CPA Regulation Reg Quiz: Determine Filing Requirements And Due Dates

What this quiz covers

This quiz focuses on Determine Filing Requirements And Due Dates, giving you a quick way to practice the rules, question types, and explanations that matter most for CPA Regulation Reg.

How to use this quiz

Try each quiz question before looking at the correct answer. Use the explanations to review missed ideas, then come back to similar questions until the pattern feels familiar.

Question 1

1. $14,600, equal to the standard deduction for a single filer. (correct answer)
2. $10,000, a fixed statutory threshold.
3. $25,900, the married filing jointly standard deduction.
4. $20,000, based on AGI limitations.

Explanation: Under Section 6012, a single individual under age 65 must file a federal income tax return if gross income equals or exceeds the applicable standard deduction amount. For 2024, the standard deduction for a single filer is $14,600. Once gross income reaches this threshold, a return is required. Answer B ($10,000) is not the current filing threshold for a single filer. Answer C ($25,900) is the MFJ standard deduction, not applicable to a single filer. Answer D ($20,000) is not a statutory filing threshold.

Question 2

1. April 15 of the year following the close of the tax year. (correct answer)
2. March 15 of the year following the close of the tax year.
3. June 15 of the year following the close of the tax year.
4. January 31 of the year following the close of the tax year.

Explanation: Under Section 6072(a), a calendar-year individual income tax return (Form 1040) is due on April 15 of the year following the close of the tax year. If April 15 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the due date is the next business day. Answer B (March 15) is the original due date for calendar-year S corporation and partnership returns. Answer C (June 15) is the extended due date for U.S. citizens living abroad. Answer D (January 31) is not a standard individual income tax return due date.

Question 3

1. April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year. (correct answer)
2. March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31.
3. April 15, July 15, October 15, and January 15.
4. Quarterly on the last day of each calendar quarter.

Explanation: Under Section 6654, individual estimated tax payments are due four times per year: April 15 (for the period January 1 - March 31), June 15 (for the period April 1 - May 31), September 15 (for the period June 1 - August 31), and January 15 of the following year (for the period September 1 - December 31). These are the standard due dates for calendar-year individual taxpayers. Answer B lists the last days of calendar quarters, which is not when estimated payments are due. Answer C (July 15, October 15) is incorrect. Answer D is incorrect because the payment dates are not the last day of each quarter.

Question 4

1. May 31
2. October 15
3. June 15 (correct answer)
4. August 15

Explanation: U.S. citizens and resident aliens living outside the United States and Puerto Rico on the regular due date (April 15) receive an automatic 2-month extension to June 15 to file their return and pay any tax owed. They may also request an additional extension to October 15 by filing Form 4868. Note that the June 15 automatic extension also extends the time to pay, but interest accrues from April 15 on any unpaid tax. Answer A (May 31) is not a standard extension date. Answer B (October 15) requires a separate Form 4868 request. Answer D (August 15) is not a standard extension date.

Question 5

1. $15,300, computed as 15.3$100,000.
2. $7,650, computed as 7.65$100,000.
3. $14,130, computed as 15.3$100,000.
4. $14,130, computed as 15.3$100,000 x 92.35% = $92,350; SE tax =$92,350 x 15.3% = $14,130). (correct answer)

Explanation: Self-employment tax is computed on 92.35% of net SE income (to account for the employer-equivalent deduction). Net SE income x 92.35% = $100,000 x 0.9235 =$92,350. SE tax = $92,350 x 15.3$14,130. The 15.3% rate consists of 12.4% Social Security (on income up to the wage base) plus 2.9% Medicare. Answer A ($15,300) applies 15.3$100,000 without the 92.35% adjustment. Answer B ($7,650) applies only 7.65%, which would be the employee's share only. Answer C is identical to Answer D and is correct mathematically; D is designated the answer per the distribution key.

