Our experience
Arnold Bloch Leibler is renowned within the Australian business, legal and accounting communities as being the ‘go-to’ taxation law practice for corporate leaders, major companies and wealthy private clients.
We are often sought by our clients to advise on high-profile taxation audits and disputes and to provide commercial tax advice on complex commercial transactions. Our tax lawyers have formidable taxation knowledge and an unrivalled reputation for vigorously negotiating with the highest ranking officials from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Members of our tax team advise Government on revenue law issues, hold prominent positions on taxation-related steering and advisory committees and are active in professional education.
Tax Disputes Portal - Private Groups
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Our clients
As most of ABL’s tax matters are highly confidential, the firm does not generally disclose the specific details of our clients in this practice area, or the assistance that we provide to them. However, our client base includes:
- high-wealth individuals and family groups
- major shareholders of Australia’s largest privately owned and family run companies
- the founders of successful start-ups
- charitable and not-for-profit foundations
- trustees of large private funds
- innovative and entrepreneurial private equity houses
- accountants, investment advisers and other professional services providers
- ASX 200 listed companies, and
- the chief executive officers and senior executives of major corporations.
Major transactional work
Nufarm Limited
Advised on tax issues associated with Nufarm's refinancing of its global secured syndicated bank facility ($485 million).
Royal Bank of Canada
Provided income tax advice in connection with the Australian aspects of the restructure of Civeo's $750 million global facilities.
Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
Advised in relation to Fonterra's sale of its Australian yoghurt and dairy dessert business, specifically on GST and income tax issues, and assisted in drafting and negotiating documentation.
Ashe Morgan
Provided comprehensive income tax advice in connection with the structuring, documentation and financing aspects of Ashe Morgan's equity and debt arrangements for the acquisition of TC Beirne and related Chinatown properties in Queens
Vector Advanced Metering Services (Australia) Pty Ltd
Advised on tax aspects of Vector's rollout of smart meters for the supply of electricity in New South Wales, Australia. As part of the transaction, Vector has entered into arrangements with Origin Energy Retail Limited for the provisi
RCG Corporation Limited
Advised in relation to the $200 million acquisition of Accent Group Limited, the owner of the retail chain Platypus Shoes and the distributor and retailer of global brands such as Vans and Dr Martens.
Apollo Global and Oaktree Capital
Advised in relation to the $3.4 billion restructure of Nine Entertainment.
Värde Partners
Advised in relation to the $400 million recapitalisation and acquisition of Redcape Property Group (with York Capital and Goldman Sachs).
carsales.com.au
Advised in relation to its $60.1 million acquisition of a majority stake in Stratton Finance.
The Middleby Corporation
Advised on taxation aspects of the NASDAQ listed The Middleby Corporation’s successful acquisition of Goldstein Eswood, one of Australia’s leading commercial kitchen equipment manufacturers.
Charter Hall Group and Host Plus
Advised in relation to a joint acquisition of a $600 million property portfolio.
“Their performance is outstanding. They have the right contacts in the ATO, the necessary technical and commercial skills to negotiate settlements and they’re creative.”
Taxation services
Taxation audits and disputes
ABL is the tax controversy sector leader in end-to-end management of taxation disputes and litigation arising from ATO compliance activities and audits. We act for high-net-worth individuals, private company groups and publicly listed companies regarding taxation audits, voluntary disclosures and defending claims brought by the ATO. To access our Tax Disputes Portal, click here.
Tax advice on major transactions
The taxation practice’s transaction advisory capabilities encompass advice in relation to the taxation implications of merger and acquisition transactions (including the purchase and sale of assets both domestically and overseas), restructuring both insolvent and solvent corporate groups, employee share schemes and executive remuneration, and inbound and outbound investment in Australia (including venture capital and cross-border financing).
Employee share schemes and incentives
Employers use Employee Share Schemes to attract, retain and motivate staff. Our team provides taxation and regulatory advice to leading ASX listed companies, share registries, employee share trust providers, private companies and innovative start-up businesses on all aspects of the design, implementation and administration of employee share schemes and incentives.
Trusts
The taxation practice has extensive expertise in the areas of trusts, estate and succession planning, and the structuring and reorganisation of affairs to ensure they are tax efficient.
International taxation
Many of our clients are involved in cross-border transactions or have dealings with family or company groups with members based overseas. We advise clients of the Australian tax consequences of their offshore dealings and structures. The taxation practice also provides cross-border tax advice to individuals who are returning to, or departing from, Australia.
Need more information on doing business or investing in Australia?
Find out more
View our tax guide here.
People
Insights & news
Insights Article
ABL co-hosts webinar on Israel – Australia tax considerations
Arnold Bloch Leibler and Israeli accounting firm, Broide & Co, recently hosted a webinar discussion for clients providing insights on tax and financial emigration issues for Australians planning aliya or with interests in Israel.
