A “good” tax structure has five characteristics. a. Briefly discuss the five characteristics. b. Using the five characteristics, evaluate the following tax structures: 1. Federal income tax 2. State sales tax 3. Local ad valorem property tax
> Kamal is starting a new business which will operate as an S corporation. This means that income earned by the corporation will be reported by shareholders even if they do not receive distributions. Kamal has $180,000 of income from other sources, and ite
> Juan and Maria, who have two young children, are in the process of obtaining a divorce. Juan expects to have $200,000 of income each year while Maria expects to have $60,000 of income each year. Assume the children will live with Maria after the divorce
> What is the first day that an individual could sell a capital asset purchased on March 31, 2017 and have a holding period of more than one year?
> If property is sold at a loss to a related taxpayer, under what circumstances can at least partial benefit be derived from the disallowed loss?
> Why did the Supreme Court rule in Arkansas Best that the stock of a corporation purchased by the taxpayer to protect the taxpayer’s business reputation was a capital asset?
> Distinguish between taxpaying entities and flow through entities from the standpoint of the federal income tax law.
> Amir, who is single, retired from his job this year. He received a salary of $25,000 for the portion of the year that he worked, tax-exempt interest of $3,000, and dividends from domestic corporations of $2,700. On September 1, he began receiving monthly
> Bob is a single individual and received a salary of $27,000 before he retired in October of this year. After he retired, he received Social Security benefits of $3,000 during the year. a. What amount, if any, of the Social Security benefits are taxable
> Lucia is a 69-year-old single individual who receives a taxable pension of $10,000 per year and Social Security benefits of $7,000. Lucia is considering the possibility of selling stock she has owned for years and using the funds to purchase a summer hom
> Dan and Diana file a joint return. Dan earned $31,000 during the year before losing his job. Diana received Social Security benefits of $5,000. a. Determine the taxable portion of the Social Security benefits. b. What is the taxable portion of the Soci
> Tim retired during the current year at age 58. He purchased an annuity from American National Life Company for $40,000. The annuity pays Tim $500 per month for life. a. Compute Tim’s annual exclusion. b. How much income will Tim report each year after
> Susan’s salary is $44,000 and she received dividends of $600. She received a statement from SJ partnership indicating that her share of the partnership’s income was $4,000. The partnership distributed $1,000 to her during the year and $600 after yearend.
> Ed owns Oak Knoll Apartments. During the year, Fred, a tenant, moved to another state. Fred paid Ed $1,000 to cancel the two-year lease he had signed. Ed subsequently rented the unit to Wayne. Wayne paid the first and last months’ rents of $800 each and
> Stan rented an office building to Clay for $3,000 per month. On December 29, 2016, Stan received a deposit of $4,000 in addition to the first and last months’ rent. Occupancy began on January 2, 2017. On July 15, 2017, Clay closed his business and filed
> Brad owns a successful corporation that has substantial earnings and profits. During the year, the following payments were made by the corporation: a. Salary of $250,000 to Brad. Officers in other corporations performing similar services receive between
> As a result of their divorce, Fred agrees to pay alimony to Tammy of $20,000 per year. The payments are to cease in the event of Fred’s or Tammy’s death or in the event of Tammy’s remarriage. In addition, Tammy is to receive their residence, which cost t
> If the objectives of the federal tax system are multifaceted and include raising revenues, providing investment incentives, encouraging certain industries, and meeting desired social objectives, is it possible to achieve a simplified tax system? Explain.
> In 2013, Harry and Mary purchased Series EE bonds, and in 2017 redeemed the bonds, receiving $500 of interest and $1,500 of principal. Their income from other sources totaled $30,000. They paid $2,200 in tuition and fees for their dependent daughter. The
> Carmen opens a retail store. Her sales during the first year are $600,000, of which $30,000 has not been collected at year-end. Her purchases are $400,000. She still owes $20,000 to her suppliers, and at year-end she has $50,000 of inventory on hand. She
> Ken and Lynn paid $5,000 to purchase Series EE bonds in the name of their 11-year-old son. The son has no other income, and they are in the 28% tax bracket. The taxable interest this year will be $400 if an election is made to accrue the interest on an a
> State Construction Company is owned equally by Andy, Bill, and Charlie. Andy works in the corporation full-time, and Bill and Charlie work elsewhere. Andy’s employment contract with State specifies a $50,000 annual salary. This year, Andy felt that the c
> Larry’s Art Gallery sells oil paintings, lithographs, and bronzes to collectors and corporations. Customers often come to Larry looking for special pieces. In order to meet customer needs, Larry often accepts orders and then travels looking for the desir
> Lisa and her daughter Jane are equal shareholders in Lisa’s Flooring, Inc. Lisa founded the corporation and was the sole owner for over twenty years. The company is very successful and Lisa has accumulated a fairly large estate. When Jane turned age 25 l
> George, a wealthy investor, is uncertain whether he should invest in taxable or tax-exempt bonds. What tax and nontax factors should he consider?
