Albert established a qualified tuition program for each of his twins, Kim and Jim. He started each fund with $20,000 when the children were 5 years old. Albert made no further contributions to his children’s plans. Thirteen years later, both children have graduated from high school. Kim’s fund has accumulated to $45,000, while Jim’s has accumulated to $42,000. Kim decides to attend a state university, which will cost $60,000 for four years (tuition, fees, room and board, and books). Jim decides to go to work instead of going to college. During the current year, $7,500 is used from Kim’s plan to pay the cost of her first semester in college. Because Jim is not going to college now or in the future, Albert withdraws the $42,000 plan balance and gives it to Jim to start his new life after high school. a. During the period since the plans were established, should Albert or the twins have been including the annual plan earnings in gross income? Explain. b. What are the tax consequences to Kim and Albert of the $7,500 being used for the first semester’s higher education costs? c. Because of her participation in the qualified tuition program, Kim received a 10% reduction in tuition charges; so less than $7,500 was withdrawn from her account. Is either Albert or Kim required to include the value of this discount in gross income? Explain. d. What are the tax consequences to Albert and Jim of Jim’s qualified tuition program being closed?
> List an advantage and a disadvantage of using the U.S. Tax Court as the trial court for Federal tax litigation.
> Stanford owns and operates two dry cleaning businesses. He travels to Boston to discuss acquiring a restaurant. Later in the month, he travels to New York to discuss acquiring a bakery. Stanford does not acquire the restaurant but does purchase the baker
> Bluebird, Inc., does not provide its employees with any tax-exempt fringe benefits. The company is considering adopting a hospital and medical benefits insurance plan that will cost approximately $9,000 per employee. To adopt this plan, the company may h
> Your client, John Butler, is an avid Houston Astros fan. Last March at the Astros’ home opener, as a result of a random drawing of those in attendance at the game, John won 300 Shipley Do-Nut coupons. Each coupon entitled him to a cup of coffee and a fre
> Murray reported to the Environmental Protection Agency that his employer was illegally dumping chemicals into a river. His charges were true, and Murray’s employer was fined. In retaliation, Murray’s employer fired him and made deliberate efforts to prev
> Aubrey Brown is a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War. As a result of his exposure to Agent Orange during the war, Aubrey developed lung cancer and is unable to work. He received $12,000 of Social Security disability payments in the current year. He rea
> Belinda spent the last 60 days of 2017 in a nursing home. The cost of the services provided to her was $18,000 ($300 per day). Medicare paid $8,500 toward the cost of her stay. Belinda also received $5,500 of benefits under a long-term care insurance pol
> Caden and Lily are divorced on March 3, 2016. For financial reasons, however, Lily continues to live in Caden’s apartment and receives her support from him. Caden does not claim Lily as a dependent on his 2016 Federal income tax return, but he does so on
> Mia owns a warehouse that has a cost basis to her of $80,000. The city condemns the warehouse to make room for a new fire station. It pays Mia $400,000 for the property, its agreed-to fair market value. Shortly after the condemnation, Mia purchases anoth
> Heather, age 12, lives in the same household with her mother, grandmother, and uncle. a. Who can claim Heather as a dependent on a Federal income tax return? b. Which of Heather’s relatives takes precedence in claiming the exemption?
> Discuss the probable justification for each of the following aspects of the tax law: a. A tax credit is allowed for amounts spent to furnish care for minor children while the parent works. b. Deductions for interest on home mortgage and property taxes on
> Patsy maintains a household that includes her eldest son (age 30) and one of Patsy’s cousins (age 28). She can claim the cousin as a dependent but not her son. Explain.
> Some tax rules can be justified on multiple grounds (e.g., economic and social). In this connection, comment on the possible justification for the rules governing the following: a. Pension plans. b. Education. c. Home ownership.
> Jayden calculates his Federal income tax by using both the Tax Tables and the Tax Rate Schedules. Because the Tax Rate Schedules yield a slightly lower tax liability, he plans to pay this amount. a. Why is there a difference? b. Is Jayden’s approach perm
> In terms of tax policy, what do the following mean? a. Revenue neutrality. b. Pay-as-you-go, or “paygo.” c. Sunset provision. d. Indexation.
