This course provides an introduction to the concepts of taxation. The course is designed to provide a framework for understanding the structure of our federal income tax system while introducting some of the specifics of this system. The specific goals of this class are: (1) develop a basic understanding of the federal income tax laws in the United States, (2) develop an understanding of the most relevant types of taxes applicable at the federal level and how each is calculated, and (3) provide a framework for integrating income tax planning into accounting and business decisions.
Overview of the taxation of individuals Methods to evaluate alternative tax systems Alternative Tax Rates and methods of tax calculations Sources of Tax Law Tax Planning Methods General Tax Concepts Definition of Income and alternative forms of taxable and nontaxable income Business Deductions Mixed use activities Losses Personal & Dependency Exemptions Filing Status & Itemized Deductions Property Transactions Cost Recovery