Answer: See Explanation
Explanation:
A. Calculate Daniels AGI
To calculate Daniel's AGI, we have to get his gross income first which will be:
=
Salary income + Net rent + Dividend income
= $60,000 + $6000 + $3500
= $69500
His deductions FOR AGI will be calculated as:
Alimony paid = $12,000
Contribution to traditional IRA = $5,000
Loss on sale of real estate = $2,000 Deduction for AGI = ($19,000)
Adjusted gross income will now be:
= $69500 - $19000
= $50,500
b. Should Daniel itemize his deductions from AGI or take the standard deduction? Explain.
The itemized deductions include:
Mortgage interest on residence = $4,900
Add: Property tax on the residence = $1,200
Add: Contribution to United church = $2,100
Add: State income tax = $300
Total itemized deductions = $ 8,500
Since the total itemized deductions is $8,500 and the deduction for AGI is $19000, he should therefore itemize his deductions as it is cheaper.