Question

John and Sandy Ferguson got married eight years ago and have a seven-year-old daughter, Samantha. In 2018, John worked as a computer technician at a local university earning a salary of $154,200, and Sandy worked part-time as a receptionist for a law firm earning a salary of $31,200. John also does some Web design work on the side and reported revenues of $6,200 and associated expenses of $1,850. The Fergusons received $1,240 in qualified dividends and a $310 refund of their state income taxes. The Fergusons always itemize their deductions and their itemized deductions were well over the standard deduction amount last year. The Fergusons had qualifying insurance for purposes of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Use Exhibit 8-9, Tax Rate Schedule, Dividends and Capital Gains Tax Rates for reference.

The Fergusons reported making the following payments during the year:

State income taxes of $4,950. Federal tax withholding of $21,000.

Alimony payments to John’s former wife of $11,100 (divorced in 2014).

Child support payments for John’s child with his former wife of $4,320.

$12,420 of real property taxes.

Sandy was reimbursed $710 for employee business expenses she incurred. She was required to provide documentation for her expenses to her employer.

$3,600 to Kid Care day care center for Samantha’s care while John and Sandy worked.

$16,200 interest on their home mortgage ($400,000 acquisition debt).

$3,330 interest on a $44,400 home-equity loan. They used the loan to pay for a family vacation and new car.

$16,100 cash charitable contributions to qualified charities.

Donation of used furniture to Goodwill. The furniture had a fair market value of $620 and cost $3,100.

a. What is the Fergusons' 2018 federal income taxes payable or refund, including any self-employment tax and AMT, if applicable?

Answer 1

a.   Statement of Tax Payable by Ferguson in '2018

Particulars	($)	($)
John Salary		154,200
Sandy Salary		31,200
Revenue from Web Design Work by John	6,200
Less :expense towards design work	1,850	4,350
Dividend		-
Refund of Income Tax		-
Less : Child Support Payment		(4,320)
Add : Reimburse payment received by Sandy		710
Less: Expense towards Kid day care		(3,600)
Total taxable income		182,540
Tax on $182,540		NIL
Less : State Income tax		4,950
Less : Withholding Tax		21,000
Income Tax Refund		25,950