1. Ben lost his job when his employer moved its plant. During the year, he collected unemployment benefits for three months, a total of $1,800. While he was waiting to hear from prospective employers, he painted his house. I Ben had paid someone else to paint his house, the cost would have been $3,000. The cost of the paint Ben used was $800. What is Ben's gross income for tax purposes from the above events?
2. A Series EE U.S. government savings bonds accrues 3.5% interest each year. The bond matures in three years, at which time the principal and interest will be paid. The bank will pay the taxpayer at a 3.5% interest rate each year if he agrees to leave money on deposit for three years. What tax advantage does the Series EE bond offer that is not available with the bank deposit?
3. Selma operates a contractor's supply store. She maintains her books using the cash method. At the end of the year, her accountant computes her accrual basis income that is used on her tax return. For 2013, Selma had cash receipts of $1.4 million, which included $200,000 collected on accounts receivable from 2012 sales. It also included the proceeds of a $100,000 bank loan. At the end of 2013, she had $250,000 in accounts receivable from customers, all from 2013 sales.
a. Compute Selma's accrual basis gross receipts for 2013.
b. Selma paid cash for all of the purchases. The total amount paid for merchandise in 2013 was $1.3 million. At the end of 2012, she had merchandise on hand with a cost of $150,000. At the end of 2013, the cost of merchandise on hand was $300,000. Compute Selma's gross income from merchandise sales for 2013.