Master of Laws in Taxation (LLM)

+ Foundation Courses

TAX721 Tax Research Techniques (3 credits)

This course serves as the introduction to the program and as a comprehensive guide to tax research techniques. The text uses specific examples and a step-by-step approach that will instruct the student on how to obtain the facts, ask the right questions, locate and assess pertinent authority, and communicate tax-saving options to clients.

TAX702 Tax Aspects of Organizing & Operating (3 credits)

A study of federal income tax aspects of organizing and operating corporations. Subjects covered include the organization of a corporation under Section 351, the corporation’s capital structure, corporate elections under Subchapter “S”, dividends, and non-liquidating distributions.

TAX708 Federal Income Taxation of Individuals (3 credits)

This course deals with federal income taxation as it impacts individuals, including the definition of gross income, business and personal deductions, sales and exchanges of property, alternative minimum tax, operating losses, tax shelter deductions, taxation of capital gains & losses, and tax accounting issues.

TAX722 Directed Tax Research (3 credits)

This Capstone course requires preparation of a written project demonstrating scholarship based on hypothetical facts. This course consists of an independent tax research project prepared under the supervision of a faculty member. The topic is selected by the student and subject to the approval of the University.

+ Electives

Students choose at least 12 credits of electives to complete their program.

TAX703 Federal Income Tax Aspects of Corporate Reorganizations (3 credits)

Continuing the study of corporations, this course studies every major aspect of the tax ramifications of restructuring the corporation, including stock redemptions, partial liquidations, collapsible corporations, and Section 368 reorganizations.

TAX724 Taxation of Partnerships (3 credits)

A complete study of Subchapter “K”, including defining partnerships and partners for tax purposes, receipt of a partnership interest, liabilities, tax accounting for partnerships, distributive shares, terminations, and tax shelters.

TAX735 Taxation of Real Estate (3 credits)

Subject matters in this course include complete coverage of federal income tax implications of all types of real estate transactions, from house closings to sale-leasebacks and syndications. Also covered are real estate tax planning ideas, techniques, and strategies.

TAX726 Estate Taxation & Planning (3 credits)

In addition to comprehensive coverage of federal estate and gift taxation, this course also covers practical matters such as probate, trusts, and joint tenancy.

TAX707 Income Taxation of Estates & Trusts (3 credits)

A complete study of Subchapter “J” of the Internal Revenue Code, including a detailed analysis of such topics as computations of taxable income of an estate or trust and tax treatment of beneficiaries.

TAX709 Fundamentals of International Taxation (3 credits)

This course provides an introduction to international taxation and provides a general overview of the US system of taxing the foreign income of its citizens and the US income of non-citizens. It also addresses foundations of taxation in international law, fiscal residence of companies, rules for determining income and expenses, and tax incentives in developing countries.

TAX710 IRS Practice & Procedure (3 credits)

This course studies the entire range of tax procedure and IRS practice, including a full analysis of the laws pertaining to tax procedure and how the IRS interprets and applies those laws. Complete descriptions of how the IRS operates and suggested techniques for representing clients with specific IRS problems are also covered.

TAX711 Tax Fraud & Evasion (3 credits)

Designed to assist attorneys and tax professionals advising on potential fraud situations, this course includes discussions of tax evasion versus tax avoidance, investigation and processing of potential criminal fraud, compromise procedures, civil penalties, and contesting the deficiency assessment.