- Address: 123 Anywhere Street
- hello@watsontax.com.au
'SYDNEY · MELBOURNE · CANBERRA · AUSTRALIA
Lawyers for GST, Stamp Duty & State Taxes
Senior advice on GST, margin scheme, transfer duty, land tax & payroll tax for significant transactions and projects.
ABOUT WATSON Tax LAWYERS
Who We Are
Watson Tax Lawyers advises on GST, transfer duty (stamp duty), land tax, payroll tax and other state and indirect tax issues that arise in transactions, developments and restructures.
These issues often sit alongside federal income tax consequences, and can materially affect the commercial outcome of a transaction or project. The practice is focused on identifying and managing these exposures in a way that supports, rather than undermines, the client’s broader objectives.
What We Do in GST, Stamp Duty & State Taxes
01
GST Treatment of Transactions & Projects
Advising on GST treatment of transactions and projects, including whether supplies are taxable, input‑taxed or GST‑free, and how GST interacts with commercial terms.
Work includes considering going concern and farm‑land concessions where relevant, and ensuring documentation reflects the intended GST position.
02
Margin Scheme & Property Dealings
Advising on use of the GST margin scheme in property transactions, including eligibility, calculation and documentation.
The aim is to reduce the risk of later disputes about GST treatment and margin scheme application, particularly on significant developments and sales.
03
Transfer Duty, Land Tax & Payroll Tax
Advising on duty, land tax and payroll tax implications of acquisitions, restructures, development arrangements and group structures.
This includes identifying exposures in different jurisdictions, considering grouping and aggregation rules, and structuring transactions to manage state tax outcomes.
04
Structuring & Documentation to Manage State & Indirect Taxes
Assisting with the design of structures and drafting of transaction documents so that state and indirect tax consequences are understood and properly addressed.
The focus is on avoiding surprises arising from misaligned tax, legal form and commercial arrangements.
WHO WE ASSIST
The Clients & Advisers We Act for.
01
Property Developers & Property Groups
Property developers and property groups undertaking developments, acquisitions, disposals and reorganisations where GST, duty and land tax are material considerations.
02
Private Groups & Family Businesses
Private groups and family businesses whose structures and transactions give rise to state tax issues across multiple entities and, in some cases, multiple jurisdictions.
03
Mid‑Market Companies & Investors
Mid‑market companies and investors involved in significant transactions or projects where GST, duty or payroll tax may affect commercial outcomes.
04
Advisers Managing Complex Transactions
Accountants, tax agents and commercial lawyers managing complex transactions or projects and seeking specialist support on GST, duty and state tax aspects.
05
Lenders & Financiers in State‑Tax‑Sensitive Deals
Lenders and financiers in transactions where GST, duty or land tax positions form part of overall risk assessment and deal terms.
06
Executors & Controllers of Entity Restructures
Executors and controllers involved in restructures or reorganisations of entities and assets where state and indirect tax issues need to be fully understood before changes are implemented.
Discuss Your Matter in Confidence.
If you are facing a serious tax, commercial, private wealth or whistleblower issue, contact Watson Tax Lawyers for a confidential discussion about your position and the options available.
BY THE NUMBERS
40+
Years advising on tax, commercial and private wealth matters
28
Years as a partner at Greenwoods & Herbert Smith Freehills
100+
Significant transactions, projects and disputes.
150+
Private groups, family offices and high-net-worth clients advised
Solicitor & Chartered Accountant | Experience in GST, duty, land tax & state taxes
founder of watson tax lawyers
Meet Anthony Watson
Anthony Watson is the principal of Watson Tax Lawyers. He is both a solicitor and a chartered accountant, with more than 35 years’ experience advising on GST, duty, land tax, payroll tax and other state and indirect tax issues in the context of significant transactions and projects.
His work includes advising property groups, developers, private groups and businesses on how these taxes interact with income tax, structure and documentation, and on managing revenue authority engagement where necessary.
CLIENT CONFIDENCE
01 / 05
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
How the Process Works for GST, Duty & State Taxes
01
Confidential Discussion & Transaction Overview
We begin with a confidential discussion about the transaction, project or restructure, the entities involved and the commercial objectives, with a focus on where GST and state taxes may be relevant.
02
Identification of Exposures & Options
Anthony reviews the proposed arrangements, identifies key GST, duty, land tax and payroll tax issues, and outlines options for managing those exposures within the commercial constraints.
03
Structuring, Documentation & Coordination
We assist in designing and documenting structures that reflect the intended tax outcomes, and work alongside your accountants, lawyers and other advisers so that the tax, legal and commercial elements are aligned.
04
Implementation & Revenue Authority Interaction
As implementation progresses, Anthony remains involved to adjust the approach as needed and to assist with any engagement with revenue authorities in relation to these taxes.
Discuss Your Matter in Confidence.
If you are facing a serious tax, commercial, private wealth or whistleblower issue, contact Watson Tax Lawyers for a confidential discussion about your position and the options available.
WHY CHOOSE US
Why Watson Tax Lawyers for GST, Stamp Duty & State Taxes
I
Senior Judgment on State & Indirect Taxes
GST, duty, land tax and payroll tax issues are handled personally by Anthony, reflecting the impact they can have on major transactions and projects.
II
Integrated Federal & State Tax View
Advice considers state and indirect taxes alongside federal income tax and commercial outcomes, rather than treating them in isolation.
III
Experience with Property & Transaction Contexts
Anthony has significant experience advising on these taxes in the context of property developments, investments and restructures, where they are often most acute.
IV
Collaborative with Existing Advisory Teams
Watson Tax Lawyers works with existing accountants, tax agents and commercial lawyers, adding specialist input on state and indirect taxes while they continue to manage their parts of the transaction or project.
Frequently Asked Questions about GST, Stamp Duty & State Taxes
When do GST and state taxes become significant enough to warrant separate advice?
Typically where the transaction or project is substantial, involves multiple entities or jurisdictions, or where GST, duty or land tax could materially affect the economics of the deal. Routine, low‑value transactions are usually handled adequately by existing advisers.
Do you provide ongoing compliance services for GST and state taxes?
No. Ongoing compliance work remains with your existing accountants or tax agents. Our focus is on structuring, significant transactions and managing complex or contentious issues.
How do you work with our existing advisers on these issues?
We generally work alongside your accountants, tax agents and commercial lawyers. Our role is to provide specialist advice on GST, duty, land tax and payroll tax exposures and how they interact with structure and documentation.
Can you assist if revenue authorities are already questioning our GST or duty treatment?
Yes. We can review the history, advise on the technical and commercial position and assist with strategy and engagement with revenue authorities in relation to GST, duty, land tax or payroll tax.
DISCUSS YOUR MATTER IN CONFIDENCE
Begin a Confidential Conversation.
If you are facing a serious tax, commercial, private wealth or whistleblower issue, contact Watson Tax Lawyers for a confidential discussion about your position and the options available.
- Watson Tax Lawyers will review your enquiry and respond as soon as practicable. The firm will confirm separately whether it is able to act and, if so, the applicable terms of engagement.