ACCT 351: Taxation and Managerial Decision Making Master Syllabus

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Costello College of Business Logo

Enterprise Hall 4400 University Drive, MS 1B1 
Fairfax, Virginia 22030 
Phone: (703) 993-1880 
Fax: (703) 993-1867

Intermediate Accounting II – ACCT 332
(This Syllabus is tentative and subject to change.)

Instructor:
GMU Email:
Course Website:
Class Meeting Times & Location:
Recitation Meeting Times:
Office Hours:
Office Location:
Required Text: McGraw-Hill’s Taxation of Individuals and Business Entities, YEAR edition. Spilker, Ayers, Barrick, Outslay, Robinson, Weaver, Worsham. Note: Some instructors (although not all) may require use of McGraw Hill’s Connect as well. See the particular section’s syllabus to evaluate whether it is also required. Additionally, in instances where instructors do not use/require Connect, they may allow students to use the ebook (without Connect) for a cost saving opportunity over the hard copy text. However, make sure to check with your instructor for whether this is allowed. For instance, if the exams allow a textbook, they may only allow hard copy version (or printed sections of the ebook) as opposed to a laptop with the ebook to be accessed during the exam. Alternatively, some instructors may not allow use of the textbook on the exams where the form of the textbook may not matter.

Course Introduction and Objectives

George Mason University Catalog Description

Introduction to fundamental topics in taxation using a business-entities approach. Specific topics include gross income, deductions, losses, and property transactions. The course emphasizes the identification of planning and compliance issues and the application of tax law to resolve those issues. Both tax and non-tax factors affecting decision making are considered.

Course Goals

The goal of this course is to build a sound conceptual and technical foundation for the study of federal income taxation that provides students with the tools necessary to stay current with the ever-changing tax law.

Specific student learning objectives include:

  • Students will identify issues and relevant facts for assessing tax problems.
  • Students will apply the tax law to solve compliance and planning problems.
  • Students will develop tax research skills that will allow them to identify facts, issues, and relevant tax law to resolve those issues.
  • Students will use technology to resolve tax problems and communicate results.

GMU School of Business Undergraduate Program Learning Goals (those in bold will be addressed in this class):

  1. The social, global, ethical, and legal contexts of business and will be able to reflect on the role of the individual in business.
  2. The ability to apply knowledge of professional skills necessary for success in business including effective business writing.
  3. Technical and analytic skills appropriate for success in business.
  4. The ability to apply knowledge of core business disciplines including accounting, finance, information systems, management, marketing, and operations management. 
  5. How research in the business disciplines contributes to knowledge and how such research is conducted. 

Students who are competent in the accounting discipline will meet the following learning goals.

  1. A working knowledge of accounting theories, concepts, and practices and will be able to interpret and communicate financial information for users of such information. 
  2. Problem-solving and analytical capability for accounting decision-making. 
  3. The ability to research issues and use technology and data analysis techniques to manage financial information for decision-making purposes. 
  4. The oral and written communication skills needed by successful accounting professionals. 
  5. The ethical and regulatory responsibilities in accounting practice and understand the role of accounting in the proper functioning of commerce.

Undergraduate Laptop Requirements

All Costello College of Business undergraduate students must have access to a portable computing device that meets the following minimum standards. Phones, tablets, and other mobile devices do not meet course requirements. A physical keyboard is required, and instructors may request that students bring their laptops to class for specific activities.

Academic Year 2025-26 Requirements

  • Operating System: Windows 11 is required. Windows 10 may be used to connect to the George Mason network only until its end-of-life date, October 2025. Mac users are required to install a virtual machine (VM) to run Windows applications that are not available in the Patriot Virtual Computing & Lab (PVCL).
  • Mac users must install and configure a Windows virtual machine (VM) to run required software for business courses. Some Windows-only applications are not available through the Patriot Virtual Computing & Lab (PVCL). Running a VM may impact laptop performance.
  • VMware Download: VMware is a virtual machine (VM) software that allows Mac users to run Windows applications required for business courses. Students can download and access license information through the VMware download and licensing guide.
  • Memory: 16 GB or higher
  • Video/Audio Streaming Capability: Students must have a video camera and microphone that can stream audio and video in real time. Instructors may ask students to activate the camera and microphone for class activities.
  • Hard Drive Free Space: At least 120 GB free (250 GB or higher recommended)
  • Network Capability: Wireless capability required (wired capability also recommended)
  • Software:

Financial Aid

The cost of purchasing a computer can be included in a student’s estimated cost of attendance. This adjustment allows students to increase their financial aid eligibility to help cover computer expenses.

