Main Content
Syllabus
ACCTG 405 Principles of Taxation I (3)
Overview | Objectives | Materials | Library Resources | Technical Requirements | Course Requirements and Grading | Course Schedule | Academic Integrity | Accommodating Disabilities | Additional Policies
Course Description
The objective of the course is to provide students with an opportunity to gain an understanding of the federal tax code and its application to individuals. Students will evaluate tax liabilities and planning opportunities at a fundamental level. Students will also be able to analyze events, apply the proper tax code, and present their position to the client. This will be done through case studies, research, and written presentations.
Prerequisites: ACCTG 211; BA 301 or FIN 301
Learning Objectives
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Research the U.S. tax code using online resources through the University Libraries.
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Interpret the Internal Revenue Code, as well as its related regulations and court rulings, to minimize negative tax implications and maximize the economic position of an individual taxpayer.
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Apply the tax law to a set of facts and circumstances.
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Identify the various options for the client, the tax ramifications of each, and the "best fit" that meets the client's needs.
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Create a tax file with documents and proper citations to support tax positions.
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Present tax research in a professional written format, including the executive summary, memo to client, and memo to file.
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Prepare individual federal income tax returns.
Required Course Materials
Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.Materials will be available at Barnes & Noble College approximately three weeks before the course begins. It is very important that you purchase the correct materials. If your course requires one or more textbooks, you must have exactly the correct text required (edition and year).
Connect
Penn State World Campus ACCTG 405 courses will be using a third-party solution called Connect for some course content. This solution is produced by McGraw-Hill. In order to use Connect, you will need to create an account by either using the code provided in your purchased, bundled package or buying separate log-in access.
Discounted bundled packages of the loose-leaf, binder-ready version of the textbook come with a Connect code and can be purchased directly from BNC. You may instead purchase all-digital access to Connect through your Connect course’s website; this option includes direct access to your course’s specific Connect URL (provided by your instructor). If you are comfortable with the all-digital option, select "buy online" on the Connect site to make your purchase (credit card needed). If you decide to purchase digital access, the e-book version of your textbook will be included.
If you are waiting for your BNC package to arrive, or if you are not sure you’ll remain in the course, the site provides complimentary access to Connect and the e-book for two consecutive weeks. (This usually equates to the first two weeks of class.) At the end of your two-week trial, you will need to enter the 20-digit code from the BNC package or purchase access online. Any work you complete during these two weeks will be saved.
Registering for Connect
Your instructor will make an announcement within the first week of the semester that will include a URL to your specific Connect section of ACCTG 405.
On the Connect website, click "register now" to begin the registration process. When you enter your email address, we recommend you use your Penn State email, but do not use your Penn State password. If you already signed up for Connect from a previous or concurrent course, enter that same email address and continue with registering for the Connect section of ACCTG 405.
If you purchased the discounted package from BNC, enter the 20-digit Connect code in the "have a registration code" area and complete the registration process.
Once you register, you will have access to Connect for 540 days. If you encounter any issues registering for Connect, contact support at 1-800-331-5094 or McGraw-Hill.
Library Resources
Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can
- access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
- borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
- get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
- much more.
You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and service. The Off-Campus Users page has additional information about these free services.
Many of Penn State's library resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the University Libraries website, you can
- access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
- borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep, or even your desktop;
- get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
- much more.
You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the University Libraries' resources and services. Once you have a Penn State account, you will automatically be registered with the libraries within 24–48 hours. If you would like to check that your registration has been completed, visit the Libraries home page, click on "Library Accounts," and then click on "My Library Account."
Technical Requirements
| Operating System | Canvas, Penn State's Learning Management System (LMS), supports most recent versions of Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac operating systems. To determine if your operating system is supported, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
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| Browser | Canvas supports the last two versions of every major browser release. It is highly recommended that you update to the newest version of whatever browser you are using. Note: Cookies must be enabled, and pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites. |
| Additional Canvas Requirements | For a list of software, hardware, and computer settings specifically required by the Canvas LMS, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
| Additional Software | All Penn State students have access to Microsoft Office 365, including Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. |
| Hardware | Monitor: Monitor capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution |
| Mobile Device (optional) | The Canvas mobile app is available for versions of iOS and Android. To determine if your device is capable of using the Canvas Mobile App, please review the Canvas Mobile App Requirements. |
Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ)
During the semester you will receive information for completing the Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ). Your participation is an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback on your learning experience. Your feedback is important because it allows us to understand your experience in this course and make changes to improve the learning experiences of future students. Please monitor email and course communications for links and availability dates.
If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk.
For registration, advising, disability services, help with materials, exams, general problem solving, visit World Campus Student Services!