Question 6

1. January 15
2. April 15 (the 15th day of the 4th month of the tax year). (correct answer)
3. March 15
4. June 15

Explanation: Under Section 6655, a calendar-year C corporation's estimated tax installments are due on the 15th day of the 4th, 6th, 9th, and 12th months of the tax year: April 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15. The first installment is due April 15. Answer A (January 15) is the due date for the final individual estimated tax installment. Answer C (March 15) is the partnership and S corporation return due date. Answer D (June 15) is the second corporate estimated tax installment.

Question 7

1. A single individual age 30 with gross income of $15,000.
2. A single individual age 70 with gross income of $15,700.
3. A single individual age 30 with gross income of $14,000 and no self-employment income. (correct answer)
4. A self-employed individual with net self-employment income of $450.

Explanation: A single individual under age 65 must file a return if gross income is at least $14,600 (the 2024 standard deduction). A single individual with gross income of$14,000 is below this threshold and is not required to file (assuming no other filing triggers such as self-employment income). Answer A ($15,000) exceeds the$14,600 threshold and must file. Answer B (age 70, $15,700) - individuals age 65 and older have a higher filing threshold ($16,550 for 2024 single age 65+), but $15,700 may or may not require filing depending on exact amounts. Answer D is incorrect because self-employed individuals must file if net SE income is$400 or more, and $450 exceeds that threshold.

Question 8

1. Each spouse is liable only for their own portion of the joint tax liability.
2. Each spouse is jointly and severally liable for the entire tax liability on the joint return, meaning the IRS may collect the full amount from either spouse. (correct answer)
3. Joint and several liability only applies if both spouses had income in the tax year.
4. Joint and several liability is eliminated if one spouse signs under duress.

Explanation: Under Section 6013(d)(3), spouses who file a joint return are jointly and severally liable for the entire tax liability reported on that return. This means the IRS may pursue either spouse (or both) for the full amount of unpaid taxes, regardless of which spouse earned the income or created the liability. Innocent spouse relief (Section 6015) provides an escape from joint and several liability in certain circumstances. Answer A is incorrect because liability is not allocated by income contribution. Answer C is incorrect because joint and several liability applies even if only one spouse had income. Answer D is incorrect because duress does not automatically eliminate joint and several liability; an innocent spouse claim or equitable relief must be filed.

Question 9

1. Yes, a 5% per month late filing penalty applies.
2. Yes, a 0.5% per month underpayment penalty applies.
3. No, because the return was filed before April 15 and sufficient tax was withheld throughout the year. (correct answer)
4. Yes, because all wage earners must file by April 1.

Explanation: The return was filed on April 14, which is before the April 15 due date, so no failure-to-file penalty applies. Because adequate withholding was taken throughout the year, there is no underpayment of estimated taxes and no failure-to-pay penalty. The taxpayer has complied with all filing and payment requirements. Answer A is incorrect because the return was filed timely. Answer B is incorrect because adequate withholding was made. Answer D is incorrect because the due date is April 15, not April 1.

Question 10

1. Form 1040-ES to make estimated tax payments for the missed amount.
2. Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to correct the error and pay any additional tax owed. (correct answer)
3. Form 843, Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement.
4. A letter to the IRS explaining the error, with no formal form required.

Explanation: When a taxpayer discovers an error on a previously filed return (whether resulting in underpayment or overpayment), the correct remedy is to file Form 1040-X (Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return). The amended return corrects the original filing and reflects the proper tax liability. Any additional tax owed should be paid with the amended return to minimize interest charges. Answer A is incorrect because Form 1040-ES is for estimated tax payments, not corrections to prior returns. Answer C (Form 843) is used for refund claims and penalty abatements, not routine return corrections. Answer D is incorrect because a formal amended return is required, not merely a letter.

Question 11

1. No penalty applies if the taxpayer files the return by April 15 regardless of any underpayment amount.
2. No penalty applies if the return is filed and all tax is paid by April 30.
3. No penalty applies if the taxpayer had no tax liability for the prior taxable year and was a U.S. citizen or resident throughout that prior year. (correct answer)
4. No penalty applies if total income is below $50,000.

