Graduate Certificate in Tax Compliance & Planning

Program Overview

---

The Graduate Certificate in Tax Compliance & Planning at Suffolk University equips professionals with advanced knowledge and skills in tax compliance and planning for individuals and entities. Through rigorous coursework and expert faculty, students master complex tax topics, including consolidated returns, multi-jurisdictional issues, and personal and entity financial planning. The program prepares graduates for successful careers in accounting, tax, and financial services industries.

Program Outline

---

Graduate Certificate in Tax Compliance & Planning: A Comprehensive Analysis

---

Degree Overview:

---

Overview:

The Graduate Certificate in Tax Compliance & Planning is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in tax compliance and planning for both individuals and entities. It focuses on complex tax topics, including consolidated returns, multi-jurisdictional issues, and transactions between entities and owners.

• Master the intricacies of consolidated tax returns, multi-jurisdictional tax issues, and transactions between entities and owners.
• Understand and implement effective personal financial and entity planning strategies.
• Analyze income inclusions and exclusions to optimize tax outcomes.
• Navigate gift tax compliance and planning requirements.
• Comprehend the tax implications of forming and liquidating business entities.
• Develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills within the context of taxation.

---

Program Description:

This certificate program provides a comprehensive yet focused curriculum that caters to the needs of professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in tax compliance and planning. Through rigorous coursework and instruction from leading faculty members, students gain a deep understanding of complex tax concepts and their practical application in real-world scenarios.

---

Outline:

---

Program Content:

The program covers a wide range of advanced tax topics, including:

• Consolidated Tax Returns: Master the complex rules and regulations governing consolidated tax returns for affiliated groups of corporations.
• Multijurisdictional Tax Issues: Understand and address the challenges posed by taxation across multiple jurisdictions, both domestically and internationally.
• Transactions Between Entities and Owners: Analyze the tax implications of various transactions between entities and their owners, including dividends, distributions, and reorganizations.
• Personal Financial Planning: Develop effective strategies for personal financial planning, including retirement planning, estate planning, and wealth management.
• Inclusions and Exclusions to Gross Income: Gain a thorough understanding of the rules governing what constitutes taxable income, including various exclusions and deductions.
• Gift Tax Compliance and Planning: Navigate the complexities of gift tax laws and strategies to minimize tax liability.
• Taxation of Business Entity Formation and Liquidation: Understand the tax consequences of forming and dissolving business entities, including corporations, partnerships, and S corporations.

---

Structure:

The program consists of four core courses, each focusing on a specific area of tax compliance and planning. Students are required to complete all four courses to earn the certificate.

---

Course Schedule:

Courses are typically offered in the evenings and weekends to accommodate the schedules of working professionals. Students will learn how to prepare consolidated tax returns, calculate intercompany transactions, and apply the various consolidation rules.

• Module 2: Multijurisdictional Tax Issues: This module examines the challenges posed by taxation across multiple jurisdictions, both domestically and internationally.
Students will gain an understanding of state and local taxes, international tax treaties, and transfer pricing rules.
• Module 3: Transactions Between Entities and Owners: This module analyzes the tax implications of various transactions between entities and their owners, including dividends, distributions, and reorganizations.
Students will learn how to structure these transactions to minimize tax liability.
• Module 4: Personal Financial and Entity Planning: This module explores strategies for personal financial planning, including retirement planning, estate planning, and wealth management.
Students will also learn about entity planning, including the various legal structures available for businesses and their tax implications.

---

Assessment:

---

Assessment Methods:

Assessment in the program is conducted through a variety of methods, including:

• Examinations: Students will take written examinations at the end of each course to assess their understanding of the material covered.
• Assignments: Students will complete individual and group assignments throughout the program to demonstrate their ability to apply tax concepts to real-world scenarios.
• Presentations: Students may be required to give presentations on specific tax topics to their peers and faculty.

---

Teaching:

---

Teaching Methods:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles. These methods include:

• Interactive lectures: Faculty members deliver lectures that are engaging and interactive, encouraging students to participate in discussions and ask questions.
• Case studies: Students analyze real-world case studies to apply tax concepts to practical situations and develop problem-solving skills.
• Group projects: Students work collaboratively on group projects to enhance their teamwork and communication skills while applying tax principles to complex scenarios.
• Guest speakers: Industry professionals are invited to share their expertise and insights with students, providing real-world perspectives on tax compliance and planning.

---

Faculty:

The program is taught by leading faculty members at the Sawyer Business School, who are experts in their respective fields and have extensive experience in both academia and industry. The faculty members are committed to providing students with a high-quality educational experience and fostering their professional development.

• Problem-based learning: Students are actively involved in solving real-world tax problems, which helps them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Technology-enhanced learning: The program utilizes technology to enhance the learning experience, including online resources, simulations, and interactive exercises.
• Personalized feedback: Faculty members provide regular and personalized feedback to students on their assignments and performance.

---

Careers:

---

Potential Career Paths:

The Graduate Certificate in Tax Compliance & Planning prepares students for a variety of careers in the accounting, tax, and financial services industries. Some potential career paths include:

• Tax accountant
• Tax manager
• Senior tax accountant
• Financial planner
• Wealth management advisor
• Corporate tax specialist
• International tax specialist

---

Career Opportunities:

The program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a variety of tax-related roles. Graduates of the program are highly sought after by employers in both the public and private sectors.

---

Career Outcomes:

Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in a variety of organizations, including:

• Accounting firms
• Tax consulting firms
• Financial services firms
• Corporations
• Government agencies
• Non-profit organizations

---

Other:

---

MS in Accounting or Other Graduate Business Degree Program Applicability:

The courses in this certificate program can be applied to reduce the time it takes to complete a Master's degree in Accounting or another graduate business degree program at Suffolk University. This provides students with flexibility and the opportunity to enhance their credentials while pursuing their academic goals. Individuals interested in enhancing their expertise in tax compliance and planning should consider this program as an excellent option for advancing their careers.