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 2012 |
$3,500 |
|
Refund of 2011 tax received in 2012 |
400 |
|
Deficiency assessed and paid in 2012 for 2010: |
|
|
Tax |
600 |
|
Interest |
100 |
What amount should Frank use as state and local income taxes in calculating itemized deductions for his 2012 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 |
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. | $2,250 | |
| B. | $2,000 | |
| C. | $1,600 | |
| D. | $400 | |
| E. | $ 0 |
Bill has a mortgage loan on his personal residence. He decides to pay 24 months of interest in advance on July 1, 2012. The total advanced interest payment is $72,000. How much of the advance interest payment can he deduct in 2012?
| A. | $72,000 | |
| B. | $36,000 | |
| C. | $18,000 | |
| D. | Mortgage interest is not deductible. | |
| E. | If a taxpayer makes an advance payment, he may not deduct any interest. |
Matthew purchases a new principal residence in 2012 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 2012 | |
| D. | The points must be capitalized into the cost of the residence | |
| E. | The points must be amortized over 5 years |