Free tax services for vulnerable communities
The tax system, whether you earn income or not, can be complex and many social service payments are linked to people meeting their tax obligations.
First published at Shaping Australia Awards by Curtin University
The tax system, whether you earn income or not, can be complex and many social service payments are linked to people meeting their tax obligations.
The Curtin Tax Clinic was created with a dual mission – addressing gaps in taxation education delivery and providing access to reliable tax advice for some of the most marginalised segments of society including Indigenous communities in remote Western Australia and prisoners.
The clinic – comprising students, academics, and tax practitioners – offers free and proficient tax assistance to eligible, vulnerable community members.
Eligible taxpayers facing financial hardship, abuse, incarceration, homelessness, or lacking access to reliable tax advice benefit from our comprehensive services. The clinic’s operations are structured around four key pillars: assistance, representation, education and advocacy.
In 2023, the clinic successfully assisted over 1,000 taxpayers, completed more than 3,000 tax returns, 320 business activity statements, and received referrals from over 30 community organisations including the Salvation Army, National Debt Line, St Vincent De Paul Society, RedCross, Street Law, Indigenous corporations, and government entities such as the ATO, Centrelink, Inspector General of Taxation, Tax Practitioners Board and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Working one-on-one with community members, the clinic advocates on behalf of their clients, ensuring their voices are heard regarding the difficulties they encounter based on their circumstances.