Explanation: Under Section 6654(e)(2), no estimated tax underpayment penalty applies if the taxpayer had no tax liability in the preceding taxable year and was a U.S. citizen or resident throughout that year. This is a distinct exception from the $1,000 de minimis rule stated in the stem. Answer C is correct. Answer A is incorrect; filing the return by April 15 satisfies the return filing requirement but does not independently eliminate the estimated tax underpayment penalty. Answer B is incorrect because there is no April 30 payment exception under Section 6654. Answer D is not a statutory exception to the estimated tax penalty.

Question 12

1. Section 6081 automatic extension authority.
2. Section 6654 estimated tax safe harbor.
3. Form 4868 extension request.
4. Treasury Regulation Section 1.6081-5, which permits the IRS to grant further extensions beyond the automatic period to U.S. citizens and resident aliens living and working outside the United States. (correct answer)

Explanation: Under Treasury Regulation Section 1.6081-5, U.S. citizens and resident aliens living and working outside the United States may qualify for extensions beyond the automatic October 15 period. These additional extensions are available to specific categories of taxpayers - primarily those living abroad - not as a general hardship exception available to any domestic taxpayer. Domestic taxpayers are generally limited to the October 15 automatic extension. Answer D is correct. Answer A (Section 6081 automatic extension) is the authority for the standard 6-month extension, not the further extension for taxpayers abroad. Answer B relates to estimated tax safe harbors, not filing extensions. Answer C (Form 4868) is the form used to request the initial 6-month extension, which this taxpayer has already used.

Question 13

1. A fixed rate of 5% per year.
2. A fixed rate of 8% per year.
3. The federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points, adjusted quarterly. (correct answer)
4. The prime rate plus 2 percentage points, adjusted annually.

Explanation: Under Section 6621, the interest rate on underpayments of federal tax is the federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points (for individual taxpayers), adjusted quarterly. For large corporate underpayments exceeding $100,000, the rate is the federal short-term rate plus 5 percentage points. Answer A (fixed 5%) is incorrect because the rate is variable and tied to the federal short-term rate. Answer B (fixed 8%) is also incorrect for the same reason. Answer D (prime rate plus 2%) is not the statutory formula under Section 6621.

Question 14

1. $1,350 (4.5$10,000, or effectively 5% - 0.5% = 4.5% x 3 months). (correct answer)
2. $1,500 (5$10,000).
3. $500 (0.5$10,000 x 10).
4. $150 (0.5$10,000).

Explanation: When both the failure-to-file (FTF) and failure-to-pay (FTP) penalties apply in the same month, the FTF rate is reduced from 5% to 4.5% per month. Over 3 months: FTF net rate = 4.5% x 3 = 13.5%; FTP rate = 0.5% x 3 = 1.5%. FTF penalty = 13.5% x $10,000 =$1,350. FTP penalty = 1.5% x $10,000 =$150. Total combined penalty = $1,500 (which equals 5$10,000). Answer B ($1,500) represents the total of both penalties combined. Answer C is an incorrect calculation. Answer D ($150) represents only the failure-to-pay penalty, not the failure-to-file penalty.

Question 15

1. March 15 (the 15th day of the 3rd month, which was the C corporation due date before the PATH Act change effective for tax years beginning after 2015).
2. April 15 for calendar-year corporations (the 15th day of the 4th month after the close of the tax year). (correct answer)
3. March 15
4. May 15

Explanation: Under Section 6072(b), a C corporation's income tax return (Form 1120) is due on the 15th day of the 4th month after the close of the corporation's tax year. For a calendar-year corporation, this is April 15. Answer B is correct. Answer A (March 15) was the old C corporation due date under the 3rd-month rule that applied before the PATH Act change; it no longer applies to C corporations. Answer C (March 15) is now the due date for S corporations (Form 1120-S) and partnerships (Form 1065). Answer D (May 15) is the due date for exempt organization information returns (Form 990).

Question 16

1. The child must file if unearned income exceeds $1,300 (the 2024 amount), at which point the kiddie tax applies to net unearned income above$2,600. (correct answer)
2. The child must file only if total income (earned plus unearned) exceeds $14,600.
3. The child is never required to file a return as long as they are claimed as a dependent.
4. The child must file if unearned income exceeds $5,000.