Course Requirements and Grading
Tax Research Memo (Odd-Numbered Lessons)
You will prepare a professionally written tax research memo following the guidelines in the tax research area. This memo will be prepared in a response to a tax situation presented; you will
- research the given tax situation,
- analyze the data gathered,
- take a position within the memo, and
- cite your position with authoritative evidence (i.e., the tax code).
The tax research memos must be submitted on Sundays at 11:59 p.m. (ET). These tax research memos will constitute 25% of your final grade.
Tax Return Assignments (Even-Numbered Lessons)
In even-numbered lessons, you will be given a scenario based on the information and tax research for each lesson. Then, for Lessons 4, 6, 12, and 14, you will complete a tax return problem within Connect. For Lessons 8 and 10, you will complete the Tax Return Assignment using Excel and submit to Canvas. You will have one attempt to complete the problems and can check your work once. The total score will be provided when you complete the problem, with detailed feedback available after the due date. These assignments are due Sunday nights at 11:59 p.m. (ET) and make up 25% of your final grade.
Graded Problems
Each week, you will complete graded problems for the chapter within McGraw-Hill Connect. These are multiple-choice, true–false, or completion questions. A different number of questions will be included each week (e.g., Lesson 1 includes 15 questions, but other lessons may have more or less). Some questions will be algorithmic. You will have two attempts for each question set; the higher of the two attempts will be your final grade for that activity. This is not a timed activity. Total score results will be shown at the end of your first attempt, while complete feedback will be provided after your second attempt or upon scoring 100%. The graded problems account for 15% of your final grade.
Quizzes
Each week, you will complete a 20-question quiz in McGraw-Hill Connect. A time limit of 40 minutes is allowed for completing the quiz; you will have only one attempt. The quizzes are due on Sunday nights at 11:59 p.m. (ET). These quizzes account for 10% of your final grade.
Advising 101
You must complete a discussion post in even-numbered lessons by Sunday night, 11:59 p.m. (ET), of the week that you work on each lesson. The lowest Advising 101 grade will be dropped. These postings will account for 5% of your final grade.
Dear Tabby
You must complete discussion posts related to this prompt in most odd-numbered lessons by Sunday night, 11:59 p.m. (ET), of the week that you work on each lesson. The lowest Dear Tabby score will be dropped. These postings will account for 5% of your final grade.
Comprehensive Team Project
A comprehensive team project will be completed by the end of the semester. Teams will be given a comprehensive tax scenario based on all information encountered over the semester. Then, together, the members will create a tax return for that scenario, as well as a tax memo for file, citing proper code sections, regulations, and court cases to support their position. Based on the information presented, the team must complete appropriate tax planning for the taxpayer(s).
The instructor will create teams in the beginning of the semester. A rubric will be presented for you to understand the grading system for this project. All team members are expected to equally participate, and the instructor will be checking in on team participation. The project is meant to be worked on together; it is not meant to be portioned out to each person in the group for their part to be completed. Please know that the group is graded on the entire project. If a member doesn’t complete their portion, it will affect all people in the group. That is why it is best to work on each part and make decisions together.
The comprehensive group project will be submitted to a designated drop box. No late submissions will be accepted for any reason. This project will constitute 15% of your final grade. The tax return portion of the comprehensive project will be due at the end of Lesson 14, while the tax memo will be due at the end of Lesson 15.
Please understand that the final comprehensive project is just that—making it time-consuming to complete. You should not wait until the last week of class to begin this project. Groups for the project are created within the first two weeks of class; you are expected to contact your group members and begin working on the project by Module 3.
Any group communication issues must be presented to the instructor promptly. A peer evaluation will be completed in Lessons 3, 6, 9, and 12, as well as when the project is complete. The peer evaluations will be used in determining final individual grades.
Listed below are each module (lesson) and the corresponding items within the project that you can either start or completely address when you complete that module. You are advised to complete the items after each module so that, if you have questions, you can receive answers in a timely fashion.
Remember, if you have questions, please contact the instructor as soon as possible.
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Module
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Requirement number in project
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Module 3
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1
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Module 4
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1
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Module 5
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2, 3, 13, 14
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Module 6
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2, 3
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Module 7
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3, 6
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Module 8
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4
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Module 9
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4, 5
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Module 10
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5
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| Module 11 | 5 |
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Module 12
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12
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Module 13
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12, 13
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Module 14
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2, 7, 8, 9, 11
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Module 15
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1, 2, 9, 10
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Grading
| Tax Research Memo | 6 @ 50 each | 300 pts | 25% |
| Tax Return Problem | 6 @ 50 each | 300 pts | 25% |
| Connect Problems | 15 @ 12 each | 180 pts | 15% |
| Connect Quizzes | 15 @ 8 each | 120 pts | 10% |
| Ask Tabby | 6 @ 10 each | 60 pts | 5% |
| Advising 101 | 6 @ 10 each | 60 pts | 5% |
| Comprehensive Project | 1 @ 100 each | 100 pts | 15% |
| TOTAL | 1120 pts | 100% |
| Numerical value | Letter grade |
|---|---|
| 93 and above | A |
| 90–92.99 | A- |
| 87–89.99 | B+ |
| 83–86.99 | B |
| 80–82.99 | B- |
| 77–79.99 | C+ |
| 70–76.99 | C |
| 60–69.99 | D |
| below 60 | F |
Please refer to the University Grading Policy for Undergraduate Courses for additional information about University grading policies.
