Derek Builders,LLC,entered into a Contract to Do Extensive Remodeling Work

question 105

Essay

Derek Builders,LLC,entered into a contract to do extensive remodeling work on Helen's house in October 2016.The bid cost of the job was $5,000 and Helen made a down payment of $2,000 in November 2017.Because Helen was short of cash,Derek agreed to accept payment of the remaining $3,000 when she receives her tax refund in 2018.Derek completed the work on the contract in December.Helen dies in May 2018before she had paid Derek.Because Helen was heavily in debt when she died,the executor of Helen's estate told Derek that he would be lucky to get $1,000 when the estate was settled.
a.Derek Builders uses the accrual method of accounting.Based on the income tax concepts,explain how Derek should account for the contract.
b.In 2019,Derek Builders receives $1,500 from Helen's estate as final payment on the $3,000 amount owed.Based on the income tax concepts,explain how Derek should treat the $1,500 receipt in 2019.

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Definitions:

State Tax

Taxes imposed by individual states on income, property, goods, and services within their jurisdiction.

Federal Tax

The tax levied by the national government on income, sales, gifts, and other transactions.

After Tax Yield

The income return on an investment after taxes have been deducted, revealing the net gain to the investor.

Corporate Bond

A debt security issued by a corporation and sold to investors, with the promise of interest payments and the return of principal at maturity.