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Federal Tax Law Course

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In this tax subject, we will review some tax rules that affect every person who may have to file a federal income tax return. We will cover topics such as who must file, what filing status and how many exemptions to use. In addition, this subject is about the standard deduction and about taxpayers who do not itemize their deductions.

Tax School Home Page

Student Instructions: Follow the following 5 steps:

Step

Instructions -

You must do all of the following (steps 1 - 4)

Links:
     
1

Print the checklist:

checklist link
2

Read the reading material and answer the questions on this page.

Reading Material
3 Submit the answers to the Review Questions online (the questions on this page). Scroll down for all questions on this page. When you are ready to submit click on the Review Questions link. Make sure you either write your answers or print the page before you click on the Review Questions link. Review-Questions
4 Complete a category final on the reading material: Category Final. You have 90 minutes to complete 60 questions for this exam. You must study the reading material. You won't have time to look up questions in the reading material. Category Final
     

Important: If you fail a topic you can keep trying until you pass. Every time you try the questions will be different.

Most forms are in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. Get Adobe ReaderYou will need Adobe Reader to view and print these forms. If you do not already have Adobe Reader installed on your computer, you may download the software for free.

 

   
 

Review Questions

Question  
1 of 50
A shareholder that provides services to a corporation may be deemed to receive a dividend if the corporation pays the shareholder service-provider

A. In excess of what it would pay a third party for the same services. 

B. What it would pay a third party for the same services. 

C. An amount that is less than what is would pay a third party for the same services. 

D. None of the above.

    ___
2 of 50 You must use Form 1040A or 1040 if,

·         A. You receive interest as a nominee.

·         B. You receive a 2015 Form 1099-INT for U.S. savings bond interest that includes amounts you reported before 2015.

·         C. You owned or had authority over one or more foreign financial accounts with a combined value over $10,000 at any time during 2015.

·         D. Any of the above.

 

3 of 50
To file your tax return electronically, you must sign the tax return electronically

A. By scanning your signature and pasting it your tax return. 

B. Using a personal identification number (PIN) 

C. By sending the signature form in advance. 

D. By calling the IRS information center and let them know that you will be sending your tax return electronically. 

 

4 of 50 On October 22, 1986, President Reagan signed into law the Tax Reform Act of 1986. The act called for

A. A decrease is tax credits and deductions. 

B. An increase in individual taxation over a five-year period.  

C. A decrease in individual taxation over a five-year period.

D. More taxes and less deductions for the coming tax season. 

 

5 of 50 Two tax bills signed in 2005 and 2006 extended through 2010 the favorable rates on capital gains and dividends that had been enacted in 2003, raised the exemption levels for the Alternative Minimum Tax, and enacted new tax incentives designed to

·         A. Persuade individuals to save more for retirement.

·         B. Pursue their college education.

·         C. Invest in stocks and bonds.

·         D. Extend to individuals a cornucopia of tax breaks.

 

6 of 50 When you receive interest income as a nominee, it means that

·         A. You are responsible to report this income in your tax return.

·         B. The IRS has name you the owner of such income.

·         C. The income is in your name, but it actually belongs to someone else.

·         D. You can choose whomever you want as the owner of this income.

 

7 of 50 On or before the ___________ of each year the President is required by law to submit to the Congress a budget proposal for the fiscal year that begins the following October.

·         A. First Monday in January.

·         B. First Monday in February.

·         C. First Monday in March.

·         D. First Monday in April.

 

8 of 50

In 1997, President Clinton signed a tax revenue act which

·         A. Cut taxes by $152 billion.

·         B. Included a cut in capital-gains tax for individuals.

·         C. Included a $500 per child tax credit and tax incentives for education.

·         D. All of the above.

 

9 of 50
If you changed your name because of marriage, divorce, etc., be sure to report the change to the Social Security Administration (SSA) before you file your return. This

·         A. Prevents delays in processing your tax return.

·         B. Prevents delays in issuing tax refunds.

·         C. Safeguards your social security benefits.

·         D. All of the above.

 

10 of 50 You direct deposit request will be rejected and a check will be sent instead if

·         A. Any numbers or letters on lines 11b through 11d are crossed out or whited out.

·         B. Your financial institution will not allow a joint refund to be deposited to an individual account.

·         C. You request a deposit of your refund to an account that is not in your name.

·         D. Any of the above.

