Income Tax Fundamentals 2016 34th Edition - Test Bank

Income Tax Fundamentals 2016 34th Edition - Test Bank   Instant Download - Complete Test Bank With Answers     Sample Questions Are Posted Below   1. The adjusted gross income (AGI) limitation on medical expenses is 15 percent.   a. True   b. False   ANSWER:   False RATIONALE:   Medical expenses can be deducted to the …

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Income Tax Fundamentals 2016 34th Edition – Test Bank

 

Instant Download – Complete Test Bank With Answers

 

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

1. The adjusted gross income (AGI) limitation on medical expenses is 15 percent.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   Medical expenses can be deducted to the extent that they exceed 10 percent of the taxpayer’s AGI. If the taxpayer is age 65 or older, the 7.5 percent limit applies.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-01 – LO:5-01
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

2. Premiums paid for life insurance policies are deductible as medical expenses.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   Premiums paid for life insurance policies are not deductible.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-01 – LO:5-01
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

3. The cost of a chiropractor’s services qualifies as a medical deduction.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   True
POINTS:   1
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-01 – LO:5-01

 

4. The cost of over-the-counter aspirin and decongestants is a deductible medical expense even though they are non-prescription drugs.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   Nonprescription medicines, even if recommended by a physician, are not deductible as a medical expense.
POINTS:   1
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-01 – LO:5-01

 

5. Jon, age 45, had adjusted gross income of $26,000 in 2015. During the year, he incurred and paid the following medical expenses:

Drugs and medicines prescribed by doctors $ 300
Health insurance premiums $ 750
Doctors’ fees $2,250
Eyeglasses $ 75

Jon received $900 in 2015 as a reimbursement for a portion of the doctors’ fees. If Jon were to itemize his deductions, what would be his allowable medical expense deduction after the adjusted gross income limitation is taken into account?

  a. $0
  b. $425
  c. $600
  d. $1,000
  e. None of the above

 

ANSWER:   a
RATIONALE:   ($300 + $750 + $2,250 + $75 -$900) – (10% × $26,000)
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-01 – LO:5-01
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

6. During the current year, Mary paid the following expenses:

Prescription drugs $490
Aspirin and over the counter cold capsules $130
Hospital and doctors $700
Life insurance $260

What is the total amount of medical expenses (before considering the limitation based on adjusted gross income) that would enter into the calculation of itemized deductions on Mary’s current year income tax return?

  a. $700
  b. $1,190
  c. $1,450
  d. $1,580
  e. None of the above

 

ANSWER:   b
RATIONALE:   $490 + $700
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-01 – LO:5-01
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

7. In 2015, David, age 65, had adjusted gross income of $32,000. During the year he paid the following medical expenses:

Prescription medicines $ 200
Doctors $2,500
Medical care insurance $ 400
Over-the-counter hair growth tonic $ 250

What amount can David deduct as medical expenses (after the adjusted gross income limitation) in calculating his itemized deductions for 2015?

  a. $0
  b. $700
  c. $800
  d. $3,100
  e. None of the above

 

ANSWER:   b
RATIONALE:   ($200 + $2,500 + $400) – (7.5% × $32,000)
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-01 – LO:5-01
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

8. Randy is advised by his physician to install an elevator in his residence, since he is afflicted with heart disease. The cost of installing the elevator is $10,000 and it has an estimated useful life of 10 years. He installs the elevator in January of the current year, and it increases the value of his residence by $8,000. Disregarding the limitation based on adjusted gross income, how much of the cost of the elevator may Randy take into account in determining his medical expense deduction for the current year?

  a. $0
  b. $750
  c. $2,000
  d. $10,000
  e. None of the above

 

ANSWER:   c
RATIONALE:   ($10,000 – $8,000)
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-01 – LO:5-01
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

9. Which of the following is not deductible as a medical expense on Schedule A?

  a. Payments to a nurse
  b. Payments for marriage counseling
  c. Payments for dentures
  d. Payments for psychiatric care
  e. All of the above are deductible as medical expenses

 

ANSWER:   b
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-01 – LO:5-01
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

10. Which of the following is not considered a deductible medical expense?

  a. A face lift
  b. Eye exams
  c. Prescription drugs
  d. Medical insurance

 

ANSWER:   a
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-01 – LO:5-01
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

11. Roberto, age 50, has AGI of $110,000 for 2015. He has medical expenses of $13,200. How much of the medical expenses can Roberto deduct on his Schedule A for 2015?

  a. $0
  b. $4,950
  c. $11,000
  d. $13,200
  e. None of the above

 

ANSWER:   e
RATIONALE:   $13,200 – 10% × $110,000 = $2,200
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-01 – LO:5-01
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

12. Which of the following is not an itemized deduction?

  a. Medical expenses
  b. IRA contribution deduction
  c. Personal property taxes
  d. Union dues
  e. All of the above are itemized deductions

 

ANSWER:   b
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-01 – LO:5-01
ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-06 – LO:5-06
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

13. During 2015, Sarah, age 29, had adjusted gross income of $12,000 and paid the following amounts for medical expenses:

Medical insurance $400
Prescription medications $160
Hospital bills $575
Doctors’ bills $310
Dental bills $180

In 2015, Sarah drove 113 miles for medical transportation in her personal automobile, and she uses the standard mileage allowance. Her insurance company reimbursed Sarah $300 during the year for the above medical expenses. Using the schedule below, calculate the amount of Sarah’s deduction for medical and dental expenses for the 2015 tax year.

______________________________ $_________
______________________________ __________
______________________________ __________
______________________________ __________
______________________________ __________
______________________________ __________
______________________________ __________
Total $_________
Less 10% of adjusted gross income __________
Medical deduction $_________

 

ANSWER:  
Medical insurance $ 400
Prescription medications 160
Payments to hospitals 575
Payments to doctors 310
Dental bills 180
Transportation (113 × $0.23) 26
Less insurance reimbursement   (300)
Total $1,351
Less 10% of $12,000, adjusted gross income (1,200)
Medical deduction $ 151 
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-01 – LO:5-01
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Application

 

14. For 2015, Betsy and Bob, ages 62 and 68, respectively, are married taxpayers who file a joint tax return with AGI of $50,000. During the year they incurred the following expenses:

Medical insurance premiums $3,200
Hospital bills (knee replacement for Bob) $2,400
Hospital bills (face lift for Betsy) $2,600
Doctor bills $   750
Dentist bills $   250
Eyeglasses $   380
Acupuncture treatments (for Bob’s knee pain prior to his operation) $   300

In addition, their insurance company reimbursed them $3,100 for the above expenses.
Using the format below, calculate Betsy and Bob’s deduction for medical and dental expenses for 2015.

______________________________ $_________
______________________________ __________
______________________________ __________
______________________________ __________
______________________________ __________
______________________________ __________
______________________________ __________
Total $_________
Less 7.5% of adjusted gross income __________
Medical deduction $_________

 

ANSWER:  
Medical insurance premiums $3,200
Hospital bills (Bob) 2,400
Doctor bills 750
Dentist bills 250
Eyeglasses 380
Acupuncture (Bob)      300 
   Total qualifying expenses $7,280
Less reimbursement  (3,100)
   Deductible expenses $4,180
Less 7.5% of $50,000 AGI   (3,750)
   Medical deduction  $   430 
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-01 – LO:5-01
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Application

 

15. Jake developed serious health problems and had his bathroom remodeled so it is wheelchair-accessible and had a handicapped shower installed, based on a written prescription by his doctor. The cost of the remodel is $15,000 and is deemed to add no value to his house by a real estate appraiser. How is the cost of the remodel treated on Jake’s tax return?

