CPA Regulation (REG) : CPA Regulation (REG)

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for CPA Regulation (REG)

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Example Questions

Example Question #61 : Cpa Regulation (Reg)

Which of the following amounts represents an adjustment to adjusted gross income (AGI) for the current tax year?

Possible Answers:

Alimony paid to a former spouse pursuant to a divorce agreement executed in 2014.

Alimony paid to a former spouse pursuant to a divorce agreement executed in 2019.

Child support paid to a former spouse pursuant to a divorce agreement executed in 2019.

Child support paid to a former spouse pursuant to a divorce agreement executed in 2019.

Correct answer:

Alimony paid to a former spouse pursuant to a divorce agreement executed in 2014.

Explanation:

For a divorce finalized on or before Dec. 31, 2018, alimony received is included in gross income. For divorces finalized after this date, alimony is not included in gross income. All other items are regularly excluded from AGI.

Example Question #5 : Individual Income Tax Exemptions, Credits, & Deductions

The self-employment tax is:

Possible Answers:

One-half deductible from gross income in arriving at adjusted gross income.

Fully deductible as an itemized deduction.

Fully deductible in determining net income from self-employment.

Not deductible.

Correct answer:

One-half deductible from gross income in arriving at adjusted gross income.

Explanation:

Self-employment tax is only partially deductible (50%), and is calculated as part of determining AGI. 

Example Question #62 : Cpa Regulation (Reg)

Which of the following is not a deduction to arrive at adjusted gross income?

Possible Answers:

Mortgage interest.

Capital losses in excess of capital gains.

Alimony payments pursuant to a divorce settlement finalized on or before 12/31/18.

Trade or business expenses.

Correct answer:

Mortgage interest.

Explanation:

Mortgage interest is only included as a deduction, or a “below the line” reduction of a tax liability. All of the others are “above the line” reductions of AGI, prior to the standard or itemized deduction.

Example Question #7 : Individual Income Tax Exemptions, Credits, & Deductions

The self employment tax is:

Possible Answers:

Not deductible

Fully deductible from gross income in arriving at adjusted gross income

Fully deductible in determining net income from self-employment

One half deductible from gross income in arriving at adjusted gross income

Correct answer:

One half deductible from gross income in arriving at adjusted gross income

Explanation:

One half of the self-employment tax is deductible to arrive at adjusted gross income. These other options are partially or not deductible.

Example Question #1 : Individual Adjustments & Deductions

Of the following, which is not an adjustment to arrive at adjusted gross income?

Possible Answers:

Self-employed health insurance

Alimony paid pursuant to a divorce settled on or before December 31, 2018

Self-employed FICA (50%)

Qualified mortgage interest paid

Correct answer:

Qualified mortgage interest paid

Explanation:

The qualified mortgage interest paid is deductible on Sch A as an itemized deduction.

Example Question #2 : Individual Adjustments & Deductions

Based on the TCJA of 2017, which statement is correct? Included in taxable gross income is:

Possible Answers:

Alimony payments received as of a divorce in 2015

Child support received as of a divorce in 2019

Child support received as of a divorce in 2015

Alimony payments received as of a divorce in 2019

Correct answer:

Alimony payments received as of a divorce in 2015

Explanation:

Child support no matter what year is not included in AGI. Alimony received based on an agreement on or before 12/31/2018 would be included.

Example Question #11 : Individual Income Tax Exemptions, Credits, & Deductions

Which of the following credits can result in a refund even if the individual had no income tax liability?

Possible Answers:

Earned income credit

Credit for prior year minimum tax

Elderly and permanently and totally disabled credit

Child and dependent care credit

Correct answer:

Earned income credit

Explanation:

“Refundable” tax credits are allowable in excess of a taxpayer’s tax obligation and may result in a refund. Among the possible answers, only the earned income credit is “refundable.” While the other answers may result in reducing a tax obligation to zero, they may not be taken in excess of this to result in a tax refund in a given year.

Example Question #11 : Individual Income Tax Exemptions, Credits, & Deductions

How may taxes paid by an individual to a foreign country be treated?

Possible Answers:

As a credit against federal income taxes due

As a nondeductible expense

As an itemized deduction subject to a 2% floor

As an adjustment to gross income

Correct answer:

As a credit against federal income taxes due

Explanation:

Generally speaking, taxes paid to foreign entities result in a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the US tax obligation (a credit), rather than a reduction of taxable income (a deduction).

Example Question #12 : Individual Income Tax Exemptions, Credits, & Deductions

Ron and Leslie have two children, ages 7 and 9. Both children meet the definition of qualifying child. The family has adjusted gross income of $325,000. What is the amount of the child tax credit on the couple’s income tax return?

Possible Answers:

$2,000

$1,000

$3,000

$4,000

Correct answer:

$4,000

Explanation:

The child tax credit is worth up to $2,000 for children classified as dependents who are under age 17 as of the last day of the tax year. The credit phases out starting at $200,000 for single filers, and $400,000 for joint filers.

Example Question #14 : Individual Income Tax Exemptions, Credits, & Deductions

Of the following, which credit can result in a refund even if the individual had no income tax liability?

Possible Answers:

Earned income credit

Credit for prior year minimum tax

Child and dependent care credit

Elderly and permanently and totally disabled credit

Correct answer:

Earned income credit

Explanation:

The earned income credit is refundable. Eligible taxpayers can get advance payments from their employers because the credit is assured.

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