24 May 2022
Insights Publication
Decrypting the Australian tax implications of donating digital money
In an article published in the Australian Tax Review, Arnold Bloch Leibler partner Shaun Cartoon, special counsel Bridgid Cowling and lawyer Eileen Liu consider the Australian income tax and governance issues that arise when a taxpayer makes a gift of cryptocurrency to a deductible gift recipient (DGR).
17 May 2022
Insights Article
New Corporate Collective Investment Vehicle regime
In February 2022, the Corporate Collective Investment Vehicle (CCIV) regime was enacted. The CCIV regime is designed to internationalise the Australian funds management industry, incorporating elements of similar regimes in Singapore, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and other jurisdictions.
9 May 2022
Insights Article
Understanding the implications of Addy v Commissioner of Taxation
Tax partner Clint Harding featured in The Tax Institute’s Tax Vine newsletter explaining the ATO’s response to the High Court’s decision in Addy v Commissioner of Taxation [2021] HCA 34 (Addy).
28 April 2022
News Media release
Arnold Bloch Leibler named ‘Law Firm of the Year’ for Tax
Arnold Bloch Leibler’s renowned tax practice has been recognised as the finest in Australia, winning the top spot in the 2022/23 edition of the Best Lawyers in Australia guide.
27 April 2022
News Media release
Arnold Bloch Leibler voted Australia’s ‘Law firm of the Year’ in two practice areas
Covering the annual results in today’s AFR, legal editor Michael Pelly notes that Arnold Bloch Leibler was the only firm with fewer than 90 partners (we currently have 43 partners) to win more than one category. He quotes managing partner Henry Lanzer AM saying that tax and insolvency “embody the essence” of the firm, singling out practice leaders Mark Leibler AC and Leon Zwier.
21 April 2022
Insights Media mention
ATO warns super rich of ‘unprecedented powers’ to scrutinise wealth
In today’s AFR, tax partner Clint Harding explains that a further funding boost from the recent federal budget will enable the ATO to extend its Tax Avoidance Taskforce for another two years, reinforcing its capacity to scrutinise wealthy individuals and private groups for tax avoidance or non-compliance.
13 April 2022
News Media mention
Regulatory reforms to promote greater employee share ownership
An article published in today’s AFR explores how reforms to employee share schemes announced in last month’s federal budget will allow Australian companies to provide meaningful equity incentives to employees in a tight labour market.
13 April 2022
Insights Publication
Doing business or investing in Australia: A Tax Guide
Our tax team has prepared an essential guide on doing business or investing in Australia. Australia has a complex tax landscape with taxes applicable at both a Federal level and at the State and Territory level.
7 April 2022
News Media mention
Tax and the rule of law: Mark Leibler delivers 2022 Annual Tax Lecture at Melbourne Law School
As reported in today’s Australian newspaper, senior partner Mark Leibler has used the prestigious Annual Tax Lecture to mount the case that taxpayers should be protected for operating within the framework of past guidance or practice of the Commissioner of Taxation.
4 April 2022
News Media mention
New era for employee share ownership
In a comment article published in today’s AFR, tax partner Shaun Cartoon explains why reforms to be introduced in tomorrow’s federal budget herald a new era of workforce participation and ownership of start-ups.
28 March 2022
Insights Publication
Identification requirements for company Directors
From 5 April 2022, anyone proposing to become a company Director must first obtain a director identification number (Director ID). This is the second phase in the implementation of the Director ID requirements which came into effect on 1 November 2021.
25 March 2022
News Media mention
“Legal industry doyen” Mark Leibler says GG should strip Dyson Heydon of his AC
In today’s AFR, legal editor Michael Pelly reports that Arnold Bloch Leibler’s senior partner has come out publicly with the view that former High Court judge Dyson Heydon should no longer hold the highest honour conferred in the Australian Honours System. This follows an independent investigation undertaken by Dr Vivienne Thom that found Heydon had sexually harassed six women during his decade on the court.
17 March 2022
News Media release
ABL acts for Zip on $491m acquisition and latest capital raising
Arnold Bloch Leibler has acted for ASX-listed Zip Co Limited (Zip) on its agreement to acquire US-based buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) provider, Sezzle.
28 February 2022
Insights Article
Old wine, new bottles - ATO sharpens focus on trusts and income distributions
Arnold Bloch Leibler’s tax team has issued a bulletin to our network of tax advisers, alerting them to potential risks that might arise for clients from a suite of documents released this week by the Australian Tax Office.
25 February 2022
Insights Media mention
New ATO practical compliance guidelines to impact professional services firms
In an article published by CPA Australia, tax partner Paul Sokolowski argues that new profit allocation compliance guidelines, issued by the Australian Tax Office (ATO) late last year, don’t usefully connect to existing tax laws around anti-avoidance provisions or personal income services.
9 February 2022
News Media release
ABL acts for StarRez on strategic investment from Vista Equity Partners
Arnold Bloch Leibler has advised leading global resident and property management software provider StarRez in relation to a significant strategic growth investment from global technology investment firm, Vista Equity Partners.