> What opportunities are available for a taxpayer to defer the recognition of certain types of prepaid income? That is, what advice could you give someone who wishes to defer the reporting of prepaid income?
> a. Briefly explain the tax benefit rule. b. Is a taxpayer required to report the reimbursement of a medical expense by insurance as income if the reimbursement is received in the year following the year of the expenditure?
> a. Are items of income not listed in Sec. 61 taxable? Explain. b. Because there is no specific exclusion for unrealized income, why is it not taxable? c. Can income be realized even when a cash method taxpayer does not receive cash? d. Does a cash bas
> The primary objective of the federal income tax law is to raise revenue. What are its secondary objectives?
> Explain the relationship between dividends and earnings and profits.
> Corporations are taxed on the income they earn, and shareholders are taxed on the dividends they receive. What provisions in the tax law reduce this “double tax” burden?
> a. Is the interest received from government obligations taxable? Explain. b. What impact does the fact that some bond interest is tax exempt have on interest rates? c. Is an investor always better off buying tax- exempt bonds? Explain.
> Under what conditions is an accrual-basis taxpayer allowed to defer reporting amounts received in the advance of the delivery of goods?
> a. Explain the difference between the treatment of prepaid income under the tax law and under financial accounting. b. Why are the two treatments so different? c. What problem does this treatment create for taxpayers?
> Ricardo owns a small unincorporated business. His 15-year-old daughter Jane works in the business on a part-time basis and was paid wages of $3,000 during the current year. Who is taxed on the child’s earnings: Jane or her father? Explain.
> Under present-day tax law, community property rules are followed in allocating income between husband and wife. Is this consistent with Lucas v. Earl? Explain.
> Explain the significance of Lucas v. Earl and Helvering v. Horst.
> A landlord who receives prepaid rent is required to report that amount as gross income when the payment is received. Why would Congress choose to do this? What problem does this create for the taxpayer?
> Explain the meaning of the term wherewithal to pay as it applies to taxation.
> Two commonly-recognized measures of the fairness of an income tax structure are “horizontal equity” and “vertical equity.” a. Discuss what is meant by horizontal equity and vertical equity as it pertains to the income tax. b. Why is it so difficult to d
> Contrast the accounting and economic concepts of income.
> Jack and June are retired and receive $10,000 of social security benefits and taxable pensions totaling $25,000. They have been offered $20,000 for an automobile that they restored after they retired. They did most of the restoration work themselves and
> George, a wealthy investor, is uncertain whether he should invest in taxable or tax-exempt bonds. What tax and nontax factors should he consider?
> What opportunities are available for a taxpayer to defer the recognition of certain types of prepaid income? That is, what advice could you give someone who wishes to defer the reporting of prepaid income?
> a. Briefly explain the tax benefit rule. b. Is a taxpayer required to report the reimbursement of a medical expense by insurance as income if the reimbursement is received in the year following the year of the expenditure?
> a. Are items of income not listed in Sec. 61 taxable? Explain. b. Because there is no specific exclusion for unrealized income, why is it not taxable? c. Can income be realized even when a cash method taxpayer does not receive cash? d. Does a cash bas
> Explain the relationship between dividends and earnings and profits.
> Corporations are taxed on the income they earn, and shareholders are taxed on the dividends they receive. What provisions in the tax law reduce this “double tax” burden?
> a. Is the interest received from government obligations taxable? Explain. b. What impact does the fact that some bond interest is tax exempt have on interest rates? c. Is an investor always better off buying tax- exempt bonds? Explain.
> Under what conditions is an accrual-basis taxpayer allowed to defer reporting amounts received in the advance of the delivery of goods?
> a. Explain the difference between the treatment of prepaid income under the tax law and under financial accounting. b. Why are the two treatments so different? c. What problem does this treatment create for taxpayers?
> Ricardo owns a small unincorporated business. His 15-year-old daughter Jane works in the business on a part-time basis and was paid wages of $3,000 during the current year. Who is taxed on the child’s earnings: Jane or her father? Explain.
> Under present-day tax law, community property rules are followed in allocating income between husband and wife. Is this consistent with Lucas v. Earl? Explain.
> Explain the significance of Lucas v. Earl and Helvering v. Horst.
> A landlord who receives prepaid rent is required to report that amount as gross income when the payment is received. Why would Congress choose to do this? What problem does this create for the taxpayer?
