Content
Please note, our intent is not to teach students how to conduct effective research, but rather how to communicate effectively using tax technical information.
There are five modules covering the following topics - each video is approximately 10 minutes in length:
Module 1: Introduction to Effective Communication:
Module 2: General Writing Tips
Module 3: How to Write a Research Memo
Module 4: Crafting a Client Letter
Module 5: Other Communications - E-mail, IM, and Workpapers
Additionally, practice exercises are included. Different tax issues are provided, along with relevant research materials. Students are asked to draft a research memo and client letter.
Learn more about each module and the practices exercises below:
Module 1: Introduction to Effective Communication
This short, entertaining video gives students quick tips to ensure they are communicating their intended message.
The video emphasizes the importance of professional communication in general, as well as within the tax profession specifically.
Module 2: General Writing Tips
Helpful writing "rules of thumb" delivered by a Director of Corporate Communications for the KPMG Business School.
This video covers general tips for professional writing.
Module 3: How to Write a Tax Research Memo
This video provides an introduction to the purpose and format of a tax research memo. Tax professionals document the results of their research in internal "memos to the file" in order to support their work. The video walks through an example of a well-crafted memo.
Module 4: Crafting a Client Letter
Learn the differences between a research memo and a client letter, as well as the specifics of how to craft an effective client letter. A research memo is an internal document that is kept in the tax preparer’s file. The client letter is an external document that communicates research results to the client. This video discusses differences between how to communicate with a client with a sophisticated understanding of tax law, versus communicating with a client with a more limited knowledge of the law.
Module 5: Workpapers, eMail, and Instant Messenger
Strong written communication skills are important in building a professional brand. This video covers how to write effective tax workpapers, as well as general communications, such as email and IM. The video emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining a professional brand through written communications including workpapers, email and Instant Messenger.
Tax communication practice exercises:
These exercises are designed to give students the opportunity to practice their technical writing skills. Students are given a fact set and the primary research sources needed to find a solution. They must communicate the answer by constructing both a tax research memo and client letter. Suggested solutions are included for the instructor’s reference.
The practice exercises cover the following topics:
1. Individual – Medical Deduction
2. Individual – Dependency exemption
3. Business – Ordinary and necessary business expense
4. Property – Capital versus ordinary property
5. Corporate – Revenue recognition
6. Corporate – Deduction