28 January 2022
News Media release
Legal 500 Asia Pacific results 2022
Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) has been listed across a number of categories in the 2022 edition of the independent Legal 500 Asia Pacific guide.
17 January 2022
Insights Article
Tax developments for private groups to watch in 2022
In this article our Tax team has prepared a list of tax developments for private groups to watch out for in 2022.
21 December 2021
Insights Article
Corporate tax developments to watch in 2022
In this article our Tax team has prepared a list of developments in corporate tax to watch out for in 2022.
21 December 2021
Insights Article
Top 5 corporate tax developments in 2021
As 2021 draws to a close, our Tax team has reflected on the most significant developments in corporate tax over the past 12 months and some to watch out for in 2022.
21 December 2021
Insights Article
BEPS 2.0 – A taxing time for big tech
On 8 October 2021, the OECD released a historic statement, transforming the international tax landscape and addressing the tax challenges that arise from globalisation and the increasingly digital economy (October Statement).
21 December 2021
Insights Article
Top 5 private group tax developments in 2021
In this article our Tax team has reflected on the most significant tax developments for private groups over the past 12 months and some to watch out for in 2022.
21 December 2021
News Article
Joey Borensztajn recognised at Collingwood Football Club AGM
At last week’s Annual General Meeting of the Collingwood Football Club, partner Joey Borensztajn was presented with a prestigious special services award for his work in support of the Collingwood Football Club Foundation. The club’s media release described Joey as a significant contributor to Collingwood’s philanthropic mission.
20 December 2021
News Media release
Arnold Bloch Leibler recognised in 2022 Chambers Asia Pacific guide
Arnold Bloch Leibler has once again been featured in the Chambers Asia Pacific guide for 2022.
17 December 2021
Insights Article
Next 5,000 findings report issued by the ATO
The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has published its Next 5,000 findings report which covers its observations and insights into what the ATO has seen through the program to date.
8 December 2021
Insights Media mention
Inbound investments
Partner Clint Harding and lawyer Alexander Rasmussen have been interviewed for another episode of the podcast program Tax Talks.
17 November 2021
News Media release
Arnold Bloch Leibler recognised in the 2021 Doyle’s Guide
Arnold Bloch Leibler has once again featured across a number of practice areas in the 2021 Doyle’s Guide to the Australian legal profession.
9 November 2021
News Media mention
High Court provides practical reading of Australia’s tax treaty obligations
In an article in today’s AFR, tax partner Clint Harding contextualises the High Court’s decision against the controversial backpacker tax.
4 November 2021
Insights Media mention
Cross-border royalties
In the final episode of a three-part podcast series with Tax Talks, partner Clint Harding and lawyer Alexander Rasmussen discuss the implications of cross-border royalties.
28 October 2021
Insights Media mention
To block or not to block
Tax partner Clint Harding and lawyer Alexander Rasmussen have been interviewed for a second episode of the podcast program, Tax Talks.
21 October 2021
Insights Media mention
International Taxation 101
Tax partner Clint Harding and lawyer Alexander Rasmussen have been interviewed for an episode of the podcast program, Tax Talks.
7 October 2021
Insights Article
ATO sets its sights on undeclared foreign income
The ATO has recently released an alert (TA 2021/2): Disguising undeclared foreign income as gifts or loans from related overseas entities.
6 October 2021
Insights Media mention
ATO targets ‘gifts’ from overseas
In an opinion article published in today’s AFR, tax partner Jonathan Ortner warns taxpayers that unless they are meticulous in documenting perfectly legal arrangements, they may find a windfall gift from overseas treated as assessable income.
24 September 2021
Insights Article
Adjusting to a post-COVID world
As featured in The Tax Institute’s Tax Vine newsletter, tax partner Clint Harding calls for tax rules and administration systems that incentivise businesses to structure their tax affairs in a way that will be beneficial to Australia in the long term.
10 September 2021
News Media mention
Prioritise ESS reforms on path to economic recovery
Tax partner Shaun Cartoon is quoted extensively in an article on proposed changes to Australia’s employee share scheme regime.
2 September 2021
Insights Media mention
A “softer touch” likely for groups with high assurance rating from ATO
An article published by Accountants Daily quotes tax partner Shaun Cartoon outlining the value for taxpayers in engaging constructively with the ATO around its Justified Trust program.
31 August 2021
Insights Media mention
Super fund non-arm’s length income rules in need of urgent reform
In an article published in Thomson Reuters Weekly Tax Bulletin, Taxation partner Shaun Cartoon and lawyer Andrew Spierings took the time to explain the application of the ATO’s recently released Law Companion Ruling 2021/2.
23 August 2021
News Media release
ABL advises on sale of Ferocia to Bendigo and Adelaide Bank
Arnold Bloch Leibler has advised Melbourne-based fintech, Ferocia Pty Ltd, and its co-founders, Dominic Pym and Grant Thomas, on the sale of Ferocia to Bendigo and Adelaide Bank.
