Candidates are expected to attempt an advanced case study paper or contribute a research paper in Direct Taxation or Indirect Taxation on a contemporary issue with publication in an accredited impact factor journal.
Option 1 – Case Study (CTAPQ)
To ensure that students can provide advice on complex tax issues in the form of a written report. The objective of the Case Study is to assess students’ understanding of complex taxation issues and the ability to analyse financial and non-financial data, exercise professional and ethical judgement, and develop conclusions and recommendations.
- Case Study Format
The Case Study scenario may be based on any one of a variety of different organisational structures, operations and taxation issues. Students will be provided with background details (‘Advance Information’) on the organisation and its business and tax environment ahead of the exam. This information will not give specific indication of the eventual requirements of the Case Study. Students will be expected to familiarise themselves with the information provided about the organisation and the industry in which it operates, by undertaking details analysis of that Advance Information and some additional analysis and research where necessary. Students may take the results of their work on Advance Information and book or literature into the exam hall. The students will be provided exam requirements along with necessary additional information in exam hall.
- Case Study Method of Assessment
The Case Study exam will be 4 hours long. The Case Study will not require the high level detailed computations but students will be required to undertake tax and business analysis. Requirements will be open in that there will be no predetermined correct answers to the Case Study. All areas of the syllabus may be tested over time.
Option 2 – Research Paper (CTAPQ)
A research paper is a common form of academic writing. Research papers require candidates to locate information about a tax related topic (that is, to conduct research), take a stand on that topic, and provide support (or evidence) for that position in an organized report and have it published in a research journal having accepted impact factor.
The first step in writing a research paper requires a candidate to define his research question and seek Institute’s approval on his research intent. A candidate is advised to choose a research question that is concurrent and also interests him. The research process is time-consuming, and a candidate will be significantly more motivated if he has a genuine desire to learn more about the topic. He should also consider whether he has access to all of the resources necessary to conduct thorough research on his topic, such as primary and secondary sources. A candidate will also be responsible to choose and pay for his supervisor, who should be a PhD in accounting, finance, tax or a business related discipline.