US Income Taxes – Income Tax Preparation Simplified for You Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview (80-120 words) describing structure and time commitment.
Module 1: Introduction to Income Tax
Estimated time: 0.5 hours
- Overview of the U.S. tax system
- Understanding different types of taxes
- Importance of filing tax returns
Module 2: Preparing Your Tax Return
Estimated time: 0.75 hours
- Gathering necessary documents
- Filling out Form 1040
- Understanding W-2s and 1099s
- Interpreting other income statements
Module 3: Deductions and Credits
Estimated time: 0.75 hours
- Standard vs. itemized deductions
- Common tax credits and how to claim them
- Tax benefits for education expenses
- Credits for dependents and retirement savings
Module 4: Filing Your Tax Return
Estimated time: 0.5 hours
- Choosing between e-filing and paper filing
- Submitting your return to the IRS
- Understanding refund or payment timelines
Module 5: Post-Filing Considerations
Estimated time: 0.5 hours
- What to do if you owe taxes
- Handling audits and IRS notices
- Recordkeeping and future tax planning
Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of personal finance
- Access to a computer and internet
- No prior tax knowledge required
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Understand the fundamentals of U.S. income tax
- Prepare and file your own federal tax return
- Navigate common tax forms and schedules
- Identify eligible deductions and tax credits
- File on time and handle post-filing responsibilities