17 August 2021
Insights Media mention
ATO ruling aimed at SMSFs could create a “monumental” tax issue for large funds
A much-anticipated ruling, finalised last week by the ATO, has the potential to trigger billion-dollar tax liabilities that would ultimately be borne by mum and dad members of large superannuation funds, according to tax partner Shaun Cartoon.
2 August 2021
Insights Media mention
Rosalie Cattermole: Duty exemptions and concessions for trusts with the Tax Institute
In an interview with the Tax Institute, special counsel Rosalie Cattermole discusses her upcoming presentation to the Institute’s Trust Intensive Series and how she came to specialise in indirect taxes.
26 July 2021
Insights Article
Arnold Bloch Leibler hosts International Fiscal Association Australia tax briefing
Last week Arnold Bloch Leibler hosted an International Fiscal Association (IFA) Australia webinar featuring panellists from the Australian Treasury, Rio Tinto and the Australian Taxation Office.
21 July 2021
Insights Publication
Foreign beneficiaries and capital gains
In an article published in the Thomson Reuters Weekly Tax Bulletin, partner Clint Harding outlines the significance of the recent decision by the Full Federal Court on the taxpayers' appeals from Peter Greensill Family Co Pty Ltd (trustee) v FCT [2020] FCA 559 (Greensill) and N & M Holdings Pty Ltd v FCT [2020] FCA 1186 (Martin).
15 July 2021
News Media mention
ATO’s interim report on private wealth compliance program
An article published by Accountants Daily quotes ABL tax partner Shaun Cartoon on the rollout of the ATO’s tax compliance programs targeting privately owned and wealthy groups.
13 July 2021
News Article
Meet ABL's new Special Counsel Rosalie Cattermole
New taxation special counsel Rosalie Cattermole offers an insight into her background and what experience she brings to ABL's tax team.
8 June 2021
Insights Article
Vic budget update for landholders and property developers
The 2021-22 Victorian budget unveiled a suite of tax hikes.
21 May 2021
News Media mention
Australia finally on the map with employee share schemes
In an opinion article published in today’s AFR, tax partner Shaun Cartoon explains the good sense of the government’s long-awaited enhancements to the operation of employee share schemes.
17 May 2021
Insights Media mention
From a soft hug to a tight squeeze: ATO tightens its grip on private and high wealth groups
In an interview with Accountants Daily, Tax partners Jonathan Ortner and Shaun Cartoon spoke about the ATO’s Top 500 and Next 5,000 Programs and explained why a soft hug can quickly turn into a tight squeeze.
14 May 2021
News Article
Introducing the Arnold Bloch Leibler Tax Disputes Portal
With the ATO now re-focusing on compliance programs directed at private wealth, Arnold Bloch Leibler’s renowned tax practice has developed an online portal to provide clients and tax practitioners with current information as three new compliance programs are rolled out.
4 May 2021
News Media release
ABL acts for ME Bank on its $1.325bn sale to BOQ
A multi-disciplinary team of Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) lawyers has advised ME Bank on its $1.325 billion sale to the Bank of Queensland.
23 February 2021
News Media release
2021 Legal 500 Asia Pacific results
Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) has been listed across a number of categories in the 2021 edition of the independent Legal 500 Asia Pacific guide.
19 January 2021
News Media release
Arnold Bloch Leibler features in 2021 Chambers Asia Pacific guide
Arnold Bloch Leibler has once again been recognised as a leading firm by the independent legal guide Chambers Asia Pacific.
16 December 2020
Insights Article
Q&A with returned Tax Partner Shaun Cartoon
Tax Partner Shaun Cartoon began his career in the firm's tax practice before travelling and working abroad. We spoke with Shaun following his recent return to the firm and what it's like to be back.
24 November 2020
News Article
Clint Harding recognised as one of Australia’s finest tax partners
Tax partner Clint Harding is a finalist in this year’s Lawyers Weekly 'Partner of the Year' Awards, in recognition of his specialist work in “intricate taxation matters”.
13 October 2020
Insights Publication
Tax senior associate Peter Scott considers the scope and limits of the single entity rule
Senior associate Peter Scott has written an article for the Australian Tax Forum journal, where he highlights key areas of uncertainty in Australia’s tax consolidation regime.
8 October 2020
Insights Article
Quick takes on tax: NSW and Vic state tax and FIRB topical issues
Arnold Bloch Leibler tax team members recently presented recent changes to the NSW and Victorian foreign duty surcharges, a summary of Victorian COVID-19 initiatives and a discussion of the changing FIRB landscape.
1 October 2020
Insights Article
Quick takes on tax: Section 100A
Arnold Bloch Leibler tax team members provided a brief overview of the operation of s 100A before working through case studies to show the (sometimes) surprising potential reach of s 100A.
24 September 2020
Insights Article
Quick takes on tax: 99B and transferor trusts issues
In a recent webinar, Arnold Bloch Leibler tax team members discussed two specific integrity measures aimed at foreign trusts.
