Login
Firm assists NFPs with new app
Herbert Smith Freehills has contributed to the development of an app to help not-for-profit organisations determine their tax status.
Tom Lodewyke
Not-for-profit law service Justice Connect has launched Tax Concessions Guide, a web-based app that helps other not-for-profit organisations assess whether they are eligible for income tax exemption.
Tax Concessions Guide asks each user a series of simple questions and puts together a downloadable report advising them on their tax status. Herbert Smith Freehills said the process can take as little as five to 10 minutes, and delivers significant time savings by providing not-for-profits with an alternative to reading complex legal information.
“I really enjoyed breaking down the information into a form that was logical and clear, ensuring that the app asks simple, relevant questions to reach its conclusions,” said Ms Loff.
“It also educates users along the way as to why certain information is needed, what the legal requirements are, and provides practical ‘next steps’.
“More importantly, I think the app is a fantastic project because I believe it will save not-for-profit organisations time, confusion and money that is better directed to serve their purposes. I really hope many organisations will benefit from the app.”
Brooke Massender, global head of pro bono at HSF, said the app is particularly relevant in the current access to justice environment.
“We can expect to see increased consideration of digital delivery in the community legal sector as funding cuts threaten traditional service delivery models,” she said.
Tax Concessions Guide was developed in collaboration with Melbourne Law School and the Telematics Course Development Fund. Neota Logic developed the underlying software for the app.
