Tax

Gold producer Evolution Mining has won an initial trial against the Australian Tax Office over a purported decision to cancel the transfer of $31 million in tax losses after it acquired Conquest. 

The Property Council has called on the federal government to abandon proposed discretionary trust tax changes, arguing the reforms would undermine efforts to meet Australia's 2029 housing targets.

Twelve cases brought by Labor politician Eddie Obeid and his family against the tax office are back on track after they were stayed in 2017 pending the outcome of a criminal prosecution against Obeid and his son Moses.

Liquidators appointed by the court to five companies behind $130 million worth of construction projects in Brisbane have won more time to bring potential claims while they investigate several matters, including an allegedly “very odd” tax situation.

The executor of a $100 million estate is amending its case against PricewaterhouseCoopers that alleges the firm gave negligent advice and acted with a conflict of interest while advising on tax liabilities.

A former director of defunct developer Maxcon Developments and his family members have lost a bid to set aside examination orders, with a judge rejecting their argument that the ATO was using the examinations as a “dry run” for other claims.

The Star has settled a long-running dispute with the ATO over GST on payments made to junket operators, with the ATO agreeing to refund $33 million of the $88 million in dispute. 

Victoria’s State Revenue Office has gone to the High Court in its battle with shopping centre landlord Vicinity Funds over $82.5 million in stamp duty.

Tax advisors will face tougher penalties for misconduct under new federal legislation introduced in response to the PwC tax leaks scandal and recommendations from a Tax Practitioners Board review. 

Hamilton Locke has lured three partners and their teams from K&L Gates, bolstering its tax offering in response to client demand.