> Explain the meaning of the term wherewithal to pay as it applies to taxation.
> Contrast the accounting and economic concepts of income.
> Jack and June are retired and receive $10,000 of social security benefits and taxable pensions totaling $25,000. They have been offered $20,000 for an automobile that they restored after they retired. They did most of the restoration work themselves and
> Matt and Sandy reside in a community property state. Matt left home in April 2017 because of disputes with his wife, Sandy. Subsequently, Matt earned $15,000. Before leaving home in April, Matt earned $3,000. Sandy was unaware of Matt’s whereabouts or hi
> Gary earned $57,000 as an executive. Gary, who is single, supported his half sister, who lives in a nursing home. Gary received the following interest: $400 on City of Los Angeles bonds, $200 on a money market account, and $2,100 on a loan made to his br
> The three different levels of government (federal, state, and local) must impose taxes to carry out their functions. For each of the types of taxes below, discuss which level of government primarily uses that type of tax. a. Property taxes b. Excise ta
> John and Mary have two small children and are looking for ways to help fund the children’s college education. They have heard that Series EE bonds are a tax-favored way of saving and have requested your opinion on the tax consequences. They have asked yo
> Jim and Linda are your tax clients. They were divorced two years ago, and the divorce decree stated that Jim was to make monthly payments to Linda. The court designated $300 per month as alimony and $200 per month as child support, or a total of $6,000 p
> Andrea, who is in the 39.6% tax bracket, is interested in reducing her taxes. She is considering several alternatives. For each alternative listed below, indicate how much tax, if any, she would save? (For this problem, ignore additional taxes or phase-o
> Jack is starting a business that he expects to produce $60,000 of income this year before compensating Jack for his services. He has $1,000 of other income and itemized deductions totaling $10,000. He wants to know whether he should incorporate or operat
> Larry has severe vision problems and, in the past, he has claimed the additional standard deduction available to blind taxpayers. This year Larry’s doctor prescribed a new type of contact lens that greatly improved his vision. Naturally, Larry was elated
> Bob and Sue were expecting a baby in January, but Sue was rushed to the hospital in December. She delivered the baby but it died the first night. Are Bob and Sue entitled to a dependency exemption for the baby? Research sources include Rev. Rul. 73-156,
> Ed has supported his stepdaughter, her husband, and their child since his wife’s death three years ago. Ed promised his late wife that he would support her daughter from a former marriage and her daughter’s husband until they both finished college. They
> Which tax form is used by the following individuals? a. Anita is single, age 68, and has a salary of $22,000 and interest of $300. b. Betty owns an apartment complex that produced rental income of $36,000. Expenses totaled $38,500. c. Clay’s wife died l
> In 2017, Lana, a single taxpayer with AGI of $85,400, claims exemptions for three dependent children, all under age 17. What is the amount of her child credit?
> Joe and Joan divorce during the current year. Joan receives custody of their three children. Joe agrees to pay $5,000 of child support for each child. a. Assuming no written agreement, who will receive the dependency exemption and child credit for the c
> Carolyn operates a consulting business as a sole proprietor (unincorporated). Carolyn has been approached by one of her major clients to become an employee. If she accepts the new job, she would no longer operate her consulting business. From the standpo
> Ralph and Tina (husband and wife) transferred corporate bonds worth $30,000 to Pam, their 12-year-old daughter. Pam received $3,500 of interest on the bonds in the current year. Ralph and Tina file jointly and have taxable income of $83,000. a. Compute R
> Maria is a single taxpayer. Her salary is $51,000. Maria realized a short-term capital loss of $5,000. Her itemized deductions total $4,000. a. Compute Maria’s adjusted gross income. b. Compute her taxable income. c. Compute her tax liability.
> Virginia is a cash-basis, calendar-year taxpayer. Her salary is $20,000, and she is single. She plans to purchase a residence in 2018. She anticipates her property taxes and interest will total $7,200. Each year, Virginia contributes approximately $1,000
> Bob and Anna are in the 39.6% tax bracket for ordinary income and the 20% bracket for capital gains (ignore the 3.8% additional tax on investment income for higher-income taxpayers.) They have owned several blocks of stock for many years. They are consid
> Georgia, a single taxpayer, operates a business that produces $100,000 of income before any amounts are paid to her. She has no dependents and no other income. She has itemized deductions of $18,000. Compute the total income tax that would be paid assumi
> Mike and Linda are a married couple who file jointly. They have three dependent children who are full-time students in 2017. Mike and Linda’s taxable income is $180,000 and they provided $8,000 of support for each child. Information for
> John and Georgia are a married couple with two dependent sons. Their salaries total $130,000. They have a capital loss of $8,000 and tax exempt interest income of $1,000. They paid home mortgage interest of $10,000, state income taxes of $4,000, and medi
> Debbie is 23 years old, a full-time student and a dependent of her parents. She earns $4,200 working part-time and receives $2,200 interest on savings. She saves both the salary and interest. What is her taxable income? Would her taxable income or tax be
> Jan, a single taxpayer, has adjusted gross income of $250,000, medical expenses of $10,000, home mortgage interest of $3,000, property taxes of $2,000. and miscellaneous itemized deductions of $3,500. Should she itemize or claim the standard deduction?
