BUS-A 551 Tax Research

• 7 weeks
• 1.5 credits
• Prerequisite(s): None

This course focuses on two key areas: (1) federal tax practice and procedure, and (2) practitioner tax research and writing. Topics covered in this course include the following:

• Sources of tax law and their weight and authority (e.g., Internal Revenue Code, Treasury Regulations, Revenue Rulings, Tax Court Cases)
• The IRS taxpayer examination and appeal process
• Legal and professional responsibilities of practitioners in giving tax advice
• Hands-on practitioner tax research using electronic databases
• Professional communication of tax research findings and recommendations

Throughout the seven-week course the students will work in teams on a comprehensive client tax research project, working through the steps in the tax research process:

• Facts: gather the relevant facts from the client
• Issues: identify the issues
• Law: locate appropriate law/authority
• Analysis: evaluate the authority and apply the law to the facts
• Conclusion: develop conclusions and recommendations
• Communicate Results: e.g., manager, client, IRS

Grades for the course are based on deliverables each week related to the various steps in the research project, culminating with the final research memo and client communication. The final research memo and client communication during the last week of the course is the final assessment for the course, rather than a final exam. Grades will be based on the team’s overall performance on the project, but 5% - 10% of the individual student course grade is reserved for adjustment based on individual participation and contribution to the team.

The required materials for the course include a textbook on federal tax research, practice and procedure, and additional electronic tax research resources. This course is strongly recommended for students that are interested in pursuing a career involving income taxation and/or law.