Tax is a very relevant consideration in all commercial arrangements - and as such, tax is commonly used by policy makers to redirect economic activity. The daily dilemma for advisors is drawing the line between arrangements that are influenced by tax outcomes as compared with arrangements that are driven by tax outcomes. This paper considers issues that emerge as an advisor develops methodologies for approaching tax planning issues, and how they can seek to minimise risk for their clients and themselves, including:
- developing a methodology for approaching tax planning
- what is the right amount of tax?
- utility of public rulings, private rulings and class rulings
- recognising the good, the bad, and the ugly.