George Rush, age 37, and his wife, Barbara, age 33, have two children, Chris and
Ellen, ages 2 and 12. George is employed as an engineer for an oil company, and his wife recently completed a degree in accounting and will begin working for a public accounting firm next year. George has compiled the following information for your use in preparing his tax return for 2015.
For the current year, George received a salary of $70,000. His employer withheld Federal income taxes of $9,000 and the appropriate amount of FICA taxes.
At the annual Christmas party, he received a card indicating that he would receive a bonus of $3,000 for his good work during the year. The bonus check was placed in his mailbox at work on December 30. Since George was out of town for the holidays, he did not pick up the bonus check until January 2.
A bond issued by AM&T Inc. was sold on May 30, 2015 for $9,700, $700 of which represented interest accrued to the date of the sale. The Rush had purchased the bond (issued at par value of $10,000 on March 1, 2004) in 2011 for $10,000.
The couple has a $500 U.S. Savings Bond, which they purchased for $300 and gave to their daughter several years ago. The proper election to report the income from the bond annually was made. The bond's redemption value increased $30 this year.
George was an instant winner in the state lottery and won $50.
The taxpayers sold 100 shares of stock in JB Corporation for $10,000 on May 1, 2015. They had purchased the stock on June 1, 2008 for $14,000.
During the year, Barbara prepared a number of tax returns for which she received $5,000. Her only deductible expense incurred in performing these services was $100 for some tax software.
The couple's itemized deductions were medical expenses of $7,468, interest on their home mortgage of $8,500, state income taxes $3,750, property taxes on their home of $5,000,and charitable contributions of $2,000.
Compute Mr. and Mrs. Rush's Federal income tax liability (or refund) for 2015. Also use the 2015 tax tables.