Mr. and Mrs. Smith: Student Introduction to Federal Tax Compliance and Documentation

• In Event: Teaching Resources: Effective Learning Strategies

Abstract

In this case, students assume the role of new accounting staff tasked with the preparation of a personal income tax return and supporting documentation for a perennial client of their firm. Students are provided with a prior year engagement file (consisting of prior year working papers, client communications, and a copy of last year’s tax return) as well as a letter and initial set of documents from the client detailing activities for the current year. To complete the tax return and required documentation for the current year, students first generate questions based on the initial information provided and meet with a senior accountant to determine which questions are appropriate for a meeting with the client. Students then have a face-to-face meeting with the client before completing the current year engagement file for senior review. The overarching goal of the case is to expand classroom tax education by illustrating to students how class topics translate to the preparation of a tax return for an actual client.

Authors

• Michaele Lizabeth Morrow, Northeastern University

• Shane Ryan Stinson, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa