Certified Public Accountant CPA Questions + Answers Part 1

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Regulation QUESTION 1
Capital assets include:
A. Acorporation'saccountsreceivablefromthesaleofitsinventory.
B. Seven-yearMACRSpropertyusedinacorporation'stradeorbusiness.
C. A manufacturing company's investment in U.S. Treasury bonds.
D. A corporate real estate developer's unimproved land that is to be subdivided to build homes, which will be sold to customers.
Correct Answer: C Section: (none) Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Explanation
Choice "c" is correct. Investment assets of a taxpayer that are not inventory are capital assets. The manufacturing company would have capital assets including an investment in U.S. Treasury bonds. Choice "a" is incorrect. Accounts receivable generated from the sale of inventory are excluded from the statutory definition of capital assets.
Choice "b" is incorrect. Depreciable property used in a trade or business is excluded from the statutory definition of capital assets.
Choice "d" is incorrect. Land is usually a capital asset, but when it is effectively inventory, as when it is used by a developer to be subdivided, it is excluded from the statutory definition of capital assets.
QUESTION 2
Conner purchased 300 shares of Zinco stock for $30,000 in 1980. On May 23, 1994, Conner sold all the stock to his daughter Alice for $20,000, its then fair market value. Conner realized no other gain or loss during 1994. On July 26, 1994, Alice sold the 300 shares of Zinco for $25,000.
What was Alice's recognized gain or loss on her sale?
A. $0
B. $5,000long-termgain. C. $5,000 short-term loss. D. $5,000 long-term loss.
Correct Answer: A Section: (none) Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:

Explanation
Choice "a" is correct. Alice has a realized gain of $5,000 on the transaction: $25,000 sales price less $20,000 purchase price. However, she can reduce the gain, but not below zero, by the amount of loss her father could not deduct on the sale to her. Thus, Alice can reduce her gain by up to $10,000, but not below zero. Here, the gain is $5,000, so it is reduced to zero. Conner should have sold the stock in the open market so that he could deduct the entire loss. Alice could then have purchased the stock in the open market.
Choice "b" is incorrect. $5,000 is Alice's realized long-term gain on the sale. However, she can reduce the gain, but not below zero, by the amount of loss her father could not deduct on the sale to her. Choice "c" is incorrect. Alice has a realized gain of $5,000 on the sale. However, since she is related to Conner, her holding period includes his holding period. Therefore, her realized gain is long-term. In addition, she can reduce the gain, but not below zero, by the amount of loss her father could not deduct on the sale to her.
Choice "d" is incorrect. Alice can reduce the gain by the amount of loss her father could not deduct on the sale to her. However, she cannot reduce the gain below zero.
QUESTION 3
Smith, an individual calendar-year taxpayer, purchased 100 shares of Core Co. common stock for $15,000 on December 15, 1992, and an additional 100 shares for $13,000 on December 30, 1992. On January 3, 1993, Smith sold the shares purchased on December 15, 1992, for $13,000. What amount of loss from the sale of Core's stock is deductible on Smith's 1992 and 1993 income tax returns?
A. Option A B. OptionB C. Option C D. Option D
Correct Answer: A Section: (none) Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Explanation
Choice "a" is correct. In 1992, no sale of stock occurred so there would be no loss. In 1993, there is a $2,000 loss realized ($15,000 basis less $13,000 received), but it is not deductible because it is a wash sale. A wash sale occurs when a taxpayer sells stock at a loss and invests in substantially identical stock within 30 days before or after the sale. In this case, Smith reinvested in an additional 100 shares four days prior to selling 100 shares of the same stock at a loss. The $2,000 disallowed loss would, however, increase the basis of the new shares by $2,000.

Choice "b" is incorrect. The $2,000 loss realized in 1993 is disallowed under the wash sale rules. Choice "c" is incorrect. In 1992, there is no loss since no shares were sold. In 1993, the $2,000 loss is disallowed under the wash sale rules.
Choice "d" is incorrect. In 1992, there is no possible loss since no shares were sold.
QUESTION 4
Greller owns 100 shares of Arden Corp., a publicly-traded company, which Greller purchased on January 1, 2001, for $10,000. On January 1, 2003, Arden declared a 2-for-1 stock split when the fair market value (FMV) of the stock was $120 per share. Immediately following the split, the FMV of Arden stock was $62 per share. On February 1, 2003, Greller had his broker specifically sell the 100 shares of Arden stock received in the split when the FMV of the stock was $65 per share. What is the basis of the 100 shares of Arden sold?
A. $5,000 B. $6,000 C. $6,200 D. $6,500