ANSWER:   This medical expense of $15,000 is reported on Schedule A, subject to the 10 percent or 7.5 percent AGI limitation, depending upon his age. There was no corresponding increase in the value of the property, and such capital expenses are not required to be depreciated, so the full $15,000 is reported on Schedule A.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-01 – LO:5-01
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension

 

16. ​Glenda heard from a friend that prescriptions drugs were considerably cheaper overseas and purchases her regular prescription over the internet from a foreign company for $500.  Though technically illegal, Glenda saves quite a bit and is pretty sure “everyone is doing it.”  Glenda can include the $500 cost of the prescription as a deductible medical expense.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   No deduction is permitted for drugs purchased illegally from abroad.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-01 – LO:5-01
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

17. If a taxpayer installs special equipment in their home for medical reasons, some or all of the cost can be included as a deductible medical expense.​

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   True
RATIONALE:   Payments for special equipment for medical reasons are deductible to the extent the cost exceeds the increase in the value of the home as a result on the installation.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-01 – LO:5-01
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

18. The 2015 standard mileage rate for taxpayer use of a personal auto for transportation for medical care is ​$.235 per mile.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   The 2015 rate is $.23 per mile, The 2014 rate was $.235 per mile.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-01 – LO:5-01
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

19. ​Lodging for a trip associated with medical care associated with a licensed hospital is not deductible.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   Lodging cost of up to $50 per night, per person, can be included in deductible medical expenses.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-01 – LO:5-01
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

20. If real property is sold during the year, the property taxes must be allocated between the buyer and seller based on the number of days the property was held by each party.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   True
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

21. The amount of a special assessment charged to residents for the installation of sidewalks on their street is not deductible on Schedule A as property taxes.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   True
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

22. To calculate the amount of state and local income taxes which may be deducted as an itemized deduction, state income taxes paid during the year must be reduced by state income tax refunds received during the year.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   If a taxpayer receives a refund of state income taxes deducted in a previous year, then the refund must generally be included in income in the year in which the refund is received.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

23. The cost of a fishing license is considered a personal property tax and is deductible as an itemized deduction.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   To be deductible as an itemized deduction, property taxes must be levied based on the value of the property.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

24. In 2015, state income taxes may be deducted as an itemized deduction on Schedule A.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   True
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

25. During the current year, Mr. and Mrs. West paid the following taxes:

Property taxes on residence $1,900
Special assessment for installation of a sewer system in their neighborhood $1,000
State personal property tax on their automobile (based on value) $ 400
Property taxes on land held for long-term appreciation $ 600

What amount can the Wests deduct as property taxes in calculating itemized deductions for the current year?

  a. $0
  b. $1,900
  c. $2,300
  d. $2,900
  e. None of the above

 

ANSWER:   d
RATIONALE:   $1,900 + $400 + $600
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

26. Margo has $2,200 withheld from her wages for state income taxes during 2015. In March of 2015, she paid $400 in additional taxes for her 2014 state tax return. Her state income tax liability for 2015 is $2,700 and she pays the additional $500 when she files her 2015 state tax return in April of 2016. What amount should Margo deduct as an itemized deduction for state income taxes on her 2015 federal income tax return, assuming she elects to deduct state and local income taxes?

  a. $2,100
  b. $2,500
  c. $2,600
  d. $3,100
  e. None of the above

 

ANSWER:   c
RATIONALE:   $2,200 + $400
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

27. During the current year, Seth, a self-employed individual, paid the following taxes:

Federal income tax $5,000
State income tax $2,500
Real estate taxes on land in South America (held as an investment) $ 1,000
Personal property taxes based upon value $ 1,500
Federal self-employment tax $ 800

What amount can Seth claim as an itemized deduction for taxes paid during the current year, assuming he elects to deduct state and local income taxes?

  a. $2,400
  b. $3,300
  c. $4,200
  d. $5,000
  e. None of the above

 

ANSWER:   d
RATIONALE:   $2,500 + $1,000 + $1,500
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

28. During the current year, George, a salaried taxpayer, paid the following taxes which were not incurred in connection with a trade or business:

Federal income tax (withheld by employer) $1,500
State income tax (withheld by employer) $1,100
FICA tax (withheld by employer) $ 700
Real property taxes $ 300
Federal auto gasoline taxes $ 200
Federal excise tax on telephone bills $ 50

What amount can George claim for the current year as an itemized deduction for the taxes paid, assuming he elects to deduct state and local income taxes?

  a. $1,100
  b. $1,150
  c. $1,400
  d. $2,000
  e. None of the above

 

ANSWER:   c
RATIONALE:   $1,100 + $300
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

29. Which of the following taxes is not deductible as an itemized deduction?

  a. Property tax on second residence
  b. Sales tax in a state with no income tax
  c. Federal income tax
  d. State income tax

 

ANSWER:   c
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

30. Frank is a resident of a state that imposes a tax on income. The following information pertaining to Frank’s state income taxes is available:

State income taxes withheld in 2015 $3,500
Refund of 2014 tax received in 2015 $ 400
Deficiency assessed and paid in 2015 for 2013:  
Tax $ 600
Interest $ 100

What amount should Frank use as state and local income taxes in calculating itemized deductions for his 2015 Federal tax return, assuming he elects to deduct state and local income taxes?

  a. $3,500
  b. $3,700
  c. $4,100
  d. $4,200
  e. None of the above

 

ANSWER:   c
RATIONALE:   $3,500 + $600
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

31. Which one of the following is not tax deductible?

  a. Real estate taxes
  b. Property taxes
  c. Local income taxes
  d. State income taxes
  e. All of the above are tax deductible

 

ANSWER:   e
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

32. Weber resides in a state that imposes a tax on income. The following information relating to Weber’s state income taxes is available:

State income taxes withheld in 2015 $3,000
Refund received in 2015 of 2014 tax $ 300
Assessment paid in 2015 of 2013 tax $ 800

Assuming he elects to deduct state and local income taxes, what amount should Weber use as state and local income taxes in calculating itemized deductions for his 2015 Federal income tax return?

  a. $2,700
  b. $3,000
  c. $3,500
  d. $3,800
  e. None of the above

 

ANSWER:   d
RATIONALE:   $3,000 + $800
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

33. Harvey itemized deductions on his 2014 income tax return. Harvey plans to itemize deductions again in 2015 and the following information is available regarding state and local income taxes:

Taxes withheld in 2015 $2,500
Refund received in 2015 of 2014 tax $ 500
Assessment paid in 2015 of 2013 tax $ 300

Assuming he elects to deduct state and local income taxes, the above information should be reported by Harvey in his 2015 tax return as:

  a. Itemized deduction for state and local income taxes of $2,500, and income from state and local tax refund of $200
  b. Itemized deduction for state and local income taxes of $2,300
  c. Itemized deduction for state and local income taxes of $2,800
  d. Itemized deduction for state and local income taxes of $2,800 and income from state and local tax refund of $500
  e. None of the above

 

ANSWER:   d
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

34. Which of the following is not deductible as an itemized deduction?

  a. State income taxes
  b. Personal property taxes
  c. Charitable contributions
  d. Local income taxes
  e. All of the above may be deductible as itemized deductions

 

ANSWER:   e
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-04 – LO:5-04
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

35. Sherry had $5,600 withheld from her wages for state income taxes during 2015. In May of 2015, she received a $450 refund for her prior year state tax return. The amount of Sherry’s tax on her 2015 tax return is $6,100 and she pays the additional tax of $500 ($6,100 – $5,600) when she files her state income tax return in April of 2016.

a.

Assuming she elects to deduct the state income tax, how much state income taxes should Sherry deduct on Schedule A of Form 1040 of her 2015 federal income tax return?
b. How should Sherry report the $450 refund?

 

ANSWER:  
a. $5,600, the amount of state income taxes withheld during 2015.
b.

