Scott is an experienced taxation lawyer with a commercial background. He has a primary client base comprising high net worth individuals and SME’s. His practice engages in taxation disputes and associated issues that often arise from an ATO audit or review. He also advises on business and commercial dealings.
Scott enjoys challenging the ATO and fighting for the rights of his clients. This may be by early careful planning to avoid problems in the future or protecting clients when problems arise and things get tough. His proven track record has saved clients from significant tax liabilities that were imposed by the ATO.
When strategically appropriate, Scott can also robustly negotiate an outcome that represents a fair and balanced result that is in the best interests of his clients.
Scott’s experience also transitions to corporate and commercial litigation matters that contain matters relating to taxation (i.e. settlement agreements).
He has appeared in all levels of the NSW Courts and Tribunal system, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and the Federal Court of Australia in a variety of matters.
Examples of his matters include:
- ATO audits / objections to audit
- ATO disputes
- ATO debt / negotiated settlement
- Taxation appeals to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal
- Taxation Appeals to the Federal Court
- GST issues
- CGT issues
- Remission of penalties and Interest
- Tax offences and prosecution
- Failure to lodge offences
- Director Penalty Notices
- Section 353-10 notices
- Share buy-backs
- Director debit loans (Division 7A loans)
- Revenue NSW disputes and objections
- Creditors Statutory Demands (s459E)
- Offshore money transfers and transactions (AUSTRAC)
- Voluntary disclosures (onshore and offshore)
- Double Tax Agreements
- Corporate taxations issues
- Wills and Estate (trust law)
- Corporate governance and compliance
- Tax Practitioner Board reviews and audits
- Business and commercial advisory
Scott has appeared in various high-level matters involving complex structures both on and offshore, some of which have been published prominently in the media. He approaches each matter with confidence and believes that strategy and timing is key to obtaining the advantage required to ensure each client is protected and pays as little as lawfully possible.
It is well known and understood that poor tax planning and execution, or aggressive tax planning, can lead to facing the sharp end of the law. However, it doesn’t have to mean the end of your business, passion or even your bank account. It is important to receive advice from an experienced advisor to ensure your success.
Unfortunately, tax is an ugly monster that will never go away. The best that you can do is protect yourself and everything that you have worked so hard for – instead of donating it the Government!
“I’m not evading tax in any way shape or form. Of course I’m minimising my tax. If anybody in this country doesn’t minimise their tax they want their head read. As a Government I can tell you you’re not spending it that well that we should be paying extra.” – Kerry Packer (addressing a Parliamentary committee regarding tax evasion).