To request this adjustment:

  • Contact your assigned Financial Aid Counselor to confirm your eligibility and initiate the request. You can find contact information on the Office of Financial Aid website.
  • Provide a copy of the purchase receipt or order confirmation that includes the total cost of the computer.
  • Submit your documentation directly to your Financial Aid Counselor for review and processing.
  • Note: This cost adjustment may be requested only once during your academic program.

Browser + Webcam Requirement

Courses may require the use of LockDown Browser and a webcam for online midterms and the final exam. The webcam can be the type that's built into your computer or one that plugs in with a USB cable. 

Watch this brief video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the webcam feature.
https://www.respondus.com/products/lockdown-browser/student-movie.shtml

LockDown Browser Download Instructions 
Download and install LockDown Browser from this link: https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=133435885

Once Installed

  • Start LockDown Browse
  • Log into Canvas
  • Navigate to the test

Note: You won't be able to access tests with a standard web browser. If this is tried, an error message will indicate that the test requires the use of LockDown Browser. Simply start LockDown Browser and navigate back to the exam to continue.

Guidelines 
When taking an online test, follow these guidelines:

  • Ensure you're in a location where you won't be interrupted
  • Turn off all other devices (e.g. tablets, phones, second computers) and place them outside of your reach
  • Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and also that you've allotted sufficient time to complete it
  • Clear your desk or workspace of all external materials not permitted - books, papers, other devices
  • Remain at your computer for the duration of the test
  • If the computer, Wi-Fi, or location is different than what was used previously with the "Webcam Check" and "System & Network Check" in LockDown Browser, run the checks again prior to the exam
  • To produce a good webcam video, do the following:
    • Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims 
    • Ensure your computer or device is on a firm surface (a desk or table). Do NOT have the computer on your lap, a bed, or other surface where the device (or you) are likely to move 
    • If using a built-in webcam, avoid readjusting the tilt of the screen after the webcam setup is complete 
    • Take the exam in a well-lit room, but avoid backlighting (such as sitting with your back to a window)
  • Remember that LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted

Getting Help
Several resources are available if you encounter problems with LockDown Browser:

  • The Windows and Mac versions of LockDown Browser have a "Help Center" button located on the toolbar. Use the "System & Network Check" to troubleshoot issues. If an exam requires you to use a webcam, also run the "Webcam Check" from this area
  • Respondus has a Knowledge Base available from support.respondus.com. Select the "Knowledge Base" link and then select "Respondus LockDown Browser" as the product. If your problem is with a webcam, select "Respondus Monitor" as your product
  • If you're still unable to resolve a technical issue with LockDown Browser, go to https://web.respondus.com/student-help/ and select "Submit a Ticket". Provide detailed information about your problem and what steps you took to resolve it.

Grades

A ≥ 90 
B ≥ 80 
C ≥ 70 
D ≥ 60 
F < 60

Grading Breakdown

Each instructor provides a grade breakdown of the categories of graded work (e.g., quizzes, assignments, exams, etc.) and the corresponding % of the overall course grade that corresponds with that category. While all instructors include exams as part of the grade, some instructors may use both quizzes and assignments while others may only include assignments or assignments with (an) additional project(s). 

The specific instructor’s syllabus will also include in the syllabi or another attachment (like a separate summary word or excel document) a list of graded work categories and the expectations for those individual categories.

