Brandon and Jane Forte File a Joint Tax Return and Decide

question 38

Multiple Choice

Brandon and Jane Forte file a joint tax return and decide to itemize their deductions. The Forte's income for the year consists of $120,000 in salary, $1,000 interest income, $1,500 nonqualifying dividends, and $1,100 long-term capital gains. The Forte's expenses for the year consist of $3,000 investment interest expense and $900 tax preparation fees. Assuming that the Forte's marginal tax rate is 30% and they make no special elections, what is the amount of investment interest expense deduction for the year?

• A) Zero.
• B) $1,000.
• C) $2,500.
• D) $3,000.
• E) None of the choices are correct.

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Definitions:

Incremental Cash Flows

The additional cash flow a company generates from a particular investment or project, compared to not undertaking the project.

Net Present Value

A method used in capital budgeting to assess the profitability of an investment by calculating the difference between the present value of cash inflows and outflows.

MACRS

MACRS, or Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System, is a method of depreciation in the United States that allows for faster asset expense recovery over time for tax purposes.

Cash Flows

The movement of money into and out of a business or project, considered crucial for gauging its financial health.