Catalog Description

Hours: 54 lecture
Description: Introduction to Federal Income Tax with emphasis on terminology, statutory materials, principles, and tax planning for Federal Individual Income Tax. Provides basic concepts of gross income, exclusions, adjusted gross income, deductions, exemptions, tax credits, and the calculation of tax to properly prepare a Form 1040 Individual Tax Return. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Assess the concepts of gross income and realization, and distinguish between economic, accounting, and tax concepts of gross income.
  • CSLO #2: Differentiate between the various types of taxes imposed at the federal, state, and local levels including tax credits and Alternative Minimum Tax.
  • CSLO #3: Calculate income using the components of the Federal Income Tax Formula.
  • CSLO #4: Categorize deductions for and from adjusted gross income, measure realized gains and losses, value itemized deductions, recognize deductible business expenses.

Effective Term

Fall 2025

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

Through written or oral presentation, exams and problem-solving the student will:
1. Analyze taxpayer filing status by considering relevant variables.

2. Identify which relationships qualify for dependency exemptions.

3. Identify various income types to determine inclusion or exclusion from income taxation.

4. Calculate the amount of capital gains or losses recognizable.

5. Calculate the amount of itemized deductions allowed.

6. Calculate the amount of income or loss related to self employment and real estate rentals.

7.  Calculate taxes due or owed.

8.  Prepare a properly prepared Form 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.

9.  Identify and describe 3 types of software appropriate for preparing Individual Tax Returns.

10.  Identify and provide an example of a tax planning strategy appropriate for tax-savings for Individual Taxpayers.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • CSU Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Essay Examinations
            • Example: Given a sample taxpayer's hypothetical scenario, students will write an essay from and describe the correct tax interpretation for the client. Rubric grading. (Course Objectives 1 - 10)
          • Objective Examinations
            • Example: Students will take a multiple-choice examination on gains. Sample question: A feature of ordinary gains as distinguished from capital gains: (a) Gains from sales of assets not stock in trade. (b) May or may not be taxable in full.(c) Sources are capital assets.(d) No holding period. (Course Objective 4)
          • Problem Solving Examinations
            • Example: Given a sample taxpayer's hypothetical scenario, determine the impact a sale of stock has on the taxpayer's personal tax return. Instructor Graded. (Course Objective 4)
          • Projects
            • Example: Tax Return Project - Students are provided hypothetical tax client data and asked to prepare an accurate Federal Form 1040 for individual taxpayers. (Course Objective 8)
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: Given a sample taxpayer's return information, prepare a Form 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Instructor Graded. (Course Objectives 1 - 8)

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Lecture/Discussion
          • Distance Learning

          Lecture:

          1. Lecture and demonstrations by the instructor in conjunction with class discussions of tax problems and student presentations of tax concepts. The instructor will present lectures on tax concepts and principles. Students will work on tax problems individually and in small groups to apply the lecture concepts. An example of a tax problem to solve is how to properly report items that qualify for placement on either Schedule A or C and how to determine the proper outcome for the client to ensure the most advantageous position for the client. Class discussions will be utilized to clarify concepts which students find challenging. (Course Objective 3)

          Distance Learning

          1. Following an on-line lecture on how to calculate income and loss related to self-employment, students will be given a real estate rental scenario and be expected to calculate the amount of income or loss. Students will post their findings to the rest of the class and be expected to comment on a minimum of 2 other students posts. (Objective 6)

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Read chapter on Gross Income and Exclusions and be prepared to discuss retirement strategies that minimize tax liability. 2. Read chapter on Business Expenses and be prepared to discuss the tax advantages and disadvantages of self-employment.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Analyze the tax situation for a hypothetical taxpayer described by the instructor and create a tax plan to minimize their tax liability. 2. Identify expenditures qualifying as a deduction or tax credit and perform calculations based on a hypothetical taxpayer's gross income, as adjusted.

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          Required Materials

          • Income Tax Fundamentals
            • Author: Whittenburg, et al
            • Publisher: Thompson Publishing
            • Publication Date: 2023
            • Text Edition: 42nd
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Pearson's Federal Taxation 2024 Individuals
            • Author: Rupert, Anderson and Hulse
            • Publisher: Pearson
            • Publication Date: 2023
            • Text Edition: 37th edition
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Gleim EA Part 1
            • Author: Gleim
            • Publisher: Gleim
            • Publication Date: 2023
            • Text Edition: 2023
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

          Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.