Unit 30 Taxation

Introduction

This unit introduces students to a range of taxation principles and many of the issues that organisations should consider to ensure that they comply with the taxation legislation of the country in which they operate. The unit also introduces students to the principles of personal and business taxation, the legal and ethical issues relating to taxation, the obligations of taxpayers, taxation systems and taxation planning.An integral part of an organisation’s operations is managing its taxation responsibilities and liabilities. Having a fundamental understanding of these responsibilities and how to determine taxation liabilities is important for all those who are employed in a management role within an organisation.Successful completion of this unit will enable students to positively contribute to an organisation’s responsibilities with regard to taxation as well as preparing them for progression onto a higher level of study.

Learning outcomes

LO1 Analyse taxation systems and the legislation which governs them

Taxation systems:

These can be contextualised to the country of study but consideration can be given to taxation systems in other countries with close economic and/or trade links. The interrelationship between these systems is addressed.

Taxation legislation:

As with taxation systems these will be contextualised. In addition, consideration will be given to the implications on national taxation systems where countries are members of trade blocs such as the EU, APEC or NAFTA.

LO2 Determine taxation liabilities for unincorporated organisations and individuals

Unincorporated organisations:

The characteristics and background to these organisations will be addressed, giving consideration to the advantages and disadvantages of operating unincorporated.

Individuals:

Personal taxation and taxation relating to sole traders and partnerships.
The characteristics of each type of taxation.
The implications on personal taxation for those trading as sole traders or as a partnership.

Calculating taxation liabilities:

Using recognised models and formulae taking into account changes in allowances from one tax year to another and changes in legislation.
Key terms would include: personal allowance, capital gains tax, National Insurance contributions (or equivalent), inheritance tax and corporation tax.

LO3 Determine taxation liabilities for incorporated organisations

Incorporation:

Characteristics of incorporated organisations as separate entities. The advantages and disadvantages of incorporation.

Private v public limited companies:

How are they different?
Why set up as one but not the other?
What are the taxation advantages for each?

Calculating taxation liabilities:

Using recognised models and formulae, taking into account changes in allowances from one tax year to another and changes in legislation.

LO4 Evaluate the impact on organisations of the legal and ethical constraints associated with taxation responsibilities

Legal constraints:

Considering key aspects of relevant legislation at regional, national and international levels.
How do these apply to different business formats and to individuals?

Ethical considerations:

What is meant by ethics?
How does it differ from nation to nation?
How can ethical constraints be applied consistently across different cultures?

Compliance requirements:

Recording transactions, reporting income for taxation purposes and the role of organisations as collectors of tax (e.g. VAT, National Insurance and income tax through PAYE).

Resources

LYMER, A. and OATES, L. (2015) Taxation: Policy and Practice. 22nd Ed. Birmingham: Fiscal Publications.
SMITH, S. (2015) Taxation: A Very Short Introduction. Kindle Ed. Oxford: Oxford. University Press.
SPIKER, B. et al (2015) Taxation of Individuals and Business Entities. 6th Ed. New York:McGraw Hill.