Tax Research and Planning    Fall 2002    Acc 435

Professor:  Dr. Glenda C. Brock        Office:  Blg. 94-261        Telephone: 909-869-2369

Email:  gcbrock@csupomona.edu        Web Page:  http://csupomona.edu/~gcbrock

Text:  Federal Tax Research sixth edition    Raabe, Whittenburg, Sanders, Bost

Perquisites:  A grade of C or better in Acc. 419. Graduates students must have a degree in Accounting or permission from the GBA office.

Course Objectives:

1.  Analyze client transactions.

2.  Articulate the issues of the transaction.

3.  Identify sources of legal and ethical standards.

4.  Research the appropriate sources.

5.  Use critical thinking skills to form opinions of the appropriate action.

6.  Communicate findings to the client through letters, memos, or orally.

7.  Know the responsibilities of tax practice.

Grade Determination:

Exams:  Final exam project to be completed by each student. - 100 points

Participation:  Attending  class, the class assignment prepared, join the class discussions, and leading class discussions. If you come late or leave early, you may be counted absent. - 40 points

Written Assignments:  One group assignment - 50 points and three individual research assignments - 20 points each. 

A = 93%        B = 82%        C = 72%        D = 60%        F <60%

Grade appeals:  Any grading appeal must be given within one week after the assignment is returned to you or was available to you. You must return your assignment with your word processed appeal with your supporting source.  The assignment will be re-graded and returned to you.

Assignments:

Class discussions:  Each group will lead a class discussion of the topic of the day.

Group assignment:  Each group will develop a tax policy which is an improvement on a current law.  It should cover the current law, the problems with the current law, how the law could be changed, and the expected outcome of the new policy.  There should be a reference list of your research.  You should find all current articles on your topic, but you should have your own ideas in the paper.

Research problems:  Each student will research three problems, providing the proper documentation, and conclusions based on your research.

Class assignments will be collected and marked.

Final exam project:  Each student will have a client to analyze their transaction, identify the issue, research, form an opinion, and communicate that opinion to the client.

Assignment Schedule

Date Assignment
9/19 Introduction and course requirements.  Read chapter two to refresh yourself on the methodology of tax research
9/24 Read chapter one and bring one case to class about an ethical issue.  Prepare a brief of the case to share during the class discussion.
9/26 Read chapter three and decide with your group which section of the code that you want to use for your group project.
10/1 Read chapter 4 and select one of the research problems to bring to class.  This is the first research problem required for each student
10/3 Continue the research presentations.
10/8 Read chapter 5 and find a tax case dealing with discrimination and how judgments are taxed to individuals receiving them.  Be prepared to discuss this in class.
10/10 Select a research case from chapter  6 or 7.  This is the second research case required for each student.
10/15 Continue presenting cases. You will be notified as to the information you should bring in for the guest speaker.
10/17 Dana Harper - Deloitte & Touche will be the guest speaker
10/22 Read chapter 9 and select a current tax article about estates and gifts.  Write a summery of the article.
10/24 Continue presenting articles.
10/29 Present and turn in the group project.  Projects will be presented in class.
10/31 Select one retirement planning method and search the internet for more information. Write a memo to file concerning the costs and benefits.
11/5 Read chapter 11 and complete the following problems 19, 20, and 24. 
11/7 Read chapter 12 and find a current tax proposal.  Write a memo listing the pros and cons.
11/12 Read chapter 13 and select a research case from 35, 36, 41, or 42.  This is your last individual research case.
11/14 Discussion of cases.
11/10 Review Circular 230 in Appendix C.  How does it compare with responsibilities in tax practice?
11/21 Look for current articles on small business issues (closely held, family businesses, or S corp)
11/26 Final projects are due.
12/3 Final presentations  3:50