 

11 of 50 The original hard copy books and records may be destroyed provided

A. That an electronic storage system has been tested to establish that the hard copy books and records are being reproduced in compliance with IRS requirements.  

B. You also keep the original records stored away in a safe place.

C. That you digitize the books and records after the required period of keeping records. 

D. That you use "Neat" to digitize your books and records. 

 

12 of 50
The Act of 1862 established the office of Commissioner of Internal Revenue. The Commissioner was given the power to

·         A. Assess taxes.

·         B. To enforce the tax laws through seizure of property and income and through prosecution.

·         C. Levy and collect taxes.

·         D. All of the above.

 

13 of 50 Your employer must provide or send Form W-2 to you no later than January 31, 2012. If you do not get a Form W-2, you

·         A. File your tax return without it.

·         B. Call the IRS and ask them for a copy for a $57 fee.

·         C. Still have to report your earnings of your tax return.

·         D. Ask your employer for one and if he refuses, file a complaint with the IRS.

 

14 of 50 The presidential election campaign Fund reduces candidate's dependence on large contributions from individuals and group and places candidates on an equal financial footing in the general election. If you check a box for $3 to go to this fund,

A. Your tax refund will be lowered by $3.  

B. You will received an additional amount as a refund that is equal to $3.

C. Your tax refund will not be lowed by the $3. 

D. None of the above. 

 

15 of 50

On August 10, 1993, President Clinton signed the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993 into law. The act's main purpose was to

·         A. Decrease taxation on corporations.

·         B. Increase taxation of small business.

·         C. Reduce taxes of individuals.

·         D. Reduce the federal deficit.

 

16 of 50

If your spouse is a nonresident alien, he or she

·         A. Cannot file a U.S. tax return.

·         B. Must have either a SSN or an ITIN.

·         C. Must become a resident alien before she or he can file a return.

·         D. Be living with you in the United States and file with you jointly.

 

17 of 50 Use this filing status if your spouse died in 2015 and you did not remarry in 2014 or you were married at end of 2015 to another spouse.

·         A. Single.

·         B. Qualifying Widow(er).

·         C. Married Filing Jointly.

·         D. Head of Household.

 

18 of 50
The nation's first sales taxes were on gold, silverware, jewelry and watches due to

·         A. The War of 1817.

·         B. The high cost of the War of 1812.

·         C. Tariffs on imported goods.

·         D. Sufficient funds to run the government.

 

19 of 50 The tax return information is needed to carry out the tax laws of the United States and

·         A. Formulate the correct tax forms.

·         B. To figure and collect the right amount of tax.

·         C. Impose the correct tax rate to charge taxpayers.

·         D. Know where to find you in case you owe tax.

 

20 of 50
In 2015, you were age 24, single, and living at home with your parents. You worked and were not a student. You earned $7,500. Your parents cannot claim you as a dependent. When you file your tax return, you

A. Can claim the Earned Income Credit because although you are not 25 yet, not one can claim you as a dependent. 

B. Can claim the Earned Income Credit because you earned less than $19,100 and it does not matter that you are not at least age 25. 

C. Live with your parents so you don't qualify for the Earned income Credit because your parents will already have claimed a credit. 

D. Cannot claim the Earned Income Credit because you are not at least age 25. 

  | ___
20 of 50
In 2014, you were age 24, single, and living at home with your parents. You worked and were not a student. You earned $7,500. Your parents cannot claim you as a dependent. When you file your tax return, you

A. Can claim the Earned Income Credit because although you are not 25 yet, not one can claim you as a dependent. 

B. Can claim the Earned Income Credit because you earned less than $19,100 and it does not matter that you are not at least age 25. 

C. Live with your parents so you don't qualify for the Earned income Credit because your parents will already have claimed a credit. 

D. Cannot claim the Earned Income Credit because you are not at least age 25.

 

21 of 50

You cannot use Form 1040EZ if

A. Your filing status is single or married filing jointly. 

B. Your taxable income is less than $100,000. 

C. You are not a debtor in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case filed after October 16, 2005. 

D. None of the above. 

 
22 of 50
If your spouse is a nonresident alien, you cannot use Form 1040EZ if he or she

A. Cannot file a U.S. tax return. 

B. Has either an SSN or an ITIN. 

C. Becomes a resident alien before he or she can file a tax return. 

D. Is living with you in the United States and files with you jointly.

 
23 of 50
You can file a tax return using Form 1040EZ if

A. You owe tax from the recapture of an education credit. 

B. You claim a credit for excess social security and tier 1 RRTA tax withheld. 

C. You claim a credit for the retirement Savings Contributions Credit (Saver's Credit). 

D. None of the above. 

 
24 of 50
You can apply for an ITIN though the Internal Revenue Service if you meet certain requirements. An ITIN

