More Territorians could have their taxes done for free this year after CDU expanded its student-run tax clinics across the Territory, with an online service also available to make the free tax service more accessible in remote areas.

The free tax clinic, staffed by Charles Darwin University accounting students is run in partnership with local accounting agency SAMAF Accountants and Consultants.

Raul David, a CDU accounting lecturer from the Asia Pacific College of Business and Law, said students are given hands-on experience while at the same time assisting those in need of the service.

“For most Territorians, tax time is a daunting time. Many people, including micro and small businesses and especially those in vulnerable situations, could not afford to hire tax accountants to manage their affairs,” Mr David said.

The clinic’s objective, Mr David said, is to help the Territory community and provide practical real work experience for CDU accounting students, allowing them to be job-ready after graduating.

He said the team is in the process of setting up clinics with local not-for-profit groups like STEPS NT, the Australian Red Cross, and Melaleuca Australia to assist clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and in Darwin’s large migrant community.

An online version will also be set up to allow Territorians in remote areas to access the service.

“One of our objectives is to have a broader reach providing our services to migrant communities here in Darwin,” Mr David said.

He added that all of the accounting students who had participated in the clinic had obtained jobs with accounting companies in the Territory.

Now in its fourth year, the CDU Free Tax Clinic—which has the support of the ATO until 2024—has grown in popularity with more than 75 charities and small businesses using the service last year, up from 33 in 2020. It also services more than 300 individuals.

NT residents with an income of $60,000 and below, small businesses, non-profit organisations and small charities are eligible for the free clinic.

The free clinic operates at the CDU Waterfront campus from 9am to 5pm every Tuesday and Wednesday between July 12 and October 29, as well as the CDU Casuarina campus on open day on August 28.

It will also run in Katherine from Katherine Oasis Shopping Centre from August 16 and 17 and in Alice Springs at Yeperenye Shopping Centre from August 23 and 24 and October 11 and 12.

NT residents in remote locations can access the service by booking online meetings.