,Solution manual for Income Tax Fundamentals
2023 , 41st Edition Gerald E. Whittenburg
Notes
1- The file is chapter after chapter.
2- We have shown you 10 or five pages.
3- The file contains all Appendix and Excel
sheet if it exists.
4- We have all what you need, we make
update at every time. There are many new
editions waiting you.
5- If you think you purchased the wrong file
You can contact us at every time, we can
replace it with true one.
Our email:
, SOLUTIONS FOR
QUESTIONS AND PROBLEMS
,
, CHAPTER 1
THE INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX RETURN
Group 1 – Multiple Choice Questions
1. D The income tax includes elements of social 20. C Surviving spouse is preferred to head of
and economic policy (LO 1.1) household (LO 1.5)
2. C The income tax was authorized by the 16th 21. E Either Margaret or her sister (but not both)
Amendment in 1913 (LO 1.1) may claim the mother as a dependent under
3. C The 1040A and 1040-EZ no longer exist and a multiple support agreement (LO 1.6)
the 1120 is for corporations (LO 1.2) 22. D The daughter fails the age test to be a
4. D Partnerships use Form 1065 to report qualifying child and she fails the gross
income tax information. A partner will income test ($4,400 in 2022) to be a
report their share of income from a part- qualifying relative (LO 1.6)
nership on a Form1040 (LO 1.2) 23. D The child tax credit in 2022 is $2,000
5. D Capital gains and losses are reported (LO 1.6)
directly on the face of the Form 1040 24. B The child tax credit for the 13-year-old child
(from Schedule D) (LO 1.2) is $2,000. The mother does not meet the
6. D A partnership is not generally a tax-paying support test and cannot be claimed (LO 1.6)
entity (LO 1.2) 25. B Must be age 16 or under for child tax credit
7. C Student loan interest is a for AGI deduction. (LO 1.6)
The other responses are all itemized (from 26. A Head of household standard deduction plus
AGI) deductions (LO 1.3) additional standard deduction for age 65
8. B The deduction for IRA contributions is a ($19,400 + $1,750) (LO 1.7)
for AGI deduction (LO 1.3) 27. B Taxpayers age 65 or older are eligible
9. D $98,000 – $13,000 (standard deduction is for an additional standard deduction
less than itemized deductions) (LO 1.3) amount (LO 1.7)
10. D For AGI adjustments are deducted to get 28. B Taxpayers that are blind are eligible for
to AGI (LO 1.3) an additional standard deduction amount
11. B The larger of the two may be deducted (LO 1.7)
(LO 1.3) 29. D Earned income plus $400 (LO 1.7)
12. A An exclusion reduces gross income (LO 1.3) 30. E Standard deduction may not exceed typical
13. B Filing thresholds generally are the same as amount (LO 1.7)
the standard deduction amount (LO 1.4) 31. D Business inventory is not considered a
14. D Ben’s income would need to exceed the capital asset (LO 1.8)
standard deduction to require filing a tax 32. A Gain of $15,000 ($25,000 amount realized
return (LO 1.4) less $10,000 adjusted basis) has been held
15. D $25,900 + $1,400 (LO 1.4) for more than 12 months and is long-term
(LO 1.8)
16. C Single dependent over 65 and blind thresh-
old is $4,500 for unearned income (LO 1.4) 33. C $10,000 = $240,000 – ($270,000 – $40,000)
(LO 1.8)
17. C Joan qualifies as either single or head of
household; however, head of household 34. A $43,000 – $3,000. Net capital losses of up
is more advantageous (LO 1.5) to $3,000 may be deducted from ordinary
income for individual taxpayers (LO 1.8)
18. D Although Dorothy does not live with
Glenda, since Dorothy is a parent that 35. C Line 7 is capital gain or (loss) (LO 1.9)
Glenda supports, Glenda may file as head 36. B Preparers must get a signed authorization to
of household (LO 1.5) e-file from the taxpayer. (LO 1.10)
19. D Taxpayer may file married filing jointly in 37. B About 90% of returns are filed electronically
year of spouse’s death (LO 1.5) (LO 1.10)
1-1
,1-2 Chapter 1 – The Individual Income Tax Return
Group 2 – Problems
1. a. Raising revenue to operate the government.