A. Entitles you to social security benefits. 

B. Allows you to work legally under U.S. law. 

C. Allows you to qualify for the Earned Income Tax credit. 

D. None of the above 

  | ___
25 of 50
Your filing status is single if on December 31, 2015

A. You never were married. 

B. You were legally separated, according to your state law, under a decree of divorce or separate maintenance. 

C. You were widowed before January 1, 2016, and did not remarry in 2015. 

D. Any of the above 

  | ___
26 of 50
Even if you do not have to file a tax return, you should file one

A. To get a refund of any federal income tax withheld or you are eligible for the EIC. 

B. If you are eligible for the Earned Income Credit.

C. Both A and B above. 

D. To keep the IRS informed of your tax status. 

27 of 50
If you take the EIC even though you are not eligible and it is determined that your error is due to reckless or intentional disregard of the EIC rules, you will

A. Be allowed to claim the credit as long as you are eligible this year. 

B. Not be allowed to take the credit for 10 years even if you are otherwise eligible this year. 

C. Not be allowed to take the credit for 2 years even if you are otherwise eligible to do so. 

D. Be eligible to claim the credit as long as you file Form 8862. 

 

28 of 50
You must file Form 8862 if your EIC for a year after 1996 was reduced or disallowed for any reason other than a math or clerical error. Do not file Form 8862

A. For 2 years after the most recent tax year for which there was a final determination that your EIC claim was due to reckless or intentional disregard of the EIC rules. 

B. If the only reason your EIC was reduced or disallowed in the earlier year was because it was determined that a child listed on your Schedule EIC was not your qualifying child. 

C. For 10 years after the most recent tax year for which there was a final determination that your EIC claim was due to fraud. 

D. None of the above. 

 
29 of 50
In 2015, you were age 24, single, and living at home with your parents. You worked and were not a student. You earned $7,500. Your parents cannot claim you as a dependent. When you file your tax return, you

A. Can claim the Earned Income Credit because although you are not 25 yet, not one can claim you as a dependent. 

B. Can claim the Earned Income Credit because you earned less than $19,100 and it does not matter that you are not at least age 25. 

C. Live with your parents so you don't qualify for the Earned income Credit because your parents will already have claimed a credit. 

D. Cannot claim the Earned Income Credit because you are not at least age 25. 

  | ___
30 of 50
Any refund you receive as a result of taking the EIC will not be used to determine if you are eligible for temporary assistance for needy families, Medicaid and SSI, or supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and low income housing. The refund you receive because of EIC can count as an asset if

A. You receive more than the limits set by the organization.

B. Payments from a welfare state fund are permanent. 

C. You spend on items that are not for your family such as going to bars. 

D. None of the above. 

 
31 of 50
Your employer must provide or send Form W-2 to you no later than January 31, 2016. If you do not get a Form W-2, you

A. Can file your tax return without it. 

B. Can call the IRS and ask them for a copy for a $57 fee. 

C. Still have to report your earnings on your tax return. 

D. Can ask your employer for one and if he refuses, file a complaint with the IRS. 

  | ___
32 of 50
When you receive interest income as a nominee, it means that

A. You are responsible to report this income in your tax return. 

B. The IRS has named you the owner of such income. 

C. The income is in your name, but it actually belongs to someone else. 

D. You can choose whomever you want as the owner of this income. 

 
33 of 50
For 2015, report on your tax return unemployment compensation that you receive that is

A. The total unemployment compensation paid to you in 2015. 

B. More than $2,400. 

C. Up to $2,400. 

D. Due to contributions to a government unemployment compensation program. 

  | ___
34 of 50
In 1862, Congress enacted the nation's first income tax law

A. In order for the government to give bonuses to its employees. 

B. In order for the government to have more spending money for leisure activities. 

C. In order to support the campaigns of political parties. 

D. In order to support the Civil War effort. 

 
35 of 50
The Act of 1862 established the office of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue. The Commissioner was given the power to

A. Assess taxes. 

B. To enforce the tax laws through seizure of property and income and through prosecution.

C. Levy and collect taxes. 

D. All of the above. 

 
36 of 50
The powers and authority of the office of Commissioner of Internal Revenue

