A SWOT Analysis of Our Tax Systems - What Surprises Will We Find?
Author: Annette Nellen
| CPE Credit: |
2 hours for CPAs
2 hours Federal Tax Related for EAs and OTRPs
2 hours Federal Tax Law for CTEC |
Per the IRS Education Provider Standards this course must be COMPLETED by 12/31/2028 to receive credits. NOTE: Go to My Professional Profile in your CCH CPELink account settings to ensure your name, and PTIN number; matches your PTIN card
This course addresses the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) in our federal and state tax systems to broaden our understanding of these systems from not only compliance aspects, but policy aspects. “Normal” tax structures are covered to help show how numerous special rules distracts from that design and typically violate principles of good tax policy. Relevance of this information to aid in helping others, including elected officials, better understand tax systems and proposals will also be covered.
Publication Date: October 2025
Topics Covered
- Purpose of taxes
- Questions to ponder before the SWOT analysis
- Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in our tax system as one way to better understand where improvements are warranted
- Examples of how various proposals help or hinder tax systems
- Principles of good tax policy
- Ways to use this information
Learning Objectives
- Explain strengths and weaknesses in our federal and state tax systems
- Identify opportunities and threats to tax system modernization
- Describe how principles of good tax policy can help make for a more effective and efficient tax system
- Identify ways we can help improve tax literacy and broader understanding of our tax systems to help lead to more efficient systems
- Identify the general rule under IRC §471(a) regarding the use of inventories
- Identify the estimated annual federal tax gap in the U.S.
Level
Intermediate
Instructional Method
Self-Study
NASBA Field of Study
Taxes (2 hours)
Program Prerequisites
Basic understanding of SWOT Analysis
Advance Preparation
None
