Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This course is generally non-transferable to four-year institutions.
The student should consult the Business Division for a listing of the approved text and supplemental materials.  Current prices for
materials may be found in the PCC bookstore.
 

Upon successful completion of BA 290, students will be able to:

• Use knowledge of the I.R.S.  tax code to prepare individual federal tax returns.

• Identify and apply appropriate exclusions on an individual tax return.

• Identify and apply savings determined by legitimate tax deductions, credits and depreciation.

• Understand and apply knowledge to calculate tax owed on individual returns.

• Follow the tenets of Oregon’s tax law to prepare Oregon state tax returns.

• Fulfill the 80 hour requirement for the Oregon Tax Preparers exam.

Instructional methods include class discussion, lecture, problems and case studies.  This is a "hands on" course.  Forms and
schedules will be stressed.
 

At the beginning of the course, the instructor will detail the
methods used to evaluate student progress and the criteria for
assigning a course grade.  The methods may include one or more of
the following tools:  Examination, quizzes, homework assignments,
research papers, small group problem solving of questions arising
from application of course concepts and concerns to actual
experience, and oral presentationes.  Pass/No pass grading is
allowed.
The following factors will influence the student's ability to
complete the defined outcomes:  Motivation, attendance, speed of
mastering the subject matter, and timeliness of assignments.
EXPECTED STUDENT COMPETENCIES:
How to complete individual tax returns.
    Filing status
    Requirements
    Deadlines
How exemptions and dependents influence taxes paid.
    Exemption terms
    Reporting exemptions and dependents
Income in the broad sense as opposed to income that is not
subject to tax.
    Exclusions
    Effect of exclusions on return
How money can be saved by deducting part of medical, dental, and
some unreimbursed employee expenses.
    Medical and dental expenses
    Unreimbursed employee expenses
How money can be saved by deducting some taxes, interest,
contributions, and medical expenses.
    Deductible taxes
    Deductible interest
    Deductible contributions
    Deductible medical expenses
    Other deductions
How to calculate tax.
    Tables and charts
Understanding the basics of Oregon tax law.
    Form 40
    Form 40S
    Other Oregon forms and schedules
    Licensing requirements
How to calculate adjusted gross income.
    IRAs
    Keoghs
    Alimony
    Other adjustments
Understanding and applying depreciation.
    Interview techniques
    Business property
    Determining gain or loss from sale of depreciable property
How to report income not covered elsewhere.
    Interview techniques
    Prizes and awards
    Gambling winnings and losses
    Miscellaneous topics
How to calculate self-employment tax.
    Farm income
    Schedule C
    Schedule SE
    Other schedules
How credits affect the amount of taxes paid.
    Interview techniques
    Credit for child care
    Credit for elderly and disabled
    Credit for foreign taxes
    Other credits
The taxability of proceeds from the disposition of business

Property through sale or exchange
    Capital gains and losses
How gain on the sale of a personal residence may be deferred, and
how to deduct certain moving expenses.
    Installment sales
    Interview techniques
    Sale of residence
How to calculate taxes and payments not covered elsewhere.
    Miscellaneous
    Interview techniques