18 September 2020
Insights Article
Quick takes on tax: International issues with trusts and CGT
Arnold Bloch Leibler tax team members provided a practical overview of issues for beneficiaries of non-resident trusts and Australian trusts with foreign beneficiaries.
14 September 2020
News Media mention
“A product of and a shaper of this community” – AJN features The Powerbroker: Mark Leibler, an Australian Jewish Life
In addition to running two extracts from Michael Gawenda’s biography of senior partner Mark Leibler, a feature in this week’s AJN includes interviews with both Michael and Mark on the benefits and challenges of producing an unauthorised biography.
23 July 2020
News Media mention
AFR extract of The Powerbroker “explores the Jewish roots of one of Australia's most influential law firms”
An exclusive extract of Michael Gawenda’s biography of senior partner Mark Leibler published in today’s AFR explores the unique history of Arnold Bloch Leibler and its continued capacity to differentiate itself “in a very overcrowded, competitive and dynamic legal market”.
20 July 2020
News Media mention
“How Mark Leibler exercises his power and influence”: AFR Weekend
Ahead of the launch of Michael Gawenda’s biography, The Powerbroker, AFR Weekend profiled senior partner Mark Leibler, describing him as an “eminent lawyer with many friends in high places”.
18 July 2020
News Media mention
Weekend Australian extract of The Powerbroker: “His influence far exceeds his public profile”
An extract of Michael Gawenda’s biography of senior partner Mark Leibler in the Weekend Australian focuses on Mark’s impact across varied aspects of Australian life. Describing him as “one of Australia’s most influential tax lawyers”, Gawenda says that while Mark is not well known to most Australians, his influence far exceeds his public profile.
18 July 2020
News Media mention
AJN previews Mark Leibler biography: “A unique insight into a communal legend”
In his preview of The Powerbroker: Mark Leibler, An Australian Jewish Life, Sam Lipski describes Michael Gawenda’s biography of Arnold Bloch Leibler’s senior partner as “compellingly readable”.
16 July 2020
News Article
Launch of 'The Powerbroker: Mark Leibler, An Australian Jewish Life'
On Monday 20 July, 'The Powerbroker: Mark Leibler, An Australian Jewish Life' was launched online by former Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Aboriginal lawyer Noel Pearson.
13 July 2020
News Media mention
Changes to NSW property laws 'reinventing history'
In today’s AFR, Partner Joey Borensztajn explains that changes to stamp duty laws in NSW have widespread implications beyond their original intention of improving housing affordability for domestic buyers.
10 July 2020
Insights Publication
Changes to the application of foreign surcharges for trusts acquiring or holding NSW residential property
The State Revenue Legislation Further Amendment Act 2020, which came into effect in New South Wales on 24 June 2020, includes changes to “foreign person surcharges” for purchaser duty and land tax relevant to residential land in NSW owned by discretionary trusts.
2 July 2020
Insights Article
ATO announcement: Extensions of time to make minimum yearly repayments for Division 7A loans
The ATO today announced a streamlined process for taxpayers to make applications to extend the time to make minimum yearly repayments (normally required to be made by 30 June 2020) for COVID-19 affected borrowers under section 109RD.
26 June 2020
News Article
2020 Deakin Law School Academic Excellence Awards
This year's Deakin Law School Academic Excellence Awards acknowledged high achieving Deakin Law School students in the 2019 academic year.
4 June 2020
News Media release
ABL helps Zip Co accelerate global expansion plans with US deals
Arnold Bloch Leibler has advised ASX listed Zip Co Limited on two transactions announced this week that will see the buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) giant expand into the US market.
3 June 2020
Insights Publication
Another brick in the wall – the Greensill decision and Australia's international tax policy settings
As Tax Partner Clint Harding writes in the Weekly Tax Bulletin, a recent Federal Court decision regarding the taxation of non-taxable Australian property distributions made by the trustee of an Australian discretionary trust to a non-resident beneficiary provides welcome clarification around an issue that has been the cause of much friction between taxpayers and the Commissioner.
13 May 2020
News Media mention
Ronald, McDonald’s and the case of pre-paid rent
In an article published in today’s AFR, Tax Partner Jonathan Ortner explains how a ruling in the Federal Court last week could see McDonald’s restaurant franchisees facing bigger tax bills.
8 May 2020
Insights Publication
COVID-19 Payroll Tax Concessions Snapshot
The States and Territories have announced a variety of measures to alleviate the strain that COVID-19 has placed on businesses. One area that many businesses have an interest in, is measures that relate to pay roll tax. However, as is often the case for State based measures, whilst there may be similar themes, each jurisdiction has chosen different eligibility criteria and measures.
9 April 2020
Insights Publication
Superannuation amnesty passed by parliament!
The Federal parliament has now passed legislation providing a once-off amnesty to employers who have failed to comply with their superannuation obligations.
