Tax

The Australian Tax Office wants to hive off a contract dispute between Japanese conglomerate Mitsui and its Kipper gas field partners, ExxonMobil unit Esso and Woodside, in a fight over a $298 million tax bill.

A Sydney barrister found guilty of contempt in a fight with his chambers over $112,000 in floor fees has been fined $25,000, with a judge calling his apologies “mealy-mouthed” and “late in the day”.

Uber must pay at least $81 million in payroll tax after the High Court shot down its challenge to a finding that its drivers received wages, in a decision the rideshare giant says sets an "alarming precedent".

The High Court has upheld an appeals court ruling that Billabong founder Gordon Merchant is liable for a $31 million tax bill after selling his company, finding there was no other "meaningful or realistic" objective of the sale.

A Sydney barrister has been found guilty of contempt in a fight with his chambers over $112,000 in alleged unpaid fees after he failed to follow court orders to hand over his financial documents and did not explain why he had not filed tax returns since 2016.

Dentons has hired a lawyer from HWL Ebsworth to join the tax practice in its Brisbane office.

Law firm Mills Oakley is seeking summary judgment in a lawsuit alleging it gave negligent advice about demolishing an inherited property, which allegedly resulted in the loss of a capital gains tax exemption.

A judge won't recuse himself from hearing cases against the tax office by Macrolend and Paladin Hydrogen over concerns of apprehended bias because his wife -- a colleague on the bench -- had ruled on a related matter.

Hilton has filed an appeal after losing a challenge to a $173 million tax adjustment from the 2015 sale of the Sydney Hilton Hotel.

Japan-based Optimus has sued Grant Thornton for allegedly giving negligent restructuring advice following its acquisition of dealership group Autopact, which resulted in the company owing $3 million in stamp duty, income tax and other costs.