LAW 314—Federal Income Tax Law and Policy

This course is an introduction to federal income tax law in the United States. Law and legal issues, rather than accounting, will be the central focus. Instead of filling out tax returns or working with complex mathematical formulas, we will examine how federal income tax law is created and the policy considerations that underlie their enactment. Students will learn about the roles of the three branches of the federal government in creating, interpreting, and applying federal income tax law. In addition, we will think conceptually (and practically) about how different federal income tax laws apply to different fact situations. In the end, students will learn how to read, interpret, and communicate the various tax authorities relevant to economic and non-economic decisions made by United States persons.