Correct Answer: A Section: (none) Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Explanation
Choice "a" is correct. The receipt of a nontaxable stock dividend will require the shareholder to spread the basis of his original share over both the original shares and the new shares received resulting in the same total basis, but a lower basis per share of stock held. Therefore, Greller total basis remains the same, $10,000, but is now split between 200 shares (a 2-for-1 split and he originally owned 100 shares).
Therefore, his basis per share goes from $100/share ($10,000/100) to $50/share ($10,000/200). Consequently, his basis in 100 share is 100 x $50 = $5,000. Choices "b", "c", and "d" are incorrect per the above explanation.
QUESTION 5
Farr made a gift of stock to her child, Pat. At the date of gift, Farr's stock basis was $10,000 and the stock's fair market value was $15,000. No gift taxes were paid. What is Pat's basis in the stock for computing gain?

A. $0
B. $5,000 C. $10,000 D. $15,000
Correct Answer: C Section: (none) Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Explanation
Choice "c" is correct. Property acquired as a gift generally retains the rollover cost basis as it had in the hands of the donor at the time of the gift. Basis is increased by any gift tax paid that is attributable to the net appreciation in the value of the gift. Since there were no gift taxes paid, Pat's basis for computing a gain is the rollover cost (basis), $10,000. Choices "a", "b", and "d" are incorrect, per the explanation above.
QUESTION 6
Allen owns 100 shares of Prime Corp., a publicly-traded company, which Allen purchased on January 1, 2001, for $10,000. On January 1, 2003, Prime declared a 2-for-1 stock split when the fair market value (FMV) of the stock was $120 per share. Immediately following the split, the FMV of Prime stock was $62 per share. On February 1, 2003, Allen had his broker specifically sell the 100 shares of Prime stock received in the split when the FMV of the stock was $65 per share. What amount should Allen recognize as long-term capital gain income on his Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, for 2003?
A. $300 B. $750 C. $1,500 D. $2,000
Correct Answer: C Section: (none) Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Explanation
Choice "c" is correct. The receipt of a nontaxable stock dividend will require the shareholder to spread the basis of his original shares over both the original shares and the new shares received, resulting in the same total basis but a lower basis per share of stock helD. Therefore, Allen's total basis remains the same, $10,000, but is now split between 200 shares (a 2-for-1 split and he originally owned 100 shares).
Therefore, his basis per share goes from $100/share ($10,000/100) to $50/share ($10,000/200). Consequently, his basis in the 100 shares sold is 100 x $50 = $5,000. Calculate his gain as follows:

Choices "a", "b", and "d" are incorrect.
QUESTION 7
Which of the following sales should be reported as a capital gain?
A. Saleofequipment.
B. Realpropertysubdividedandsoldbyadealer. C. Sale of inventory.
D. Government bonds sold by an individual investor.
Correct Answer: D Section: (none) Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Explanation
Choice "d" is correct. Government bonds held by an individual investor are considered capital assets in the hands of the investor. When these types of security investments are sold, the resulting gain or loss is reported as capital.
Choice "a" is incorrect. In this case, we must assume that the BEST answer is option "d" (as that option would ALWAYS result in capital gain or loss treatment) and that the examiners are assuming that the equipment is depreciable equipment that has been used in a business for over one year. [If the equipment had been considered a personal asset by the examiners and had sold for a gain, it would also be a capital asset that sold for a capital gain, and there would be two correct answers. Remember that the correct answer is the option that best answers the question.] Depreciable equipment used in a business and held for over one year falls under the category of Section 1245 property. When Section 1245 assets are sold at a gain, all the accumulated depreciation on the asset is recaptured as ordinary income (the same category as the depreciation expense was deducted against), and any remaining gain (typically, in practice, this is not the case, though, as the asset would have had to sell for an amount greater than its purchase price) is capital gain under Code Section 1231. [Note that Section 1245 applies only to gains. If the asset had sold for a loss, the loss would have been ordinary under Section 1231.]
Choice "b" is incorrect. Real property sold by a dealer is considered inventory and results in ordinary income or ordinary losses upon sale. Inventory is not a capital asset and is not afforded the capital gain benefits.
Choice "c" is incorrect. Inventory is not a capital asset and is not afforded the capital gain benefits. The sale of inventory results in ordinary income or loss (e.g., gross profit on sales) being reported on the tax return, as inventory is an asset held for sale in the ordinary course of business.
QUESTION 8
Starr, a self-employed individual, purchased a piece of equipment for use in Starr's business. The costs associated with the acquisition of the equipment were:

What is the depreciable basis of the equipment?
A. $55,000 B. $58,400 C. $59,125 D. $59,425
Correct Answer: D Section: (none) Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Explanation
Choice "d" is correct. The rules for depreciable basis in tax are generally the same as the GAAP rules for capitalizing an asset. The depreciable basis is the cost associated with the purchase of the asset and with getting the asset ready for its intended use. Further improvements are also capitalized, and the basis is reduced for any accumulated depreciation. In this case, the cost of obtaining the equipment and getting the equipment ready for its intended use includes all the items shown above, as follows:
Choice "a" is incorrect. The costs of delivery charges, installation, and sales tax are all part of the cost of obtaining the asset and getting the asset ready for its intended use. All of these charges are included in the depreciable basis of the equipment.
Choice "b" is incorrect. The costs of delivery charges and installation are both part of the cost of obtaining the asset and getting the asset ready for its intended use. These charges are included in the depreciable basis of the equipment.
Choice "c" is incorrect. The cost of installation is part of the cost getting the asset ready for its intended use. This charge is included in the depreciable basis of the

equipment.
QUESTION 9
Gibson purchased stock with a fair market value of $14,000 from Gibson's adult child for $12,000. The child's cost basis in the stock at the date of sale was $16,000. Gibson sold the same stock to an unrelated party for $18,000. What is Gibson's recognized gain from the sale?
A. $0
B. $2,000 C. $4,000 D. $6,000
Correct Answer: B Section: (none) Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Explanation
Choice "b" is correct. Losses are disallowed on most related party sales transactions even if they were made at an arm's length (FMV) price. The basis (and related gain or loss) of the (second) buying relative depends on whether the second relative's resale price is higher, lower, or between the first relative's basis and the lower selling price to the second relative. In this case, the $4,000 capital loss on the sale by Gibson's adult child to Gibson [$12,000 SP - $16,000 Basis] is disallowed. Gibson's basis is determined by his selling price to a third party. In this case, the selling price is $18,000, which is HIGHER than the original basis of Gibson's adult child. Gibson's basis in the stock is, therefore, his adult child's basis of $16,000. Gibson's recognized basis is calculated as follows:
Choice "a" is incorrect. There would be a zero gain or loss if the selling price were between the adult child's basis and Gibson's purchase price, but this is not the case in the facts. Choice "c" is incorrect. This answer option uses the fair market value of the stock at the date of purchase as the basis. As is discussed above, the rules do not provide for this treatment. [$18,000 SP - $14,000 FMV = $4,000]
Choice "d" is incorrect. This would be the answer if the basis were Gibson's purchase price of $12,000; however, because the stock sold for more than Gibson's child's basis and the child had a disallowed loss on the sale to Gibson, Gibson is allowed to use his child's original basis of $16,000 as his basis for the stock on the date of the second sale. [$18,000 SP - $12,000 PP = $6,000]
QUESTION 10
Under a $150,000 insurance policy on her deceased father's life, May Green is to receive $12,000 per year for 15 years. Of the $12,000 received in 1987, the amount subject to income tax is:

A. $0
B. $1,000 C. $2,000 D. $12,000
Correct Answer: C Section: (none) Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Explanation
Choice "c" is correct. $2,000.
QUESTION 11
Which one of the following statements is correct with regard to an individual taxpayer who has elected to amortize the premium on a bond that yields taxable interest?
A. Theamortizationistreatedasanitemizeddeduction.
B. Theamortizationisnottreatedasareductionoftaxableincome. C. The bond's basis is reduced by the amortization.
D. The bond's basis is increased by the amortization.
Correct Answer: C Section: (none) Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Explanation
Choice "c" is correct. The bond's basis is reduced by the amortization of the premium. Choice "a" is incorrect. For bonds acquired after 12/31/87, the amortization of the premium is an offset to interest income on the bond rather than a separate interest deduction. Choice "b" is incorrect. The amortization of the premium will reduce taxable income. Choice "d" is incorrect. The bond's basis will be decreased by the amortization.

