ACCT 0001

ACCT 0001 (Introduction to Income Tax Preparation and United States Fiscal Policy) is offered in partnership with Heights Philadelphia.

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Overview

ACCT 0001: Introduction to Income Tax Preparation and United States Fiscal Policy

This course introduces students to the U.S. tax system and key tax concepts through the lens of community-based tax preparation. Centered on the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, the course explores individual and sole proprietor taxation, tax policy and credits, basic professional skills such as: communicating about sensitive financial matters and working with diverse populations; and culminates with students providing tax preparation services to members of the Philadelphia community. 

Learning Objectives 

By the end of this course, you will be able to: 

  • Understand the basics of individual income tax preparation and develop practical financial literacy skills. 
  • Apply tax preparation knowledge through community-based volunteer service. 
  • Understand how federal fiscal policy, personal income taxes, and government programs are connected. 
  • Explore opportunities for civic engagement and community service through volunteering 
  • Earn VITA tax service certification 

About the Wharton Pre-baccalaureate Program

The Wharton Pre-baccalaureate Program is an academically-intensive opportunity for exceptional high school juniors and seniors to enroll in Wharton online courses. Participants will learn from Wharton instructors, earn a Wharton transcript, and accrue college credit for each course completed. With six sessions to choose from and built-in academic support, students are encouraged to explore the depth and breadth of Wharton’s business education curriculum with maximum flexibility and the guidance and resources to succeed.

 

Details

This course is delivered via lectures, synchronous class sessions, online assignments, discussions, and exercises. To be successful, you must actively engage with ideas presented in the course, and with those posed by your classmates.   

Assessment is based upon active course participation, individual assignments, discussion posts and responses, periodic quizzes, and a final assignment. 

Course Content: 

  • Individual income taxation 
  • Tax return preparation 
  • Tax credits and social policy 
  • Financial literacy and communication 
  • Community service and civic engagement 

Synchronous Classes:  

Synchronous classes offer the opportunity to explore questions about the course and materials beyond the lectures through live interactions with your course instructor and your classmates. Live class sessions will meet twice weekly. 

Course Materials Fee: 

None 

Requirements

Attendance:  

Course attendance and participation are expected on a regular basis. 

Technical Requirements: 

In order to fully participate in this course, you will need a computer that meets minimum system requirements for both Canvas LMS and Zoom Videoconferencing. Refer to the following links: 

Canvas LMS Support Resources 

Zoom Requirements and Support 

All programming originates from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (Eastern Daylight Time). 

Instructional Staff

Instructor: Dr. Lisa “LP” Parlade

Teaching Assistant: Cindy Jiang

Mentors:

  • Nicolas Scola
  • Ritvika Harshawardhan Bal

Location

Online

For more information, please contact wgyp-prebacc@wharton.upenn.edu or call +1.215-746-3666
Please note that participation in Wharton Global Youth Programs does not guarantee admission to Penn.

Program Information:

View Pre-baccalaureate Courses by Session
INCLUDED IN ALL SUMMER ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Wharton Youth Network (WYN)

The Wharton Youth Network (WYN) is an active online community open to all Wharton Global Youth summer students as a way to connect to one another — and Wharton business learning — before, during, and after their programs. Featuring both live and independent programming, the Wharton Youth Network connects ambitious business students worldwide during 10 full weeks of Wharton-powered learning, collaboration, and discovery.

*The Wharton Youth Network is included in all online summer programs.

*In-person students have the chance to join the Wharton Youth Network for $199.

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