This book does not teach substantive tax law, which continually changes, but rather the language of tax, which largely remains constant. Thus, a student who learns how to read the Code effectively will be able to understand each new tax reform. To that end, this new edition:\

Softbound - New, softbound print book.

A concise, single-volume work which explains the technical workings, Code provisions and common law tax rules and principles that apply to individual taxpayers. The text suggests rationales and underlying policies for many of the tax areas covered in a basic tax course. Designed for students taking a basic course in income taxation and those taking advanced tax courses who desire an accessible explanation of a personal income tax doctrine relating to their studies.Summary of Contents" Preface" Table of Contents" Chapter1. Introduction2. Gross Income3. Adjusted Gross Income and the Standard Deduction4. Personal and Dependant Exemption Deductions5. Interest Expense6. State and Local Taxes7. Losses8. Medical Expenses9. Charitable Contributions10. Business and NonBusiness Expenses11. Depreciation and Amortization12. Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS)13. Miscellaneous Credits and Deductions14. Joints Returns, Head of Household, and Surviving Spouse15. Alternative Minimum Tax16. Realization of Gain or Loss on the Disposition of Property17. Recognition of Gain or Loss on the Disposition of Property18. Capital Gains and Losses19. Quasi-Capital Assets and Recapture of Depreciation20. Assignment and Anticipation of Income, "Kiddie Tax," and Installment Sales21. Income in respect of a Decendent (IRD)" Index

Voluntary land conservation, resulting from increasingly alluring tax benefits, has significantly changed the face of land use in the United States and promises to have an even more significant influence in the future. There are more than 1,500 land trusts in the U.S. today, involving millions of acres of land that have been permanently protected by conservation easements. Most of these land trusts depend heavily upon the significant income or estate tax benefits offered by the federal tax code as an incentive for voluntary land conservation. However, only a very small percentage of land trust personnel, landowners or their advisors, or even government officials, fully understand the complexity of the requirements for these tax benefits. This is a comprehensive book on the tax benefits of the charitable contribution, or bargain sale, of a conservation easement. It provides a detailed explanation of the complex and extensive requirements of the federal tax code and related concepts, including the rules governing the operation of tax-exempt organizations such as land trusts. Clearly written, systematic in its coverage, it is intended to be of value for anyone who deals with land trust issues, including land trust staff and trustees, landowners, lawyers, accountants, government officials, and interested lay people. Structured for easy reference, A Tax Guide to Conservation Easements is designed to be used as a resource tool. Related topics are cross-referenced throughout. All principles in the book are illustrated with one or more useful examples. The tax benefits of contributing a conservation easement are unquestionably the heart of voluntary land conservation today. Knowledge of the tax law relating to land trusts and conservation easements is vital to properly establishing and managing land trusts and to insuring the tax deductibility of conservation easements. The future of voluntary land conservation is dependent on a clear understanding of tax policy. Complete, meticulous, and up to date, A Tax Guide to Conservation Easements is an essential handbook.