Michael has over 30 years’ experience advising clients on the operation of Australian federal and state taxation laws, initially as a chartered accountant.
He was a senior tax partner and joint head of the large private clients group at one of the top four international accounting firms. At Cornwalls, Michael is privileged to have been appointed as head of the firm’s tax practice. Since then, our tax practice has significantly expanded. In turn, our sophisticated tax expertise has been applied to advice on tax litigation issues, corporate advisory and structuring, mergers and acquisitions, conduct of not-for-profit entities, private equity transactions, banking and finance arrangements, managed investment schemes operations, and cross border transactions.
Our clients include large closely held entities, substantial private family groups, family offices and their associated principals, fund managers, technology entrepreneurs, private equity managers, professional service providers including lawyers, accountants and corporate advisory practices, mid-sized private and publicly traded enterprises, superannuation funds, and private and public foundations and charities.
Michael’s practice areas have focused on commercial tax advice involving private equity transactions, trust administration, group reorganisations both domestically and internationally, intergenerational succession planning, estates, mergers and acquisitions, and industry specific advice to the retail and property sectors. In turn, this involved advising extensively on: the impact tax legislation has on transactions conducted by companies, trusts, individuals, partnerships and charitable organisations; tax controversies including appeals, private rulings, audits and investigations; and tax risk assessment and management.
Cornwalls’ tax practice has become one of the go-to resources for taxpayers facing the intensive and ongoing ATO review into their taxation affairs. Such situations are becoming more frequent, given the current legislative landscape and the Commissioner’s increasingly broad powers.
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia