As a student in the MPA program, you can take many interesting and challenging classes that will help prepare you for a successful future in accounting. One such class is Corporate Tax. A fundamental aspect of all financial transactions is the tax cost of the transaction. Understanding how businesses and individuals are taxed is crucial for accounting professionals. Corporate Tax, focusing on the taxation of C corporations and their shareholders, is taught by Professor Donna Johnston-Blair, an MPA student favorite.
In Corporate Tax, students learn about the life cycle of a corporation from a tax perspective. The class starts with the tax consequences of incorporation. The next step in a C corp’s tax life cycle is the calculation of a corporation’s taxable income (students even practice preparing a corporate tax return). Professor Johnston-Blair also explores various strategies that C corps and their shareholders can employ to minimize their tax burden, including deferring income, accelerating deductions, and taking advantage of tax credits.
In the second part of the course, the focus shifts to the tax consequences of corporate distributions and then, the corporation’s end (aka, liquidation). These transactions create unique tax consequences for a corporate shareholders. Understanding these consequences can set an accounting professional apart from their peers.
While learning the corporate tax rules, students also explore ethical and professional issues that arise for tax professionals related to tax evasion, tax avoidance and tax fraud.
“Donna brings everything I learned in tax together. She’s always available inside and outside the class and provides thorough explanations and constructive advice. She is the most charming and lively professor I can ever ask for! My MPA experience would not be the same without her!”– Letitia Wu, MPA Student
Corporate Tax provides MPA student with a comprehensive understanding of taxation of C corps. Professor Johnston-Blair encourages class discussion and incorporates real-life examples to help students understand both the complexities and the nuances of C corp taxation.
Taxation of Entities 1 Professor Johnston-Blair in action!
Does this class sound interesting to you? If you are exploring a future in accounting and want to know more about how the MPA program can help you reach your career goals, attend an info session or meet with admissions.
Christine Cockerell | MPA ’17
David O’Neil | MPA ’15
Eric (Junqi) Wen | Current MPA
Nick Hallman, Assistant Professor
Donna Johnston-Blair, Assistant Professor of Instruction
Lisa Koonce, Professor