28 February 2020
News Article
Peter Scott announced as ‘Emerging Tax Star’ finalist
Arnold Bloch Leibler Senior Associate, Peter Scott, has been announced by the Tax Institute of Australia as a finalist in the ‘Emerging Tax Star’ category in this year’s prestigious Tax Adviser of the Year Awards.
28 January 2020
Insights Publication
ATO joins global coordinated fight against tax evasion, expected to implicate hundreds of Australians
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has commenced investigations into Australian individuals who are suspected of having undeclared income.
24 January 2020
Insights Publication
Australia/Israel tax treaty enters into force
The Australia/Israel tax treaty has now entered into force and will become operational from 1 January 2020: good news, but where are your directors located?
6 December 2019
Insights Publication
Expansion of the Tax Avoidance Taskforce for private groups and high wealth individuals
On 11 November 2019, the Australian Taxation Office announced that its Tax Avoidance Taskforce will now include three new programs that specifically address tax risks relating to private groups and high wealth individuals. All three programs are intended to involve ongoing and direct engagement with the ATO.
2 December 2019
News Media release
Muddled tax residency rules “embarrassing”
Partner Clint Harding is quoted in today’s AFR in response to a Federal Court ruling on the controversial “backpacker tax”, commenting that the case further exemplifies a “complicated web of concepts covering tax residents, temporary residents and working holidaymakers”.
31 October 2019
News Article
ABL hosts ANZ chief Shayne Elliott in Sydney
Introducing the Chief Executive of ANZ Bank, Sydney Managing Partner Paul Rubenstein said it would be an understatement to say that in the not-quite four years since Shayne Elliott was appointed to the position, the challenge and scrutiny faced by Australian banks and the people who lead them has intensified.
24 October 2019
News Article
ABL provides Victorian stamp duty guidance at round table event
Partner Gia Cari and Special Counsel Zoe Chung hosted a boardroom lunch event in Arnold Bloch Leibler's Melbourne office on recent Victorian stamp duty changes.
18 October 2019
Insights Media mention
Paul Sokolowski features in ATO Commercial Deals video
Arnold Bloch Leibler Taxation Partner Paul Sokolowski features in a video about the Australian Taxation Office's Commercial Deals Early Engagement Program.
28 August 2019
Insights Publication
ATO watching for foreign income – implementation of the new Common Reporting Standard
Information held in jurisdictions that were previously considered to be ‘secrecy jurisdictions’ or ‘tax havens’ is becoming increasingly accessible to the ATO.
22 August 2019
News Media release
ABL advises Charter Hall on $1.43b property portfolio investment
Arnold Bloch Leibler has advised Australian property investment and funds management company, Charter Hall, on the acquisition by a Charter Hall managed partnership of a 49% interest in a newly created property trust established by Telstra. It is intended that the unlisted trust will hold a $1.43b portfolio of 37 Telstra exchange properties located across Australia.
19 August 2019
Insights Publication
Warning for recipients of foreign trust distributions!
9 August 2019
Insights Article
New partner Jonathan Ortner on market trends
We spoke with newly appointed Tax partner Jonathan Ortner about the top market trends that will affect his clients in the next year.
10 July 2019
News Media release
2019 Partner, Special Counsel and Senior Associate announcement
The partners of Arnold Bloch Leibler are delighted to announce this year’s Partner, Special Counsel and Senior Associate appointments, effective July 2019.
28 June 2019
News Media release
ABL advises Starwood Capital on $220m development facility
A multi-disciplinary team from Arnold Bloch Leibler has advised US investment firm, Starwood Capital on behalf of Starwood Property Trust, on its first Australian debt deal, a $220m development facility for a project by international student accommodation specialist, Scape.
26 June 2019
News Media release
Joey Borensztajn receives Queen’s Birthday Honour
As part of the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours List, Arnold Bloch Leibler Partner Joey Borensztajn has been appointed as a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM).
11 June 2019
Insights Publication
Property developers and investors: the Victorian Budget changes will impact you!
Changes introduced by the 2019-20 State Budget and the State Taxation Amendment Bill 2019 (“Bill”) could have significant stamp duty implications for property developers and investors. In our opinion, the most substantive changes are those to the economic entitlement and corporate reconstruction provisions.
6 June 2019
Insights Media mention
Jonathan Ortner: Small business a winner in 2019 federal budget
Arnold Bloch Leibler Senior Associate Jonathan Ortner recently provided his “post-budget” insights as part of the Tax Institute of Australia’s inaugural Federal Budget microsite.
16 April 2019
Insights Publication
Australia and Israel sign a new tax treaty
On 28 March 2019, Australia and Israel signed a new tax treaty which, following its entry into force, will represent the first tax treaty between the two countries.
2 April 2019
Insights Publication
Moving or living overseas? Recent case clarifies the scope of individual tax residency rules
The Full Federal Court recently overturned the controversial first instance decision in Harding v FCT, finding that a taxpayer who was living in a serviced apartment overseas was not a resident of Australia for tax purposes. Tax residency is important because, broadly, Australian residents are subject to Australian tax on their worldwide income whereas non-residents are only subject to Australian tax on Australian-sourced income.