Midterms Exams

See the course policies below regarding make-up exams.. Accommodations can be made for students who have more than two exams on the same day or have a specific academic conflict but will not be made for recreational or convenience purposes (like “I planned to go on vacation the same weekend as the 2nd midterm” for some reason or another). It is your responsibility to be aware of the dates provided in the syllabus and the quiz/assignment due date schedule. Different instructors (and section modes) may use online or hard copy exams. Individual instructors will provide details on the mode of the exam and the materials allowed/disallowed on the exam in advance of the test.

Final Exam

See the course policies below regarding make-up exams. Accommodations can be made for students who have more than two exams on the same day or have a specific academic conflict, but will not be made for recreational or convenience purposes (like “this is my last exam of the week, and I would like to go on vacation earlier than the day of the final” for some reason or another). It is your responsibility to be aware of the dates provided in the syllabus and the quiz/assignment due date schedule. Different instructors (and section modes) may use online or hard copy exams. Individual instructors will provide details on the mode of the exam and the materials allowed/disallowed on the exam in advance of the test.

Some instructors may incorporate +s/-s based on their grading scale breakout while others may not use +s/- s. However, each individual instructor’s syllabi will make it clear whether and to what extent +s/-s are used for his/her individual section.

Course Policies

Attendance

For online asynchronous classes, this policy may not be included on an instructor’s syllabi. For online synchronous sections or in-person sections, it may be included. See you specific instructor’s syllabus for how this will be treated.

General Make-Up and Extra Credit Policy

As a general policy, there will be no make-up quizzes, assignments, or exams. Individual instructors may incorporate policies (e.g., dropping the lowest grade of a category or one/multiple extra credit projects) to incorporate the expectation that there may be a single graded item (small number of grade items) in a category for reasons that do not require documentation for the related circumstances (e.g., for a job interview, a single sick day without documentation like a 24 hour stomach bug, attending a wedding, etc.). However, it is not required that an instructor incorporate these opportunities. In the event of serious illness that goes beyond a 48 hour period or with extenuating circumstances, different instructors will outline how this will be handled in terms of potential withdrawal policy, etc.

George Mason E-mail and Canvas (https://info.canvas.gmu.edu/)

Students are expected to check their George Mason e-mail and Blackboard on a daily basis. This is especially important with the online format of our class. In order to comply with student privacy laws, students must use their Mason email account to receive important University information, including messages related to this class, and when corresponding with me or fellow students for our class. 

Course information and supporting materials will be available through Blackboard. I will disseminate course information using both outlets, including announcements, course content, grades, and (possibly) class cancellations. If you have any questions or problems about accessing these, please see me or IT.

Students with Disabilities

If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations, please contact me (contact info above) and the Office of Disability Services (ODS) at 703-993-2474 or ods@gmu.edu. Even if you have worked with ODS in the past, it is important to check-in with them this year for how graded work should accommodate students in the current year given the unique circumstances surrounding COVID-19. All academic accommodations must be arranged through the ODS. Facilitation for disabilities with graded classwork will be applied after I receive the appropriate faculty contact sheet from ODS.

Title IX

Notice of mandatory reporting of sexual assault, interpersonal violence, and stalking: As a faculty member, I am designated as a “Responsible Employee,” and must report all disclosures of sexual assault, interpersonal violence, and stalking to Mason’s Title IX Coordinator per University Policy 1412. You may seek assistance from George Mason’s Title IX Coordinator, Jennifer Hammat, by calling (703) 993-8730 or email cde@gmu.edu. If you wish to speak with someone confidentially, please contact one of George Mason’s confidential resources, such as Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC) at (703) 993-3686 or Counseling and Psychology Services (CAPS) at (703) 993-2380. The 24-hour Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence Crisis Line for George Mason is (703) 380-1434.

