Baxter, at Age 45, Was Hired as the General Manager

question 82

True/False

Baxter, at age 45, was hired as the general manager of the CountrySide Shipping Company by Carrothers, the company president. The initial contract of employment was for a three-year term and was embodied in an exchange of letters between Baxter and Carrothers in 2008. At the end of the three-year term, Baxter continued on as general manager, receiving annual increases in salary, executive profit sharing, pension contributions, and discretionary bonuses, if business was exceptionally good in a given year. In January 2020, for no apparent reason, Carrothers called Baxter into his office, and told him his services were no longer required. Carrothers offered Baxter a week's salary as "severance pay." At the time of termination, Baxter was earning a salary of $70,000 per year, received company paid pension contributions of $5,000 annually, and, in 2019, had received $3,000 from profits shared, and a $5,000 bonus. The type of action which Baxter might bring against the company would be for wrongful dismissal.

Calculate the standard deductions and tax liabilities for individuals based on their income and filing status.

Know the threshold for underpayment penalties and how to avoid them.

Understand the implications of early withdrawal penalties and how they can be claimed on tax returns.

Be familiar with the Social Security wage limitation and its application.

---

Definitions:

Vertical Agreements

Contracts between companies at different levels of the supply chain, such as between a manufacturer and a retailer.

Sherman Act

An antitrust law enacted in 1890 to combat monopolies and cartels, promoting fair competition for the benefit of consumers.

DOJ

The Department of Justice, a federal executive department of the U.S. government responsible for the enforcement of the law and administration of justice.

Concerted Action Requirement

A legal criterion necessitating a cooperative or joint effort among individuals or entities to achieve a particular outcome.