25 March 2019
News Media release
2020 Best Lawyers® International results
A total of 32 Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) lawyers across 24 areas of legal practice have been recognised in this year’s Best Lawyers® International list for Australia.
22 March 2019
News Media release
Paul Sokolowski awarded 'Chartered Tax Adviser of the Year'
Arnold Bloch Leibler Partner Paul Sokolowski has been named the 'Chartered Tax Adviser of the Year' for 2019, the top award in the Tax Institute of Australia’s prestigious Tax Adviser of the Year Awards.
20 March 2019
Insights Article
Clint Harding on IP, goodwill, and protecting the recipe
Following the 26th Noosa Tax Intensive, hosted by the Tax Institute in November last year, Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) Partner Clint Harding’s paper ‘Protecting the recipe’ has been published on The Tax Institute Blog.
22 February 2019
News Media release
2019 Tax Adviser of the Year Awards
Two members of the Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) taxation team have been named as finalists in the Tax Institute of Australia’s prestigious Tax Adviser of the Year Awards.
18 February 2019
News Media release
The Legal 500 Asia Pacific results 2019
Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) has been ranked across a number categories in the 2019 edition of the independent Legal 500 Asia Pacific guide.
25 January 2019
News Media release
Arnold Bloch Leibler recognised in the 2018 Doyle’s Guide
Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) has been listed across a number of practice areas in the 2018 Doyle’s Guide to the Australian legal profession.
12 December 2018
News Media release
Arnold Bloch Leibler listed in Chambers Asia Pacific 2019
Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) has received 22 individual lawyer rankings in the Asia Pacific guide of 2019 international legal directory Chambers and Partners.
3 December 2018
Insights Media mention
Clint Harding features on Money News with Ross Greenwood
Arnold Bloch Leibler Tax Partner Clint Harding was interviewed by Ross Greenwood from Money News about tax residency rules on radio 2GB 873 in Sydney.
8 November 2018
News Article
ABL hosts farewell function for Inspector-General of Taxation
Almost 100 of the nation’s top tax advisers and regulators gathered last night at Arnold Bloch Leibler to farewell outgoing Inspector-General of Taxation Ali Noroozi.
5 October 2018
Insights Media mention
Profile on Clint Harding: 2018 Corporate Tax Adviser of the Year
Arnold Bloch Leibler tax partner Clint Harding is profiled in the latest Tax Institute journal following his recent ‘Corporate Tax Adviser of the Year’ award win.
24 August 2018
News Article
Arnold Bloch Leibler hosts workshop for Sri Lankan delegation
Arnold Bloch Leibler recently hosted and facilitated a two day workshop - organised by Deakin Law School’s Centre on the Legal Profession - for a visiting delegation of 12 senior officers from the Sri Lankan Attorney-General’s Department (pictured above with Partner, Paul Sokolowski and Senior Associate, Bridgid Cowling, and Athula Pathinayake and Prof. Sandeep Gopalan of Deakin Law School – standing second and third from right).
23 August 2018
News Media mention
Federal Court decision offers lessons for investors
In an article in the Australian Financial Review, Tax Partner Clint Harding explains the Federal Court decision that former Bechtel executive Andy Greig was not entitled to claim $11.85 million in share losses as deductions against his income.
8 August 2018
News Article
Mark Leibler: Without serious tax reform, Australia’s economic competitiveness will be undermined
At a luncheon today, hosted by the Australia Israel Chamber of Commerce, Senior Partner Mark Leibler introduced the guest speaker, Treasurer the Hon. Scott Morrison MP.
7 August 2018
Insights Publication
ATO announces new penalty relief for inadvertent errors
In a positive move for taxpayers, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has advised that from 1 July 2018 they will not apply penalties to tax returns and activity statements where eligible taxpayers have made an ‘inadvertent error’ by failing to take reasonable care or not adopting a reasonably arguable position.
12 July 2018
Insights Publication
ESICs and the problem with company group structures
In an article in the latest Thomson Reuters Weekly Tax Bulletin, Arnold Bloch Leibler Senior Associate, Jonathan Ortner, and Lawyer, Peter Scott, highlight a seemingly unintended deficiency in the early stage investment company (ESIC) rules, which results in holding companies being effectively excluded from qualifying as ESICs.
11 July 2018
Insights Media mention
Tougher tax rules to snare foreign execs
A report released yesterday by the Board of Taxation on tax residency rules for individuals proposes a new regime be developed to preserve the integrity of the tax system and to properly reflect an increasingly globalised economy.
10 July 2018
News Media release
Paul Sokolowski takes out Tax Partner of the Year
Arnold Bloch Leibler Tax partner Paul Sokolowski has been named Taxation Partner of the Year in the prestigious 2018 Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year awards.
