Taxation module (BU30005)

Taxation is the process by which governments impose financial charges on individuals, businesses, and entities within the UK. It is a means of generating revenue to fund public services and infrastructure, and it involves enforcing tax laws and compliance by taxpayers.

Learning about taxation is important for understanding legal obligations, optimising financial planning, making informed decisions, protecting assets, and advancing professional opportunities. It enables compliance, maximises savings, evaluates risks, and enhances career prospects in accounting and finance.

What you will learn

You will learn the personal taxation aspects of the UK tax system in this module. This considers the most common forms of income for most individuals, namely income from employment and self-employment.

In this module, you will:

• develop an understanding of the administration of the UK tax system
• learn about the main sources of income for individuals, including property, investment, and employment income and calculate an individual's income tax liability
• gain an understanding of VAT and pension, and national insurance contributions
• explore income from trade for individuals, including calculating trading profit, trading losses, capital allowances, and partnerships

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• recognise and categorise different sources of income and expenditure.
• calculate tax liability for individuals for personal tax and trading income for individuals and partnerships
• understand VAT, pensions, and national insurance contributions for individuals
• have a strong understanding of appropriate tax rules and allowances and apply them to the income tax liability calculation

Assignments / assessment

The module's assignments will comprise the following:

• Class test (20%)
• Final exam (80%)

Teaching methods / timetable

The module will be delivered via on-campus (face-to-face) lecture sessions and tutorials.

A typical week will consist of:

• two 1 hour lecture sessions
• a 1-hour tutorial per student

During certain weeks additional sessions may be arranged to provide additional examples.