C237 - Sec 01 - Federal Taxation Exam with verified ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
detailed answers ||//\\||
Why was pay-as-you-go withholding needed in 1943? - ✔✔The pay-as-you-go withholding
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
was needed in 1943 to avoid significant tax collection problems as the tax base broadened
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
from 6% of the population in 1939 to 74% in 1945. Pay-as-you-go permitted the federal
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
government to deduct taxes directly out of an employee's wages. ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Is it possible for the government to raise taxes without raising tax rates? - ✔✔Yes, it is
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
possible because there are two components in computing a taxpayer's tax, the tax base and||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
the tax rate. Taxes can be raised by increasing either component. Thus, even though the
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Governor proclaimed that tax rates have remained at the same level, adjustments to the tax ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
base, such as the elimination of deductions, result in tax increases which can be as much,
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
or more, as increases in tax rates.
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Property Taxes - ✔✔Are primarily used by local government(s) and include both real ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
property taxes and personal property taxes. ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Excise Taxes - ✔✔Are primarily used by the federalgovernment(s) and are imposed on
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
items such as alcohol, tobacco, telephone usage, and other goods.
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Sales Taxes - ✔✔Are primarily used by state and local government(s) and constitute a
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
major revenue source. ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Income Taxes - ✔✔Are the primary domain of the federal and state government(s) and ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
constitute a major revenue source. ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Employment Taxes - ✔✔Are primarily used by the federal and state ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
, government(s) and constitute a major revenue source. ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Importance of thorough knowledge of sources of tax law - ✔✔Due to the vast volume of tax ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
law sources, it is impossible for any person to have recall knowledge of the tax law. Thus,
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
the ability to understand what the relevant sources of tax law are, their relative importance,
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
and where to find the sources are vital to a person working in the tax area.
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Why is there a need for administrative rulings and court decisions? - ✔✔The Code contains
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
general language and does not address the many specific situations and transactions that
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
occur. To resolve tax questions concerning specific situations, administrative rulings and
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
court decisions are an integral part of the income tax law.
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Three Congressional Committees for New Tax Bill - ✔✔1. Ways and Means Committee
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
2. Senate Finance Committee
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
3. Joint Conference Committee
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Importance of Congressional committee reports to tax practitioners - ✔✔1. To explain the ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
intent of Congress for passing the new law. ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
2. To explain the new law before the Treasury Department drafts regulations on the tax law
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
changes.
The Principal Goal of Tax Planning - ✔✔To maximize a taxpayer's after-tax cash flow, not
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
just the minimization of taxes due.
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Progressive Tax Rate - ✔✔Under a progressive tax rate structure, the tax rate increases as ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
the taxpayer's income increases.
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Proportional Tax Rate - AKA - Flat Tax - ✔✔Under a proportional tax rate or flat tax ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
structure, the same tax rate applies to all taxpayers regardless of their income levels. ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
detailed answers ||//\\||
Why was pay-as-you-go withholding needed in 1943? - ✔✔The pay-as-you-go withholding
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
was needed in 1943 to avoid significant tax collection problems as the tax base broadened
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
from 6% of the population in 1939 to 74% in 1945. Pay-as-you-go permitted the federal
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
government to deduct taxes directly out of an employee's wages. ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Is it possible for the government to raise taxes without raising tax rates? - ✔✔Yes, it is
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
possible because there are two components in computing a taxpayer's tax, the tax base and||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
the tax rate. Taxes can be raised by increasing either component. Thus, even though the
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Governor proclaimed that tax rates have remained at the same level, adjustments to the tax ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
base, such as the elimination of deductions, result in tax increases which can be as much,
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
or more, as increases in tax rates.
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Property Taxes - ✔✔Are primarily used by local government(s) and include both real ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
property taxes and personal property taxes. ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Excise Taxes - ✔✔Are primarily used by the federalgovernment(s) and are imposed on
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
items such as alcohol, tobacco, telephone usage, and other goods.
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Sales Taxes - ✔✔Are primarily used by state and local government(s) and constitute a
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
major revenue source. ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Income Taxes - ✔✔Are the primary domain of the federal and state government(s) and ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
constitute a major revenue source. ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Employment Taxes - ✔✔Are primarily used by the federal and state ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
, government(s) and constitute a major revenue source. ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Importance of thorough knowledge of sources of tax law - ✔✔Due to the vast volume of tax ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
law sources, it is impossible for any person to have recall knowledge of the tax law. Thus,
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
the ability to understand what the relevant sources of tax law are, their relative importance,
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
and where to find the sources are vital to a person working in the tax area.
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Why is there a need for administrative rulings and court decisions? - ✔✔The Code contains
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
general language and does not address the many specific situations and transactions that
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
occur. To resolve tax questions concerning specific situations, administrative rulings and
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
court decisions are an integral part of the income tax law.
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Three Congressional Committees for New Tax Bill - ✔✔1. Ways and Means Committee
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
2. Senate Finance Committee
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
3. Joint Conference Committee
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Importance of Congressional committee reports to tax practitioners - ✔✔1. To explain the ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
intent of Congress for passing the new law. ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
2. To explain the new law before the Treasury Department drafts regulations on the tax law
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
changes.
The Principal Goal of Tax Planning - ✔✔To maximize a taxpayer's after-tax cash flow, not
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
just the minimization of taxes due.
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Progressive Tax Rate - ✔✔Under a progressive tax rate structure, the tax rate increases as ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
the taxpayer's income increases.
||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
Proportional Tax Rate - AKA - Flat Tax - ✔✔Under a proportional tax rate or flat tax ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||
structure, the same tax rate applies to all taxpayers regardless of their income levels. ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\|| ||//\\||