Exam 9: Employee Expenses and Deferred Compensation

Ross works for Houston Corporation, which has a contributory defined contribution pension plan. The employer's monthly contribution to the plan is 8 percent of each participating employee's monthly salary, while the employee contributes only 6 percent. Ross's monthly salary is $3,000. Which of the following statements best describes the benefits of the plan?

Jackson Corporation granted an incentive stock option to employee Caroline on January 1, two years ago. The option price was $150, and the FMV of the Jackson stock was also $150 on the grant date. The option allowed Caroline to purchase 160 shares of Jackson stock. Caroline exercised the option on August 1, 2013, when the stock's FMV was $250. Unless otherwise stated, assume Caroline is a qualifying employee. If Caroline sells the stock on July 5, 2014 for $400 per share, she must recognize

Gayle, a doctor with significant investments in the stock market, traveled on a cruise ship to Bermuda. Investment specialists provided daily seminars which Gayle attended. The cost of the cruise for four days is $2,500. Gayle can deduct (before application of any floors)

Deductible moving expenses include the cost of moving household goods and personal effects as well as temporary living expenses.

In a contributory defined contribution pension plan, all of the following are true with the exception of

Chuck, who is self-employed, is scheduled to fly from Minneapolis to London on a business trip. His flight schedule included a connection through New York City. When Chuck arrived in New York City, he learned that his flight to London had been cancelled due to a volcanic eruption in Iceland. All air travel to Europe was delayed for five days because of significant amounts of ash in the air, causing Chuck to incur costs for hotel and meals in New York City. Since Chuck had never been to New York City before, he spent the time sightseeing. What tax issues are present?

Hannah is a 52-year-old an unmarried taxpayer who is not an active participant in an employer-sponsored qualified retirement plan. Before IRA contributions, her AGI is $63,000 in 2014. What is the maximum amount she may contribute to a tax deductible IRA?

Which of the following conditions would generally not favor the rollover of an untaxed retirement fund (e.g. traditional IRA or 401(k)plan)to a Roth account?

Personal travel expenses are deductible as miscellaneous itemized deductions subject to the 2% of AGI floor.

All taxpayers are allowed to contribute funds to Health Savings Accounts to supplement their health insurance.

Travel expenses related to temporary work assignments of one year or less are deductible.

Rajiv, a self-employed consultant, drove his auto 20,000 miles this year, 15,000 to meetings with clients and 5,000 for commuting and personal use. The cost of operating the auto for the year was as follows: Rajiv's AGI is $100,000 before considering the auto costs. Rajiv has used the actual cost method in the past. What is Rajiv's deduction for the use of the auto after application of all relevant limitations?

Tucker (age 52)and Elizabeth (age 48)are a married couple. Tucker is covered under a qualified retirement plan at his job and earned $90,000 in 2014. Elizabeth is employed as a lab technician and earned $30,000 but is not covered under a qualified retirement plan. They file a joint return; have interest and dividend income of $25,000. What is the maximum amount of tax deductible contributions may be made to a traditional IRA?

The deduction for unreimbursed transportation expenses for employees is subject to the 2% of AGI floor.

Josiah is a human resources manager of a large software company. He is considering asking for a leave of absence to pursue an MBA degree. Josiah will pay for his MBA tuition of $45,000 a year without any employer assistance. Josiah will incur a large debt if he pursues an MBA. Upon completing his MBA, he would want to consider various job opportunities. Discuss the tax issues affecting Josiah's decision?

All of the following are true with regard to a Roth IRA except

Chelsea, who is self-employed, drove her automobile a total of 20,000 business miles in 2014. This represents about 75% of the auto's use. She has receipts as follows: Chelsea has an AGI for the year of $50,000. Chelsea uses the standard mileage rate method. After application of any relevant floors or other limitations, she can deduct

If an employee incurs travel expenditures and is fully reimbursed by the employer, neither the reimbursement nor the deduction is reported on the employee's tax return if reporting is pursuant to an accountable plan.

Tobey receives 1,000 shares of YouDog! stock as part of his compensation package. Tobey's employment contract with YouDog!, Inc. states that if he leaves before completion of three years of employment, he will forfeit the stock. The stock currently has a fair market value of $12 per share. Which of the following statements regarding Tobey's choices is not true?

Corporations issuing incentive stock options receive a tax deduction for compensation expense.