Income Tax Accounting and Auditing Spring 2014 January 14 to May 10, 2014 Professor: Office: Joseph L. Keller ACC 212 Office Phone: (213) 740-4846 E-mail: jkeller@marshall.usc.edu Lecture Class Tuesday &Thursday 2:00 PM – 3:20 PM JKP 202 Office Hours Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM and by appointment Course Description and Objective The objective of this course is to provide the student with a foundation in the principles related to accounting and auditing income taxes. The course is designed to provide an understanding of the roles of company personnel and outside advisors in the preparation and review of the accrual of income taxes in connection with financial audits. The course will also focus on identifying tax issues and planning opportunities in connection with tax accrual work. Learning Objectives Upon taking this course, the student will be able to: 1. Create a set of working papers to facilitate the analysis and audit of a corporation’s income tax provision by completing a group case study project 2. Prepare and explain the income tax footnotes to financial statements by preparing sample footnotes 3. Determine the tax adjustments required to be booked in connection with a business combination by analyzing fact patterns and solving problems 4. Explain financial statement reporting of the tax consequences of issuing stock based compensation by analyzing footnotes of public companies and solving problems 5. Calculate and audit the amount of tax liability that should be recorded on the financial statements for uncertain tax positions by completing a group case study project 6. Analyze the need for and determine the amount of any valuation allowance needed for deferred tax assets by preparing a report and solving problems Page | 1 Student Learning Outcomes Graduate Program Student Learning Outcomes “Attached to this syllabus are the five Student Learning Outcomes developed for this program by the USC Leventhal faculty and administration and filed with the AACSB, the accrediting body for accounting and business schools. This course will deal primarily with the Outcome #1 Technical, Conceptual, Problem-Solving Requirement which states: 1. Technical, Conceptual, Problem-Solving Requirement Students will be competent in and be able to apply discipline-specific knowledge and skills in the fields of accounting or taxation. This learning outcome includes the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills, as well as an understanding of the strategic role of accounting in business organizations and society. To a lesser extent, this course will touch on two of the other Learning Outcomes: # 2 Professional Development Requirement and #4 Ethical Principles and Professional Standards Requirement Required Materials Accounting Standards Codification 740 (available on line) Financial Reporting Developments/Income Taxes, Ernst and Young, September 2013 (will be provided on Blackboard) Prerequisites: None Course Notes: Power point handouts will be posted in advance for each class on Blackboard Grading Policy There will be a Mid-term and Final Exam. This course follows the Leventhal School of Accounting and Marshall School of Business grading policies. Make-up exams will be given only when a student has received approval from the instructor. The following points will be assigned for the determination of final grades: Class participation Problem Assignments Case Study Midterm Examination Final Examination: Total 100 100 100 300 300 900 Notes on grading policy 1. All assignments, exams, and class participation will be evaluated on effectiveness of your communication. This includes grammar, spelling, organization, format and the other essentials of strong and effective communication. All problems are to be the student’s individual work and any collaboration or sharing of answers will be considered a violation of the honor code. Page | 2 2. All assignments are due on the dates indicated on the course syllabus. Late assignments will receive a grade of ZERO. 3. Class attendance is very important in developing a coherent view of the materials covered in the course. It is expected that each student will be prepared for each class and will participate through volunteering or by being called on to add to the discussion. We adhere to the USC Leventhal School of Accounting and Marshall School of Business grading standards for graduate programs. In general, final course grades at the graduate level in a core course average approximately B+ (3.3), but may vary based on class performance. For elective courses, the class average is usually higher--approximating 3.5, which is between a B+ and an A-. You must receive a C or better to pass a required class, and you must have an overall B average (3.0 minimum) in order to graduate from USC. Emergency Information USC Emergency # (213) 740-4321 USC Emergency Information Line (213) 740-9233 USC Information # (213) 740-2311 and KUSC Radio 91.5 FM Paperwork Retention Policy Returned paperwork, unclaimed by a student, will be discarded at the end of the semester. All graded paperwork, not returned, will be kept for one year. Statement for Students with Disabilities Any student requesting academic accommodations based on a disability is required to register with Disability Services and Programs (DSP) each semester. A letter of verification