The Master of Taxation (MTax) program is for students who want to specialize in taxation. The program provides the academically-based professional skills needed for a successful career in industry, government or professional practice.
The curriculum, offering instruction in advanced taxation and training in tax research, was developed by professors and senior tax professionals to integrate institutional knowledge of taxation with knowledge from several social sciences. Instructors are drawn from the University and from public accounting firms. This program is strongly supported by the four largest public accounting firms and the two largest tax publishers in Canada.
Enrolment in this program is limited.
Admission Requirements
- Students from a wide variety of backgrounds are welcome.
- Successful completion of a four-year Honours Degree, or equivalent, with at least a B (75%) average is required or a three-year Degree, or equivalent, with at least a B (75%) average, 8 years of Canadian tax-related work experience showing career advancement and a GMAT score of least 550, or equivalent GRE score using ETS's GRE Comparison Table for Business Schools.
- Two letters of reference, at least one being an academic reference.
- Resume, detailing your previous work experience.
- A one page statement detailing your interest in the Master of Taxation program.
- Applicants will be assessed by an admissions committee. Applicants who are lacking the necessary fundamentals of Canadian income taxation and accounting to begin work in the tax field will be required to successfully complete TAX 600, a 3-week course covering these areas. An interview may also be required.
- Students whose first language is not English may be required to provide proof of competency in English. For those taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), a score of at least 600 (250 on the computerized version), with a score of 5 in the Test of Written English (TWE), and 50 on the Test of Spoken English (TSE) are required (see Academic Regulations - English Language Proficiency Certification for other acceptable tests of English).
- GMAT may be required.
- Application deadline for September admissions is April 1st.
Degree Requirements
Required Enrolment
The MTax program offers both full-time and half-time (part-time) enrolment. The program is taught in Toronto. Each student must meet the general requirements of the Senate as specified in the current Calendar regarding enrolment, continuous enrolment, inactive enrolment and re-admission.
Program of Studies (A) Full-time study option:
This study option involves three academic terms of four courses each, interspersed with two practice terms, and includes a Master's Research Paper (TAX 638). Classes are held in Toronto two days per week, Monday and Thursday. The program commences in the fall term and takes 20 months to complete. Students take the following courses and practice terms in sequence:
- Term One (fall): TAX 615, TAX 616, TAX 617, TAX 619, TAX 620
- Practice Term (winter) **
- Term Two (spring): TAX 625, TAX 627, TAX 628, TAX 629
- Practice Term (fall) **
- Term Three (winter): TAX 626, TAX 636, TAX 637, TAX 638 (Master's Research Paper)
** not a degree requirement
There are no elective courses.
Program of Studies (B) Half-time (part-time) study option:
This study option involves six academic terms of two courses (0.50 unit weight) each, with no practice terms, and includes a Master's Research Paper (TAX 638). Classes are held in Toronto one day per week, either Monday or Thursday. The program commences in the fall term and takes 24 months to complete. Students are required to take the following courses in sequence:
Course Grades Required
Candidates must obtain an overall average of at least 75% in the courses presented in fulfilment of the degree requirements. The records will be reviewed of those whose cumulative average at the end of each term is below 75% and the candidate may be required to withdraw from the program.
Graduate Diploma (GDip) in Taxation
The Graduate Diploma (GDip) in Taxation is offered through the Master of Taxation (MTax) program. Students are not admitted directly to the diploma program. The program will only be offered in Toronto.
Admission Requirements
Application and admission requirements for the GDip in Taxation are the same as those outlined for the MTax program. Once students have completed the diploma requirements they may choose to apply for the GDip in Taxation.
Diploma Requirements
Students are required to complete six of the courses offered in the MTax program.
Required Courses
In addition to the required courses, two additional courses are required.
A cumulative average of at least a 75% in the six courses is required to graduate with the diploma.
Students who apply for the GDip in Taxation must withdraw from the MTax program at the same time. If a student who received the GDip in Taxation subsequently decides to complete the MTax program, they will need to reapply and complete the remaining courses in the MTax program plus such additional coursework and/or research projects as are specified by the director of the MTax program.