The $450 refund should be reported as income on Sherry’s 2015 income tax return, assuming she itemized deductions on her 2014 tax return.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension

 

36. Daniel lives in a state that charges a vehicle registration fee of $50 plus $20 for every $1,000 of value. During the current year, Daniel paid $170 for registration of his automobile.

a.

How much of the vehicle registration fee is deductible as a personal property tax on Schedule A of Daniel’s Form 1040?
b. Explain your answer.

 

ANSWER:  
a. $120 = $170 – $50.
b. Daniel may deduct the portion of the registration fee that is based on the value

of the automobile.

POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension

 

37. Newt is a single taxpayer living in Hollywood, California, with adjusted gross income for the 2015 tax year of $43,050. Newt’s employer withheld $3,700 in state income tax from his salary. In April of 2015, he paid $300 in additional state taxes for his prior year’s return. The real estate taxes on his home are $1,800 for 2015 and his personal property tax based on the value of his automobile is $75. Also, he paid $210 for state gasoline taxes for the year.

Assuming he elects to deduct state and local income taxes, how much should Newt deduct on Schedule A of Form 1040 of his 2015 tax return for taxes paid?

ANSWER:  
State tax withheld $3,700
Payment for prior year’s state taxes 300
Real estate taxes 1,800
Personal property tax        75
   Total taxes $5,875
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Application

 

38. Meade paid $5,000 of state income taxes in 2015. The total sales tax he paid during 2015 was $4,500, which included $3,000 for the cost of a new boat. How should Meade treat the taxes paid in his 2015 tax return?

ANSWER:   Meade can deduct the greater of the sales taxes paid or the state income taxes paid, assuming he itemizes deductions. In this case, since his sales taxes of $4,500, including the sales tax on the boat, are less than state income taxes of $5,000, he should deduct the $5,000 in state income tax on his 2015 Schedule A. [This solution contemplates the extension of the sales tax deduction.]
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Application
NOTES:   This solutions assumes that the sales tax deduction is extended for 2015.

 

39. Taxpayers are permitted to take an itemized deduction for the lesser of state income taxes paid or state sales taxes paid.​

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   Taxpayers are permitted to deduct the greater of state income paid or sales taxes paid.​ [This question assumes that the sales deduction is extended in 2015.]
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge
NOTES:   The solution is based on the extension of the sales tax deduction in 2015

 

40. ​Stan, a single taxpayer, has $1,700 of state income taxes withheld from his wages in the current year.  In the current year, he also received a $320 refund on his prior year state income tax.  Stan did not itemize last year but he intends to do so this year.  Stan used the sales tax estimate tables and determined his sales tax deduction amount is $1,600.  What amount should Stan deduct for state taxes?

  a. ​$0
  b. ​$1,380
  c. ​$1,600
  d. ​$1,700
  e. ​None of the above

 

ANSWER:   d
RATIONALE:   Taxpayers are eligible for the greater of their state income taxes paid or the state sales and use tax paid. Because a state income tax refund would be includable in gross income (not serve as a reduction of the current year state income tax deduction), Stan’s state income tax deduction amount is $1,700 while his sales tax amount is $1,600. He may deduct the greater of the two. As an aside, because Stan did not itemize last year, his refund is not includable in income in the current year.[This question contemplates the extension of the sales tax deduction into 2015]
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension
NOTES:   The solution is based on the extension of the sales tax deduction into 2015.

 

41. ​Foreign income taxes paid are deductible.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   True
RATIONALE:   Although a foreign tax credit (discussed in Chapter 6) might be more advantageous, foreign taxes are deductible as a itemized deduction.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

42. If 2014 tax law is extended into 2015, state sales taxes can be deducted in lieu of state income taxes.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   True
RATIONALE:   In 2014, state sales taxes are deductible. Thus if the law is extended into 2015, they will remain deductible.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

43. ​Brittany determined that she paid $450 in gasoline excise taxes during the year when she bought gas for her commute to and from work.  Brittany’s gas excise taxes are deductible as an itemized deduction.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   Gasoline taxes related to personal commuting costs are not deductible (trade or business related excise taxes would potentially be deductible as a business expense).
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowedge

 

44. ​Charu is charged $70 by the state she lives in related to vehicle registration based on the weight of her personal auto.  Charu can deduct the $70 as an itemized deduction.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   Personal property taxes are only deductible if related to the value of the property.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-02 – LO:5-02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

45. Mortgage interest on a taxpayer’s personal residence is not deductible on Schedule A.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   Mortgage interest on a taxpayer’s personal residence is deductible on Schedule A.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

46. To deduct interest paid with respect to indebtedness, the taxpayer must be legally liable for the debt.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   True
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

47. The interest paid on a loan used to acquire municipal bonds is not deductible.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   True
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

48. For 2015, the investment interest expense deduction is limited to the taxpayer’s net investment income.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   True
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

49. Jerry and Ann paid the following amounts during the current year:

Interest on automobile loan $1,500
Interest on bank loan (proceeds were used to purchase municipal bonds) $5,000
Qualified home mortgage interest $3,150

What is the maximum amount they can use as interest expense in calculating itemized deductions for the current year?

  a. $3,000
  b. $3,150
  c. $4,500
  d. $8,000
  e. None of the above

 

ANSWER:   b
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension

 

50. Matthew purchases a new principal residence in the current year and pays points of $2,000 to obtain a mortgage loan. What is the proper tax treatment for the points paid?

  a. The points are a nondeductible personal expense.
  b. The points must be amortized over the life of the loan.
  c. The points are fully deductible in the current year.
  d. The points must be capitalized into the cost of the residence.
  e. The points must be amortized over 5 years.

 

ANSWER:   c
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

51. Shellie, a single individual, received her Bachelor’s degree in 2014, and took a job with a salary of $45,000 per year. In 2015, she began paying interest on qualified education loans. She was able to pay $1,500 in 2015. Which of the following statements is not correct?

  a. The full $1,500 is deductible in arriving at adjusted gross income (AGI).
  b. If her payment had been $3,000, only $2,500 would have been deductible in arriving at AGI and the $500 excess would have been treated as nondeductible consumer interest.
  c. If her income had been $80,000, the deductible amount would have been phased out.
  d. Taxpayers are not allowed a deduction for education loan interest in 2015.

 

ANSWER:   d
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension

 

52. For the current tax year, David, a married taxpayer filing a joint return, reported the following:

Investment income from interest $24,000
Investment expenses other than interest $ 3,000
Interest expense on funds borrowed 10 years ago to purchase investment property $70,000

What is the maximum amount that David can deduct in the current year as investment interest expense?

  a. $7,000
  b. $20,000
  c. $21,000
  d. $24,000
  e. None of the above

 

ANSWER:   c
RATIONALE:   ​The deduction for investment interest is limited to net investment income ($24,000 – $3,000).
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

53. Amy paid the following interest expense during the current year:

Qualified home mortgage interest $5,000
Credit card interest $ 1,000
Personal bank loan interest $ 3,000

What is the amount of Amy’s interest deduction for the current year?

  a. $1,000
  b. $3,000
  c. $4,000
  d. $5,000
  e. $6,000

 

ANSWER:   d
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

54. Which of the following interest expense amounts is not deductible 2015?

  a. Education loan interest of $2,000, assuming the taxpayer is single and has income of $150,000.
  b. Home equity loan interest of $9,000 on a loan of $100,000, the proceeds of which were used to purchase a vacation home.
  c. Investment interest expense of $10,000, assuming the taxpayer has $15,000 of investment income.
  d. Points of $2,000 paid on a mortgage loan for the purchase of a new principal residence.