b. Furthering economic goals such as reducing unemployment.
c. Furthering social goals such as encouraging contributions to charities. (LO 1.1)
2. a. Form 1040
b. Schedule B
c. Schedule D
d. Schedule A
e. Schedule 2
f. Schedule E
g. Schedule 3
h. Schedule C
i. Schedule 1 (LO 1.2)
3. a. $36,300 = $42,000 + $300 – $6,000.
b. $25,900, the greater of itemized deductions or the standard deduction of $25,900.
c. $10,400 = $36,300 – $25,900. (LO 1.3)
4. a. $25,000.
b. $12,950, the greater of total itemized deductions or the standard deduction amount.
c. $12,050 = $25,000 – $12,950. (LO 1.3)
5. a. $53,800 = $54,000 + $2,800 – $3,000 ($7,000 capital loss limited to $3,000).
b. $12,950
c. $40,850 = $53,800 – $12,950. (LO 1.3 and 1.8)
6. a. $47,500 = $48,000 + $2,500 – $3,000.
b. $25,900, the greater of itemized deductions or the standard deduction of $25,900.
c. $21,600 = $47,500 – $25,900.
d. $2,184 (Tax Table) (LO 1.3, 1.5, and 1.7)
7. Adjusted gross income $18,000
Less: Itemized deductions –2,400
Taxable income $15,600
Marco’s tax liability from the Tax Table is $1,670. Note: because they are married and filing separately and Mar-
co’s spouse Tatiana itemizes her deductions, Marco must also itemize his deductions, even though the itemized
deductions total is less than the standard deduction he would be otherwise entitled to. (LO 1.3, 1.5, and 1.7)
8. Adjusted gross income ($13,200 + $1,450) $ 14,650
Less: Standard deduction –12,950
Taxable income $ 1,700
(LO 1.3, 1.5, and 1.7)
(Note: See Chapter 6 for the tax credit computation for dependent college students under age 24.)
9. a. $34,050 = $47,000 – $12,950.
b. Tax tables. Taxpayers with income up to $100,000 must use the tax tables.
c. $3,884. (LO 1.3, 1.5, and 1.7)
10. a. $66,000 = $50,000 + $8,000 + $5,000 + $3,000.
b. $63,500 = $66,000 – $2,500.
c. $27,000, the greater of itemized deductions or the standard deduction of $25,900.
d. $36,500 = $63,500 – $27,000.
e. $3,972 (LO 1.3, 1.5, and 1.7)
, Solutions for Questions and Problems – Chapter 1 1-3
11. a. $89,400 = $85,400 + $4,000.
b. $0.
c. $63,500 = $89,400 – $25,900 (standard deduction). (LO 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, and 1.7)
12. Taxable income is: $28,050 = $41,000 – $12,950. Tax liability from the tax tables not the tax rate schedules:
$3,164. (LO 1.3, 1.5, and 1.7)
13. Yes. Since Griffin owes Social Security taxes on the unreported tips (greater than $400), he must file an
income tax return. (LO 1.4)
14. a. No. Income is less than the $19,400 standard deduction. Although not required to file, Helen is likely
to be eligible for refundable credits and should.
b. Yes. Unearned income was more than $1,150. Also, gross income is more than the larger of $1,150
or $1,950 (earned income of $1,550 plus $400).
c. No. Their income is under the $27,300 standard deduction [$25,900 + $1,400 (over 65 years old)].
d. Yes. Gross income is greater than $25,900, the 2022 standard deduction.
e. Yes. His earnings exceeded the $400 limit for self-employed persons.
(Note: All answers can be found in the figures in LO 1.4.)
15. a. Allen $2,396. $34,600 – $12,950 = $21,650
b. Boyd $2,702. $37,175 – $12,950 = $24,225
c. Caldwell $4,008. $62,710 – $25,900 = $36,810
d. Dell $3,322. $49,513 – $19,400 = $30,113
e. Evans $5,391. $57,397 – $12,950 = $44,447 (LO 1.5)
16. a. D The mother is a qualifying person for head of household.
b. A The significant other is not a qualifying person as this individual is not one of the relatives
that can be considered a qualifying person for head of household.
c. A The brother does not qualify as a dependent (support test).
d. B or C MFJ can be claimed in the year of the spouse’s death and is probably preferable.
e. A, D or E. Surviving spouse is likely to be preferable but single or head of household are also possible.