> Comment on the availability of head-of-household filing status in each of the following independent situations. a. Al lives alone but maintains the household of his parents. In July, the parents use their savings to purchase a new BMW for $62,000. b. Bre
> Rex, age 55, is an officer of Blue Company, which provides him with the following nondiscriminatory fringe benefits in 2017: • Hospitalization insurance premiums for Rex and his dependents. The cost of the coverage for Rex is $2,900 per year, and the add
> The Benson CPA firm is considering utilizing an offshore service provider to prepare many of its tax returns. In this regard, what ethical considerations must be taken into account?
> Interpret this Regulation citation: Reg. § 1.163–10(a)(2).
> Mario, who is single, is a U.S. citizen and resident. He provides almost all of the support of his parents and two aunts, who are citizens and residents of Guatemala. Mario’s parents and aunts are seriously considering moving to and becoming residents of
> In March 2017, Jim asks you to prepare his Federal income tax returns for tax years 2014, 2015, and 2016. In discussing this matter with him, you discover that he also has not filed for tax year 2013. When you mention this fact, Jim tells you that the st
> David is age 78, is a widower, and is being claimed as a dependent by his son. How does this situation affect the following? a. David’s own individual filing requirement. b. David’s personal exemption. c. The standard deduction allowed to David. d. The a
> For tax year 2014, the IRS assesses a deficiency against David for $500,000. Disregarding the interest component, what is David’s penalty if the deficiency is attributable to: a. Negligence? b. Fraud?
> In choosing between the standard deduction and itemizing deductions from AGI, what effect, if any, does each of the following variables have? a. The age of the taxpayer(s). b. The health (i.e., physical condition) of the taxpayer(s). c. Whether the taxpa
> Isabella files her income tax return 35 days after the due date of the return without obtaining an extension from the IRS. Along with the return, she remits a check for $40,000, which is the balance of the tax she owes. Disregarding the interest element,
> Late in the tax year, the Polks come to you for tax advice. They are considering selling some stock investments for a loss and making a contribution to a traditional IRA. In reviewing their situation, you note that they have large medical expenses and a
> On a Federal income tax return filed five years ago, Andy inadvertently omitted a large amount of gross income. a. Andy seeks your advice as to whether the IRS is barred from assessing additional income tax in the event he is audited. What is your advice
> Fran, who is in the 35% tax bracket, recently collected $100,000 on a life insurance policy she carried on her father. She currently owes $120,000 on her personal residence and $120,000 on business property. National Bank holds the mortgage on both piece
> Which of the following items can be exclusions from gross income? a. Alimony payments received. b. Award received by the taxpayer for compensatory damages from her broken leg. c. A new golf cart won in a church raffle. d. Amount collected on a loan previ
> Brianna, a calendar year taxpayer, files her income tax return for 2016 on February 3, 2017. Although she makes repeated inquiries, she does not receive her refund from the IRS until May 28, 2017. Is Brianna entitled to interest on the refund? Explain.
> World War II converted the Federal income tax into a mass tax. Explain bankruptcy.
> Which of the following items can be inclusions in gross income? a. During the year, shares of stock that the taxpayer had purchased as an investment doubled in value. b. Amount an off-duty motorcycle police officer received for escorting a funeral proces
> Regarding the statute of limitations on additional assessments of tax by the IRS, determine the applicable period in each of the following situations. Assume a calendar year individual with no fraud or substantial omission involved. a. The income tax ret
> During the year, Addison is involved in the following transactions. What are the possible Federal income tax effects of these transactions? a. Lost money gambling on a trip to a casino. b. Helped pay for her neighbor Howie’s dental bills. Howie is a good
> What purpose is served by a statute of limitations? How is it relevant in the case of tax controversies?
