Taxation programs provide students with a detailed understanding of the principles and processes of taxation. It’s an interdisciplinary field that merges together concepts from business, finance, economics, public administration, and politics.

Taxation covers all types of taxes, including income, property, payroll, and real estate tax. Taxation transfers wealth from individuals and businesses to the government, usually in the form of a percentage. The various kinds of taxes are what this degree studies, from carbon taxes levied on corporation to inheritance taxes that occur after the death of an individual. Unlike general accounting degrees, taxation concentrations focus on one part of the accounting process.

Taxation specialists focus on one area, such as corporate, sales and use, property or individual taxes. Taxation students learn analytical and problem-solving skills while using critical thinking, research and technology to manage and present information to people concerning taxes. Earning a degree in taxation facilitates a deeper understanding of the subject, from compliance to research to planning and methods.

Program structure

Students earning a degree in taxation need to have a basic education in accounting and finance before entering a program. The coursework for taxation teaches students all aspects of taxation and tax law. Some of the courses students may encounter during their studies include partners or partnerships taxation, tax databases, estates and gift taxation, managerial accounting, taxation of income from trusts and estates, corporate income tax, procedures and practices in taxation, auditing, taxation of corporate reorganization, business corporation taxation, information system for accounting, tax planning and theory of accounting.

Other classes may include international taxation, taxation of partnerships, corporations and shareholders, state and local income taxes, penalties and procedures, tax exempt organizations, advanced individual taxes, executive compensation taxation, international transaction taxes and tax research.

Career prospects

Taxation specialists tend to have a more consistent client base and more predictable schedules with greater work-life balance compared to some other areas of accounting. Some careers that may be open to you are certified public accountant (CPA), certified management accountant (CMA), tax associate, auditor, tax collector, industry manager, tax examiner or revenue agent. In many instances, you'll either work for individuals or corporations or you can work for the government. Your knowledge in solving complex taxation laws will be very useful for a career in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Program graduates may work in such spheres as:

• Accounting;

• Tax consulting;

• Corporate finance;

• Law;

• Investment advising;

• Business consulting;

• Entrepreneurship;

• Philanthropy;

• Estate planning;

• Government.

Where to study?

Best countries to study taxation are: the USA, Ireland, Turkey and the UK. Best universities to study taxation are: University of Hartford, Pace University, Ulster University, Southern Utah University, McNeese State University.