Master of Laws in Taxation (LLM)

School of Government & Law

Focus on Tax Law with Our Master of Laws in Taxation Program

Our Master of Laws in Taxation (LLM) program is specifically designed for practicing attorneys and other law school graduates. Completion of this program is not intended to, and will not, qualify graduates to sit for any bar examination.

Using many of the same reference materials found in the offices of tax professionals, the program provides the conceptual understanding and technical competence advantageous for advancement in the tax consulting profession, corporate finance departments, and government tax agencies.

The LLM degree program is presented through distance education using online technology requiring no classroom or seminar attendance. The program is offered only in the Independent Study modality.

Learning Modalities | Curriculum | Program Outcomes | Admissions Process

Upcoming Start Dates:
September 2nd | October 28th

Tuition: $495/credit

Credits Required: 24

Total Program Tuition: $11,880

Learning Modality:
Independent Study

Admissions Requirements:
Juris Doctor Degree

Program Catalog | FAQs

Did you enroll in our LLM program before the October 26, 2021 start date? You can find your program catalogs and other relevant information here.

 Independent Study that Fits Your Busy Schedule

Our Independent Study modality gives you the flexibility to fit your program around your career and lifestyle.

Students have 8 weeks to complete each course, working independently with the support of a faculty mentor. The time to degree completion may be accelerated or extended, within the guidelines of the University.

Each course in the program contains a series of lesson assignments, generally consisting of reading assignments supplemented occasionally by various multimedia. Students are evaluated through examinations and/or research assignments, which are submitted for faculty evaluation.

Pay tuition in installments completely interest-free — each semester, just make a 30% downpayment upfront, followed by 3 monthly payments.

Start on any of six start dates throughout the year.

Curriculum

A total of 24 credits are required for graduation from the University with an LLM. After successful completion of all Foundation Courses, students will choose at least 12 credits of Electives to complete their program.

Complete information about fees associated with our programs can be found on the Tuition & Fees page. All foundation and elective courses in the LLM program can be viewed below.

+ Foundation Courses

TAX721 Tax Research Techniques (3 credits)

This course serves as the introduction to the program and as a comprehensive guide to tax research techniques. The text uses specific examples and a step-by-step approach that will instruct the student on how to obtain the facts, ask the right questions, locate and assess pertinent authority, and communicate tax-saving options to clients.

TAX702 Tax Aspects of Organizing & Operating (3 credits)

A study of federal income tax aspects of organizing and operating corporations. Subjects covered include the organization of a corporation under Section 351, the corporation’s capital structure, corporate elections under Subchapter “S”, dividends, and non-liquidating distributions.

TAX708 Federal Income Taxation of Individuals (3 credits)

This course deals with federal income taxation as it impacts individuals, including the definition of gross income, business and personal deductions, sales and exchanges of property, alternative minimum tax, operating losses, tax shelter deductions, taxation of capital gains & losses, and tax accounting issues.

TAX722 Directed Tax Research (3 credits)

This Capstone course requires preparation of a written project demonstrating scholarship based on hypothetical facts. This course consists of an independent tax research project prepared under the supervision of a faculty member. The topic is selected by the student and subject to the approval of the University.

+ Electives

Students choose at least 12 credits of electives to complete their program.

Continuing the study of corporations, this course studies every major aspect of the tax ramifications of restructuring the corporation, including stock redemptions, partial liquidations, collapsible corporations, and Section 368 reorganizations.

A complete study of Subchapter “K”, including defining partnerships and partners for tax purposes, receipt of a partnership interest, liabilities, tax accounting for partnerships, distributive shares, terminations, and tax shelters.

Subject matters in this course include complete coverage of federal income tax implications of all types of real estate transactions, from house closings to sale-leasebacks and syndications. Also covered are real estate tax planning ideas, techniques, and strategies.

In addition to comprehensive coverage of federal estate and gift taxation, this course also covers practical matters such as probate, trusts, and joint tenancy.

A complete study of Subchapter “J” of the Internal Revenue Code, including a detailed analysis of such topics as computations of taxable income of an estate or trust and tax treatment of beneficiaries.

This course provides an introduction to international taxation and provides a general overview of the US system of taxing the foreign income of its citizens and the US income of non-citizens. It also addresses foundations of taxation in international law, fiscal residence of companies, rules for determining income and expenses, and tax incentives in developing countries.

This course studies the entire range of tax procedure and IRS practice, including a full analysis of the laws pertaining to tax procedure and how the IRS interprets and applies those laws. Complete descriptions of how the IRS operates and suggested techniques for representing clients with specific IRS problems are also covered.

Designed to assist attorneys and tax professionals advising on potential fraud situations, this course includes discussions of tax evasion versus tax avoidance, investigation and processing of potential criminal fraud, compromise procedures, civil penalties, and contesting the deficiency assessment.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

PLO1 – Develop research skills necessary to apply current areas of tax law to issues encountered by individuals and organizations.

PLO2 – Analyze the laws pertaining to tax procedure and evaluate how the IRS interprets and applies those laws.

PLO3 – Develop a comprehensive understanding of the taxation implications of various corporate structures.

 

Admissions Process

  • Apply Online

    Complete our online Application Form and attach any prepared documents. Additional documents may be emailed directly to Admissions@Taft.edu or your Admissions Representative after your application form is submitted.

    Required Documentation:

    • Juris Doctor Transcript

    • Resume

    • Copy of ID

  • Choose Your Start Date

    Independent Study students are able to begin their program on any of six start dates throughout the year.

    Complete information about our start dates, holidays, and other important dates can be found on our Academic Calendar.

    Once you’re accepted into the program, your admissions representative will confirm your start date with you.

  • Complete Your Enrollment Materials

    Once your start date is confirmed, you’ll be provided with enrollment materials to fill out and sign.

    For students using our cash pay option, this includes the first tuition payment.