The compliance requirements in the area of taxation are often varied and complex and have an extensive impact on independent and religious schools. At Moore Stephens, we structure your systems and processes to assist in the management of taxation compliance and ensure all major facets of your operation are addressed.

The school education framework in Australia is undergoing critical change. As a result, schools are under increasing pressure to educate students while negotiating a constant shift in legislative, fiscal and economic requirements.

We understand the difficulty inherent in managing these challenges while keeping abreast of your taxation obligations. Keeping tax front of mind can be both time consuming, complex and risky – with the potential of non-compliance resulting in financial penalties but also impacting on brand image.

There are a number of areas of taxation compliance that require diligent and quality process systems, to ensure that you comply with taxation regulations, as well as deliver financial value to your employees and stakeholders:

  • GST in non-core business areas.
  • Deductible gift recipient approval in the operation of building and library funds etc.
  • FBT coverage regarding salary packaging.
  • Superannuation guarantee compliance in contracting with third parties.

How we will help you

Moore Stephens has built a National Education Group – a team of dedicated education specialists who share a wealth of experience in their work with independent colleges, private and religious schools of Australia.

At Moore Stephens, we see your tax planning as an ongoing relationship. We monitor your taxation affairs on an ongoing basis and ensure that taxation implications are considered as part of your commercial decisions; thereby avoiding unnecessary tax liability in the future.

Our specialists will help you establish appropriate systems to improve the management of the taxation requirements of your school. Our integrated approach helps to create a management framework which predicts your exposure, and provides the ability to quickly and accurately respond when necessary.

Finally, our experienced professionals can ensure you are prepared in the event that you are audited by the Tax Office. Our advice can help alleviate the confronting burden of this process and potentially save you thousands of dollars in tax, penalties and professional fees.

Tax Health Checks

Moore Stephens has developed a set of 'Health Check' reviews for the key fiscal areas of your organisation, including taxation. The review process will follow 5 steps, as outlined on the next page.

The 'Tax Health Check' review process

Step 1: Engagement

Meet with your team to confirm the approach.

Step 2: Research

Identify documentation to assist us in the performance of a taxation assessment review, such as Strategic plan, Procedure manuals and delegation authorities.

Step 3: Review

Meet with your team and conduct the assessment using our unique Taxation Health Check Tool.

Step 4: Report

Draft Taxation Assessment Report and discuss with your team.

Step 5: Finalisation

Finalise report with your team and meet with the board to deliver findings.

Coordination and Control

The overall coordination of the Governance Review Health Check is the responsibility of your relationship partner who maintains an involvement throughout the review process. We will monitor progress and inform you of any unexpected deviations from the planned timetable.

We think about your future. We plan for your future. We alert you to opportunities and assist in identifying potential risks.

This publication is issued by Moore Stephens Australia Pty Limited ACN 062 181 846 (Moore Stephens Australia) exclusively for the general information of clients and staff of Moore Stephens Australia and the clients and staff of all affiliated independent accounting firms (and their related service entities) licensed to operate under the name Moore Stephens within Australia (Australian Member). The material contained in this publication is in the nature of general comment and information only and is not advice. The material should not be relied upon. Moore Stephens Australia, any Australian Member, any related entity of those persons, or any of their officers employees or representatives, will not be liable for any loss or damage arising out of or in connection with the material contained in this publication. Copyright © 2011 Moore Stephens Australia Pty Limited. All rights reserved.