestic violence have an element of financial/economic abuse? The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that 2.4m Australians have experienced intimate partner financial abuse. And it is often financial instability that can lead someone back into or to remain in an abusi...

In this very topical episode, Robyn chats with Peter de Cure, Chair of the Tax Practitioners Board, about the latest changes to the regulation of the tax profession. They discuss the key issues affecting practitioners and how the TPB will implement and administer the significant changes.  More on this topic will be available in Session 13.3: The TPB and professional obligations at The Tax Summit 2...

Tax time is here again!  In this episode of TaxVibe, Robyn Jacobson , CTA, chats with Robert Thomson , Assistant Commissioner and Tax Time Spokesperson at the Australian Taxation Office in the Individuals and Intermediaries space, about Tax Time 2024.  They discuss the top issues for 2023–24, including:  The ATO’s focus on undisclosed income  Work-related expenses  Rental properties Record keeping...