General Information
General Information
The Certificate in Foundation Tax is The Tax Institute's introductory course aimed at developing skills that you can apply at work from day one. This course is an introductory compliance course for graduates, new accountants and lawyers, school leavers, bookkeepers and cadets requiring the skills to complete common tax compliance tasks. This course is also suitable for overseas professionals looking to gain knowledge of the Australian tax system.
Entry requirements
There are no prerequisites for enrolling in this course. This course is recommended to you if you are interested in gaining entry level skills that enable you to perform common compliance tasks when working with tax agents, accounting firms or corporations.
What you will learn
After successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- complete simple tax returns for individuals, partnerships, trusts and companies
- identify, understand and apply relevant tax legislation and guidelines in common circumstances
- complete PAYG and BAS statements
- interpret the tax consequences of business structures
- understand the compliance responsibilities of a tax agent
- calculate CGT and GST and explain the impact on individuals and businesses.
Learning resources
Upon course commencement you will receive a set of study materials which are referred to throughout the course and will continue to be a constant reference after the course. In addition to the study materials, electronic copies of suggested solutions, handouts, presentations and assessment resources are available for download from the secure candidate section of the website.
Materials are reviewed at each offering and are updated to reflect the current work tasks that candidates face on a day-to-day basis.
During the course you will also have access to the Course Convenor who provides email support on technical queries.
Course benefits
You will receive Tax Institute Student Membership benefits for the duration of your course and until the end of the quarter after the course completion.
You will also receive online access to the following publications from our Business Alliance Partners*:
- Australian Tax Handbook 2011, Thomson Reuters
- CCH Online Australian Master Tax Guide, CCH Australia Limited.
* Benefits and Business Alliance Partners are subject to change without notice.
Workload guidelines
Face-to-face lecture mode
- 3 hours for the pre-reading module
- 3 hours x 7 face-to-face lectures (or intensive mode: 7 hours x 3 face-to-face lectures)
- 8 x 45-minute online multiple choice assessment (Checkpoint tests)
- 2.15-hours exam and recommended 6 hours exam preparation
- Recommend 5 hours per module of private study
- Total approximately 102 hours
Distance mode
- 2 hours for the pre-reading module
- 2 hours x 3 web/teleconference tutorials (optional)
- 8 x 45-minute online multiple choice assessment
- 2.15-hours exam and recommended 6 hours exam preparation
- Recommend 7 hours per module of private study
- Total approximately 102 hours
All candidates will also be expected to devote appropriate time to exam preparation and workplace applications.
Exemptions and recognition
The Tax Institute has established recognition with selected universities for its courses. Our Graduates of Certificate in Foundation Tax are entitled to seek one elective subject exemption from the Bachelor of Taxation qualification at the Australian School of Taxation (Atax) at the University of New South Wales.
Candidates may also complete this course to contribute to the two-semester Course in Australian taxation law as approved by the Tax Practitioners Board to register as a tax agent (conditions apply). Click here for more information.
Graduates of Foundation Tax also meet the requirements to apply for Affiliate Membership of The Tax Institute.
CPD recognition
Candidates will be able to claim 30 CPD hours with The Tax Institute on completion of the course. Click here for more information regarding Membership and CPD requirements.
Key dates
Study Period 3, 2011/12
- Early bird enrolment close: 25 October 2011
- Enrolment close 8 November 2011
- Course commencement: 15 November 2011
- Exam date: 20 March 2012 (12.00pm AEDST)
Study Period 3, 2011 Intensive
- Early bird enrolment close: 25 October 2011
- Enrolment close: 8 November 2011
- Course commencement: 15 November 2011
- Exam date: 20 December 2011 (12:00pm AEDST)
Study Period 1, 2012
- Ealy bird enrolment close: 14 February 2012
- Enrolment close 28 February 2012
- Course commencement: 21 March 2012
- Exam date: 10 July 2012
Study Period 2, 2012
- Early bird enrolment close: 19 June 2012
- Enrolment close: 3 July 2012
- Course commencement: 24 July 2012
- Exam date: 13 November 2012
Progression and completion
Upon successful completion of a Certificate in Foundation Tax, candidates will receive a certificate of completion and are invited to attend their local state graduation ceremony.
Employers are also invited to attend the ceremony with their graduands. Graduation ceremonies are scheduled by your local state office.
After completion of Certificate in Foundation Tax there are also a number of opportunities offered by The Institute to continue your learning and development throughout your career. Candidates may choose to directly progress from Foundation Tax to a Certificate in Applied Tax. Applied Tax offers exemptions for the Chartered Accountants (CA) Program Tax Module and the Taxation Segment of the CPA Australia Program.
The Tax Institute also offers a range of CPD seminars and events and a number of tax publications. If you are not already a Member of The Tax Institute you will be invited to apply to become a Member.
Upon successful completion of Foundation Tax candidates are eligible to apply to become an Affiliate Member.
Candidates can also contact their local state office to find out ways to become more involved with the activities of The Tax Institute.