(LO 1.5 and 1.6)
17. a. Because their income exceeds $100,000, the tax rate schedules must be used.
b. $14,554 = $9,615 + 22% x ($106,000 – $83,550). (LO 1.5)
18. Jonas could qualify as either a qualifying child or qualifying relative. The qualifying child tests should be
applied first:
1. Relationship test: Confirm Jonas’ relationship to Karl.
2. Domicile test: Where did Jonas live during the tax year? Was it more than one-half of the year with Karl?
3. Age test: What is Jonas’ age and is he a full-time student?
4. Joint return test: What type of tax return does Jonas file (if any)? If MFJ, is this only to obtain a refund?
5. Citizenship test: Is Jonas a US citizen or a tax resident of the US, Canada, or Mexico?
6. Support test: How much of Jonas’ support is provided by Jonas? Is it more than one-half?
If Jonas is a qualifying child, then he need not meet the citizenship test to be a qualifying person for head
of household filing status. If Jonas is not a qualifying child, he might be a qualifying relative which would
prompt the following questions:
1. Relationship or member of household test: If Jonas is Karl’s brother, this test has been confirmed in the
qualifying child questions. If Jonas is not one of the qualifying relatives, the remaining tests need not
apply since a person that is a qualifying relative by living in the taxpayer’s household is not a qualifying
person for purpose of the head of household test.
,1-4 Chapter 1 – The Individual Income Tax Return
The following test need only be applied if Jonas is not Karl’s brother but is a qualifying relative for reasons
other than living in Karl’s home.
2. Gross income test: What is Jonas’ 2022 income? Is it less than $4,400?
3. Support test: Does Karl provide more than one-half of Jonas’ support?
The other two tests (joint return and citizenship) were subject to inquiry under qualifying child.
Karl should also be asked if he is unmarried at year end. (LO 1.5 and 1.6)
19. Head of household. Maggie’s parents meet the tests to qualify as her dependents. Maggie is single.
Additionally, she provides a home for her parents. Parents are an exception to the requirement that
dependents must live in the same household as the taxpayer to qualify the taxpayer for head of household
status. (LO 1.5 and 1.6)
20. Single. Unmarried with no dependent.
Head of household. Single or abandoned spouse, with qualifying dependent.
Surviving spouse [qualified widow(er)]. Spouse died within the past 2 years and has a qualifying
dependent. (LO 1.5)
21. a. Yes, his son qualifies as a dependent, meeting the tests of a qualifying relative.
b. No. To be a qualifying person, his son must live in the same household as Marquez, so Marquez cannot
use the head of household filing status. (LO 1.5 and 1.6)
22. a. Yes $500 other dependent credit
b. No (must be below $4,400 $0
gross income test)
c. Yes $2,000 child tax credit
d. Yes $500 other dependent credit
e. No $0 (LO 1.6)
23. $0. Exemptions were suspended for tax years 2018–2025. $2,500. The 11-year-old child qualifies for the
$2,000 child tax credit (under age 17). The 17-year-old qualifies for the other dependent credit of $500.
(LO 1.6)
24. No. Because Charles is self-supporting, his parents may not claim him as a dependent. The self-support
test is applied to both children and relatives who otherwise qualify, so Charles is disqualified either way.
(LO 1.6)
25. No. Phillip cannot be claimed as a dependent because he is not a U.S. citizen or a resident of the U.S.,
Canada, or Mexico. (LO 1.6)
26. The standard deduction is a specific dollar amount that varies with filing status, age and vision, but not
by type of individual deduction. Total itemized deductions depend on the amount and type of items, with
some items having limitations based on AGI. They include medical expenses, certain taxes, certain interest
expenses, charitable contributions and miscellaneous deductions.