 

ANSWER:   a
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

55. During the current year, Cary and Bill incurred acquisition debt on their residence of $1,300,000 and a home equity loan of $200,000. On a joint tax return, what is the amount of their qualified acquisition debt and qualified home equity debt, respectively?

  a. $900,000 and $100,000
  b. $1,000,000 and $0
  c. $1,000,000 and $100,000
  d. $1,300,000 and $200,000
  e. None of the above

 

ANSWER:   c
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

56. What is the maximum amount of home equity debt (not acquisition debt) on which interest is fully deductible?

  a. $0
  b. $50,000
  c. $100,000
  d. $200,000
  e. None of the above

 

ANSWER:   c
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

57. Bill has a mortgage loan on his personal residence. He decides to pay 18 months of interest in advance on October 1, 2015. The total advanced interest payment is $36,000. How much of the advance interest payment can he deduct in 2015?

  a. $6,000
  b. $24,000
  c. $36,000
  d. Mortgage interest is not deductible.
  e. If a taxpayer makes an advance payment, he may not deduct any interest.

 

ANSWER:   a
RATIONALE:   $36,000 / 18 months × 3 months
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Application

 

58. Which of the following is not deductible as interest expense on Schedule A?

  a. Loan fee charged for appraisal service
  b. Home mortgage interest
  c. Mortgage interest on a second residence
  d. Home mortgage prepayment penalties
  e. All of the above are deductible as interest expense

 

ANSWER:   a
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

59. Which of the following types of interest is not deductible?

  a. Qualified mortgage interest on residence
  b. Qualified mortgage interest on second residence
  c. Credit card interest
  d. All of the above
  e. None of the above

 

ANSWER:   c
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

60. Fran paid the following amounts of interest during 2015:

Qualified home mortgage interest $7,000
Automobile loan interest $   500
Qualified interest on second residence $5,000
Credit card interest  $   300

Calculate the amount of Fran’s interest deduction for 2015.

ANSWER:   $12,000 = $7,000 + $5,000
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

61. Douglas and Dena paid the following amounts of interest during the current year:

Qualified home mortgage interest $14,000
Other consumer interest $ 5,000
Investment interest $10,000
   (no investment income)  

a. Calculate the amount of their allowable deduction for investment interest for the current year.
b. Calculate the amount of Douglas and Dena’s total allowable deduction for interest for the current year.

 

ANSWER:  
a. $0, investment interest is deductible only to the extent of net investment income.
b. $14,000, the qualified residence interest.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension

 

62. Sally and Jim purchased their personal residence in Santa Barbara 20 years ago for $150,000. The home has a fair market value today of $1,000,000. For the current year, they have a $10,000 first mortgage on their home, on which they paid $1,000 in interest. They also have a home equity loan secured by their home with a balance throughout the year of $110,000. The proceeds of the home equity loan were used to send their two children to college. They paid interest on the home equity loan of $5,500 for the year.

Calculate the amount of their deduction for interest paid on qualified residence acquisition debt and qualified home equity debt for the current year.

Qualified residence acquisition debt interest:

Qualified home equity debt interest:

ANSWER:  
Qualified residence acquisition debt interest $ 1,000

Qualified home equity debt interest  
   Interest rate: $5,500 / $110,000 = 5%  
   Maximum allowable: $100,000 × 5% = $5,000
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Application

 

63. Andy borrows $20,000 to invest in bonds. During the current year, his interest on the loan is $2,000. Andy’s interest income from the bonds is $400 and his investment expenses are $300.

a. Calculate Andy’s itemized deduction for investment interest for this year.
b. Is Andy entitled to a deduction in future years?

 

ANSWER:  
a. $100 = $400 income less $300 expense.
b.

The remaining $1,900 disallowed interest expense is carried over and may be deducted in succeeding years subject to the investment interest limitation each year.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension

 

64. Melvin owns his home and has a $200,000 mortgage related to his purchase of the residence. In the fall of the current year, he borrows $40,000 on credit cards for college costs for his two sons. The interest expense on the mortgage is $15,000 and the interest expense on the credit cards is $6,000. How much of the interest is deductible as an itemized deduction and why? If you were Melvin’s accountant, what tax planning suggestion might you have made to him?

ANSWER:   Melvin’s total interest deduction on Schedule A is $15,000. The acquisition debt interest of $15,000 is fully deductible. It is related to debt used to purchase the residence and the debt is less than $1 million in total. The interest on the credit card debt is not deductible at all because it is personal consumer debt. Melvin might consider taking out a home equity loan to pay off his credit card balance so the interest on this debt could be deducted.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension

 

65. ​For a taxpayer with adjusted gross income of $56,000, private mortgage insurance (PMI) is deductible in 2015.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   True
RATIONALE:   This remains true if the deduction for PMI is retroactively extended to the start of 2015 [no such extension at press time].
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge
NOTES:   The solution is based on the extension of the PMI deduction into 2015.

 

66. ​Which of the following types of interest are not likely to be deductible in 2015?

  a. ​Interest on personal credit cards
  b. ​Interest on a $40,000 home equity line used to buy a car
  c. ​Interest on a $150,000 mortgage on a principle residence
  d. ​Private mortgage insurance premiums
  e. ​All of the above are likely to be deductible

 

ANSWER:   a
RATIONALE:   Consumer interest such as credit cards and auto loans is not deductible. Residential mortgage interest can be deductible for first and second homes as long as the debt is $1,000,000. Home equity debt interest is deductible as long as less than $100,000. If extended by Congress in 2015, private mortgage insurance (PMI) is deductible in 2015 for taxpayers with AGI under $100,000.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge
NOTES:   The solutions is based on the extension of the PMI deduction into 2015.

 

67. ​Alice purchases a new personal auto and finances the purchase through the dealer.  The interest of $760 she pays on the car loan during the current tax year is deductible.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   Personal consumer interest is not generally deductible.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

68. Dongkuk uses his holiday bonus to pay his January 2016 mortgage payment in December 2015.  The payment would normally be due January 31st.  Dongkuk may deduct the interest paid as part of the early mortgage payment.​

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   Prepaid interest is not deductible.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

69. ​Richie Rominey purchases a new $4.3 million qualified principal residence in Palo Alto, CA using a mortgage loan of $3 million.  Richie’s mortgage interest deduction may be limited.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   True
RATIONALE:   The aggregate amount of qualified residence acquisition debt may not exceed $1 million. Only a portion of Richie’s interest will be deductible.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

70. ​Perry Mayson, a single taxpayer, graduated law school last year with quite a bit of qualified student loan debt and ends up paying $4,300 in interest on the loan in the current tax year.  Fortunately, Perry is well compensated and earns adjusted gross income of $85,000 during the current year.  Perry may deduct his student loan interest in the current year.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   Perry’s income of $85,000 exceeds the maximum threshold ($80,000 for single taxpayers) for deduction of student loan interest.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-03 – LO:5-03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension

 

71. A taxpayer may donate the free use of property to a charitable organization and deduct the value as an itemized deduction.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   Contributions of the use of property are not deductible.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-04 – LO:5-04
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

72. If a taxpayer contributes a painting to a museum but reserves the right to use the painting for parties, he may not be allowed a deduction for the charitable contribution.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   True
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-04 – LO:5-04
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

73. Taxpayers must itemize their deductions to be allowed a charitable contribution deduction.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   True
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-04 – LO:5-04
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

74. Individual taxpayers may carry forward indefinitely charitable contributions that are not allowed as a deduction in the current year due to the adjusted gross income limitation.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   Charitable contributions not allowed due to the adjusted gross income limitations may be carried forward 5 years.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-04 – LO:5-04
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

75. Christine saw a television advertisement asking for donations of used vehicles to a charitable foundation and decided to donate her old car. Which of the following statements is correct?

  a. She can take a tax deduction large enough on an after-tax basis to equal the amount she would have received if she sold the car directly.
  b. She can take a deduction greater than the amount for which the charity actually sells the vehicle.
  c. She can claim an estimated value for the auto if the charity uses it rather than selling it.
  d. The charity is not required to provide her with any information about what they do with the auto.

