Newcastle Tax Clinic

The University of Newcastle Tax Clinic provides free tax advice and services to eligible individuals and small business, community education and advocacy for those in most need across the Hunter and regional NSW.

Since 2022, the tax clinic has assisted unrepresented people in financial hardship and in vulnerable circumstances (such as homelessness, financial and physical abuse, illness and disability), whilst providing invaluable work experience to enrolled students. We partner with the community sector (e.g. financial counsellors, crisis support, and legal clinic) to support clients who would otherwise not have access to tax services.

Free tax advice and assistance are provided to clients of the Tax Clinic by students from the Newcastle Business School and Newcastle Law and Justice School under the supervision of experienced tax practitioners and academic staff.

For more information about the National Tax Clinic program, including other participating clinics and more tax guides and resources, visit this site.

What the Tax Clinic can provide

• Free advice, assistance and representation on tax-related matters including prior year income tax returns and BAS, tax debt repayment plan, interest and penalty remission, exercising review and appeal rights, assistance with identity fraud in relation to taxation and general tax dealings with the ATO. We are not able to assist with tax matters relating to company, trusts or self-managed superannuation.
• Educational activities to inform students, taxpayers, and the community on matters of taxation interest and concern.
• Advocate on behalf of clients when taxation related issues are identified in their dealings with regulatory or government agencies.

The Outreach Program

The Tax Clinic can also provide an outreach program for community groups who are unable to attend the in-person clinic in Newcastle. The outreach program will include pop-up clinics and educational sessions on tax related topics. If your organisation would like to be part of our outreach program, please email the tax clinic.

Apply for assistance

Eligibility criteria

The University of Newcastle Tax Clinic will be reserved for those that are unrepresented (do not have a tax agent), are experiencing severe financial hardship, and are in vulnerable circumstances.

Your eligibility will be established when we contact you to discuss your request.

Application process

The Newcastle Tax Clinic has reached capacity for 2025 and unable to take on new clients. Please seek assistance from another National Tax Clinic.

The easiest way to apply for our service is by completing our online application form. This allows us to quickly review your details and connect you with our team.

If you are unable to complete the online form, you may also contact us by phone during business hours:

• Phone: +61 2 4921 5030 (business hours)

If eligible, you will be invited to a consultation appointment at our tax clinic in Newcastle or via zoom. Our tax clinic is open on Monday 9.00am to 5.00pm during university semesters.

Clinic Location: Level 2, NUspace, The University of Newcastle, Hunter St & Auckland St, Newcastle NSW 2300

Career-ready Placements with the Tax Clinic

As part of Newcastle Business School’s career-ready placements program the Newcastle Tax Clinic will offer NBS and Law and Justice students who have successfully completed a tax course, the opportunity to undertake an integrated work placement (BUSN3002). Involvement in the Tax Clinic offers a fantastic opportunity to gain hands on, practical experience in managing and supporting clients to deal with taxation issues in a safe and supportive learning environment.

This is also a great opportunity for students to develop communication, problem solving and build emotional intelligence, which are essential skills for a future career in Tax.

Apply now – BUSN3002 – search 'Career Hub' for more information or email taxclinic@newcastle.edu.au

The most enjoyable part of my placement at the UON Tax Clinic was the team environment, everyone was so welcoming. I felt supported in my leaning journey and involved in all aspects of The Clinic which helped develop my professional skills. I was able to learn and improve my own abilities while helping people with their tax obligations. Rose and Maria are very passionate about The Clinic and made me feel comfortable exploring my abilities both in the taxation discipline and interpersonally. I would recommend a placement at the UON Tax Clinic for all Accounting Majors. I will miss the team, thank you for everything!”

Karrissa

Spending a Semester at the University of Newcastle's Tax Clinic was an absolute pleasure! Working at the Tax Clinic allowed me to gain real practical experience in taxation that I hadn't encountered in any other accounting course. The staff at the Clinic are both welcoming and professional to their new starters and encourage questions. This allowed me to go in without any fear of making mistakes. The learning experiences from working alongside experienced and passionate staff has certainly benefited my knowledge and career. I would recommend any accounting student to apply for the Tax Clinic as it is a truly rewarding experience.”

Lachlan

About the University of Newcastle Tax Clinic

The University of Newcastle Tax Clinic is part of the National Tax Clinic Program – an Australian Government initiative.

We also acknowledge the generous support from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Newcastle Business School for their ongoing support.