A taxpayer should claim the larger of the standard deduction or the total allowed itemized deductions to
reduce the taxpayer’s income subject to tax as much as possible. (LO 1.7)
27. i. The “statutory” amount of $1,150.
ii. The earned income of the dependent plus $400
iii. The “typical” standard deduction for a taxpayer of that filing status (e.g., $12,950 for a single taxpayer
that is under age 65 and not blind) (LO 1.7)
28. A spouse in a married filing separate situation when the other spouse is itemizing; most nonresident aliens;
an individual filing a short-year return. (LO 1.7)
, Solutions for Questions and Problems – Chapter 1 1-5
29. Gain/(loss) Gain/(loss) Long-term/
Realized Recognized Short-term
a. $5,000 $5,000 Long-term.
b. ($5,000) ($3,000) Short-term. The excess $2,000 loss can be carried forward.
c. ($7,000) ($3,000) Long-term. The net capital loss deduction is $3,000 regardless
of filing status. The excess $4,000 loss can be carried forward.
d. ($4,000) $0 Short-term. Losses on the sale of personal use property are
not deductible.
e. $4,000 $4,000 Long-term. Gains on the sale of personal use property are taxable.
(LO 1.8)
30. The answer will vary depending on the date the problem is assigned and completed. The purpose of the
problem is to familiarize the student with the IRS website. (LO 1.9)
31. Form 8949 is Sales and Other Dispositions of Capital Assets. (LO 1.9)
32. A number of articles in the blog indicate the limit for student loan interest deduction is $2,500. (LO 1.9)
33. Tax returns are electronically signed through the use of a PIN. PINs can be generated by either the taxpayer
or by the ERO. Self-selected PINs require the prior year AGI or PIN to authenticate the taxpayer. Before a
PIN can be created by the ERO, the preparer must obtain a signed copy of an IRS E-file signature authoriza-
tion (Form 8878 or 8879). (LO 1.10)
34. Form 8453, copies of Forms W-2, W-2G, and 1099-R, a copy of the consent to disclose tax information
form, a copy of the electronic return that could be retransmitted, an acknowledgment file for IRS accepted
returns, Forms 8878 and 8879. (LO 1.10)
Group 3 – Writing Assignments
1. Research Solution:
Whittenburg and Gill, CPAs
San Diego, CA
February 20, 20xx
Mr. and Mrs. William Carson
3276 Lakeline Drive
San Diego, CA
Dear William and Sheila,
Thank you for requesting my advice concerning the tax treatment of your brother Jerry. I have researched
your question and am sorry to say that you cannot claim Jerry as a qualifying child.
Although Jerry meets the domicile, age, joint return, citizenship, and self-support test, he does not meet
the relationship test. Even though he is William’s brother, in order to be your qualifying child, he must
be younger than at least one of you.
Although you cannot claim Jerry as a qualifying child, there is a possibility that you could claim him as a
qualifying relative if he earns less than $4,400.
, 1-6 Chapter 1 – The Individual Income Tax Return
My conclusion is based upon the facts that you have provided me. I’m sorry that the news was not more
favorable. If you have any questions or would like further explanation, please do not hesitate to call me.
Sincerely,
Trevor Malcolm
for Whittenburg and Gill, CPAs
2. Ethics Solution:
To:
Subject: Inquiry on filing status: single v. married filing jointly
Jason and Mary,
Thank you for your e-mail regarding your filing status for 2022. Let me also say, I really enjoyed your
wedding ceremony and reception. Thank you for inviting me.
Your e-mail stated that you had prepared your 2022 taxes as both single and married filing jointly and found
that your refund would be larger if both of you filed as single. Unfortunately, the tax law is very clear on this
issue. Individuals who are married as of the last day of the tax year are considered to be married. Married
taxpayers have only two filing status options: married filing jointly or married filing separately. In order to
file as single, taxpayers must be unmarried or legally separated from their spouse as of the last day of the
tax year. Not only would it be unethical for you to file as single, it would be against the law.
The additional tax that married couples sometimes encounter is known as the “marriage penalty.” Hope-
fully you are finding that your wedded bliss outweighs the tax penalty! If you have any questions or would
like further explanation, please do not hesitate to call me.
Your friend,
Trevor Malcolm
For Whittenburg and Gill, CPAs
Group 4 – Comprehensive Problems
1A. See Pages 1-7 and 1-8.
1B. See Pages 1-9 to 1-11.
2A. See Pages 1-12 and 1-13.
2B. See Pages 1-14 and 1-15.
Group 5 – Cumulative Software Problem
The solution to the Cumulative Software Problem is posted on the website for the textbook at
www.cengage.com/login.