> Sam and Abby are dependents of their parents, and each earns gross income of $2,100 for the year. Sam’s standard deduction for the year is $1,050, while Abby’s is $2,450. As their income is the same, what causes the difference in the amount of the standa
> Aldo has just been audited by the IRS. He does not agree with the agent’s findings but believes that he has only two choices: pay the proposed deficiency or resort to the courts. Do you agree with Aldo’s conclusion? Why or why not?
> Determine the net effect on Tamara’s adjusted gross income with regard to these capital asset transactions that occurred this year. • Sold ABCCo stock, acquired 2 years ago, for a $1,500 loss. • Sold collectible coins, held for 17 months, for a $2,000 ga
> How does the tax benefit rule apply in the following cases? a. In 2015, the Orange Furniture Store, an accrual method taxpayer, sold furniture on credit for $1,000 to Sammy. The cost of the furniture was $600. In 2016, Orange took a bad debt deduction fo
> With regard to the IRS audit process, comment on the following: a. The audit is resolved by mail. b. The audit is conducted at the office of the IRS. c. A “no change” RAR results. d. A special agent joins the audit team.
> Rebecca sells her personal scooter for $550. She purchased the scooter for $700 three years ago. In addition, Rebecca sells a painting for $1,200 that she acquired five years ago for $900. What are the tax implications attributable to these sales?
> Serena operates a gift shop. To reduce costs of credit card transactions, she offers customers a discount if they pay in cash. For the holiday rush, she hires some short-term workers, but pays them cash and does not add them to the payroll. a. What are s
> Butch Bishop operates a small international firm named Tile, Inc. A new treaty between the United States and Spain conflicts with a Section of the Internal Revenue Code. Butch asks you for advice. If he follows the treaty position, does he need to disclo
> Simon, age 12, generates $800 interest income and $4,000 dividend income for 2017. He incurs no investment expenses. His parents report $80,200 taxable income and file a joint tax return. Determine the following. a. Simon’s net unearned income. b. Simon’
> Both a value added tax (VAT) and a national sales tax have been criticized as being regressive in their effect. a. Explain. b. How could this shortcoming be remedied?
> Paul and Sonja, who are married, reported 2017 itemized deductions of $8,200 and $400, respectively. Paul suggests that they file their Federal income tax returns separately—he will itemize his deductions from AGI, and she will claim the standard deducti
> Regarding the value added tax (VAT), comment on the following: a. Popularity of this type of tax. b. Nature of the tax. c. Effect on government spending.
> In 2017, Dominique and Felix are married with one dependent and file a joint Federal income tax return. Their AGI is $316,550, and they claim three dependency exemptions. Compute the taxpayers’ total deduction for exemptions for the year.
> Describe the nature and purpose of the following taxes: a. Severance taxes. b. Franchise taxes. c. Occupational fees. d. Customs duties. e. Export duties.
> Compute the 2017 standard deduction for the following taxpayers. a. Margie is 15 and claimed as a dependent by her parents. She reports $800 in dividends income and $1,400 in wages from a part-time job. b. Ruby and Woody are married and file a joint tax
> One of the tax advantages of hiring family members to work in your business is that FICA taxes are avoided. Do you agree with this statement? Explain.
> Describe simulation questions on the CPA exam.
> In connection with the Medicare component of FICA, comment on the following: a. Any dollar limitation imposed. b. The applicability of the .9% increase in the 1.45% regular tax rate.
> The Sixteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed to overturn a Supreme Court decision that had invalidated the Federal income tax. Do you agree? Why or why not?
> What is the primary purpose of effective tax planning? Explain.
> Contrast FICA and FUTA as to the following: a. Purpose of the tax. b. Upon whom imposed. c. Governmental administration of the tax. d. Reduction of tax based on a merit rating system.
> You inherit a tax problem that was researched five months ago. You believe the answer is correct, but you are unfamiliar with the general area. How would you find recent articles dealing with the subject area? How do you evaluate the reliability of the a
> Many states have occasionally adopted amnesty programs that allow taxpayers to pay back taxes with reduced penalties. a. Besides the revenue generated, how are these programs advantageous? b. Could an amnesty program be used by a state that does not levy
> Where can a researcher find the current Internal Revenue Code of 1986?