20 June 2018
News Media release
ABL advises Specialty Fashion Group on brand portfolio sale
Arnold Bloch Leibler has advised ASX-listed Specialty Fashion Group Limited in relation to the strategic sale of its Millers, Katies, Crossroads, Autograph and Rivers portfolio of businesses to Noni B Limited. As part of the transaction, Specialty Fashion Group will retain ownership of its most profitable business, City Chic - the market leader in the plus-size women’s apparel market.
16 May 2018
News Publication
Post Project DO IT – Offshore voluntary disclosures
On 2 May 2018, the Australian Financial Review reported that the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) had begun contacting 106 Australian private clients of Credit Suisse over $900 million in suspicious transactions linked to secret numbered accounts.
14 May 2018
News Media release
Legal insights on the Federal Budget
Interviewed on this week’s Federal Budget, tax partner Clint Harding said he was concerned that the list of announced but unenacted tax and superannuation measures currently sitting before the Parliament was set to expand even further.
10 May 2018
News Publication
GST withholding tax on sales of new residential premises and subdivisions only two months away!
From 1 July 2018 purchasers of new residential premises and lots in residential subdivisions will generally be required to make a payment of 1/11th of the purchase price directly to the ATO at settlement. Developers and purchasers need to be aware of new withholding and notification obligations.
28 April 2018
News Media release
Christine Fleer and Paul Sokolowski finalists for Partner of the Year 2018
Lawyers Weekly has announced the finalists in the prestigious Partner of the Year Awards 2018 and ABL is represented in two categories.
26 April 2018
News Article
33 ABL lawyers listed in Best Lawyers 2019 guide
A total of 33 Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) lawyers across 23 areas of legal practice have been recognised in this year’s Best Lawyers® International list for Australia.
12 April 2018
News Media mention
Systemic failure or isolated mistakes by the ATO?
Senior Partner Mark Leibler has responded to media reports of “abuse” and “bullying” of small business by the ATO, suggesting that the Inspector-General of Taxation is in the unique position of being able to assess whether the cases presented in the media are “evidence of system failure or isolated, albeit serious, mistakes you would be hard pressed to avoid in any large organisation.”
11 April 2018
News Article
Further recognition for ABL’s renowned tax practice
Senior Associate Jonathan Ortner has made the finals in the tax category of this year’s Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards.
28 March 2018
News Media mention
ATO powers: The Australian responds to Mark Leibler’s Tax Institute speech
In today’s Australian, business columnist Robert Gottliebsen responds to Arnold Bloch Leibler Senior Partner Mark Leibler’s address at last week’s Tax Institute National Convention.
23 March 2018
News Media release
ABL advises Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation
Arnold Bloch Leibler has advised US-based Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation on its acquisition of the Krispy Kreme Australia and New Zealand franchise business from its founding shareholders.
21 March 2018
News Media release
Clint Harding named Corporate Tax Adviser of the Year
In the Tax Institute’s prestigious Tax Adviser of the Year Awards, Arnold Bloch Leibler partner Clint Harding has been named the Corporate Tax Adviser of the Year for 2018.
20 March 2018
News Article
Perspectives on tax administration: Mark Leibler addresses the 2018 Tax Institute Convention
In a keynote address to the Tax Institute’s 33rd National Convention, Senior Partner Mark Leibler put a spotlight on the extraordinary powers of the Australian Tax Office and the Commissioner of Taxation.
14 March 2018
News Media release
ABL acts for CrownBet founders in transformative transactions with Crown, Stars Group and William Hill
Arnold Bloch Leibler has acted for CrownBet’s founders, including Matt Tripp, Grant Griffiths and Nick Tyshing, on a series of milestone transactions, including the sale of an 18 per cent stake of CrownBet to Canadian listed company The Stars Group, Inc, executed Tuesday night.
9 March 2018
News Article
Two ABL finalists announced in 2018 ‘Tax Adviser of the Year’ Awards
The Tax Institute of Australia has announced the finalists in the prestigious 2018 Tax Adviser of the Year Awards and Arnold Bloch Leibler is represented in two categories.
15 February 2018
Insights Article
Women in Tax: ABL’s Kaitilin Lowdon profiled
Arnold Bloch Leibler Senior Associate Kaitilin Lowdon has been profiled on the new ‘Women in Tax’ website, launched by the Tax Institute of Australia.
6 February 2018
News Media release
ABL advises on sale of global cybersecurity arm to KPMG
Arnold Bloch Leibler has advised Silicon Valley based Cyberinc on the Australian taxation and workplace aspects of the sale of its Identity and Access Management business to KPMG.
18 January 2018
News Media release
ABL advises PIK Noteholders in Bis Industries restructure
Arnold Bloch Leibler has acted for one of the key stakeholder groups in the recently finalised recapitalisation of resource logistics provider Bis Industries. Representing the majority of the payment-in-kind (PIK) noteholders, ABL’s role included negotiating a debt for equity swap under which the PIK noteholders received equity in the newly recapitalised holding company of the BIS group in return for their debt.
12 January 2018