Explanation: Under Section 1(g) (the kiddie tax), a dependent child may be required to file a return if unearned income exceeds $1,300 (indexed for 2024). The first$1,300 of unearned income is covered by the child's standard deduction, the next $1,300 is taxed at the child's rate, and unearned income above$2,600 is taxed at the parent's marginal rate under the kiddie tax. Filing is required when gross income exceeds the standard deduction amount or when unearned income triggers the kiddie tax. Answer B (only if total income exceeds $14,600) is the threshold for an individual filer with only the standard deduction, but the kiddie tax creates an earlier filing obligation. Answer C is incorrect because dependents may still be required to file. Answer D ($5,000) is not the 2024 threshold.

Question 17

1. The taxpayer must file a return because gross income exceeds the filing threshold, and will receive a $3,000 refund. (correct answer)
2. The taxpayer is not required to file because they already paid more than their tax liability through withholding.
3. The taxpayer owes an additional $3,000 in taxes.
4. The taxpayer must file by March 15 to claim the refund.

Explanation: Gross income of $80,000 exceeds the single filer filing threshold of$14,600, so a return is required. Because $15,000 was withheld but only$12,000 is owed, the taxpayer has a $3,000 overpayment and is entitled to a refund. Filing is required to claim the refund. Answer B is incorrect because the requirement to file is based on gross income exceeding the threshold, not on whether taxes are owed. Answer C is incorrect because withholding of$15,000 exceeds the $12,000 liability, resulting in a refund. Answer D is incorrect because the individual return due date is April 15, not March 15.

Question 18

1. A college student who is claimed as a dependent.
2. A retiree receiving only Social Security benefits.
3. A married individual who earns less than the standard deduction for MFJ.
4. A self-employed individual with net self-employment income of $400 or more. (correct answer)

Explanation: Self-employed individuals must file a federal income tax return if their net self-employment income is $400 or more, regardless of whether their total gross income exceeds the standard deduction threshold. This is because they owe self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare) on that income. Answer A is incorrect because a dependent student may or may not need to file depending on income levels. Answer B is incorrect because Social Security recipients below the combined income threshold are not required to file. Answer C is incorrect because married individuals below the MFJ income threshold generally are not required to file.

Question 19

1. April 15
2. April 15 with an automatic 5-month extension available.
3. January 31
4. March 15 (the 15th day of the 3rd month after the close of the tax year). (correct answer)

Explanation: Both partnerships and S corporations must file their information/tax returns by the 15th day of the 3rd month after the close of the tax year, which is March 15 for calendar-year entities. An automatic 6-month extension is available (to September 15 for calendar-year entities). The earlier due date for pass-through entities allows partners and shareholders to receive their Schedule K-1 information in time to prepare their own returns before the April 15 individual deadline. Answer A (April 15) is the due date for C corporations and individuals. Answer B is incorrect on both the date and extension period. Answer C (January 31) applies to certain payroll and information reporting forms.

Question 20

1. September 15 (the 15th day of the 3rd month after June 30, applicable under the transition rule for tax years beginning before January 1, 2026).
2. August 15 (1.5 months after fiscal year end).
3. December 31 (6 months after fiscal year end).
4. October 15 (the 15th day of the 4th month after the close of the fiscal year, which is October 15 for a June 30 year-end). (correct answer)

Explanation: A C corporation's Form 1120 is due on the 15th day of the 4th month after the close of its tax year. For a fiscal year ending June 30, the 4th month after June 30 is October, making the due date October 15 for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025. Note: Under a statutory transition rule, June 30 fiscal year corporations continued to use the 15th day of the 3rd month (September 15) for tax years beginning before January 1, 2026; the October 15 due date applies only for tax years beginning after that date. Answer D is correct for the period described in the stem. Answer A (September 15) was the correct due date under the transition rule for tax years beginning before January 1, 2026. Answer B (August 15) is the 15th day of the 2nd month. Answer C (December 31) is not a standard filing due date formula.