Question 1

Lakeisha, a 1ˢᵗ year staff accountant, was researching a tax issue and found what appears to be the answer to her question in her introductory tax textbook that she bought three years ago. She is thrilled because she thought it would take much longer to find her answer. What type of authority is the textbook? What are other examples of this type of authorities? Can Lakeisha base her research conclusion on the textbook or similar authorities? Any suggestions for Lakeisha?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Lakeisha, a 1ˢᵗ year staff accountant, was...

Question 2

Hong, an introductory tax student, is beginning his first research project. He has a complete understanding of the relevant facts for his project and has identified the initial research questions. He is now ready to begin using a tax service to identify relevant authorities. What are some suggestions for him on how to use tax services to identify relevant authorities?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Hong, an introductory tax student, is beginning...

Question 3

Mary Ann is working on a pretty big research project. Her manager has alerted her to the possibility that some of her research questions are likely to be questions of fact, whereas others are likely to be questions of law. Explain the difference between the two types of questions and how this would influence her research.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Mary Ann is working on a pretty...

Question 4

Rebecca is at a loss. A new tax law was recently passed, and she needs to get a better understanding of why the tax law was passed and the intent of the law from an official authority. Describe what authorities may be especially helpful to Rebecca and why she can't find many authorities that discuss the new law.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Rebecca is at a loss. A new...

Question 5

Raul was researching an issue and found two Tax Court decisions issued within 6 months of each other, one for a taxpayer residing in California and the other for a taxpayer residing in New York whose rulings were inconsistent. Raul knows that the federal tax law does not differ by state and the issue was exactly the same in both cases. Raul is confused because he thought that a basic judicial doctrine was that a court is supposed to rule consistently. Name and describe this judicial doctrine that requires judicial consistency and discuss why the Tax Court may have intentionally ruled inconsistently in this example.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Raul was researching an issue and found...

Question 6

Kodak is a beginning tax researcher. He knows that the 1ˢᵗ step of the research process is to get an understanding of the facts surrounding the transaction being researched. Describe the two basic types of facts, the sources of facts for a research project, and any advice that may help Kodak.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Kodak is a beginning tax researcher. He...

Question 7

Lindy, a tax intern, is beginning her first tax research case for her employer. Her manager has given her a basic understanding of the facts and has identified the basic research question. Lindy is now ready to begin searching for relevant tax authorities. Describe the different types of research tools available to help a tax researcher locate relevant authority and identify which type may be especially useful for Lindy.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Lindy, a tax intern, is beginning her...

Question 8

Campbell was researching a tax issue and found a favorable Tax Court opinion and an IRC Code Section that appears to answer the question. Is she finished with the research process? If so, why? If not, what must she do?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Campbell was researching a tax issue and...

Question 9

Caitlin is a tax manager for an accounting firm, and Duff is a first year staff accountant. Describe the differences in the manner in which Caitlin and Duff may identify research issues and in general how one may identify research questions.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Caitlin is a tax manager for an...

Question 10

Roddy was researching an issue and found a favorable Tax Court decision that addresses his issue. He also determined that there was a nonacquiescence for the case. Who issued the nonacquiescence? What is it? What does it mean and how would it affect Roddy's reliance on the court case?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Roddy was researching an issue and found...

Question 11

Houston has found conflicting authorities that address a research question for one of his clients. The majority of the authorities provide a favorable answer for his client. Nonetheless, there are several authorities that provide an unfavorable answer. Houston estimates that if the client takes the more favorable position on its tax return that there is approximately a 60 percent chance that the position will be sustained upon audit or judicial proceeding. If the client takes this position on its tax return, will Houston be subject to penalty? Will the client potentially be subject to penalty?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Houston has found conflicting authorities that address...

Question 12

Nolene suspects that one of her new clients may be intentionally underreporting his taxable income. What are the potential ramifications to her client of this behavior? What are the consequences to Nolene if she assists the client in underreporting income? Any advice for Nolene?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Nolene suspects that one of her new...

Quiz 2: Tax Compliance, the IRS, and Tax Authorities

Kodak is a beginning tax researcher. He knows that the 1ˢᵗ step of the research process is to get an understanding of the facts surrounding the transaction being researched. Describe the two basic types of facts, the sources of facts for a research project, and any advice that may help Kodak.

Campbell was researching a tax issue and found a favorable Tax Court opinion and an IRC Code Section that appears to answer the question. Is she finished with the research process? If so, why? If not, what must she do?

Caitlin is a tax manager for an accounting firm, and Duff is a first year staff accountant. Describe the differences in the manner in which Caitlin and Duff may identify research issues and in general how one may identify research questions.

Roddy was researching an issue and found a favorable Tax Court decision that addresses his issue. He also determined that there was a nonacquiescence for the case. Who issued the nonacquiescence? What is it? What does it mean and how would it affect Roddy's reliance on the court case?

Nolene suspects that one of her new clients may be intentionally underreporting his taxable income. What are the potential ramifications to her client of this behavior? What are the consequences to Nolene if she assists the client in underreporting income? Any advice for Nolene?