Recent Tax Developments (January-February 2014) (00546105)

This course, developed by noted tax authorities Sidney Kess and Barbara Weltman, provides you with an overview of recent tax developments and highlights planning tips and techniques to help you in your practice. The practice management tip focuses on COLAS for 2014. 


final exam score:

final exam status:
90%Question 1

Correct

How much can someone below the full (normal) retirement age in 2014 earn in wages and/or self-employment before Social Security benefits are reduced?\r

 $104.90

 (You Answered) (Correct Answer) $1,290

 $3,450

 Unlimited
Question 2

Correct

What is the maximum elective deferral for a medical FSA in 2014?

 $500

 (You Answered) (Correct Answer) $2,500

 $5,000

 Whatever the employer sets
Question 3

Incorrect

With respect to offers in compromise, the Tax Court has authority to:

 (Correct Answer) Review rejections

 Examine the re-opening of an offer in compromise

 Both a. and b.

 (You Answered) Neither a. nor b.
Question 4

Correct

If a baseball club pays a signing bonus, what is the period over which it must be amortized?

 Any reasonable period set by the taxpayer

 (You Answered) (Correct Answer) The length of the contract

 The length that the ballplayer typically stays with the team, which is shorter than the length of the contract

 15 years
Question 5

Correct

Which statement about the Fast Track Settlement (FTS) program is correct?

 Audit issues usually can be resolved within 60 days.

 Either the taxpayer or IRS can initiate FTS.

 The taxpayer does not lose any rights by using FTS.

 (You Answered) (Correct Answer) All of the above
Question 6

Correct

The IRS usually retains original returns for up to:

 75 days

 3 years

 (You Answered) (Correct Answer) 7 years

 10 years
Question 7

Correct

The IRS interest rate for the first quarter of 2014 that applies to overpayments by noncorporate taxpayers is:

 0.5%

 2%

 (You Answered) (Correct Answer) 3%

 5%
Question 8

Correct

Which of the following tax items has not been increased by inflation for 2014?

 Standard deduction amounts

 Personal exemption

 (You Answered) (Correct Answer) Elective deferrals to FSAs

 Adoption credit
Question 9

Correct

What is the maximum lifetime exemption amount for gifts in 2014?

 $14,000

 $134,000

 $5.25 million

 (You Answered) (Correct Answer) $5.34 million
Question 10

Correct

What is the maximum deductible SEP contribution for 2014?

 $17,500

 $51,000

 (You Answered) (Correct Answer) $52,000


 $210,000