> Jim and Pat are married and file jointly. In 2017, Jim earned a salary of $46,000. Pat is self-employed. Her gross business income was $49,000 and her business expenses totaled $24,000. Each contributed $5,500 to a deductible IRA. Their itemized deductio
> Indicate which of the following taxes are generally progressive, proportional, or regressive: a. State income taxes b. Federal estate tax c. Corporate state franchise tax d. Property taxes e. State and local sales taxes
> The Supreme Court in 1895 ruled that the income tax was unconstitutional because the tax needed to be apportioned among the states in proportion to their populations. Why would the requirement of proportionality be so difficult to administer?
> Handy-Maid Cleaning Service is considering offering an additional line of services to include professional office cleaning. Annual fixed costs for this additional service are estimated to be $9,000. Variable costs are estimated at $50 per unit of service
> Raquel’s Landscaping Company has contracted for several landscaping jobs. Each job requires preparing the areas (identifying the locations and types of plants, preparing the soil, etc.) and then planting the trees, bushes, and shrubs. The expected time f
> Joe has asked you to develop a sequence that minimizes makespan for the sequence of jobs given in Problem 10. Compare the makespan, mean job flow time, and average number of jobs in the system to your results in Problems 10 and 11.
> Joe thinks that it is probably more efficient to use SPT (shortest processing time) as his priority rule. a) Develop a sequence using SPT based on processing time for the wash and dry operation. b) Calculate the makespan, the mean job flow time, and the
> Joe’s Twenty-four Seven Laundromat has the following jobs waiting to be processed. The first step of the process includes washing and drying the clothes; the second step is pressing the clothing. Joe wants to minimize the amount of time it takes to do al
> Bill’s Bar & Grill is open seven nights a week. Business is busiest on Thursday, when there is a concert in the park across the street. Bill wants a workforce schedule that allows each employee two consecutive days off each week. He believes that he need
> Cathy’s Coney Islands has just purchased new equipment. Cathy believes the improved efficiency will reduce the number of people needed Monday through Friday down to four. She does not believe she can ever have fewer than two persons working, so the weeke
> Cathy’s Coney Islands operates seven days per week. Demand is relatively constant during the week and tails off on the weekend. She estimates that she needs five employees Monday through Friday, and two employees on Saturday and Sunday. She is committed
> Marvin is preparing for the upcoming three-day weekend. He estimates that he will need three additional workers on Sunday of that week. Using the requirements given in Problem 18 for the other days of the week, develop a workforce schedule for Marvin to
> Marvin’s Beach Cleaners is responsible for keeping the beach clean. Marvin estimates that he needs a minimum of two people on Monday; three people on Tuesday and Sunday; four people on Wednesday and Thursday; and five people on Friday and Saturday. Contr
> Your new company has decided to use a periodic review system. You have learned that average weekly demand is 48 units per week with a standard deviation of 8 units. You believe that your cycle-service level should be 94 percent. Lead time is two weeks. I
> Next week is a three-day weekend. Barb believes that she will need a minimum of six employees on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The other days will still need a minimum of three workers. Remember that Barb wants each employee to have two consecutive days
> Kaizer Plastics produces a variety of plastic items for packaging and distribution. One item, container #145, has had a low contribution to profits. Last year, 20,000 units of container #145 were produced and sold. The selling price of the container was
> Barb’s Beach Bar operates seven days per week. Barb uses only full-time employees and wants each employee to have two consecutive days off each week. She believes that she needs a minimum of three employees on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Su
> Raquel has asked you to develop a sequence that minimizes makespan for the sequence of jobs given in Problem 13. Compare the makespan, mean job flow time, and average number of jobs in the system to your results in Problems 13 and 14.
> Henri recently learned about global priority rules. He is interested in the slack over remaining operations (S/RO) rule. a) Using the data in Problem 5, determine the sequence Henri should follow if he uses the S/RO priority rule. b) Based on the sequenc
> In an effort to be fair to his customers, Henri has decided to use the FCFS (first come, first served) priority rule. Using the job data from Problem 5, assume that the jobs arrive in order—that is, A first, then B, then C. a) Using the data in Problem 5