2023 , 41st Edition Gerald E. Whittenburg
Notes
1- The file is chapter after chapter.
2- We have shown you 10 or five pages.
3- The file contains all Appendix and Excel
sheet if it exists.
4- We have all what you need, we make
update at every time. There are many new
editions waiting you.
5- If you think you purchased the wrong file
You can contact us at every time, we can
replace it with true one.
Our email:
, SOLUTIONS FOR
QUESTIONS AND PROBLEMS
,
, CHAPTER 1
THE INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX RETURN
Group 1 – Multiple Choice Questions
1. D The income tax includes elements of social 20. C Surviving spouse is preferred to head of
and economic policy (LO 1.1) household (LO 1.5)
2. C The income tax was authorized by the 16th 21. E Either Margaret or her sister (but not both)
Amendment in 1913 (LO 1.1) may claim the mother as a dependent under
3. C The 1040A and 1040-EZ no longer exist and a multiple support agreement (LO 1.6)
the 1120 is for corporations (LO 1.2) 22. D The daughter fails the age test to be a
4. D Partnerships use Form 1065 to report qualifying child and she fails the gross
income tax information. A partner will income test ($4,400 in 2022) to be a
report their share of income from a part- qualifying relative (LO 1.6)
nership on a Form1040 (LO 1.2) 23. D The child tax credit in 2022 is $2,000
5. D Capital gains and losses are reported (LO 1.6)
directly on the face of the Form 1040 24. B The child tax credit for the 13-year-old child
(from Schedule D) (LO 1.2) is $2,000. The mother does not meet the
6. D A partnership is not generally a tax-paying support test and cannot be claimed (LO 1.6)
entity (LO 1.2) 25. B Must be age 16 or under for child tax credit
7. C Student loan interest is a for AGI deduction. (LO 1.6)
The other responses are all itemized (from 26. A Head of household standard deduction plus
AGI) deductions (LO 1.3) additional standard deduction for age 65
8. B The deduction for IRA contributions is a ($19,400 + $1,750) (LO 1.7)
for AGI deduction (LO 1.3) 27. B Taxpayers age 65 or older are eligible
9. D $98,000 – $13,000 (standard deduction is for an additional standard deduction
less than itemized deductions) (LO 1.3) amount (LO 1.7)
10. D For AGI adjustments are deducted to get 28. B Taxpayers that are blind are eligible for
to AGI (LO 1.3) an additional standard deduction amount
11. B The larger of the two may be deducted (LO 1.7)
(LO 1.3) 29. D Earned income plus $400 (LO 1.7)
12. A An exclusion reduces gross income (LO 1.3) 30. E Standard deduction may not exceed typical
13. B Filing thresholds generally are the same as amount (LO 1.7)
the standard deduction amount (LO 1.4) 31. D Business inventory is not considered a
14. D Ben’s income would need to exceed the capital asset (LO 1.8)
standard deduction to require filing a tax 32. A Gain of $15,000 ($25,000 amount realized
return (LO 1.4) less $10,000 adjusted basis) has been held
15. D $25,900 + $1,400 (LO 1.4) for more than 12 months and is long-term
(LO 1.8)
16. C Single dependent over 65 and blind thresh-
old is $4,500 for unearned income (LO 1.4) 33. C $10,000 = $240,000 – ($270,000 – $40,000)
(LO 1.8)
17. C Joan qualifies as either single or head of
household; however, head of household 34. A $43,000 – $3,000. Net capital losses of up
is more advantageous (LO 1.5) to $3,000 may be deducted from ordinary
income for individual taxpayers (LO 1.8)
18. D Although Dorothy does not live with
Glenda, since Dorothy is a parent that 35. C Line 7 is capital gain or (loss) (LO 1.9)
Glenda supports, Glenda may file as head 36. B Preparers must get a signed authorization to
of household (LO 1.5) e-file from the taxpayer. (LO 1.10)
19. D Taxpayer may file married filing jointly in 37. B About 90% of returns are filed electronically
year of spouse’s death (LO 1.5) (LO 1.10)
1-1
,1-2 Chapter 1 – The Individual Income Tax Return
Group 2 – Problems
1. a. Raising revenue to operate the government.
b. Furthering economic goals such as reducing unemployment.
