This course is intended to give students an understanding of the fundamental concepts underlying the U.S. income tax. The course will focus on the statutory framework of U.S. tax laws, certain principal and illustrative judicial authorities, and selected Treasury Department regulations and rulings. The course will include frequent discussion of federal tax policy, current tax issues and controversies, and the history and politics of the U.S. income tax.  The course will examine how the tax system influences the level of inequality in the country and how transfers included in the tax system seek to reduce poverty.

At the end of this course students will be able to:

1. understand the fundamental concepts underlying the U.S. income tax, including the statutory framework of U.S. tax laws, certain principal and illustrative judicial authorities, and selected Treasury Department regulations and rulings.

2. interpret and apply case law, statutes and regulations to determine how a court might resolve a dispute involving U.S. tax law. 

3. provide thoughtful advice to policymakers on the pros and cons of particular legislative proposals in the area of U.S. tax law.