Costello College of Business Standards of Behavior

The mission of the Costello College of Business at George Mason University is to create and deliver high-quality educational programs and research. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni who participate in these educational programs contribute to the well-being of society. Highquality educational programs require an environment of trust and mutual respect, free expression and inquiry, and a commitment to truth, excellence, and lifelong learning. Students, program participants, faculty, staff, and alumni accept these principles when they join the Costello College of Business community. In doing so, they agree to abide by the following standards of behavior:

  • Respect for the rights, differences, and dignity of others
  • Honesty and integrity in dealing with all members of the community
  • Accountability for personal behavior 

Integrity is an essential ingredient of a successful learning community. Ethical standards of behavior help promote a safe and productive community environment and ensure every member the opportunity to pursue excellence. The Costello College of Business can and should be a living model of these behavioral standards. To this end, community members have a personal responsibility to integrate these standards into every aspect of their experience at the Costello College of Business. Through our personal commitment to these Community Standards of Behavior, we can create an environment in which all can achieve their full potential.

Honor Code

Student members of the George Mason University community pledge not to cheat, plagiarize, steal, or lie in matters related to academic work. All academic work in this course, including quizzes, assignments, and exams, is to be your own work, unless otherwise specifically described by the instructor. It is your responsibility if you have any doubt to confirm whether or not collaboration is permitted. In this class, an honor code violation would occur if unauthorized collaboration took place or if unauthorized materials were used on quizzes, assignments, or exams. Examples of unauthorized collaboration include but are not limited to copying off another student’s quiz, assignment, or exam, discussing questions on the quiz, assignment, or exam during the quiz/assignment/exam, and a student who has taken an exam earlier telling other students answers or specific questions on the exam. Examples of unauthorized materials include but are not limited to use of laptops, phones, calculators, notes, or the textbook on a quiz, assignment, or exam in a way that departs from what I have explicitly allowed in the instructions. If any part of this honor code statement is not clear, ask me for a clarification. 

I expect all students to follow the GMU Honor Code. Violations of the Honor Code will be forwarded to the Honor Council for resolution. Students can review the academic standards code and sanctions matrix at the following link: https://academicstandards.gmu.edu/academic-standards-code/

Other Policies

Policies not explicitly stated in this syllabus are delegated to the George Mason University Catalog General Policies and the George Mason University Honor Code.

Sample Course Schedule

Date Topic Description
Week 1 Syllabus, Introductions, History of the U.S. tax system
Chapter 1 An Introduction to Tax
Week 2 Chapter 2 Tax Compliance, the IRS, and Tax Authorities
Chapter 4 Individual Overview, Dependents, and Filing Status
Week 3 Chapter 5 Gross Income and Exclusions
Week 4 Chapter 6 Individual Deductions
Week 5 Will hold a review for the first exam using a review posted to Canvas 
Will discuss Tax Return Software Project 1. 
Midterm 1 (Ch. 1, 4, 5, and 6).**
Week 6 Tax Analytics Project 1 
Tax Return Software Project 1 – Form 1040
Week 7 Chapter 7 Investments
Week 8 Tax Analytics Project 2 – Stata Graphics***
Week 9 Chapter 9 Business Income for Individuals
Week 10 Chapter 10 Property Acquisition and Cost Recovery
Week 11 Chapter 11 Property Dispositions
Week 12 Chapter 16 Corporate Operations 
Will release Review Sheet for Midterm 2 
Midterm 2 (Ch. 7, 9, 10, and 11).**
Week 13 Chapter 17 Accounting for Income Taxes
Week 14 Tax Analytics Project 3 – Alteryx Workflow***
Week 15 Chapter 20 Forming and Operating Partnerships
Final Exam Final Exam (Ch. 16, 17, and 20).**

* The instructor reserves the right to make any necessary changes to the syllabus and course schedule with appropriate announcements in class and on Blackboard. While all ACCT 351 sections test on the same chapters, different instructors order chapters differently and may align chapters with a different exam than the above exam coverage breakout. Additionally, different terms (e.g., fall vs. spring) may have different holiday breaks that shift chapter coverage to an alternative week than what is outlined above. 
** The instructor reserves the right to hold exams on a different day of the week (or during class time or the standardized final exam week scheduled time) as long as appropriate announcements and notice are given in class and/or Blackboard. 
***The instructor may use alternative projects for data analytics skills and schedule them at different points in a term where he/she thinks best.