Individual Adjustments & Deductions

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CPA Regulation (REG) › Individual Adjustments & Deductions

Questions 1 - 6
1

Based on the TCJA of 2017, which statement is correct? Included in taxable gross income is:

Child support received as of a divorce in 2019

Child support received as of a divorce in 2015

Alimony payments received as of a divorce in 2015

Alimony payments received as of a divorce in 2019

Explanation

Child support no matter what year is not included in AGI. Alimony received based on an agreement on or before 12/31/2018 would be included.

2

The self-employment tax is:

One-half deductible from gross income in arriving at adjusted gross income.

Not deductible.

Fully deductible in determining net income from self-employment.

Fully deductible as an itemized deduction.

Explanation

Self-employment tax is only partially deductible (50%), and is calculated as part of determining AGI.

3

Which of the following amounts represents an adjustment to adjusted gross income (AGI) for the current tax year?

Alimony paid to a former spouse pursuant to a divorce agreement executed in 2019.

Child support paid to a former spouse pursuant to a divorce agreement executed in 2019.

Child support paid to a former spouse pursuant to a divorce agreement executed in 2019.

Alimony paid to a former spouse pursuant to a divorce agreement executed in 2014.

Explanation

For a divorce finalized on or before Dec. 31, 2018, alimony received is included in gross income. For divorces finalized after this date, alimony is not included in gross income. All other items are regularly excluded from AGI.

4

The self employment tax is:

Fully deductible in determining net income from self-employment

Fully deductible from gross income in arriving at adjusted gross income

One half deductible from gross income in arriving at adjusted gross income

Not deductible

Explanation

One half of the self-employment tax is deductible to arrive at adjusted gross income. These other options are partially or not deductible.

5

Which of the following is not a deduction to arrive at adjusted gross income?

Mortgage interest.

Capital losses in excess of capital gains.

Trade or business expenses.

Alimony payments pursuant to a divorce settlement finalized on or before 12/31/18.

Explanation

Mortgage interest is only included as a deduction, or a “below the line” reduction of a tax liability. All of the others are “above the line” reductions of AGI, prior to the standard or itemized deduction.

6

Of the following, which is not an adjustment to arrive at adjusted gross income?

Alimony paid pursuant to a divorce settled on or before December 31, 2018

Self-employed health insurance

Qualified mortgage interest paid

Self-employed FICA (50%)

Explanation

The qualified mortgage interest paid is deductible on Sch A as an itemized deduction.

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