Nicole Gordon
Special Counsel, Brisbane
I have a well-rounded practice and deep understanding of the taxation issues my clients face. I specialise in advising private clients and not-for–profit organisations. Although I advise on all aspects of tax, I have a particular interest in the taxation of trusts and managing complex tax disputes.

I am passionate about my work with charities and not-for-profits. In this area, I help health, medical research, education, indigenous, environment and social welfare bodies deal with various taxation, governance and regulatory issues. I assist with the establishment of not for-profit organisations; advise on organisational structure; prepare tailored governance documents; advise on applying for charity registration and tax concessions; and deal with regulatory and tax compliance issues.

Career highlights

  • Mila Foundation – established the foundation and advised on the requirements for registration as a public benevolent institution, including preparing tailored governance documents, and making supporting submissions to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
  • A prominent and long-established charity – helped successfully overcome significant issues with its charity registration by making prompt and decisive representations to the ACNC
  • A leading health promotion charity – advised on complex and strategic taxation issues, including preparing an application to the ATO for a private binding ruling in the areas of fringe benefits tax, pay-as-you-go withholding and superannuation guarantee
  • A renowned charity operating in the aged persons sector – prepared detailed submissions in response to an ACNC notice, including reference to the charitable purpose of ‘caring for and supporting the aged’
  • Worked on matters involving taxation of deceased estates, next-generation asset protection, and other taxation and governance issues
  • Helped clients and their advisers with the complex aspects of trusts law and the taxation of trusts
  • Assisted numerous high-wealth clients and family groups by managing reviews, audits and disputes involving the ATO
  • Recognised by Chambers Asia-Pacific with a Band 1 ranking for Charities