Taxation (TAXNZ)
Module outline
Last updated: 17 November 2015
taxnz116_moduleoutline
Chartered Accountants Program
Taxation
Taxation New Zealand (TAX NZ)
Introduction
The Taxation New Zealand (TAX NZ) module is a technical module in the Chartered
Accountants Program. The module examines and applies relevant New Zealand taxation law
to various tax entities. It is practical in nature, with candidates required to explain and calculate
the taxation consequences applicable to a range of scenarios, including a comprehensive case
study that integrates the various units.
Units
The TAX NZ module comprises the following units:
Unit
Name of unit
Hours
1
Taxation fundamentals
11
2
Goods and services tax (GST)
7
3
Taxation of employment remuneration
7
4
Taxation of income from property
4
5
Trading stock
4
Online assessment 1
6
Depreciation
5
7
Taxation of sole traders and the self-employed
4
8
Taxation of partnerships
5
9
Taxation of companies
8
10
Taxation of look-through companies
4
11
Taxation of trusts
6
Online assessment 2
12
Taxation of savings vehicles
5
13
Taxation of financial arrangements
5
14
Taxation of primary sector activities
5
15
International taxation issues
8
16
International tax: anti-avoidance
8
Online assessment 3
17
Tax planning, ethics and anti‑avoidance provisions
6
18
Tax administration
6
19
Trans-Tasman tax issues
5
20
Recent tax developments and tax calculation
7
120
Final examination
Module outline
Page 1
Taxation
Chartered Accountants Program
How is the TAXNZ module taught?
The TAXNZ module is 12 weeks in duration and offers flexible learning options with the
delivery of materials online through myLearning (accessible after you enrol in the module by
logging into myAccount and selecting myLearning).
Assessment
The assessment components are outlined below:
•• Three online assessments – 20% in total.
•• Final examination – 80% (three hours plus 15 minutes reading time, open book).
To pass the module, candidates must pass the final examination (achieve 50% or more of the
available marks), and pass the module overall (achieve 50% or more of the available marks).
Time allocation
The expected workload for this module is a minimum of 10 hours per week over 12 weeks, or
120 hours in total, excluding module orientation, online assessments, the final exam and study
time for the final exam. Candidates are advised to plan their enrolment carefully around work
and other commitments to ensure they are able to devote the time required to their studies.
Assumed knowledge
It is assumed that candidates would have a good understanding of basic taxation principles
from their undergraduate studies. Detailed below is a summary of the assumed knowledge for
the module:
•• Undertake research on taxation issues, which includes identifying sources of tax law and
key cases.
•• Define the principles of assessable income and identify the difference between revenue and
capital receipts and ordinary and exempt income, as well as demonstrate an awareness of
timing issues.
•• Define the principles of allowable deductions and identify the difference between revenue
and capital outgoings and between general and specific deductions with an awareness of
timing issues.
•• Understand the taxation implications of companies, trusts, partnerships and
superannuation funds.
•• Describe the administration of taxation in New Zealand, which includes issues regarding
determining the residency of taxpayers and the consequences of tax avoidance or tax
evasion.
•• Explain the nature and incidence of fringe benefit tax.
•• Explain the nature and incidence of the goods and services tax.
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Module outline
Chartered Accountants Program
Taxation
Learning resources and supports
Each technical module has a range of resources and supports available for candidates,
including:
Online learning material:
•• Introduction
•• Core content
•• Worked examples
•• Activities
•• Quick reference guides
•• Readings
•• Unit quiz.
Additional supports:
•• Optional virtual classrooms in weeks 3, 6, 9 and 11 for 1 hour each. The focus will be on
fundamental principles and exam preparation.
Recordings of the virtual classrooms will also be available – these can be accessed by all
candidates, regardless of whether or not they attended these sessions.
•• Candidate Study Guide – after enrolment candidates will receive a Study Guide for all
technical modules, containing the core content, activities and readings for that module.
•• Discussion forums
–– Technical query forums – where candidates can post specific questions to a technical
specialist.
–– Peer-to-peer forums – where candidates can form study groups or discuss issues with
other candidates.
•• Prior exam paper – to help candidates prepare for the final exam there will be a prior exam
paper available to download.
Prescribed reading material
2015 CCH Tax Legislation for Students, CCH New Zealand Limited, Auckland, New Zealand
Module outline
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