ACCA · Applied Skills
Taxation
Develop essential tax knowledge covering income tax, capital gains tax, corporation tax, VAT, and national insurance contributions. Learn to compute tax liabilities and understand the UK tax system.
3 hours
Exam length
50%
Pass mark
Computer-Based Exam (CBE)
Format
March, June, September, December
Sittings
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ACCA Taxation
Taxation (TX) is an Applied Skills paper that develops knowledge and understanding of the tax system as applicable to individuals, companies, and groups. The paper focuses on the computation of tax liabilities and the ability to identify and explain the tax implications of different courses of action.
TX covers the major UK taxes: income tax (including employment income, property income, and trading income), capital gains tax, corporation tax, national insurance contributions, and value added tax. Students also study tax administration including filing requirements, payment dates, and penalties.
The paper requires students to apply their tax knowledge to practical scenarios, computing tax liabilities for individuals and companies while identifying opportunities for legitimate tax planning. TX is available in country-specific variants to reflect different jurisdictions' tax systems.
Tax skills are highly sought after in accounting practice, corporate tax departments, and advisory firms. TX provides the foundational tax knowledge for roles in personal tax, corporate tax, tax advisory, and compliance across accounting firms and in-house tax teams.
Learning outcomes
What you'll be able to do.
01
Explain the obligations of tax payers and the tax system
02
Compute income tax liabilities for individuals
03
Compute capital gains tax liabilities for individuals
04
Compute corporation tax liabilities for companies
05
Compute and explain VAT obligations and liabilities
06
Identify tax planning opportunities within the law
TX Exam Syllabus
The TX syllabus covers the key topics you'll be examined on.
The UK Tax System and Its Administration
The UK Tax System and Its Administration
- The overall function and purpose of taxation in a modern economy
- Principal sources of revenue law and practice
- The systems for self-assessment and the making of returns
- The time limits for the submission of information, claims, and payment of tax
- The procedures relating to compliance checks, appeals, and disputes
- Penalties for non-compliance
Income Tax Liabilities
Income Tax Liabilities
- The scope of income tax
- Income from employment
- Income from self-employment (trading income)
- Property and investment income
- The comprehensive computation of taxable income and income tax liability
Chargeable Gains
Chargeable Gains
- The scope of the taxation of capital gains
- The basic principles of computing gains and losses
- Gains and losses on the disposal of movable and immovable property
- Gains and losses on the disposal of shares and securities
- The computation of capital gains tax payable for individuals
Corporation Tax Liabilities
Corporation Tax Liabilities
- The scope of corporation tax
- Taxable total profits
- Chargeable gains for companies
- The comprehensive computation of corporation tax liability
- The effect of a group corporate structure for corporation tax purposes
National Insurance Contributions
National Insurance Contributions
- The scope of national insurance contributions
- Class 1 and Class 1A contributions for employed persons
- Class 2 and Class 4 contributions for self-employed persons
Value Added Tax
Value Added Tax
- The scope of VAT
- The VAT registration requirements
- The computation of VAT liabilities
Inheritance Tax
Inheritance Tax
- The scope of inheritance tax
- The basic principles of computing transfers of value
- Taper relief
- The computation of inheritance tax payable
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Video lectures
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CBE practice questions & mocks
Realistic computer-based exam questions and full mocks, marked with examiner-style feedback.
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Revision Bootcamp
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ACCA TX Exam Structure
Everything you need to know about the TX exam format, timing, and what to expect on exam day.
Duration
3 hours
Format
Computer-Based Exam (CBE)
Structure
TX is a 3-hour computer-based exam (CBE) with two sections. Section A: 15 multiple-choice questions worth 2 marks each (30 marks). Section B: four 10-mark questions and two 15-mark constructed response questions (70 marks total) — the two 15-mark questions focus on income tax and corporate tax. All questions are compulsory. Total 100 marks; 4 exam sessions per year (Mar/Jun/Sep/Dec); 50% pass mark.
Sittings
March, June, September, December
Pass mark
50%
Your Guide To Pass ACCA TX
Expert tips from our tutors to help you prepare effectively and pass your TX exam on the first attempt.
Know the Tax Rates
Ensure you are familiar with the tax rates and allowances for the applicable tax year. These are provided in the exam tax tables but knowing them helps you work faster.
Practice Pro Forma Layouts
Use structured pro forma layouts for income tax, CGT, and corporation tax computations. This helps ensure you include all elements and makes your answer clear to the examiner.
Watch for Tax Planning Points
Many questions include opportunities to advise on tax planning. Always look for ways to minimise tax liability through legitimate reliefs, exemptions, and allowances.
Learn the Tax Year Rules
Understand key dates for filing returns, making payments, and the opening/closing year rules for trading income. These are commonly tested in the exam.
Study the Correct Variant
TX is jurisdiction-specific. Ensure you are studying the correct country variant and tax year for your exam sitting.
Study with Learnsignal
Learnsignal provides structured TX courses with comprehensive coverage of all tax areas, worked examples, and expert tutor support to help you pass.
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See ACCA pricing →Frequently Asked Questions About TX
Everything you need to know about the Taxation exam and how to prepare for it.
What is ACCA Taxation (TX)?+
Taxation (TX) is an Applied Skills paper covering the computation of tax liabilities for individuals and companies. It includes income tax, capital gains tax, corporation tax, national insurance, VAT, and basic inheritance tax.
How long is the TX exam?+
The TX exam is 3 hours long. It is a computer-based exam with Section A (objective test questions worth 30 marks) and Section B (constructed response questions worth 70 marks).
When can I sit the TX exam?+
TX is available in four exam sessions per year: March, June, September, and December.
Which tax year is examined?+
TX is examined based on the tax legislation applicable to a specific tax year, which is stated in the exam guidance. Always check which tax year applies to your exam session.
Are tax tables provided in the exam?+
Yes, tax rates, allowances, and other tax data are provided in tables within the exam. However, familiarity with these rates helps you work more efficiently.
Is TX available in different country variants?+
Yes, TX is available in jurisdiction-specific variants covering different countries' tax systems, including UK, Ireland, Singapore, and many others. Choose the variant relevant to where you intend to practise.
What is the pass mark for TX?+
The pass mark for TX is 50%. The exam is marked out of 100.
How does TX relate to other ACCA papers?+
TX provides the foundation for Advanced Taxation (ATX) at the Strategic Professional level. It also supports Strategic Business Leader (SBL) where tax considerations form part of strategic decision making.
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