c. Furthering social goals such as encouraging contributions to charities. (LO 1.1)
2. a. Form 1040
b. Schedule B
c. Schedule D
d. Schedule A
e. Schedule 2
f. Schedule E
g. Schedule 3
h. Schedule C
i. Schedule 1 (LO 1.2)
3. a. $36,300 = $42,000 + $300 – $6,000.
b. $25,900, the greater of itemized deductions or the standard deduction of $25,900.
c. $10,400 = $36,300 – $25,900. (LO 1.3)
4. a. $25,000.
b. $12,950, the greater of total itemized deductions or the standard deduction amount.
c. $12,050 = $25,000 – $12,950. (LO 1.3)
5. a. $53,800 = $54,000 + $2,800 – $3,000 ($7,000 capital loss limited to $3,000).
b. $12,950
c. $40,850 = $53,800 – $12,950. (LO 1.3 and 1.8)
6. a. $47,500 = $48,000 + $2,500 – $3,000.
b. $25,900, the greater of itemized deductions or the standard deduction of $25,900.
c. $21,600 = $47,500 – $25,900.
d. $2,184 (Tax Table) (LO 1.3, 1.5, and 1.7)
7. Adjusted gross income $18,000
Less: Itemized deductions –2,400
Taxable income $15,600
Marco’s tax liability from the Tax Table is $1,670. Note: because they are married and filing separately and Mar-
co’s spouse Tatiana itemizes her deductions, Marco must also itemize his deductions, even though the itemized
deductions total is less than the standard deduction he would be otherwise entitled to. (LO 1.3, 1.5, and 1.7)
8. Adjusted gross income ($13,200 + $1,450) $ 14,650
Less: Standard deduction –12,950
Taxable income $ 1,700
(LO 1.3, 1.5, and 1.7)
(Note: See Chapter 6 for the tax credit computation for dependent college students under age 24.)
9. a. $34,050 = $47,000 – $12,950.
b. Tax tables. Taxpayers with income up to $100,000 must use the tax tables.
c. $3,884. (LO 1.3, 1.5, and 1.7)
10. a. $66,000 = $50,000 + $8,000 + $5,000 + $3,000.
b. $63,500 = $66,000 – $2,500.
c. $27,000, the greater of itemized deductions or the standard deduction of $25,900.
d. $36,500 = $63,500 – $27,000.
e. $3,972 (LO 1.3, 1.5, and 1.7)
, Solutions for Questions and Problems – Chapter 1 1-3
11. a. $89,400 = $85,400 + $4,000.
b. $0.
c. $63,500 = $89,400 – $25,900 (standard deduction). (LO 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, and 1.7)
12. Taxable income is: $28,050 = $41,000 – $12,950. Tax liability from the tax tables not the tax rate schedules:
$3,164. (LO 1.3, 1.5, and 1.7)
13. Yes. Since Griffin owes Social Security taxes on the unreported tips (greater than $400), he must file an
income tax return. (LO 1.4)
14. a. No. Income is less than the $19,400 standard deduction. Although not required to file, Helen is likely
to be eligible for refundable credits and should.
b. Yes. Unearned income was more than $1,150. Also, gross income is more than the larger of $1,150
or $1,950 (earned income of $1,550 plus $400).
c. No. Their income is under the $27,300 standard deduction [$25,900 + $1,400 (over 65 years old)].
d. Yes. Gross income is greater than $25,900, the 2022 standard deduction.
e. Yes. His earnings exceeded the $400 limit for self-employed persons.
(Note: All answers can be found in the figures in LO 1.4.)
15. a. Allen $2,396. $34,600 – $12,950 = $21,650
b. Boyd $2,702. $37,175 – $12,950 = $24,225
c. Caldwell $4,008. $62,710 – $25,900 = $36,810
d. Dell $3,322. $49,513 – $19,400 = $30,113
e. Evans $5,391. $57,397 – $12,950 = $44,447 (LO 1.5)
16. a. D The mother is a qualifying person for head of household.
b. A The significant other is not a qualifying person as this individual is not one of the relatives
that can be considered a qualifying person for head of household.
c. A The brother does not qualify as a dependent (support test).
d. B or C MFJ can be claimed in the year of the spouse’s death and is probably preferable.
e. A, D or E. Surviving spouse is likely to be preferable but single or head of household are also possible.