A. Remain very much the same today. 

B. Have changed to reflect the changes with the times. 

C. Changed after its first inception in 1862. 

D. Changed completely in 1913. 

37 of 50
In 1913, the 16th Amendment to the Constitution made the income tax a permanent fixture in the U.S. tax system. The amendment gave Congress legal authority to tax income and resulted in a revenue law that

A. Taxed income of individuals. 

B. Taxed income of corporations. 

C. Both A and B above. 

D. Lowered the taxes of both individuals and corporations. 

  | ___
38 of 50
On October 22, 1986, President Reagan signed into law the Tax Reform Act of 1986. The act called for an

A. Decrease in individual taxation over a five-year period.

B. Increase in individual taxation over a five-year period. 

C. Decrease in individual taxation over a ten-year period. 

D. Increase in individual taxation over a ten-year period.. 

  | ___
39 of 50
On October 22, 1986, President Reagan signed into law the Tax Reform Act of 1986. The top rate on individual income was

A. Increased from 28% to 50%. 

B. Increased from 3% to 15%. 

C. Lowered from 50% to 28%. 

D. To reduce the federal deficit. 

 
40 of 50
The Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990 was signed into law on November 5, 1990. The emphasis of the 1990 act was

A. To decrease taxes on the wealthy. 

B. Increased taxes on the wealthy. 

C. Increase the federal deficit. 

D. None of the above. 

  | ___
41 of 50
On August 10, 1993, President Clinton signed the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993 into law. The act's main purpose was to

A. Decrease taxation on corporations. 

B. Increase taxation of small business. 

C. Reduce taxes of individuals. 

D. Reduce the federal deficit.

 
42 of 50
In 1997, President Clinton signed a tax revenue act which

A. Cut taxes by $152 billion. 

B. Included a cut in capital-gains tax for individuals. 

C. Included a $500 per child tax credit and tax incentives for education. 

D. All of the above. 

 
43 of 50
From 1791 to 1802, the United States government was supported by internal taxes on

A. Distilled spirits, carriages and refined sugar. 

B. Tobacco and snuff and property sold at auctions. 

C. Corporate bonds, and slaves. 

D. All of the above. 

  | ___
44 of 50 
In 1862, in order to support the Civil War effort, Congress enacted the nation's first income tax law and

A. It proved to be unsuccessful. 

B. It was a forerunner of our modern income tax. 

C. The tax money started pouring in. 

D. There were sufficient funds to run the government. 

  | ___
45 of 50
The nation's first sales taxes were on gold, silverware, jewelry and watches due to

A. The War of 1817.

B. The high cost of the War of 1812.

C. Tariffs on imported goods. 

D. Sufficient funds to run the government.

 
46 of 50
During the Civil War, a person earning from $600 to $10,000 per year paid tax at the rate of

A. 50% 

B. 15% 

C. 3% 

D. 28% 

 
47 of 50 
In 1868, Congress focused its taxation efforts on tobacco and distilled spirits and

A. Eliminated the income tax in 1872. 

B. Increased taxation on small business. 

C. Increased the tax rate to 3%. 

D. Property sold at auction, corporate bonds, and slaves. 

 
48 of 50 
In 1895, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that the income tax was unconstitutional because

A. It was not apportioned among the states in conformity with the Constitution. 

B. Not everyone was paying taxes equally. 

C. The Rich were paying more taxes than the poor. 

D. All of the above. 

 
49 of 50 
In 2004, the U.S. was forced to eliminate a corporate tax provision that had been ruled illegal by

A. The Internal Revenue Service. 

B. The World Trade Organization. 

C. The Constitution. 

D. The Supreme Court. 

 
50 of 50
Two tax bills signed in 2005 and 2006 extended through 2010 the favorable rates on capital gains and dividends that had been enacted in 2003, raised the exemption levels for the Alternative Minimum Tax, and enacted new tax incentives designed to

A. Persuade individuals to save more for retirement.

B. Pursue their college education. 

C. Invest in stocks and bonds. 

D. Extend to individuals a cornucopia of tax breaks. 

 
   
  Please Note:  If you filled out the answers directly on this page, please print this page or write down the answers before you proceed to submit them by clicking on "Review Questions" link in step 3 above.
   
 

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  Copyright © 2015 [Hera's Income Tax School]. All rights reserved.
  Revised: 08/05/16
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