© 2015 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. Comprehensive Volume 1 Chapter 3 Computing The Tax

2 The Big Picture (slide 1 of 2) Polly maintains a household in which she lives with her –Unemployed husband (Nick), –Stepdaughter (Paige), and –A family friend (Maude). She provides more > ½ the support of both Paige and Maude. –Maude was fatally injured in an automobile accident in February Polly paid for her hospitalization and funeral expenses. –Paige, an accomplished gymnast, graduated from high school last year. Paige has a part-time job but spends most of her time training and looking for an athletic scholarship to the ‘‘right’’ college.

3 The Big Picture (slide 2 of 2) In March, Nick left for parts unknown and has not been seen or heard from since. Polly sold her wedding rings to a cousin who was getting married. –The rings cost $11,800. –The rings were sold for their approximate value of $9,000. Based on these facts, what are Polly’s income tax concerns for the current year? –Read the chapter and formulate your response.

4 Tax Formula FIGURE 3.1

5 Income -Broadly Conceived Includes all the taxpayer’s income, both taxable and nontaxable –Essentially equivalent to gross receipts It does not include a return of capital or receipt of borrowed funds

6 Partial List of Exclusions from Gross Income Accident insurance proceeds Annuities (cost element) Bequests Child support payments Cost-of-living allowance (for military) Damages for personal injury or sickness Gifts received Group term life insurance, premium paid by employer (for coverage up to $50,000) Inheritances Interest from state and local (i.e., municipal) bonds Life insurance paid on death Meals and lodging (if furnished for employer’s convenience) Military allowances Minister’s dwelling rental value allowance Railroad retirement benefits (to a limited extent) Scholarship grants (to a limited extent) Social Security benefits (to a limited extent) Unemployment compensation (to a limited extent) Veterans’ benefits Welfare payments Workers’ compensation benefits Exhibit 3-1

7 Gross Income The Internal Revenue Code defines gross income broadly as ‘‘except as otherwise provided..., all income from whatever source derived’’ Gross income does not include unrealized gains

8 Partial List of Gross Income Items (slide 1 of 2) Alimony Annuities (income element) Awards Back pay Bargain purchase from employer Bonuses Breach of contract damages Business income Clergy fees Commissions Compensation for services Death benefits Debts forgiven Director’s fees Dividends Embezzled funds Employee awards (in certain cases) Employee benefits (except certain fringe benefits) Estate and trust income Farm income Fees Gains from illegal activities Gains from sale of property Gambling winnings Group term life insurance, premium paid by employer (for coverage over $50,000) Exhibit 3.2

9 Partial List of Gross Income Items (slide 2 of 2) Hobby income Interest Jury duty fees Living quarters, meals (unless furnished for employer’s convenience) Mileage allowance Military pay (unless combat pay) Notary fees Partnership income Pensions Prizes Professional fees Punitive damages Rents Rewards Royalties Salaries Severance pay Strike and lockout benefits Supplemental unemployment benefits Tips and gratuities Travel allowance (in certain cases) Treasure trove (found property) Wages Exhibit 3.2

10 Deductions - Individual Taxpayers Individual taxpayers have two categories of deductions: –Deductions for adjusted gross income (AGI) –Deductions from adjusted gross income

11 Deductions For AGI (slide 1 of 2) Sometimes known as above-the-line deductions –On the tax return, they are taken before the ‘‘line’’ designating AGI

12 Deductions For AGI (slide 2 of 2) Deductions for AGI include: –Ordinary and necessary expenses incurred in a trade or business –One-half of self-employment tax paid –Alimony paid –Certain payments to an IRA and Health Savings Accounts –Unreimbursed moving expenses –Fees for college tuition and related expenses –Interest on student loans –The capital loss deduction, and –Others

13 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) AGI is an important subtotal –Serves as the basis for computing percentage limitations on certain itemized deductions such as Medical expenses Charitable contributions Certain casualty losses –e.g., Medical expenses are deductible only to the extent they exceed 10% of AGI (7.5% if ≥ age 65) This limitation might be described as a 10% “floor” under the medical expense deduction

14 Deductions From AGI (slide 1 of 3) Deductions from AGI include: –The greater of: Itemized deductions, or The standard deduction –Personal and dependency exemptions