> Starting in 2006, Chuck and Luane have been purchasing Series EE bonds in their name to use for the higher education of their daughter Susie, who currently is age 18. During the year, they cash in $12,000 of the bonds to use for freshman year tuition, fe
> Many state income tax returns contain checkoff boxes that allow taxpayers to make donations to a multitude of local charitable causes. On what grounds has this procedure been criticized?
> For her tax class, Yvonne must prepare a research paper discussing the tax aspects of child support payments. Explain to Yvonne how she can research this topic using various tax research resources.
> A question on a state income tax return asks the taxpayer if he or she made any out-of-state internet or mail-order catalog purchases during the year. The question requires a yes or no answer, and if the taxpayer answers yes, the amount of such purchases
> Where can you locate a published decision of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims?
> Mike Barr was an outstanding football player in college and expects to be drafted by the NFL in the first few rounds. Mike has let it be known that he would prefer to sign with a club located in Florida, Texas, or Washington. Mike sees no reason why he s
> Where does Federal tax legislation generally originate?
> Give the Commerce Clearing House citation for the following courts: a. Small Cases Division of the Tax Court. b. Federal District Court. c. U.S. Supreme Court. d. U.S. Court of Federal Claims. e. Tax Court Memorandum decision.
> In May 2017, Hernando, a resident of California, has his 2015 Federal income tax return audited by the IRS. An assessment of additional tax is made because he had inadvertently omitted some rental income. In October 2017, California audits his state retu
> Compute the 2017 Federal income tax liability and the marginal and effective tax rates in each of the following independent cases. Use the tax rate schedules in Appendix A for this purpose. a. Chandler is single and reports taxable income of $93,000. b.
> As to those states that impose an income tax, comment on the following: a. “Piggyback” approach and possible “decoupling” from this approach. b. Using IRS audit results as part of a state tax audit. c. Credit for taxes paid to other states.
> Is the breadth and number of Federal excise taxes increasing or decreasing? Explain.
> Finch Construction Company provides the carpenters it employs with all of the required tools. However, the company believes that this practice has led to some employees not taking care of the tools and to the mysterious disappearance of some tools. The c
> Bertha is considering taking an early retirement offered by her employer. She would receive $3,000 per month, indexed for inflation. However, she would no longer be able to use the company’s health facilities, and she would be required to pay her hospita
> Eddy Falls is considering litigating a tax deficiency of approximately $229,030 in the court system. He asks you to provide himwith a short description of his alternatives, indicating the advantages and disadvantages of each. Prepare your response to Edd
> Does the taxpayer recognize gross income in the following situations? a. Ava is a filing clerk at a large insurance company. She is permitted to leave the premises for lunch, but she usually eats in the company’s cafeteria because it is quick and she is
> Tim is the vice president of western operations for Maroon Oil Company and is stationed in San Francisco. He is required to live in an employer-owned home, which is three blocks from his company office. The company-provided home is equipped with high-spe
> Mauve Corporation has a group hospitalization insurance plan that has a $200 deductible amount for hospital visits and a $15 deductible for doctor visits and prescriptions. The deductible portion paid by employees who have children has become substantial
> The UVW Union and HON Corporation are negotiating contract terms. Assume that the union members are in the 25% marginal tax bracket and that all benefits are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. Write a letter to the UVW Union members explaining the ta
> Determine the effect on gross income in each of the following cases: a. Eloise received $150,000 in settlement of a sex discrimination case against her former employer. b. Nell received $10,000 for damages to her personal reputation. She also received $4
> Leigh sued an overzealous bill collector and received the following settlement: Damage to her automobile that the collector attempted to repossess……..$ 3,300 Physical damage to her arm caused by the collector………………………………..15,000 Loss of income while her
> Adrian was awarded an academic scholarship to State University for the 2017–2018 academic year. He received $6,500 in August and $7,200 in December 2017. Adrian had enough personal savings to pay all expenses as they came due. Adrian’s expenditures for t
> Sally was an all-state soccer player during her junior and senior years in high school. She accepted an athletic scholarship from State University. The scholarship provided the following: Tuition and fees: $15,000 Housing and meals: 6,000 Books and suppl
> Ray and Carin are partners in an accounting firm. The partners have entered into an arm’s length agreement requiring Ray to purchase Carin’s partnership interest from Carin’s estate if she dies before Ray. The price is set at 120% of the book value of Ca
> Donald was killed in an accident while he was on the job in 2017. Darlene, Donald’s wife, received several payments as a result of Donald’s death. What is Darlene’s gross income from the items listed below? a. Donald’s employer paid Darlene an amount equ
> The Morgan family lives in Massachusetts. They moor their sailboat in Rhode Island. What might be a plausible reason for the possible inconvenience?
