Introductory description

The aim of this module is to explore the principles and issues of policy that may influence the creation and development of a tax system, with particular regard to certain aspects of income and capital taxation in the United Kingdom.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Fiscal concepts and general principles of taxation. Foundations of UK taxation and statutory interpretation (including the impact of the HRA 1998 on the interpretation of tax legislation).
Tax avoidance and tax evasion.
Aspects of income and capital taxation:
history and structure of income tax including: taxation by source, taxable persons; personal allowances and reliefs; tax credits, computation; rates; administration and appellate structure;
income tax: taxation of the employed and self-employed: parameters of capital gains tax: basis of charge; assets; disposals; computation of gains/losses; exemptions and reliefs

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand the principles that underlie and the issues of policy that may influence the creation and development of a tax system. Acquire a detailed knowledge of selected areas of UK tax law.
• Reflect critically upon the extent to which principles and/or policy have affected the evolution of the UK tax system
• Understand the extent to which principles and matters of policy permeate a tax system and discrete areas of tax law.
• Analyse and evaluate the role of principles and policy in the development of a tax system and the extent to which these factors are evident in particular areas of tax law.
• Evaluate and apply the interpretative techniques used to ascertain the meaning of fiscal legislation.
• Identify and use primary and secondary legal sources and materials from pertinent related disciplines.
• Identify and assess contemporary fiscal debates
• Work independently in planning and completing designated tasks with a view to gaining a critical understanding of aspects of tax law.
• Engage in academic debate Present materials in writing and orally and work collaboratively in seminars to complete a defined task
• Use standard library materials, information retrieval systems and internet resources proficiently.

Indicative reading list

TILEY, Revenue Law, 7th Edition, Hart Publishing (2012) OLOWOFOYEKU, The Taxation of Income, 2nd Edition, Cambridge Academic Press (2013)
KAY & KING, The British Tax System, 5th Edition (1990) LEE (Gen Ed) Revenue Law - Principles and Practice, 33rd ed., Bloomsbury (2015)
SALTER, LEE AND SNAPE, Revenue Law: Tax and Materials, Bloomsbury, 2007)

Subject specific skills

No subject specific skills defined for this module.

Transferable skills

No transferable skills defined for this module.