GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

There are two certainties in life - death and taxes. This course focuses on the latter and how modern taxation systems have come into being. From ancient times with taxes at borders, to how Marco Polo discovered taxation through gold exchange to the current day comparing different tax regimes of Japan, the US and UK and how each has different effects on regions and on demographics. We also explore tax as state aid, how tax breaks can lead to retaliation in trade wars and what the new rules that tax policy-makers and multinationals are expected to comply with - Base Erosion and Profit Shifting. The course also looks at tax as a social leveller (or not) and how mobility and connectivity has allowed individuals to shop the world for tax regimes. We will also cover the basic terminology and mechanics of how corporate and personal taxation is calculated.

Using the critical thinking exercises and class discussions, students will be able to apply their knowledge to case-studies and group work. Skills they acquire through this course should prepare them to understand key technical terms and give a better understanding of the world.

Will be able to gain “DP 1”, “DP 2” and “DP 4”.

英語 / English

During the course, each class is composed of a partial lecture on key concepts and in-class exercises including small group discussions and class presentations to help students learn and apply the concepts. Students will obtain feedback through Hoppii when they submit their work. Students will also obtain verbal feedback after their class presentations.

あり / Yes

なし / No

授業形態/methods of teaching：対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[オンライン/online]：History of taxation up to the present day.

In this lecture we will discuss the role of the Tax office in Japan and the challenges ahead given the Japanese demographics and the global economy.

2[対面/face to face]：Introduction to income taxation and corporate taxation.

In this lecture we will define the residence of an individual and the scope of charge and key terms such as “Income Chargeable to Tax” and answer key questions such as: What is tax? What is “income”? When is "Income derived"? Where is income derived from? In this lecture we will also understand the rationale on why they are imposed and how they are calculated.

3[対面/face to face]：Introduction to inheritance taxation.

In this lecture we will also understand the rationale on why inheritance tax and how they are imposed and how they are calculated.

4[対面/face to face]：Introduction to Japanese Corporate Taxation.

In this lecture we will introduce key terms and how to calculate allowable deduction. We will also discuss the different types of prohibitions.

5[対面/face to face]：Introduction to Capital Gains taxation.

In this lecture we will understand the concept of Capital Gains taxation and how it is calculated.

6[対面/face to face]：Tax, deficit and balancing the books.

In this lecture, we will look at allowable deductions.

7[対面/face to face]：Base Erosion and Profit Shifting.

As business models of businesses change and technology becomes the main driver of alot of businesses, the old international taxation rules no longer apply. International companies earning multimillion dollar business plan their tax so efficiently that they pay little or no tax. So the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is an intergovernmental economic organisation with 36 member countries, founded in 1961 to stimulate economic progress and world trade came up with a new set of rules of overhaul of the tax regime. In this lecture we will cover the 15 action plans.

8[対面/face to face]：Discussion and Review.

Discussion and Review.

9[対面/face to face]：Review of class and in-class written exam.

Review of class and in-class written exam.

10[対面/face to face]：The Impossible Trinity.

In this lecture we will see how taxation is used as a tool by the government to manage the economy. We will also discuss how taxation interacts with capital mobility and exchange rate management.

11[対面/face to face]：Keynesians vs Monetary.

In this lecture we will explain how taxation is vital economic policies and elaborate how the governments use Keynesian and monetary policies to determine their taxation policies. In this lecture we will also look at consumption taxation and how it works.

12[対面/face to face]：How low is low? 17% 12? 0%? From Hong Kong to the Carribean.

In this lecture we will look at countries with a low taxation rate and how they try to maintain competitive and attract foreign direct investment. We will also look at how Japan tries to attract foreign direct investment too.

13[対面/face to face]：Discussion and Review.

Discussion and Review of the various taxes covered during this course.

14[対面/face to face]：Review of class and in-class written exam.

Review of class and in-class written exam.

1. Readings- Students are expected to read the textbook chapters carefully and to prepare for the lecture. Special attention should be paid to understanding the tables and the graphs.
2. Short assignments- Students are at times given assignments to strengthen their understanding of the application of the concepts. Students are expected to hand in their homework in the following class. In case of absence, students should hand in homework during the next class.
3. Case Study Analysis- Students form small groups to make a presentation on a case study based on specific theories or concepts discussed in class. Specific guidelines will be given in class.
Preparatory study and review time for this class are 2 hours each.

Other materials will be given by the instructor or shall be announced in class.

Other materials will be given by the instructor or shall be announced in class.

Class Participation 25% (Attitude 8%, Assignments 8.5%, Recitation 8.5%)
*The two lowest-graded assignments will not be included in the calculation of the final grade.
Case Study Analysis: 15%
Midterm Exam: 30%
Final Exam: 30%

The lecture schedule may be adjusted depending on the pace of the class or at the discretion of the instructor. Any changes will be announced in class. Submission of assignments and feedback will be via the Learning Management System.

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