 

ANSWER:   c
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-04 – LO:5-04
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

76. Which of the following charitable contributions is not tax deductible?

  a. Cash donated to a qualified church.
  b. Clothing donated to a qualified veterans’ organization.
  c. Time donated to a qualified veterans’ organization.
  d. Donation of a car to a qualified non-profit organization.
  e. All of the above are tax deductible.

 

ANSWER:   c
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-04 – LO:5-04
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

77. For 2015, Eugene and Linda had adjusted gross income of $30,000. Additional information for 2015 is as follows:

Cash contribution to church $1,600
Tuition paid to a parochial school $1,200
Contribution to a qualified charity $ 400
Cash contribution to a needy family $ 100

What is the maximum amount that they can use as a deduction for charitable contributions for 2015?

  a. $500
  b. $1,600
  c. $1,700
  d. $2,000
  e. None of the above

 

ANSWER:   d
RATIONALE:   $1,600 + $400
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-04 – LO:5-04
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension

 

78. Stewart had adjusted gross income of $22,000 in 2015. During the year, he made the following contributions to qualified charities:

$7,000 cash

1,000 shares of Able Corporation common stock, acquired in 1980 (cost and fair market value of $5,000)

Considering the charitable contribution deduction limitation, what amount can Stewart claim as a deduction for charitable contributions in 2015?

  a. $5,000
  b. $7,000
  c. $11,000
  d. $12,000
  e. None of the above

 

ANSWER:   c
RATIONALE:   $22,000 x 50%
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-04 – LO:5-04
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension

 

79. Gwen has written acknowledgments for each of the following charitable contributions during the current year:

Cash contributions to her church $1,250
Contribution of old clothes and household goods to AMVETS, valued at thrift shop prices (original cost, $1,000) $  200
Gwen’s estimate of the value of her time donated to a local soup kitchen $  800
Cash donated to homeless people asking for money for food $    75

What is Gwen’s charitable contribution deduction for the current year?

ANSWER:   $1,450 = $1,250 + $200. Note that the list of qualified recipients does not include homeless people or any other individual donee. Also, contributions of time or service are not deductible.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-04 – LO:5-04
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Application

 

80. During the current year, Hom donates a sculpture that cost $1,000 to a museum for exhibition. The sculpture’s fair market value was $1,700 on the date of the donation, and Hom’s adjusted gross income is $40,000.

a.

If Hom had held the sculpture for 4 months and the $700 ($1,700 – $1,000) of appreciation would have been a short-term capital gain, calculate the amount of his itemized deduction for the contribution.
b.

If Hom had held the sculpture for 2 years and the $700 gain would have been a long-term capital gain, calculate the amount of his itemized deduction for the contribution.

 

ANSWER:  

a. $1,000 = $1,700 (fair market value) – $700 (potential short-term capital gain).
b. $1,700, the fair market value of the contribution.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-04 – LO:5-04
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension

 

81. Ronald donates publicly traded Microsystems stock with a basis of $2,000 and a fair market value of $20,000 to the local library, which is considered a public charity. Ronald has $30,000 of adjusted gross income, and he purchased the stock 15 years ago. How is this contribution treated on Ronald’s tax return?

ANSWER:   Ronald can deduct $9,000 on his Schedule A in the current year. The total deduction is $20,000, even though Ronald only paid $2,000 for the stock, but the deduction in the current year is limited to 30 percent of adjusted gross income, or $9,000, because it is a contribution of long term capital gain property. The $11,000 which is not allowed due to the adjusted gross income limitation is carried forward for up to 5 years until there is sufficient income to claim the deduction. Ronald also has the option to elect to deduct only the $2,000 basis of the stock and then use the 50 percent of AGI limitation, but this is a far less advantageous treatment for him.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-04 – LO:5-04
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension

 

82. Don gives his old car to a qualified charity. The charity then sells the car at an auction. Describe the tax treatment of the donation.

ANSWER:   Don is allowed to deduct the amount the charity is able to sell the vehicle for. The charity is required to give Don a Form 1098-C, informing him of the resale information for use in his tax return. This treatment was added to the law to prevent taxpayers from claiming inflated deductions for the value of old cars.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Essay
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-04 – LO:5-04
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

83. ​Frank was so entertained by the Paris Symphony on his visit to France that he mailed them a donation of $100 to support their organization as soon as he returned home to Seattle.  Frank may deduct the charitable contribution to the Paris Symphony on his U.S. tax return.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   Donations to foreign charities are not deductible. If the Paris Symphony had a “Friends of the Pairs Symphony” organized in the U.S., it may have been deducted.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-04 – LO:5-04
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

84. ​Agnes is retired and has only a $12,000 annual pension as income.  In 2015, Agnes’ aunt dies and leaves her land worth $1.2 million.  Agnes sees no need for the land and donates it immediately to a qualified public charity.  Agnes may deduct a $1.2 million charitable contribution on her 2015 tax return.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   Agnes’ deduction will be limited to 50% of her income, considerably less than the full amount.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-04 – LO:5-04
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

85. ​Dr. Wheeler donates her time and services to Doctors with No Limits, a qualified charity.  Dr. Wheeler can take a tax deduction for the $3,400 market value of her time donated.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   Donations of time and services are not generally deductible.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-04 – LO:5-04
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

86. Casualty and theft losses must be reduced by amounts recovered from insurance coverage.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   True
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-05 – LO:5-05
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

87. If business property is fully destroyed as a result of a casualty, the loss is equal to the decrease in the fair market value of the property.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   If a business property is fully destroyed as a result of a casualty, the loss is based on the adjusted basis of the property.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-05 – LO:5-05
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

88. If personal property is completely destroyed, the casualty loss deduction is still reduced by a floor amount.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   True
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-05 – LO:5-05
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

89. All personal casualty losses incurred during the year are added together and only one $100 floor amount is used to reduce the casualty deduction.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   The $100 floor is applied to each casualty or theft loss.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-05 – LO:5-05
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

90. A theft loss is deductible in the year the theft is discovered, even if the theft occurred in a prior year.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   True
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-05 – LO:5-05
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

91. Damage resulting from which of the following would probably not give rise to a casualty loss deduction?

  a. Automobile accident
  b. Earthquake
  c. Flood
  d. Rust
  e. Fire

 

ANSWER:   d
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-05 – LO:5-05
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

92. Which one of the following is not considered a casualty or theft loss for tax purposes?

  a. A taxpayer’s residence is progressively destroyed by termites
  b. A taxpayer’s residence is burned down during a wild fire.
  c. A taxpayer’s car is destroyed by wild fire.
  d. A taxpayer’s bicycle is vandalized by local teenagers.
  e. All of the above are casualty or theft losses.

 

ANSWER:   a
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-05 – LO:5-05
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

93. Harris had adjusted gross income in the current year of $126,000. During the year his personal summer home was almost completely destroyed by a cyclone. Pertinent data with respect to the home follows:

Cost basis $135,000
Value before casualty $145,000
Value after casualty $ 16,000

Harris was partially insured for his loss and in the current year he received a $113,000 insurance settlement. What is Harris’ allowable casualty loss deduction for the current year?

  a. $0
  b. $3,300
  c. $3,400
  d. $15,900
  e. None of the above

 

ANSWER:   b
RATIONALE:   ($145,000 – $16,000) -$113,000 – $100 – (10% × $126,000)
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-05 – LO:5-05
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Application

 

94. Sam operates a manufacturing company as a sole proprietorship. During the current year, the machinery used in the manufacturing process is totally destroyed by a fire in the building. The machinery had an adjusted basis of $16,000 and a fair market value of $11,000 on the date of the fire. The machinery was insured and Sam receives $10,000 from the insurance company. Sam does not replace the machinery. Assuming Sam has adjusted gross income of $60,000 for the current year, calculate the amount of Sam’s casualty loss for the current year.