15 Deductions From AGI (slide 2 of 3) A partial list of itemized deductions includes: –Medical expenses (in excess of 10% of AGI) In excess of 7.5% if ≥ age 65 –Certain taxes and interest –Charitable contributions –Casualty Losses (in excess of 10% of AGI) –Deductions for expenses related to The production or collection of income, and The management of property held for the production of income –Certain miscellaneous itemized deductions (in excess of 2% of AGI)

16 Deductions From AGI (slide 3 of 3) The standard deduction is the sum of two components: –Basic standard deduction Amount allowed is based on taxpayer’s filing status –Additional standard deductions Available for taxpayers who are –Age 65 or over, and/or –Blind Two additional standard deductions are allowed for a taxpayer who is age 65 or over and blind Amount allowed depends on filing status

17 Standard Deduction (slide 1 of 2) The basic standard deduction (BSD) amount depends on filing status of taxpayer TABLE 3.1

18 Standard Deduction (slide 2 of 2) Additional standard deduction (ASD) –For taxpayers age 65 or older and/or legally blind TABLE 3.2

19 Determining Standard Deduction Examples (2014 tax year): –Taxpayer is single, blind, and age 65 or older SD = $6,200 (BSD) + $1,550 (ASD) + $1,550 (ASD) = $9,300 –Taxpayers are married, filing jointly, one blind, and both age 65 or older SD = $12,400 (BSD) + $1,200 (ASD) + $1,200 (ASD) + $1,200 (ASD) = $16,000

20 Taxpayers Ineligible For Standard Deduction Certain taxpayers cannot use the SD: –Married, filing separately, when either spouse itemizes deductions –Nonresident aliens –Individual filing return for tax year of less than 12 months because of change in annual accounting period

21 SD Limit For Person Claimed as Dependent Individual claimed as dependent has a BSD in 2014 limited to the greater of: – $1,000 or – $350 plus earned income (but not exceeding normal BSD) ASD amount(s) still available

22 Examples of SD Limit (slide 1 of 2) Dependent’s SD (2014 tax year): –A blind child who earns $200 and is claimed by parents as a dependency exemption SD = $1,000 (BSD) + $1,550 (ASD) = $2,550 –A child who earns $1,500 and is claimed by parents as a dependency exemption SD = $1,850 [BSD equal to greater of $1,000 or ($350 + $1,500 earned income)]

23 Examples of SD Limit (slide 2 of 2) Examples of dependent’s SD (2014 tax year) –A child who earns $6,100 and is claimed by parents as a dependency exemption SD = $6,200 [BSD equal to greater of $1,000 or ($350 + $6,100 earned income) limited to the $6,200 standard deduction for a single taxpayer]

24 Personal and Dependency Exemption Amounts Amounts –2013: $3,900 per exemption –2014: $3,950 per exemption Personal and dependency exemptions –One per taxpayer (two personal exemptions when married, filing jointly) and for each dependent Exception: Individual claimed as dependent by another taxpayer does not receive a personal exemption

25 Personal and Dependency Exemptions In Year Of Death Personal exemption allowed on joint return for spouse who dies during the year –Example: Tom and Betty were married in Tom dies on February 1, A personal exemption may be claimed for Tom on the taxpayers’ 2014 joint return.

26 Dependency Exemptions (slide 1 of 2) A dependency exemption is available for one who is either a qualifying child or a qualifying relative –A qualifying child must meet the following tests: Relationship Abode Age, and Support

27 Dependency Exemptions (slide 2 of 2) Congress has tried to establish a uniform definition of qualifying child for purposes of the: –Dependency exemption –Head-of-household filing status –Earned income tax credit –Child tax credit –Credit for child and dependent care expenses

28 Relationship Test The child must be the taxpayer’s: –Son or daughter –Stepson or stepdaughter –Brother or sister –Stepbrother or stepsister –Half brother or half sister, or –A descendant of such individual (e.g., grandchildren, nephews, nieces) A child who has been adopted, or whose adoption is pending, qualifies A foster child may also qualify

29 Abode Test A qualifying child must live with the taxpayer for more than half of the year –Temporary absences from the household due to special circumstances (e.g., illness, education) are not considered

30 Age Test The child must be under age 19 or under age 24 in the case of a student –A student is a child who, during any part of five months of the year, is enrolled full time at a school or government-sponsored on-farm training course –Individuals who are disabled are not subject to the age test

31 The Big Picture - Example 13 Dependency Exemptions Return to the facts of The Big Picture on p Does Paige meet the requirements of a qualifying child so Polly can claim a dependency exemption for her? –Paige satisfies the relationship and abode tests, but the answer to the age test remains unclear. –Since she is not a full-time student or disabled, she must be under 19 to meet the age test. Unfortunately, the facts given do not provide Paige’s precise age.

