Overview
TAXN402 is a capstone course in applied taxation requiring students to independently investigate and resolve a substantial taxation problem, policy question, compliance challenge, or client advisory assignment. Approved projects may address corporate, individual, indirect, international, property, employment, or sector-specific taxation.
Students formulate a research question or professional brief, identify and evaluate authoritative legal and administrative sources, analyse relevant financial or contextual data, and apply appropriate legal, accounting, policy, and quantitative methods. The course emphasises accurate tax computation, interpretation of legislation and guidance, risk assessment, professional judgment, and defensible recommendations.
The project process includes proposal development, supervisor consultation, ethical and confidentiality review, work planning, interim evaluation, analysis, drafting, revision, and final presentation. Deliverables may include a formal report, technical computations, source log, executive summary, reflective commentary, and oral defence or client-style presentation.
Learning Outcomes
- Formulate a focused taxation research question, policy inquiry, compliance analysis, or client advisory brief.
- Evaluate legislation, case law, administrative guidance, scholarly literature, and other authoritative sources relevant to a taxation project.
- Apply appropriate legal, accounting, financial, and quantitative methods to calculate or model tax consequences.
- Analyse competing interpretations, assumptions, limitations, and areas of taxation risk.
- Synthesize legal, policy, financial, and contextual evidence into accurate and feasible recommendations.
- Produce a professionally structured taxation report supported by transparent documentation and authoritative evidence.
- Defend project methodology, findings, and recommendations through clear written and oral communication.
- Manage an independent project through ethical planning, confidentiality safeguards, interim review, and timely completion.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminar | 2 hours | Weekly | First term |
| Workshop | 2 hours | Fortnightly | First term |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Fortnightly | All semester |
| Practicum | 2 hours | Fortnightly | Second term |
| Seminar | 2 hours | Weekly | Second term |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Project proposal and research plan | 15.00% |
| Deliverable | Source log, ethics review, and interim project report | 10.00% |
| Assignment | Technical analysis and tax computations | 20.00% |
| Assignment | Final project report | 35.00% |
| Capstone | Executive summary and reflective commentary | 10.00% |
| Test | Oral defence or client-style presentation | 10.00% |
Prerequisites
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.