QUESTION 12
Cobb, an unmarried individual, had an adjusted gross income of $200,000 in 1990 before any IRA deduction, taxable social security benefits, or passive activity losses. Cobb incurred a loss of $30,000 in 1990 from rental real estate in which he actively participated. What amount of loss attributable to this rental real estate can be used in 1990 as an offset against income from nonpassive sources?
A. $0
B. $12,500 C. $25,000 D. $30,000
Correct Answer: A Section: (none) Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Explanation
Choice "a" is correct. Cobb may not use any of the loss attributable to his rental real estate as an offset against income from nonpassive sources in 1990 because he does not qualify for the "Mom and Pop" exception. Under this exception, up to $25,000 of passive losses and the deduction equivalent of tax credits that are attributable to rental real estate may be used as an offset against income from nonpassive sources. This $25,000 allowance is reduced, but not below zero, by 50% of the amount by which the individual's modified AGI exceeds $100,000. The $25,000 is therefore completely phased out when modified AGI reaches $150,000. Because Cobb's AGI was $200,000, he did not qualify for the exception.
Choices "b", "c", and "d" are incorrect. Rental activities are passive activities and generally are not allowed to use any of the loss attributable to the rental activity to offset any income produced from nonpassive sources. There is a limited exception in the case of losses from rental real estate in which the taxpayer actively participates, but Cobb did not qualify for it.
QUESTION 13
Dale received $1,000 in 1990 for jury duty. In exchange for regular compensation from her employer during the period of jury service, Dale was required to remit the entire $1,000 to her employer in 1990. In Dale's 1990 income tax return, the $1,000 jury duty fee should be:
A. Claimedinfullasanitemizeddeduction.
B. Claimedasanitemizeddeductiontotheextentexceeding2%ofadjustedgrossincome. C. Deducted from gross income in arriving at adjusted gross income.
D. Included in taxable income without a corresponding offset against other income.
Correct Answer: C Section: (none) Explanation

Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Explanation
Choice "c" is correct. The $1,000 jury duty fee that was required to be remitted to the employer may be deducted from gross income in arriving at adjusted gross income. This, in effect, washes out the $1,000 income she will have to report as part of gross income for the jury duty fees paid to her. Choices "a" and "b" are incorrect. The amount remitted is allowed as an adjustment in arriving at AGI, not as an itemized deduction.
Choice "d" is incorrect. A corresponding offset is allowed against other income as an adjustment in arriving at AGI.
QUESTION 14
Clark bought Series EE U.S. Savings Bonds after 1989. Redemption proceeds will be used for payment of college tuition for Clark's dependent child. One of the conditions that must be met for tax exemption of accumulated interest on these bonds is that the:
A. Purchaserofthebondsmustbethesoleownerofthebonds(orjointownerwithhisorherspouse).
B. Bondsmustbeboughtbyaparent(orbothparents)andputinthenameofthedependentchild.
C. Bonds must be bought by the owner of the bonds before the owner reaches the age of 24.
D. Bonds must be transferred to the college for redemption by the college rather than by the owner of the bonds.
Correct Answer: A Section: (none) Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Explanation
Choice "a" is correct. One of the conditions that must be met for tax exemption of accumulated interest on the bonds is that the purchaser of the bonds must be the sole owner of the bonds (or joint owner with his or her spouse).
Choice "b" is incorrect. The bonds must be bought and put in the name of the owner or co-owner, not in the name of the dependent child.
Choice "c" is incorrect. The owner must be at least 24 years old before the bonds issue date. Choice "d" is incorrect. There is no requirement that the bonds must be transferred to the college for redemption by the college rather than by the owner of the bonds.
QUESTION 15
On December 31, 1989, a building owned by Pine Corp. was totally destroyed by fire. The building had fire insurance coverage up to $500,000. Other pertinent information as of December 31, 1989 follows:
During January 1990, before the 1989 financial statements were issued, Pine received insurance proceeds of $500,000. On what amount should Pine base the determination of its loss on involuntary conversion?

A. $520,000 B. $530,000 C. $550,000 D. $560,000
Correct Answer: B Section: (none) Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Explanation
Choice "b" is correct. $530,000 basis of involuntary converted building.