COURSE INFORMATION Course Title: TAXES AND BUSINESS STRATEGY

Code	Course Type	Regular Semester	Theory	Practice	Lab	Credits	ECTS
BAF 201	C	3	3	0	0	3	5

Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature)	NA
Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	Assoc.Prof.Dr. Albana Demi ademi@epoka.edu.al , Wednesday
Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	NA
Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours:	NA
Language:	English
Compulsory/Elective:	Elective
Study program: (the study for which this course is offered)	Bachelor in Banking and Finance (3 years)
Classroom and Meeting Time:	E211
Code of Ethics:	Code of Ethics of EPOKA University Regulation of EPOKA University "On Student Discipline"
Attendance Requirement:	Compulsory
Course Description:	This course is designed to provide the tools to identify, understand, and evaluate tax planning opportunities. The topics will help to develop a conceptual framework for thinking about how tax rules affect business decisions. Real life applications are provided through experts from the market.
Course Objectives:	The main purpose of the course "Taxes and Business Strategy" is to provide students with the necessary in-depth knowledge for the design and application of fiscal policies and its mission is to provide students with basic concepts, instruments, and techniques that serve for the calculation, maintenance and payment of tax liabilities in the state budget, according to the legal deadlines set out in applicable laws and regulations. The course aims to provide students with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to manage fiscal policies. by addressing specific instruments operating in the field which will help students further deepen their academic and research capacities in the design and implementation of fiscal policies.

BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE

1	Indirect Taxes, Direct Taxes,
2	National Taxes,
3	Local Taxes,
4	Social Insurance Contributions,
5	Health Insurance Contributions,
6	Pension Funds,
7	Customs System Performance,
8	Double Tax Avoidance Agreements,
9	Not for profit organisations
10	Introduction to “Governance electronic system” for the declaration and payment of tax liabilities"

COURSE OUTLINE

Week	Topics
1	Presentation of the subject and methodology. (Pages 1-29). The main concepts that will be covered in this lecture are financial institutions, their importance and impact on business strategy, legal and by-laws in force. Questions and discussions.
2	Presentation of economic evaluation indicators (pages 30-51). In this lecture, students will be introduced to: The role of the state in business, policies for drafting financial and budget reforms, instruments of macroeconomic indicators. Questions and discussions.
3	Tax administration, individuals and businesses (pages 53-80). This lecture presents in detail the fiscal system, tax administration, the choice of the form of business registration, the documentation and the steps to be taken for the exercise of economic activity. Questions and discussions
4	Business strategy and ethics in financial reporting (Pages 81-100). The main issues that will be addressed in this topic are familiarity with tax documents approved by law and mandatory to be declared by individuals and businesses. The importance in their reporting of legal deadlines for the preservation of documentation. Discussions and examples
5	The Importance of Marginal Rate and Tax Planning (pages 101-124) In this lecture, students will gain basic knowledge of the concepts of marginal tax rate, average tax rate, and effective tax rate. The difficulties of estimating marginal corporate tax rates, given an uncertain future, the importance of the appropriateness of a tax plan in business performance. Questions and discussions.
6	Value Added Tax Management (Pages 125-150). The main concepts that will be covered in this lecture are related to VAT, as an element for business administration. Students will be introduced to the legal and sub-legal framework, the importance and progress of VAT, in national and international practices. Discussions and examples
7	Investments, planning for compensation (Pages 151-170). In this lecture, students will be introduced to the challenges and advantages of business in investments made with the aim of maximizing profit. Business strategies to benefit from public investments will be addressed through examples. Questions and discussions.
8	Foundations and non-profit organizations (Pages 171-190). This chapter will present the basic principles of their economic activity, financing, efficiency, administration of relations with beneficiaries, documentation and preservation of financial documentation. Discussions and examples
9	Midterm exam
10	Business strategy for its consolidation through financial transactions (Pages 191-210). Students will be introduced to business development strategy focusing on the development of micro, small and medium enterprises. Cooperation with stakeholders, available resources and capacities, specific needs at different stages. Discussions on national and international experiences.
11	Double Taxation (Pages 211-250). In this lecture, students will be introduced to tax planning and international unified procedures on the avoidance of double taxation. Drafting and implementation of the Agreements ratified by the Assembly "For the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of Fiscal Evasion", which are in force. Examples and discussions.
12	The fiscalization process (Pages 251-280). This chapter focuses on the fiscalization process, as a new process for financial reporting, which ensures a more efficient tax inspection. As a process, fiscalization shows that businesses do not declare and do not pay their obligations in accordance with the law, and every citizen is given the opportunity to verify whether the taxes he pays for goods and services are declared in the tax system. Examples and discussions.
13	Electronic system "e-services" (Pages 281-300). In this lecture, students will be presented with a concrete example on the tax declaration made by businesses from the web www.tatime.gov.al Example and discussions.
14	Project presentation / Review Session. Based on the knowledge of the course "Taxes and business strategy", and on the topic selected with the lecturer to be addressed, this week the students will present the project they have prepared.