32 Support To be a qualifying child, the individual must not be self-supporting –Cannot provide more than one-half of his or her own support –In the case of a full-time student, scholarships are not considered to be support

33 Tiebreaker Rules In situations where a child may be a qualifying child for more than one person –Tiebreaker rules specify which person has priority in claiming the dependency exemption Table 3.3

34 Qualifying Relative In order to claim a dependency exemption for a qualifying relative, the following tests must be met: –Relationship –Gross income –Support

35 Relationship Test The relationship test for a qualifying relative is more expansive than for a qualifying child. Also included are the following relatives: –Lineal ascendants (e.g., parents, grandparents) –Collateral ascendants (e.g., uncles, aunts) –Certain in-laws (e.g., son-, daughter-, father-, mother-, brother-, and sister-in-law) The relationship test also includes unrelated parties who live with the taxpayer

36 The Big Picture - Example 19 Dependency Exemptions Return to the facts of The Big Picture on p Is Maude a qualifying relative? –Although Maude is unrelated to Polly, she qualifies as Polly’s dependent by being a member of the household. –Since Maude is a dependent, Polly can also claim the medical expenses she paid on Maude’s behalf. The funeral expenses are not deductible. Although Maude lived for only two months, the full amount of the dependency exemption is allowed and does not have to be apportioned.

37 Gross Income Test Dependent’s gross income must be less than the exemption amount ($3,950 for 2014)

38 The Big Picture - Example 22 Dependency Exemptions Return to the facts of The Big Picture on p Assuming that Paige is not a qualifying child, can she be a qualifying relative for dependency exemption purposes? –She meets the relationship and support tests, but what about the gross income test? –If her income from her part-time job is less than $3,950, she does qualify and can be claimed by Polly as a dependent.

39 Support Test Taxpayer must provide more than 50% of the qualifying relative’s support –Only amounts expended are considered in the support test –Scholarships are not considered in the support test Two exceptions to the support test: –Multiple support agreements –Children of divorced parents

40 Multiple Support Agreements Allows one member of a group providing > 50% of support to claim individual even though no one person provides > 50% support –Eligible parties must provide > 10% of support –Each eligible party must meet all other dependency requirements Example - Allows children of elderly parent to claim exemption for parent when none individually meets the 50% support test

41 Children of Divorced Parents Special rules apply if the parents meet the following conditions: –They would have been entitled to the dependency exemption had they been married and filed a joint return –They have custody (either jointly or singly) of the child for more than half of the year Under the general rule, the parent having custody of the child for the greater part of the year (i.e., the custodial parent) is entitled to the dependency exemption –General rule does not apply if A multiple support agreement is in effect Custodial parent issues a waiver in favor of the noncustodial parent

42 Other Rules for Dependency Exemptions In addition to fitting into either the qualifying child or the qualifying relative category, a dependent must also meet: –The joint return, and –The citizenship or residency tests

43 Joint Return Test Dependent cannot file a joint return with spouse unless: –Filing solely for refund of tax withheld –No tax liability exists for either spouse –Neither spouse required to file return

44 Citizenship or Residency Test Dependent must be a U.S. citizen or a resident of U.S., Canada, or Mexico for some part of the calendar year in which the taxpayer’s tax year begins –An exception provides that an adopted child need not be a citizen or resident of the U.S. (or a contiguous country) as long as his or her principal abode is with a U.S. citizen

Phaseout of Exemptions Personal and dependency exemptions are phased out by 2% for each $2,500 (or fraction thereof) by which the taxpayer’s AGI exceeds the following threshold amounts –For a married taxpayer filing separately, the phaseout is 2% for each $1,250 (or fraction thereof) C1-45

46 Child Tax Credit $1,000 tax credit is allowed for each dependent child under the age of 17 –Qualifying child includes stepchildren and eligible foster children

47 Filing Requirements (slide 1 of 2) General Rule: Tax return must be filed if gross income is ≥ the sum of the standard deduction and exemption amount ASD for blind does not apply for this determination –Special rules apply for dependents and self- employed taxpayers

48 Filing Requirements (slide 2 of 2) Tax return of an individual is due on or before the 15th day of the 4th month after taxpayer’s year end –Most individuals are calendar year taxpayers, thus, due date is April 15 May obtain a 6 month extension of time to file –Excuses a taxpayer from penalty for failure to file, not from penalty for failure to pay If more tax is owed, extension request (Form 4868) should be accompanied by check for balance of tax due

49 Filing Status There are 5 filing statuses –Single –Married, filing jointly –Surviving spouse (qualifying widow or widower) –Head of household –Married, filing separately Filing status affects tax rate brackets, standard deduction, and other amounts

50 Single Filing Status Includes a taxpayer who is unmarried or separated from spouse by a divorce decree or separate maintenance agreement and does not qualify for another filing status –Marital status is determined as of the last day of the tax year When a spouse dies during the year, marital status is determined as of the date of death

51 Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) Filing Status Married as of last day of taxable year, or Spouse dies during taxable year

52 Surviving Spouse Filing Status Same tax rate brackets as married, filing jointly File as surviving spouse for 2 years after death of spouse if taxpayer maintains a home in which a dependent child lives –For the year of death, surviving spouse is treated as being married Thus, a joint return can be filed if the deceased spouse’s executor agrees

53 Married Filing Separately Filing Status Married but not filing a return with spouse and not abandoned spouse

54 Head of Household (HH) Filing Status Must be unmarried as of end of year or an abandoned spouse Must pay > half the cost of maintaining a household which is the principal home of a dependent for > half of tax year –A dependent must satisfy either the qualifying child or the qualifying relative category A qualifying relative must also meet the relationship test

55 The Big Picture - Example 31 Head-of-Household Filing Status Return to the facts of The Big Picture on p Assuming that Polly can be treated as single (i.e., not married), can Maude qualify Polly for head-of-household filing status? –The answer is no. –Even though Maude can be claimed as Polly’s dependent, she does not meet the relationship test.

56 Exception to the HH Requirements HH may be claimed if taxpayer maintains a separate home for his or her parents –At least one parent must qualify as a dependent

57 Abandoned Spouse Allows married taxpayer to file as Head of Household if taxpayer: –Does not file a joint return –Paid > half the cost of maintaining a home –Spouse did not live in home during last 6 months of tax year –Home was principal residence of taxpayer’s child for > half of year Can claim child as a dependent

58 The Big Picture - Example 35 Abandoned Spouse Filing Status Return to the facts of The Big Picture on p Can Polly qualify as an abandoned spouse? –Yes, if she can claim Paige as a dependent—either as a qualifying child or as a qualifying relative. –If so, Polly can use head-of-household filing status. –If not, her filing status is married person filing separately.

59 Taxes Rates Tax liability is computed using either the Tax Table method or the Tax Rate Schedule method –Most taxpayers must use the Tax Tables –Certain taxpayers may not use the Tax Table method including: An individual who files a short period return Individuals whose taxable income exceeds the maximum (ceiling) amount in the Tax Table –The 2013 Tax Table applies to taxable income below $100,000 An estate or trust For 2014 the tax rates are 10%, 15%, 25%, 28%, 33%, 35%, and 39.6%

60 Kiddie Tax (slide 1 of 4) Net unearned income (NUI) of a child is taxed at parents’ rate –Child must be under age 19 at end of year (or under age 24 if a full-time student) –NUI generally equals unearned income less $2,000 (2014 tax year) The kiddie tax does not apply if –The child has earned income that exceeds half of his or her support, –If the child is married and files a joint return, or –If both parents are deceased

61 Kiddie Tax (slide 2 of 4) Unearned income includes: –Taxable interest –Dividends –Capital gains –Rents –Royalties –Pension and annuity income, and –Unearned income from trusts

62 Kiddie Tax (slide 3 of 4) Computing NUI for Kiddie Tax for 2014: –Unearned income –Less: $1,000 –Less: The greater of: i) $1,000, or ii) Allowable itemized deductions connected with production of unearned income –Equals: net unearned income

