Determine the Proper Tax Year for Gross Income Inclusion in Each

question 89

Essay

Determine the proper tax year for gross income inclusion in each of the following cases.
a.An automobile dealer has several new cars in inventory, but often does not have the right combination of body style, color, and accessories. In some cases the dealer makes an offer to sell a car at a certain price, accepts a deposit, and then orders the car from the manufacturer. When the car is received from the manufacturer, the sale is closed, and the dealer receives the balance of the sales price. At the end of the current year, the dealer has deposits totaling $8,200 for cars that have not been received from the manufacturer. When is the $8,200 subject to tax?
b.Purple Corporation, an exterminating company, is a calendar year taxpayer. It contracts to provide service to homeowners once a month under a one-, two-, or three-year contract. On April 1 of the current year, the company sold a customer a one-year contract for $120. How much of the $120 is taxable in the current year if the company is an accrual basis taxpayer. If the $120 is payment on a two-year contract, how much is taxed in the year the contract is sold and in the following year? If the $120 is payment on a three-year contract, how much is taxed in the year the contract is sold and in the following year?
c.Pink, Inc., an accrual basis taxpayer, owns an amusement park whose fiscal year ends September 30. To increase business during the fall and winter months, Pink sold passes that would allow the holder to ride "free" during the months of October through March. During the month of September, $6,000 was collected from the sale of passes for the upcoming fall and winter. When will the $6,000 be taxable to Pink?
d.The taxpayer is in the office equipment rental business and uses the accrual basis of accounting. In December he collected $5,000 in rents for the following January. When is the $5,000 taxable?

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Definitions:

Paranoia

A mental condition characterized by delusions of persecution, unwarranted jealousy, or exaggerated self-importance, typically elaborated into an organized system.

Mental Illness

Conditions that affect a person's thinking, feeling, behavior, or mood, significantly impacting their ability to relate to others and function each day.

Trait Aggressiveness

A stable personality characteristic that predisposes individuals to engage in aggressive behaviors across a variety of situations.

Aggressiveness

The quality of being likely to attack or confront; characterized by or resulting from aggression.