TAX RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS

OBJECTIVES:

1.	Gather pertinent information about the client.
2.	Formulate appropriate questions or issues to direct research
3.	Locate primary sources to support the research
4.	Summarize sources and brief cases.
5.	Make conclusions based on the primary sources.
6.	Prepare a letter to the client with the findings.

STEPS TO TAX RESEARCH

1.	The research must contain five clearly identified areas on separate pages: Facts, questions, research, conclusions, and letter.
2.	List all needed facts to solve the problem. IRS determinations should not be considered in your research other than to pinpoint the major problem. Any assumptions you make should be noted as such and should not alter the major problem.
3.	Formulate questions or issues based on the information you need to resolve the tax problem(s). Do not use the questions offered by the client. Your issues should be specific and include the key words to your research. You cannot research questions that the client would need to answer. In other words, if you cannot research the issue or question, do not include it. The questions or issues are to be answered in your conclusions.
4.	You should use a tax service. The tax service in the library is CCH on-line. The tax service is a guide to the primary sources.
5.	Research - Document your search. Cite each resource. Summarize all sources that are applicable to your search. Brief every case that you mention in your research which includes: (1) The facts, (2) The issue(s),(3) Arguments of both sides, (4) The court ruling and reason for the ruling. All case names (not the cite) should be underlined. If you discover information that supports both sides of the issue, include it in your research. DO NOT put conclusions in your research. Proper cites can be found in your textbook.
6.	Always check for recent developments. At the end of the research section of your assignment, put a sub-heading "recent developments." Under this heading indicate what you found in recent developments. If this section is not included, there is a five point deduction.
7.	Conclusions - Decide which primary sources (such as, IRC, Regulations, Rev. Rul. Rev. Proc., Case law) are the most convincing for support of your conclusions. Be sure to answer your issues (see 3 above). Always include the IRC sections that are applicable. (If the code in not included there is a 10 point deduction). Keep in mind the best interests of your client. Include your reasoning that led to your opinion.
8.	Business letter to the client should include:  Date. Your address.  Client address. Salutation.  A review of the facts and the question the client asked. Explanation of importance of facts.  Your OPINION and reasoning. " No" opinion is not acceptable. Avoid authoritative statements, assurances, unnecessary statements, promises, or comments about persons or groups. Indicate your appreciation of their business and close the letter with appropriate wording. Sign your letter.
9.	Include a cover page and staple the papers together. DO NOT USE A FOLDER Cover page: Name. Date. The name of your problem. Your tax section, time of class. If the cover page is missing or not complete, the project will not be graded . I expect you to follow the format I have given you. Deviations from the format will reduce your grade. All papers must be typed including the cover page. Un-typed pages will not be read and will be deemed as missing.

EVALUATION

Areas are broken down into 5 parts.
FACTS	5
QUESTIONS	5
RESEARCH	35
CONCLUSIONS	20
LETTER	35
TOTAL	100
The number of points awarded are based on the following: Instructions are followed. It is complete and clearly stated. The spelling and grammar are correct. Current tax law was cited.

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