ANSWER:   $6,000 ordinary loss, $16,000 adjusted basis less $10,000 insurance proceeds. Since the property destroyed is depreciable business property, the loss is measured by the adjusted basis less any insurance proceeds. There is no floor or AGI limitation.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-05 – LO:5-05
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension

 

95. Kat owns a small bungalow which is destroyed in a fire. Kat is not insured for fire. The bungalow originally cost $22,000, but was worth $45,000 before the fire. Kat has $30,000 of adjusted gross income. How much can Kat claim as a casualty loss in her tax return? Explain.

ANSWER:   Kat can claim the basis of the house as a casualty since it is lower than the fair market value of the house. The $22,000 basis must be reduced by 10 percent of Kat’s adjusted gross income plus a $100 floor, for a total of $3,100. Therefore, $18,900 is allowed as a deduction on Kat’s Schedule A.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-05 – LO:5-05
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Application

 

96. Diane’s engagement ring is stolen in the current year. It cost $1,500 and was worth $1,500. Diane makes $30,000 as an office manager and has no other income. What is her casualty loss deduction?

ANSWER:   She has no casualty loss deduction. The $1,500 loss is less than 10 percent of AGI, plus the $100 floor.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-05 – LO:5-05
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension

 

97. Steve keeps a valuable bonsai collection in his back yard. In the current year, thieves disarmed his security system and stole several of the bonsai. The stolen bonsai had a fair market value and adjusted basis of $4,500. Assuming that Steve had no insurance coverage on the bonsai and his adjusted gross income for the current year is $28,000, calculate the amount of his theft loss deduction.

ANSWER:  
Basis $4,500
Less floor    (100)
Casualty loss $4,400
Less 10% of $28,000 AGI  (2,800)
Casualty loss deduction $1,600 
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-05 – LO:5-05
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension

 

98. The textbook gives an example in which a house purchased for $25,000 with an appreciated value of $160,000 was completely destroyed. The casualty loss was limited to the taxpayer’s basis of $25,000. Why shouldn’t the full $160,000 be allowed as a loss?

ANSWER:   Since the increase in value (appreciation) of $135,000 ($160,000 – $25,000) was never subjected to income tax, the decrease in value may not be used to reduce income subject to tax.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Essay
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-05 – LO:5-05
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Analysis

 

99. ​If business property is completely destroyed, the casualty or theft loss is the lesser of the decrease in market value or the adjusted basis of the property.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   The loss when business property is completely destroyed is the adjusted basis.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-05 – LO:5-05
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

100. The cost of an appraisal of a painting may be deducted, subject to the 2% of adjusted gross income imitation, if the purpose of the appraisal is related to the preparation of an income tax return.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   True
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-06 – LO:5-06
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

101. If a ballet dancer seeks work as a ditch digger, the expenses of job hunting may be deductible.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   To deduct job-hunting expenses, the taxpayer must be seeking employment in a trade or business in which he or she is currently employed.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-06 – LO:5-06
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

102. Expenses of education to improve or maintain existing skills are deductible as a miscellaneous itemized deduction even if the education incidentally leads to qualification in a new job or business.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   If education expense leads to qualification in a new trade or business, then the expense is not deductible (This question requires an understanding of the tax rules for business expense deductions covered in Chapter 3).
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-06 – LO:5-06
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

103. The cost of uniforms is deductible only by self-employed taxpayers.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   Employees and self-employed individuals are allowed a deduction for the cost of special work clothing or uniforms. (This question requires an understanding of the tax rules for business expense deductions covered in Chapter 3).
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-06 – LO:5-06
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

104. If the taxpayer fails to locate a job, job hunting expenses are not deductible.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   Job hunting expenses are allowed even if the taxpayer is unsuccessful at obtaining a job.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-06 – LO:5-06
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

105. An employee may deduct the cost of welder’s safety goggles used at work as a miscellaneous itemized deduction.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   True
RATIONALE:   (This question requires an understanding of the tax rules for business expense deductions covered in Chapter 3).
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-06 – LO:5-06
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

106. Peter is a plumber employed by a major contracting firm. During the current year, he paid the following miscellaneous expenses:

Unreimbursed employee business expenses $450
Union dues $600
Tax return preparation fee $100
Safe deposit box rental fee (used only for personal effects) $ 20

If Peter were to itemize his deductions for the current year, what amount could he claim as miscellaneous itemized deductions (before applying the 2 percent of adjusted gross income limitation)?

  a. $100
  b. $550
  c. $1,070
  d. $1,150
  e. None of the above

 

ANSWER:   d
RATIONALE:   $450 + $600 + $100
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-06 – LO:5-06
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension

 

107. Which of the following is deductible as a miscellaneous itemized deduction?

  a. Union dues
  b. Professional dues and subscriptions
  c. Job hunting expenses
  d. Investment expenses
  e. All of the above are miscellaneous deductions

 

ANSWER:   e
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-06 – LO:5-06
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

108. Which of the following miscellaneous deductions is subject to the 2 percent of adjusted gross income limitation?

  a. Unreimbursed employee business expenses
  b. Gambling losses to the extent of gambling winnings
  c. Handicapped impairment related work expenses
  d. None of the above
  e. All of above

 

ANSWER:   a
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-06 – LO:5-06
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

109. Which of the following miscellaneous deductions are not subject to the 2 percent of adjusted gross income limitation?

  a. Unreimbursed employee business expenses
  b. Investment expenses
  c. Unrecovered annuity costs at death
  d. Union dues
  e. None of the above

 

ANSWER:   c
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-06 – LO:5-06
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

110. Which of the following is a miscellaneous itemized deduction?

  a. Casualty losses
  b. Job hunting expenses
  c. Auto registration fees
  d. Property taxes

 

ANSWER:   b
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-06 – LO:5-06
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

111. During the current tax year, Ruth, a nurse at Dr. Pan’s office, incurred the following expenses:

Brokerage account custodial fee $  40
Professional subscriptions to nursing magazines $110
Tax return preparation fee $240
Tax advice related to a prior year tax return IRS audit $310
Nursing uniform expenses $200

If Ruth’s adjusted gross income is $29,000, calculate her net miscellaneous deductions after the adjusted gross income percentage limitation.

ANSWER:   $320 = $40 + $110 + $240 + $310 + $200 – (2% × $29,000)
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-06 – LO:5-06
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Application

 

112. State if the following miscellaneous expenses are:
(1) subject to the 2 percent of AGI limitation,
(2) not subject to the 2 percent of AGI limitation, or
(3) not deductible.

a. Black pants worn by a theater manager
b. Investment management fees
c. Gambling losses to the extent of gambling winnings
d. A reader for a blind person used at work
e. A resume service used in finding another sales job for a sales representative
f. Postage to mail personal tax returns

ANSWER:   a. Not deductible
b. Subject to 2 percent of AGI limitation
c. Not subject to 2 percent of AGI limitation
d. Not subject to 2 percent of AGI limitation
e. Subject to 2 percent of AGI limitation
f. Subject to 2 percent of AGI limitation
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-06 – LO:5-06
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension

 

113. The expense of a review course for a state real estate agent’s exam is deductible as a miscellaneous itemized deduction by a taxpayer attempting to become an agent.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   To be considered an employee business expense, the expense must be incurred in performing services for an employer. (This question requires an understanding of the tax rules for business expense deductions covered in Chapter 3).
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-07 – LO:5-07
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

114. Educational expenses are deductible as a miscellaneous itemized deduction even if the education is required to meet the minimum requirements for the taxpayer’s current job.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   Educational expenses are not deductible if the education is required to meet the minimum requirements for the taxpayer’s current job. (This question requires an understanding of the tax rules for business expense deductions covered in Chapter 3).
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-07 – LO:5-07
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

115. Unreimbursed employee business expenses are miscellaneous itemized deductions, subject to the 2 percent of adjusted gross income limitation.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   True
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-07 – LO:5-07
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

116. If an employee receives a reimbursement for employee business expenses, the amount of the reimbursement is always excluded from gross income and the expenses are deductible as deductions for adjusted gross income.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   If an employee receives a reimbursement for employee business expenses under an accountable plan, then the reimbursement is not included in gross income and the expenses are not deductible on the taxpayer’s tax return.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-07 – LO:5-07
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: – FN-Reporting

 

117. An accountable expense reimbursement plan:

  a. Requires the employee only to substantiate expenses with receipts.
  b. Does not require the employee to return any excess reimbursement.
  c. Requires the employee to report business expenses as itemized deductions.
  d. Requires the employee to substantiate expenses with receipts and to return any excess reimbursement.