for approved accommodations can be obtained from DSP. Please be sure the letter is delivered to me (or to TA) as early in the semester as possible. DSP is located in STU 301 and is open 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The phone number for DSP is (213) 740-0776. Academic Integrity – Leventhal School of Accounting Honor Code Students enrolled in any class offered by the Leventhal School of Accounting are expected to uphold and adhere to the standards of academic integrity established by the Leventhal School of Accounting Student Honor Code. Students are responsible for obtaining, reading, and understanding the Honor Code System handbook. Students who are found to have violated the Code will be subject to disciplinary action as described in the handbook. For more specific information, please refer to the Student Honor Code System handbook, available in class or from the receptionist in ACC 101 Page | 3 Student Learning Outcomes USC Leventhal Masters Programs 1. Technical, Conceptual, Problem-Solving Requirement Students will be competent in and be able to apply discipline-specific knowledge and skills in the fields of accounting or taxation. This learning outcome includes the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills, as well as an understanding of the strategic role of accounting in business organizations and society. 2. Professional Development Requirement Students will be able to communicate clearly, and strategically, after considering the relevant audience, situation, and purpose of the communication. Students will develop the ability to work productively with others to accomplish established goals. 3. Research/Life-Long Learning Requirement Students will be able to use relevant research databases and academic/professional literature to gain new knowledge and analyze business situations. 4. Ethical Principles and Professional Standards Requirement Students will be able to apply ethical principles and professional standards in analyzing situations and making informed decisions. 5. Globalization Requirement Students will be able to demonstrate an international perspective and appreciation for diversity and cultural differences, along with their significance in global business. Page | 4 INCOME TAX ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING ACCT 583 2014 SPRING SEMESTER SESSION DATE 01 1/14 02 1/16 03 1/21 INTRODCUTION OF CASE STUDY 04 1/23 05 1/28 OBJECTIVES AND BASIC PRINCIPLES TEMPORARY DIFFERENCES 06 1/30 07 2/4 08 2/6 AN ENACTED CHANGE IN TAX LAWS OR RATES CHAPTER 8 09 2/11 VALUATION ALLOWANCE I CHAPTER 6 6 – 6.5.3 10 2/13 VALUATION ALLOWANCE II CASE STUDY DISCUSSION CHAPTER 6 6.6 – 6.12.2 2/18 TOPIC READING E & Y’S FINANCIAL REPORTING DEVELOPMENTS ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME TAXES CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION AND COURSE OVERVIEW/ HISTORY SCOPE AND APPLICABILITY RECOGNITION AND MEASUREMENT CASE STUDY DISCUSSION HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS CHAPTER 2 CHAPTER 3 3 - 3.2 CHAPTER 4 4 – 4.2.7 4.2.9 -4.5 CHAPTER 5 11 2/20 CONTINUATION OF SESSION 9 CHAPTER 7 12 2/25 BUSINESS COMBINATIONS I CHAPTER 11 11 - 11.3.5 13 2/27 BUSINESS COMBINATIONS II CHAPTER 11 11.5 – 11.13.1 Page | 5 OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL READING ASSIGNMENT #1 DUE ASSIGNMENT #2 DUE CASE STUDY ELEMENTS 1 & 2 DUE ASSIGNMENT #3 DUE CASE STUDY ELEMENT 3 & 4 DUE DELOITTE BUSINESS COMBINATION ROADMAP SECTION 8 113135 ASSIGNMENT # 4 DUE CASE STUDY ELEMENT 6 DUE SESSION DATE TOPIC READING E & Y’S FINANCIAL REPORTING DEVELOPMENTS ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME TAXES 14 15 3/4 SESSION 12 CONTINUED CHAPTER 12 CHAPTER 13 ASSIGNMENT #5 DUE 3/6 MID TERM EXAM 3/11 FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION CHAPTER 18 18 – 18.2.5 CASE STUDY ELEMNT 11 DUE 16 OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL READING HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS 17 3/13 CONTINUATION OF SESSION 16 CHAPTER 18 18.3 – 18.9.1 18 3/25 CHAPTER 14 14 – 14.2.7.4 14.3 -14.7 ASSIGNMENT #6 DUE 19 3/27 OPINION 23/ SUBSIDIARY BASIS ADJUSTMENTS INTRAPERIOD TAX ALLOCATION CHAPTER 15 15 – 15.2.1.4 15.3 – 15.4 CASE STUDY ELEMENT 9 DUE 20 4/1 INTERIM REPORTING CHAPTER 20 21 4/3 STOCK BASED COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS 22 4/8 CONTINUATION OF SESSION 21 23 4/10 CASE STUDY DISCUSSION ASSIGNMENT # 7 DUE 24 4/15 CASE STUDY DISCUSSION CASE STUDY ELEMENTS 7 & 8 DUE Page | 6 Deloitte Stock Based Compensation “ROADMAP” pages 132-148 Deloitte Stock Based Compensation “ROADMAP” pages 149-156 SESSION DATE TOPIC READING E & Y’S FINANCIAL REPORTING DEVELOPMENTS ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME TAXES OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL READING 25 4/17 UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS I CHAPTER 19 19.1 – 19.8 DELOITTE “Roadmap to Accounting for Income Taxes” Pages 155-164 26 4/22 27 4/24 28 4/29 CONTINUATION OF SESSION 25 UNCERTAIN TAX POSTIONS II CONTINUATION OF SESSION 26 CHAPTER 19 19.9 – 19.110 CHAPTER 19 19.9 – 19.11 29 5/1 HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS FINAL CASE STUDY DUE IFRS ASSIGNMENT # 8 DUE 30 5/9 FINAL EXAMINATION 11:00 TO 1:00 PM Problem assignments will be posted to Blackboard at least one week before they are due Page | 7