Extending the Tax Expenditure Concept in Australia

26 Pages Posted: 30 Jul 2018

See all articles by Mark Burton

Mark Burton

University of Canberra - Law School; University of Melbourne - Law School

Date Written: January 5, 2018

Abstract

A tax expenditure is a departure from a defined benchmark taxation system. For the purposes of this article, the definition of the benchmark taxation system adopted by the Australian Treasury is accepted. This article therefore focuses on the basis for identifying departures from that benchmark. It is argued that the Australian Treasury has adopted a narrow basis for identifying departures from its benchmark by focusing upon the form in which tax expenditures arise. The author argues that this concentration upon the form of tax expenditures is inconsistent with the substance orientation of the tax expenditure literature. From this standpoint, it is argued that Australian tax expenditure reporting should recognize a broader range of departures from the benchmark taxation system.

Suggested Citation

Burton, Mark and Burton, Mark, Extending the Tax Expenditure Concept in Australia (January 5, 2018). Australian Tax Forum, Vol. 33(2), 2018, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3215630

Mark Burton (Contact Author)

University of Melbourne - Law School ( email )

University Square
185 Pelham Street, Carlton
Victoria, Victoria 3010
Australia
+61 3 903 54239 (Phone)

University of Canberra - Law School ( email )

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601
Australia

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