Course Syllabus

ACCT 1200 Basic Income Tax Preparation

Course Description

This is a service learning course designed to give students an introduction to basic income tax preparation and related careers. The course design is based on the Internal Revenue Service’s Voluntary Income Tax Assistance program (VITA). Students will learn about and become certified in income tax preparation. With the acquired knowledge students will prepare income tax forms for members of the community who seek assistance from the VITA program. This class is repeatable for credit.

Justification

It is generally accepted that accountants have a basic knowledge of income tax preparation. This class is needed for the certificate of proficiency in basic accounting to fulfill employers' expectations. For years students have volunteered time to the VITA program to gain tax experience. Although the VITA program is offered at several campuses across Utah, it is not known to be taught for credit at any college or trade school across the state.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Through instruction and hands-on experiences, students will learn basic income tax preparation and evaluation.
2. Students will step outside of their own social network and help members of the community prepare federal income tax returns. Their work will be specifically focused on those who cannot afford to pay a professional tax preparer.
3. Students will be able to identify a variety of educational and career options in business.

Course Content

ACCT 1200 will cover basic income tax preparation and evaluation for simple income tax returns. Because income tax laws are continually changing, specific content may change from one semester to the next. Accounting and financial career paths will also be covered.