Problem:
Sharon has not worked outside the home since her first child was born five years ago. Now that the younger of her two children has reached age three, she thinks they are old enough to go to a day care center and she can return to work. Sharon received two job offers. Mahalo Company offered to pay her a salary of $19,000 and also provide free on-site child care facilities as an employee fringe benefit. Ghana Company offered to pay her a salary of $26,000 but offers no employee fringe benefits. There is a day care facility across the street from Ghana Company that would cost $525 per month. Sharon files a joint tax return with her husband, Tom. Their current taxable income, without Sharon's salary, is $70,000. Sharon and Tom would like to know which job provides the greater after-tax cash flow.