(LO 1.5 and 1.6)
17. a. Because their income exceeds $100,000, the tax rate schedules must be used.
b. $14,554 = $9,615 + 22% x ($106,000 – $83,550). (LO 1.5)
18. Jonas could qualify as either a qualifying child or qualifying relative. The qualifying child tests should be
applied first:
1. Relationship test: Confirm Jonas’ relationship to Karl.
2. Domicile test: Where did Jonas live during the tax year? Was it more than one-half of the year with Karl?
3. Age test: What is Jonas’ age and is he a full-time student?
4. Joint return test: What type of tax return does Jonas file (if any)? If MFJ, is this only to obtain a refund?
5. Citizenship test: Is Jonas a US citizen or a tax resident of the US, Canada, or Mexico?
6. Support test: How much of Jonas’ support is provided by Jonas? Is it more than one-half?
If Jonas is a qualifying child, then he need not meet the citizenship test to be a qualifying person for head
of household filing status. If Jonas is not a qualifying child, he might be a qualifying relative which would
prompt the following questions:
1. Relationship or member of household test: If Jonas is Karl’s brother, this test has been confirmed in the
qualifying child questions. If Jonas is not one of the qualifying relatives, the remaining tests need not
apply since a person that is a qualifying relative by living in the taxpayer’s household is not a qualifying
person for purpose of the head of household test.
,1-4 Chapter 1 – The Individual Income Tax Return
The following test need only be applied if Jonas is not Karl’s brother but is a qualifying relative for reasons
other than living in Karl’s home.
2. Gross income test: What is Jonas’ 2022 income? Is it less than $4,400?
3. Support test: Does Karl provide more than one-half of Jonas’ support?
The other two tests (joint return and citizenship) were subject to inquiry under qualifying child.
Karl should also be asked if he is unmarried at year end. (LO 1.5 and 1.6)
19. Head of household. Maggie’s parents meet the tests to qualify as her dependents. Maggie is single.
Additionally, she provides a home for her parents. Parents are an exception to the requirement that
dependents must live in the same household as the taxpayer to qualify the taxpayer for head of household
status. (LO 1.5 and 1.6)
20. Single. Unmarried with no dependent.
Head of household. Single or abandoned spouse, with qualifying dependent.
Surviving spouse [qualified widow(er)]. Spouse died within the past 2 years and has a qualifying
dependent. (LO 1.5)
21. a. Yes, his son qualifies as a dependent, meeting the tests of a qualifying relative.
b. No. To be a qualifying person, his son must live in the same household as Marquez, so Marquez cannot
use the head of household filing status. (LO 1.5 and 1.6)
22. a. Yes $500 other dependent credit
b. No (must be below $4,400 $0
gross income test)
c. Yes $2,000 child tax credit
d. Yes $500 other dependent credit
e. No $0 (LO 1.6)
23. $0. Exemptions were suspended for tax years 2018–2025. $2,500. The 11-year-old child qualifies for the
$2,000 child tax credit (under age 17). The 17-year-old qualifies for the other dependent credit of $500.
(LO 1.6)
24. No. Because Charles is self-supporting, his parents may not claim him as a dependent. The self-support
test is applied to both children and relatives who otherwise qualify, so Charles is disqualified either way.
(LO 1.6)
25. No. Phillip cannot be claimed as a dependent because he is not a U.S. citizen or a resident of the U.S.,
Canada, or Mexico. (LO 1.6)
26. The standard deduction is a specific dollar amount that varies with filing status, age and vision, but not
by type of individual deduction. Total itemized deductions depend on the amount and type of items, with
some items having limitations based on AGI. They include medical expenses, certain taxes, certain interest
expenses, charitable contributions and miscellaneous deductions.