If, for reasons beyond the student's control, a student is prevented from completing a course within the prescribed time, the grade in that course may be deferred with the concurrence of the instructor. The symbol DF appears on the student's transcript until the course has been completed. Non-emergency permission for filing a deferred grade must be requested by the student before the beginning of the final examination period. In an emergency situation, an instructor can approve a deferred grade after the final exam period has started. Under emergency conditions during which the instructor is unavailable, authorization is required from one of the following: the dean of the college in which the candidate is enrolled; the executive director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies if the student is enrolled in that division or is a provisional student; or the campus chancellor of the student's associated Penn State campus.
For additional information please refer to the Deferring a Grade page.
Course Schedule
Note: All due dates reflect North American eastern time (ET).
The schedule below outlines the topics we will be covering in this course, along with the associated time frames and assignments.
Lesson 1: Introduction to Taxation and How to Research
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Textbook
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Assignments: |
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Lesson 2: Tax Structure and the Tax Formula
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Readings: |
Textbook
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Assignments: |
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Lesson 3: Determining Dependents
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Readings: |
Textbook
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Assignments: |
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Lesson 4: Filing Status and Standard Deduction Determination
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Readings: |
Textbook
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Assignments: |
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Lesson 5: Gross Income and Totally or Partially Includible Income Items
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Readings: |
Textbook
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Assignments: |
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Lesson 6: Gross Income Exclusions
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Readings: |
Textbook
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Assignments: |
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Lesson 7: Portfolio and Investment Income
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Readings: |
Textbook
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Assignments: |
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Lesson 8: Self-Employment Income/Loss and Self-Employment Taxes
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Readings: |
Textbook
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Assignments: |
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Lesson 9: Cost Recovery and Amortization
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Readings: |
Textbook
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Assignments: |
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Lesson 10: Rental Property Income/Loss Rules
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Readings: |
Textbook
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Assignments: |
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Lesson 11: Disposition of Assets
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Readings: |
Textbook
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Assignments: |
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Lesson 12: Common Retirement (Annuity) and IRA Contributions and Distributions
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Readings: |
Textbook
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Assignments: |
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Lesson 13: Types of Deductions for Adjusted Gross Income
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Readings: |
Textbook
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Assignments: |
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Lesson 14: Deductions From Adjusted Gross Income
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Readings: |
Textbook
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Assignments: |
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Lesson 15: Tax Credits, Alternative Minimum Tax, and Tax Payment Requirements
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Readings |
Textbook
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Assignments: |
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Note: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please go to the Graduation Information on the My Penn State Online Student Portal.
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Academic Integrity
According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity , an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.
Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity ). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.
How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and
personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and
property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all
can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment
of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and
others, as well as a civil community.
In cases where academic integrity is questioned, the Policy on Academic Integrity indicates that procedure requires an instructor to inform the student of the allegation. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If that committee recommends an administrative sanction (Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, Expulsion), the claim will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
All Penn State colleges abide by this Penn State policy, but review procedures may vary by college when academic dishonesty is suspected. Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy and college review procedures is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us by going to the Contacts & Help page .
Additional Academic Integrity Violations
Please note: Various tutoring websites claim to offer you the opportunity to download answers to everything from accounting problems to quiz questions for little to no cost. Full papers can also be downloaded to submit in place of your own work. Use of these materials, or “ghosting,” is considered cheating and an academic integrity violation. Similarly, uploading exams, course materials, or your work to one of these sites is considered an academic integrity violation.
Using online services that complete assignments for you is considered an academic integrity violation.
Giving your Penn State Access ID and password to someone else to do your work is against University policy AD95/AD96 and an academic integrity violation; sanctions will be given for these violations.
Accommodating Disabilities
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. Every Penn State campus has resources for students with disabilities. The Student Disability Resources (SDR) website provides contacts for disability services at every Penn State campus. For further information, please visit the SDR website.
In order to apply for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability resources office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation based on the documentation guidelines. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability resources office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.
Additional Policies
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