Emphasizing a hands-on approach to federal tax education, this text was written to help students understand the complex research, general concepts, and details of United States tax law, and then apply what they have learned to the practical intricacies involved in the preparation of a tax return. The book covers the law (theoretical application), reporting requirements (compliance/forms approach), and a tax software program (TaxACT). Progressing in difficulty from chapter to chapter, coverage begins with a 1040EZ and ends with the most complex 1040.