63 Kiddie Tax (slide 4 of 4) Net unearned income taxed at parents’ rate –Remainder of taxable income taxed at child’s rate Two options for computing the tax –A separate return may be filed for the child The tax on net unearned income (referred to as the allocable parental tax) is computed as though the income had been included on the parents’ return – Form 8615 is used to compute the tax –The parents may elect to report child’s income on their own return Certain requirements must be met

64 Gains and Losses from Property Transactions (slide 1 of 3) In order for gains (losses) to be recognized (included in gross income), they must be realized: –Amount realized - adjusted basis = Realized gain (loss) Amount realized = selling price - costs of disposition Adjusted basis = cost + capital additions - cost recovery

65 Gains and Losses from Property Transactions (slide 2 of 3) All realized gains are recognized unless a specific tax provision provides otherwise (e.g., nontaxable exchanges) Realized losses may or may not be recognized depending on the circumstances –Generally, losses on the sale or disposition of personal use property are not recognized

66 Gains and Losses from Property Transactions (slide 3 of 3) Once recognized gains or losses have been determined, they must be classified as ordinary or capital –Ordinary gains are fully taxable –Ordinary losses are fully deductible Capital gains and losses are subject to special tax treatment

67 Gains and Losses from Capital Asset Transactions (slide 1 of 2) Capital assets are defined as any property other than: –Inventory, –Accounts Receivable, and –Depreciable property or real property used in a business Most personal use assets owned by individuals are capital assets –Losses on these assets are not deductible

68 Gains and Losses from Capital Asset Transactions (slide 2 of 2) Gains and losses from capital asset transactions must be netted –Net gains and losses by holding period –If excess losses result, they are shifted to the category carrying the highest tax rate

69 Max Tax Rates for Net Capital Gains of Individuals Classification Maximum Rate Short-term gains (held ≤ one year) 39.6% Long-term gains (held > one year) Collectibles 28% Certain depreciable property used in a trade or business (unrecaptured § 1250 gain) 25% All other long-term capital gains 20%, 15%, or 0%

70 Treatment of Capital Losses Net capital losses of individuals are deductible for AGI up to $3,000 yearly –Excess capital losses are carried over to the next tax year –When carried over, capital losses retain their classification as short- or long-term

71 The Big Picture - Example 48 Treatment Of Net Capital Loss Return to the facts of The Big Picture on p Polly’s sale of her wedding rings resulted in a realized capital loss of $7,000 –[$8,000 (selling price) - $15,000(cost basis)]. Because they were personal use property, Polly cannot deduct the loss.

72 Refocus On The Big Picture (slide 1 of 4) Polly’s major concern is her filing status. –If she qualifies as an abandoned spouse, she is entitled to file as head of household. If not, she is considered to be a married person filing separately. –In order to be an abandoned spouse, Polly must be able to claim Paige as a dependent.

73 Refocus On The Big Picture (slide 2 of 4) To be a dependent, Paige must meet the requirements of a qualifying child or a qualifying relative. –For qualifying child purposes, Paige must meet either The age test (i.e., under age 19), or The full-time student (under age 24) test. –Paige is not a full-time student - is she under age 19? –If so, she is a qualifying child. –If Paige is not a qualifying child, is she a qualifying relative? –Here, the answer depends on meeting the gross income test. –How much did Paige earn from her part-time job? »If her earnings are under $3,950, she satisfies the gross income test.

74 Refocus On The Big Picture (slide 3 of 4) If Paige can be claimed as a dependent, Polly is an abandoned spouse entitled to head-of-household filing status. –If not, she is a married person filing separately. Maude can be claimed as Polly’s dependent because she is a member of the household. –It does not matter that she died in February The dependency exemption amount need not be apportioned and is allowed in full. –Because Maude is her dependent, Polly can claim the medical expenses she paid on Maude’s behalf. The funeral expenses, however, are not deductible.

75 Refocus On The Big Picture (slide 4 of 4) Does Maude qualify Polly for head-of- household filing status? –No—although she is a dependent, Maude does not meet the relationship test. The sale of the wedding rings results in a capital loss of $2,800 ($9,000 – $11,800). –Because the loss is for personal use property, it cannot be claimed for tax purposes.

© 2015 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 76 If you have any comments or suggestions concerning this PowerPoint Presentation for South-Western Federal Taxation, please contact: Dr. Donald R. Trippeer, CPA SUNY Oneonta