December 19, 2014
Story by Joe Vinduska
Tired of paying someone else to do your taxes? Barton Community College is here to help with its Personal Income Tax Preparation course, which is scheduled for 12-12:50 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays from January 12 to March 6, 2015.
The course is designed to gain a basic understanding of Internal Revenue Service and State of Kansas tax laws, including legal, ethical and social issues relating to taxation. Students will receive an overview of basic tax concepts and procedures and experience the preparation of an individual federal and state tax return.
The class will be taught by Barton Business Instructor Steven Little who said there is a benefit to understanding tax ramifications beyond being able to file their own personal taxes.
“Individuals are ultimately responsible for their tax filings, even if they pay a professional to complete them,” he said. “It is beneficial to know what is considered taxable and more importantly what is deductible. There is much information out there that is inaccurate. This course reviews the IRS guidelines to properly report income, deduct allowable expenses and to receive applicable credits.”
Little said knowledge about taxes is important to understand the big picture of finance.
“Individuals pay taxes of all kind – sales, property taxes and income tax, with income tax being the largest tax we pay,” he said. “Everyone should have a basic understanding of our income tax rules and ways in which to structure their financial matters to minimize their income tax liability.”
Emphasis on federal tax law will include: filing status, dependents, taxable and non-taxable income, gain and losses, business and farm income, exclusions, deductions and credits.
The class counts for one hour of credit. Cost is $97.
For more information, contact Little at littles@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9398.