Taxes & Life: Taxation for Non-Business Majors

• In Event: Reception with Effective Learning Strategies Displays

Abstract

Taxes & Life: Taxation for Non-Business Majors

This course provided an opportunity for students to learn the fundamentals of individual income taxation, while also examining the role of taxes, including sales and property taxes, in their personal lives, employment, education, and family. Students also examined the role of taxes in society, exploring both economic and political factors.   Course work utilized readings, projects, guest speakers, and film. Students in the course were non-business majors with no prior accounting coursework.
The objectives of this course were: prepare students to understand their own tax obligations, introduce students to the significant role of taxes in their lives, and appreciate the intricacies of federal tax policy.
This course was taught during a 3-week January-term before the start of the spring semester, incorporating VITA training materials, and allowing students to test and qualify as VITA volunteers for the upcoming filing season.

Author

• Stephen C Gara, Drake University