> What is the taxpayer’s gross income in each of the following situations? a. Darrin received a salary of $50,000 in 2017 from his employer, Green Construction. b. In July 2017, Green gave Darrin an all-expense-paid trip to Las Vegas (value of $3,000) for
> Laura was recently diagnosed with cancer and has begun chemotherapy treatments. A cancer specialist has stated that Laura has less than one year to live. She has incurred many medical bills and other general living expenses and is in need of cash. Theref
> Determine the gross income of the beneficiaries in the following cases: a. Justin’s employer was downsizing and offered employees an amount equal to one year’s salary if the employee would voluntarily retire. b. Trina contracted a disease and was unable
> Ed, an employee of the Natural Color Company, suffered from a rare disease that was very expensive to treat. The local media ran several stories about Ed’s problems, and the family created a website that generated more than $10,000 in gifts from individu
> Vic, who was experiencing financial difficulties, was able to adjust his debts as follows: a. Vic is an attorney. Vic owed his uncle $25,000. The uncle told Vic that if he serves as the executor of the uncle’s estate, Vic’s debt will be canceled in the u
> Wilbur has been offered a job at a salary that would put him in the 25% marginal tax bracket. In addition to his salary, he would receive health insurance coverage. Another potential employer does not offer health insurance but has agreed to match the fi
> Holly was injured while working in a factory and received $12,000 as workers’ compensation while she was unable to work because of the injury. Jill, who was self-employed, was also injured and unable to work. Jill collected $12,000 on an insurance policy
> Carey is a waiter at a restaurant that pays a small hourly amount plus tips. Customers are not required to tip the waiter. Carey is especially attentive and friendly, and her tips average 25% of the restaurant charges. Is Carey required to include any of
> Fred specified in his will that his nephew John should serve as executor of Fred’s estate. John received $10,000 for serving as executor. Can John exclude the $10,000 from his gross income? Explain.
> Ralph has experienced financial difficulties as a result of his struggling business. He has been behind on his mortgage payments for the last six months. The mortgage holder, who is a friend of Ralph’s, has offered to accept $80,000 in full payment of th
> List an advantage and a disadvantage of using the U.S. Court of Federal.
> Dolly is a cash basis taxpayer. In 2017, she filed her 2016 South Carolina income tax return and received a $2,200 refund. Dolly took the standard deduction on her 2016 Federal income tax return, but will itemize her deductions in 2017. Molly, a cash bas
> Andrea entered into a § 529 qualified tuition program for the benefit of her daughter, Joanna. Andrea contributed $15,000 to the fund. The fund balance had accumulated to $25,000 by the time Joanna was ready to enter college. However, Joanna received a s
> Tammy, a resident of Virginia, is considering purchasing a North Carolina bond that yields 4.6% before tax. She is in the 35% Federal marginal tax bracket and the 5% state marginal tax bracket. She is aware that State of Virginia bonds of comparable risk
> The Sage Company has the opportunity to purchase a building located next to its office. Sage would use the building as a day care center for the children of its employees and an exercise facility for the employees. Occasionally, portions of the building
