This unique text uses a forms-based approach to take beginning students from the teaching of theoretical tax rules to the practical application of tax law, and helps them experience and grasp the main issues involved in the complex tax preparation environment.

The book's "hands-on" approach provides a discussion of the tax law and authority, identifies common source documents used in tax return preparation, illustrates proper reporting of income/expense items, and presents complete examples of the proper reporting through the critical use of tax software.