 

ANSWER:   d
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-07 – LO:5-07
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge
NOTES:   This question requires an understanding of the tax rules for business expense deductions covered in Chapter 3.

 

118. Jean’s employer has an accountable plan for reimbursing employee expenses. Jean is reimbursed for $1,500 of business travel and $500 for various business subscriptions and professional dues. The $2,000 reimbursement should be treated as follows:

  a. $2,000 of income to Jean should be reported
  b. Income to Jean and a corresponding miscellaneous deduction for Jean, subject to the 2 percent of AGI floor
  c. ​$500 of income should be reported to Jean
  d. No taxable income should be reported to Jean

 

ANSWER:   d
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-07 – LO:5-07
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

119. What income tax form does an employee use to report business expenses that are not reimbursed by an employer under an accountable plan?

  a. Form 2106, Employee Business Expenses
  b. No form, the expenses are not deductible by the employee
  c. Schedule D
  d. Schedule R
  e. Schedule C

 

ANSWER:   a
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-07 – LO:5-07
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

120. Carla is a high school teacher who is required by her school district to take continuing education courses which are offered at the local college. She is also in the process of taking classes at a different university where she is pursuing her Ph.D. to become a research specialist. She pays the tuition for both schools. Which of the following is true?

  a. She may deduct all of the tuition from each school because they are education expenses related to job skill improvement.
  b. She may not deduct tuition from either school.
  c. She may not deduct the continuing education tuition because it is required by her job.
  d. She may deduct the continuing education tuition from the local college because it meets her employer’s requirement to maintain her current job skills.
  e. None of the above is correct.

 

ANSWER:   d
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-07 – LO:5-07
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension
NOTES:   This question requires an understanding of the tax rules for business expense deductions covered in Chapter 3.

 

121. Catherine is a CPA employed by a large accounting firm in San Francisco. In the current year, she paid the following amounts:

CPA Society dues $ 220
One year tax service $ 700
“Women’s House Journal” magazine $ 75
“Modern Sailing” magazine $ 70

How much may she deduct on Schedule A as a miscellaneous deduction, before considering the 2 percent of adjusted gross income limitation?

  a. $220
  b. $920
  c. $990
  d. $1,065
  e. None of the above

 

ANSWER:   b
RATIONALE:   $220 + $700
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-07 – LO:5-07
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension
NOTES:   This question requires an understanding of the tax rules for business expense deductions covered in Chapter 3.

 

122. Charles, a corporate executive, incurred business related, unreimbursed expenses in the current year as follows:

Entertainment $ 1,200
Transportation $    600
Education $    300

Assuming that Charles itemizes his deductions, how much of these expenses should he deduct on his current year Schedule A, before considering the 2 percent of adjusted gross income limitation?

  a. $600
  b. $900
  c. $1,500
  d. $2,100
  e. None of the above

 

ANSWER:   c
RATIONALE:   (50% × $1,200) + $600 + $300
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-07 – LO:5-07
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension
NOTES:   This question requires an understanding of the tax rules for business expense deductions covered in Chapter 3.

 

123. April and Wilson are married and file a joint tax return. Wilson is a police officer, and in the current tax year he spends $400 on uniforms and $160 for dry cleaning the uniforms. April is in the National Guard and military regulations restrict her from wearing her uniforms when she is off duty. The cost of uniforms for the year was $220 and the cost of dry cleaning them amounted to $80. April was granted a uniform allowance of $180 for the year. She also purchased a pair of standard black shoes to wear while on duty that cost $75. How much may they deduct on Schedule A for special clothing and uniforms, before considering the 2 percent of adjusted gross income limitation?

  a. $440
  b. $620
  c. $680
  d. $860
  e. None of the above

 

ANSWER:   c
RATIONALE:   ($400 + $160 + $220 + $80 – $180)
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-07 – LO:5-07
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Application
NOTES:   This question requires an understanding of the tax rules for business expense deductions covered in Chapter 3.

 

124. Which of the following employees may deduct the cost of a uniform?

  a. A stock broker required by her employer to wear a business suit
  b. A construction worker required by her employer to wear blue jeans
  c. A member of the clergy that must wear ornate robes for special ceremonies
  d. A police detective who must wear a suit and tie while on duty
  e. A delivery person who must wear khaki-colored clothes on the job

 

ANSWER:   c
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-07 – LO:5-07
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge
NOTES:   This question requires an understanding of the tax rules for business expense deductions covered in Chapter 3.

 

125. Lourdes is a paralegal. Since she often deals with legal matters, she feels a law degree would be beneficial to her. May Lourdes deduct her educational expenses for law school as a miscellaneous itemized deduction? Explain.

ANSWER:   No. The cost of educational expenses for law school would not be deductible as a miscellaneous itemized deduction since the education would prepare the taxpayer for a new career. The cost may qualify for the deduction for higher education expenses or for the Lifetime Learning credit discussed in later chapters.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-07 – LO:5-07
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension
NOTES:   This questions requires an understanding of the tax rules for business expense deductions covered in Chapter 3.

 

126. Rachel’s employer does not have an accountable plan for employee expenses. Her employer reimburses her for $3,000 of business travel expenses.

a. How much of the reimbursement must Rachel include in income?
b. How much can Rachel take as a miscellaneous itemized deduction subject to the 2 percent floor?

ANSWER:   a. $3,000
b. $3,000
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-07 – LO:5-07
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

127. Rob’s employer has an accountable plan for employee expenses. His employer reimburses him for $1,000 of professional dues and subscriptions.

a. How much of the reimbursement must Rob include in income?
b. How much can Rob claim as a miscellaneous itemized deduction subject to the 2 percent floor?

ANSWER:   a. $0
b. $0
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-07 – LO:5-07
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

128. Tom is employed by a large consulting firm. His employer has an accountable expense reimbursement plan. Tom paid for $3,000 of travel expenses which were directly reimbursed under the plan. How will the travel expenses be treated in Tom’s tax return?

ANSWER:   Tom does not include any of the $3,000 either as income or as a deduction in his tax return. The reimbursed expenses result in a direct deduction against the reimbursement and are not reported by Tom’s employer as wages to Tom or by Tom as taxable income.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-07 – LO:5-07
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
TOPICS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension

 

129. Mary Lou took an $8,000 distribution from her educational savings account and used $6,000 to pay for qualified higher education expenses. The remaining balance of $2,000 was used to purchase clothes. On the date of the distribution, her educational savings account had a $25,000 balance including the $20,000 she had contributed. How much of the $8,000 distribution is tax-free?

  a. $0
  b. $6,000
  c. $7,600
  d. $7,625
  e. $8,000

 

ANSWER:   c
RATIONALE:   $6,000 + [$2,000 × ($20,000 / $25,000)]
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-08 – LO:5-08
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension

 

130. Charlie is a single taxpayer with income of $107,000 which includes $22,500 of interest income. Contributions to educational savings accounts are phased out between $95,000 and $110,000. What is the maximum contribution Charlie can make to an educational savings account?

  a. $400
  b. $1,600
  c. $2,000
  d. $2,500
  e. $0

 

ANSWER:   a
RATIONALE:   ($110,000 – $107,000) / ($110,000 – $95,000) × $2,000
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-08 – LO:5-08
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension

 

131. Which of the following is correct for Qualified Tuition Programs for 2015?

  a. Contributions are deductible and qualified educational expense distributions are tax-free.
  b. Contributions are not deductible and qualified educational expense distributions are tax-free.
  c. Contributions are deductible and qualified educational expense distributions are taxable.
  d. Contributions are not deductible and qualified educational expense distributions are taxable.