A taxpayer should claim the larger of the standard deduction or the total allowed itemized deductions to
reduce the taxpayer’s income subject to tax as much as possible. (LO 1.7)
27. i. The “statutory” amount of $1,150.
ii. The earned income of the dependent plus $400
iii. The “typical” standard deduction for a taxpayer of that filing status (e.g., $12,950 for a single taxpayer
that is under age 65 and not blind) (LO 1.7)
28. A spouse in a married filing separate situation when the other spouse is itemizing; most nonresident aliens;
an individual filing a short-year return. (LO 1.7)
, Solutions for Questions and Problems – Chapter 1 1-5
29. Gain/(loss) Gain/(loss) Long-term/
Realized Recognized Short-term
a. $5,000 $5,000 Long-term.
b. ($5,000) ($3,000) Short-term. The excess $2,000 loss can be carried forward.
c. ($7,000) ($3,000) Long-term. The net capital loss deduction is $3,000 regardless
of filing status. The excess $4,000 loss can be carried forward.
d. ($4,000) $0 Short-term. Losses on the sale of personal use property are
not deductible.
e. $4,000 $4,000 Long-term. Gains on the sale of personal use property are taxable.
(LO 1.8)
30. The answer will vary depending on the date the problem is assigned and completed. The purpose of the
problem is to familiarize the student with the IRS website. (LO 1.9)
31. Form 8949 is Sales and Other Dispositions of Capital Assets. (LO 1.9)
32. A number of articles in the blog indicate the limit for student loan interest deduction is $2,500. (LO 1.9)
33. Tax returns are electronically signed through the use of a PIN. PINs can be generated by either the taxpayer
or by the ERO. Self-selected PINs require the prior year AGI or PIN to authenticate the taxpayer. Before a
PIN can be created by the ERO, the preparer must obtain a signed copy of an IRS E-file signature authoriza-
tion (Form 8878 or 8879). (LO 1.10)
34. Form 8453, copies of Forms W-2, W-2G, and 1099-R, a copy of the consent to disclose tax information
form, a copy of the electronic return that could be retransmitted, an acknowledgment file for IRS accepted
returns, Forms 8878 and 8879. (LO 1.10)
Group 3 – Writing Assignments
1. Research Solution:
Whittenburg and Gill, CPAs
San Diego, CA
February 20, 20xx
Mr. and Mrs. William Carson
3276 Lakeline Drive
San Diego, CA
Dear William and Sheila,
Thank you for requesting my advice concerning the tax treatment of your brother Jerry. I have researched
your question and am sorry to say that you cannot claim Jerry as a qualifying child.
Although Jerry meets the domicile, age, joint return, citizenship, and self-support test, he does not meet
the relationship test. Even though he is William’s brother, in order to be your qualifying child, he must
be younger than at least one of you.
Although you cannot claim Jerry as a qualifying child, there is a possibility that you could claim him as a
qualifying relative if he earns less than $4,400.
, 1-6 Chapter 1 – The Individual Income Tax Return
My conclusion is based upon the facts that you have provided me. I’m sorry that the news was not more
favorable. If you have any questions or would like further explanation, please do not hesitate to call me.
Sincerely,
Trevor Malcolm
for Whittenburg and Gill, CPAs
2. Ethics Solution:
To:
Subject: Inquiry on filing status: single v. married filing jointly
Jason and Mary,
Thank you for your e-mail regarding your filing status for 2022. Let me also say, I really enjoyed your
wedding ceremony and reception. Thank you for inviting me.
Your e-mail stated that you had prepared your 2022 taxes as both single and married filing jointly and found
that your refund would be larger if both of you filed as single. Unfortunately, the tax law is very clear on this
issue. Individuals who are married as of the last day of the tax year are considered to be married. Married
taxpayers have only two filing status options: married filing jointly or married filing separately. In order to
file as single, taxpayers must be unmarried or legally separated from their spouse as of the last day of the
tax year. Not only would it be unethical for you to file as single, it would be against the law.
The additional tax that married couples sometimes encounter is known as the “marriage penalty.” Hope-
fully you are finding that your wedded bliss outweighs the tax penalty! If you have any questions or would
like further explanation, please do not hesitate to call me.
Your friend,
Trevor Malcolm
For Whittenburg and Gill, CPAs
Group 4 – Comprehensive Problems
1A. See Pages 1-7 and 1-8.
1B. See Pages 1-9 to 1-11.
2A. See Pages 1-12 and 1-13.
2B. See Pages 1-14 and 1-15.
Group 5 – Cumulative Software Problem
The solution to the Cumulative Software Problem is posted on the website for the textbook at
www.cengage.com/login.
