Diego, age 28, married Dolores, age 27, in 2017. Their salaries for the year amounted to $88,750 and they had interest income of $2,660. Diego and Dolores' deductions for adjusted gross income amounted to $5,170; their itemized deductions were $8,425; they claimed two exemptions on their return; and, they filed a joint return.

Table for the standard deduction

Filing Status 2017 Standard Deduction
Single $ 6,350
Married, filing jointly 12,700
Married, filing separately 6,350
Head of household 9,350
Qualifying widow(er) 12,700
a. What is the amount of their adjusted gross income?

b. In order to minimize taxable income, Diego and Dolores will in the amount of___ $.

c. What is the amount of their taxable income?

d. What is their tax liability for 2017?

Answer and Explanation:

a. What is the amount of their adjusted gross income?

Adjusted Gross Income ( AGI ) = $88,750 + $2,660 - $5,170

= $86,240

Adjusted Gross Income ( AGI ) = $86,240

b. In order to minimize taxable income, Diego and Dolores will in the amount of

From the above box, Here Diego, Dolores both are married so,  Standard Deduction in 2017 is $12,700

In order to minimize taxable income, Diego and Dolores will in the amount of $12,700

c. What is the amount of their taxable income?

Taxable income = AGI - Standard deduction - exemptions

= $86,240 - 12,700 - [ 2 * $4,050 ]

= 73,540 - 8,100

= $65,440

Taxable income = $65,440

d. What is their tax liability for 2017?

from Tax bracket for married filling jointly in 2017 table.

Tax liability = [ 18,650 * 10% ] + [ 15% [ 65,440 - 18,650 ] ]

= 1,865 + [ 15% * 46,790 ]

= 1,865 + 7,018.5

= $8,883.5

Tax liability = $8,883.5

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