Identify Tax Issues

Learning Goal: I’m working on a accounting question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.

Identify at least the two main tax issues suggested for each of the scenarios described below:

Victoria’s son needs $5,000 for tuition at the Motown School of Dance. Victoria, who is in the 32 percent marginal tax rate bracket, intends to pay the tuition by selling stock worth $5,000 that she paid $2,000 for several years ago.

The Lester Partnership wants to develop a shopping mall on a former farm. The farmer wanted $260,000 for the land, $80,000 for the farm buildings, and $130,000 for the farmhouse. Although it wanted only the land, Lester agreed to the farmer’s terms. It then paid Ace Wrecking Company $20,000 to tear down the buildings. Lester was able to sell the scrap lumber from the buildings for $12,000.

Instructions:

Your answers should be phrased in the form of questions. Do not answer the questions. A complete submission should include at least four questions in total.

Note that the questions you pose should be question that can only be answered by conducting tax research such as reviewing the tax code or case law. It should not be a question of fact that can be answered by asking the client or reviewing the transaction documents.