Prerequisite(s):	The chapters included in this course have in their object tax policy, public expenditures and budget policy, indirect taxes, direct taxes, taxes and fees, administration and tax procedures in Albania and other countries, OECD findings on administration and procedures in a number of OECD countries but not only, agreements for the avoidance of double taxation as well as laws and regulations in force for the implementation of fiscal policies
Textbook(s):	Fiscal Administration 10th Edition, Cengage Learning; 10 edition (January 1, 2017), John Mikesell (Author); Myron S. Scholes, Mark A. Wolfson, Merle M. Erickson, Michelle L. Hanlon, Edward L. Maydew - Taxes and Business Strategy-Prentice Hall - Fifth Edition 2015). Lecture Series "Taxes and Business Strategies" - Dr.Albana Demi (Mosho) October 2022,
Additional Literature:	Taxation of Business Entities-2022 Edition, McGraw Hill's;
Laboratory Work:	YES
Computer Usage:	YES
Others:	No

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

1	The course introduces us to the development and administration of national and international fiscal policies
2	The course provides a general overview of Business, strategies, and market analysis.
3	Students will gain knowledge in the economic field and will further their academic capacities.
4	This course includes direct taxes, indirect taxes, the local and national tax system, Tax Administration and Procedures in the Republic of Albania,
5	The course provides an analysis of economic crises, their impact on business and the country's economy.
6	OECD findings on the administration and procedures of agreements for the avoidance of double taxation and trade law.
7	The course offers students a detailed view of the labor market as a key element of business strategy.
8	The course aims that students will have the necessary skills not only in the private sector but also in the public sector.
9	Through comparative analysis, the course enables students to draw conclusions about how business works.
10	The course provides an overview of the latest changes in the field of taxation and taxation.

COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES (Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution)

No	Program Competencies	Cont.
Bachelor in Banking and Finance (3 years) Program
1	The students gain the ability to look at the problems of daily life from a broader perspective with an increased awareness of the importance of moral/ethical considerations and professional integrity in the workplace.	3
2	They develop their knowledge and understanding of banking and finance including concepts, theories, and analytical tools that serve both in national and international markets.	5
3	They gain an understanding of the role of financial management in business firms and the essentials of corporate finance and further develop their knowledge in the field.	4
4	They are able to apply valuation models to estimate the price of different financial assets, measure risk and describe the risk-return tradeoff.	4
5	They are provided with the knowledge and understanding of the regulatory framework and functioning of banking system and central banking as well as international banking system.	3
6	They are able to understand and use fundamental economic theories and tools to solve economic problems in banking and financial services industry.	4
7	They have the ability to develop and utilize accounting, financial and economic data as well as other information to solve different business problems by making use of basic mathematical and statistical models.	3
8	They are expected to develop their numerical and IT skills as well as knowledge of databases in order to address the significant development in the delivery and use of financial services known as FinTech.	5
9	They develop their ability to think critically, do research, analyze, interpret, draw independent conclusions, and communicate effectively, both individually and as part of a team.	3
10	They are provided with opportunities to acquire the necessary skills and competencies to develop professionalism in the banking and financial services industry or to move on to further study within the discipline.	5

COURSE EVALUATION METHOD

Method	Quantity	Percentage
Homework	1	5
Midterm Exam(s)	1	30
Project	1	10
Case Study	1	5
Final Exam	1	45
Attendance		5
	Total Percent:	100%

ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)

Activities	Quantity	Duration(Hours)	Total Workload(Hours)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours)	16	3	48
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice)	16	3	48
Mid-terms	1	12	12
Assignments			0
Final examination	1	17	17
Other			0
Total Work Load:			125
Total Work Load/25(h):			5
ECTS Credit of the Course:			5

CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER