‘No tax case is the same’: Why tax law is a rewarding career path

In the same episode, Lagana reflected on the appeal of a career in tax law and why those coming through the ranks should consider it as a pathway.

She has, she noted, specialised in tax controversy and dispute resolution for more than two decades and has practised both in the big four advisory firms as well as traditional law firms. Now, as the head of tax controversy at Corrs, she assists taxpayers, usually large corporates and multinationals, in their dealings with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and helps them manage when they do have reviews and audits or would like to engage with the ATO.

“Over my career, I’ve advised taxpayers over the full life cycle of a tax controversy and disputes process. So, that involves early engagement with the ATO, private rulings, tax legal advice, ATO reviews, audits, objections, negotiating settlements, and of course, litigation in the Federal Court and the High Court and the AAT (now the ART),” she said.

In her specific area of tax, the workflow remains constant all year round.

“It’s very different to tax compliance, where you’re busy at the end of the year and you’re focused on tax lodgement,” she said.

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Unfortunately, she said, “you can’t predict when the ATO is going to commence a review or an audit. There are regular reviews and audits for most taxpayers, and therefore, it does make it busy throughout the year.”

What she loves about this line of legal work, Lagana mused, is helping taxpayers across a range of industries.

“It’s always interesting. I’ve helped taxpayers in financial services, technology, corporate super energy, mining, pharma infrastructure, private equity. So, no tax case is the same. The facts are always different,” she said.

“Tax is complex, and there’s a lot to interpret, so it keeps you on your toes and, of course, dealing with people and dealing with their businesses. I often like helping them navigate that process with the ATO.”

Tax law is also interesting, Lagana continued, because “from day one, you can actually get involved in interpreting and applying complex legislation. You have the opportunity to draft technical advice, which is rare in many fields.”

“There’s complex problems, you’re not only dealing with the tax provisions, but you’re actually going in and understanding your taxpayers’ business. So, when it comes to transfer pricing, which is a hot topic for tax controversy, you’re working with the client to understand their functions, their assets, their risks. You’re talking to people within the business to understand their role and what they do from an economic perspective and what that involves,” she said.

“So, it’s a really interesting space to be in, and I certainly love working with my incredible team and mentoring them and supporting them, and watching them grow and thrive.”

To listen to the full episode with Angelina Lagana, click here.

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