Book excerpt: The third edition of The Fundamentals of Federal Taxation is a problem-based, transaction-oriented treatment of the basics of federal taxation. It features a balanced approach toward tax planning and tax policy and is structured for easy accessibility through the use of forty-two chapters, each of which can readily be covered in one, or occasionally two, class sessions. A new chapter in this edition brings together the various exclusions, deductions and credits concerning education. This is a topic of particular relevance to students that often receives scattered treatment in other books. Thoroughly up to date, this edition incorporates the changes arising from the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, the so-called ¿fiscal cliff¿ legislation. The authors also prepare an annual supplement each August. The first half of the book provides students with an understanding of the overall structure of the federal income tax. This part culminates in two major review problems that assist students in integrating the knowledge gained. Thereafter, the book covers various major topics of taxation¿including real estate taxation, intellectual property taxation, family taxation, tax consequences of litigation, and deferred compensation -- with an emphasis on tax planning. It is designed to give students an appreciation for how the law of taxation connects with everyday events of American life. The book also contains chapters on corporate and partnership income taxation, international income taxation and the federal wealth transfer taxes in order to introduce students to those important areas of tax law. In this cogent, straightforward treatment of a complex subject, the topics, the selection of cases, and the design of the problems are all calculated to make tax fun and thought-provoking. This edition is available in both hard copy and electronic versions. A teacher¿s manual with complete solutions to all of the problems is available.