 

ANSWER:   b
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-08 – LO:5-08
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

132. Jennie receives $12,000 (of which $2,000 is earnings) from a Qualified Tuition Program. She uses the funds to pay for new furniture for her apartment. What amount is taxable to Jennie?

  a. $12,000
  b. $10,000
  c. $3,000
  d. $2,000
  e. ​$0

 

ANSWER:   d
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-08 – LO:5-08
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

133. Which of the following is true with respect to an education incentive?

  a. Contributions to Qualified Tuition Programs (Section 529 plans) are deductible.
  b. Contributions to education savings accounts (Coverdell ESAs) are deductible.
  c. Tuition paid by a taxpayer earning $300,000 of income is deductible.
  d. Married taxpayers at any income level may contribute to a Qualified Tuition Program (Section 529 plan).

 

ANSWER:   d
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-08 – LO:5-08
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

134. For married taxpayers filing a joint return in 2015, at what AGI level does the phase-out limit for contributions to Qualified Tuition Programs (Section 529 plans) start?

  a. $150,500
  b. $188,150
  c. $225,750
  d. There is no phase-out limit on Qualified Tuition Program contributions.

 

ANSWER:   d
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-08 – LO:5-08
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

135. Geoffrey receives $20,000 from a qualified tuition program created by his grandmother. The program had accumulated $6,000 in earnings. He used the full $20,000 to pay for qualified higher education expenses. Calculate the amount of earnings subject to taxation.

ANSWER:   $0. Both the original contributions and the earnings were used to pay for qualified higher education expenses.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-08 – LO:5-08
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension

 

136. Phillip, a single parent, would like to contribute $1,800 to an educational savings account for his 10-year-old son. His AGI is $98,000. Calculate the amount of the contribution he can make.

ANSWER:   $1,600. His contribution is limited because of his AGI. ($110,000 – $98,000) / $15,000 × $2,000 is $1,600. $15,000 is the range between the upper and lower phase-out limits.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-08 – LO:5-08
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Application

 

137. Melissa took a $1,500 distribution from her educational savings account and used $1,200 to pay for qualified education expenses. Before the distribution, Melissa’s account balance was $4,000, of which $1,000 was earnings. Calculate the following:

a. The tax-free return of capital
b. Her new adjusted basis for her savings account
c. Distribution of earnings potentially subject to tax
d. The excludable portion of the earnings
e. The taxable portion of her earnings

 

ANSWER:   a. $1,125. 75 percent of the account balance before the distribution was from Melissa’s contributions, therefore, 75 percent of the amount distributed is a return of her capital.
b. $1,875. $3,000 basis before distribution less tax-free return of capital of $1,125.
c. $375. The total distribution of $1,500 less the $1,125 return of capital.
d. $300. The potential amount subject to tax, $375, times the ratio of the amount used to pay for qualified education expenses, $1,200, to the full distribution, $1,500, equals the excludable portion.
e. $75. The potential amount subject to tax, $375, times the ratio of the amount not used to pay for qualified education expenses, $300, to the full distribution, $1,500, equals the taxable portion.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-08 – LO:5-08
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Application

 

138. ​All taxpayers may deduct up to $4,000 of higher education tuition expenses.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   False
RATIONALE:   Taxpayers below certain AGI thresholds ($65,000 single and $130,000 married filing jointly) may deduct up to $4,000 of qualified tuition expenses. Taxpayers over that amount but less than a second threshold ($80,000 single and $160,000 married filing jointly) may deduct up to $2,000. [This questions assumes that the thresholds remain the same in 2015 as the 2014 amounts.]
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-08 – LO:5-08
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge
NOTES:   This solution is based on the extension of the tuition deduction and the carryover of the 2014 phaseout limits.

 

139. ​Toni and Beyonze are married and file jointly.  During 2015, they paid tuition for their daughter’s college in the amount of $23,000.  If their AGI was $142,000, what is the amount of tuition deduction they are eligible for?

  a. ​$0
  b. ​$2,000
  c. ​$4,000
  d. ​$23,000
  e. ​None of the above

 

ANSWER:   b
RATIONALE:   With AGI of $142,000, Toni and Beyonze can deduct up to $2,000 of qualified tuition costs if the tuition deduction is extended in 2015. Note that Toni and Beyonze may also want to consider any available education credits instead of the deduction.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Moderate
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-08 – LO:5-08
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Comprehension
NOTES:   The solution is based on the extension of the tuition deduction into 2015.

 

140. Itemized deductions are subject to a phase-out based on AGI for certain high-income taxpayers.

  a. True
  b. False

 

ANSWER:   True
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Easy
QUESTION TYPE:   True / False
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-09 – LO:5-09
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Knowledge

 

141. Pat has a dependent daughter and files as head of household. She has AGI of $375,000. What percentage of the $4,000 personal exemption and $4,000 dependency exemption may she deduct on her 2014 income tax return?

  a. 0 percent
  b. 74 percent
  c. 26 percent
  d. 37 percent
  e. ​100 percent

 

ANSWER:   c
RATIONALE:   ($375,000-$284,050) / $2,500 = 37 (round up) × 2% = 74% reduction, thus a 26% deduction.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-09 – LO:5-09
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Application

 

142. Alicia is a single taxpayer with AGI of $338,250 and itemized deductions of $100,000 which are made up of $30,000 of mortgage interest, $30,000 of state income taxes and property taxes, and $40,000 of contributions to her temple. What is the amount of itemized deductions that Alicia may deduct on her 2015 income tax return after the phase-out for high-income taxpayers?

  a. $100,000
  b. $0
  c. $70,000
  d. $97,600
  e. ​$3,000

 

ANSWER:   b
RATIONALE:   $97,600 = $100,000 – [3% × ($338,250-$258,250)]
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-09 – LO:5-09
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting
KEYWORDS:   Bloom’s: Application

 

143. Ellen and Rick are married with one dependent child. They have AGI of $355,300, and itemized deductions consisting of $20,000 state income taxes and $20,000 medical expenses, after applying the 10 percent of AGI limitation.

Compute the following for 2015:

a. Itemized deductions allowed after the phase-out for high-income taxpayers.

b. Exemption deductions (ordinarily $4,000 x 3) after the high-income phase-out.

c. Taxable income.

ANSWER:   a. Itemized deductions are $38,638 = $40,000 – 3% × ($355,300 – $309,900). 3 percent of $45,400 is used because it is less than the alternative reduction, which would be 80 percent of $20,000 = $16,000. Deductible medical expenses are not included in the phase-out calculation.
b. $7,440 The phase-out of each exemption is ($355,300 – $309,900) / $2,500 = 19 × 2% = 38%. Therefore, 62 percent of each is still deductible. 62% × (3 × $4,000) = $7,440.
c. $309,222 = $355,300 – $38,638 – $7,440.
POINTS:   1
DIFFICULTY:   Challenging
QUESTION TYPE:   Subjective Short Answer
HAS VARIABLES:   False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   ITF.WABG.16.LO:5-09 – LO:5-09
NATIONAL STANDARDS:   United States – BUSPORG: Analytic
STATE STANDARDS:   United States – AK – AICPA: FN-Reporting

 

 

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