CPA Regulation (REG) : Taxable Estate

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for CPA Regulation (REG)

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Taxation Of Estates

Taylor created a trust, transferred property to this trust, and retained certain interests. For income tax purposes, Taylor was treated as the owner of the trust. Taylor has created which of the following types of trusts?

Possible Answers:

Grantor

Pre-need funeral

Complex

Simple

Correct answer:

Grantor

Explanation:

The definition of a grantor trust is one in which the individual who established the trust retains control over it.

Example Question #1 : Taxable Estate

For income tax purposes, the estate’s initial taxable period for a decedent who died on October 20:

Possible Answers:

May be either a calendar year, or a fiscal year beginning on the date of the decedent’s death.

Must be a fiscal year beginning on the date of the decedent’s death.

Must be a calendar year beginning on January 1 of the year of the decedent’s death.

May be either a calendar year, or a fiscal year beginning on October 1 of the year of the decedent’s death.

Correct answer:

May be either a calendar year, or a fiscal year beginning on the date of the decedent’s death.

Explanation:

Upon the decedent’s death, the estate may elect either a fiscal year beginning at the death date or a calendar year. The resulting tax returns are due either the fifteenth day of the fourth month following the end of the fiscal year, or April 15, respectively.

Example Question #2 : Taxable Estate

Under the provisions of a decedent’s will, the following cash disbursements were made by the estate’s executor:

I.  A charitable bequest to the American Red Cross
II. Payment of the decedent’s funeral expenses

What deduction(s) is (are) allowable in determining the decedent’s taxable estate?

Possible Answers:

Neither I or II

I only

Both I and II

II only

Correct answer:

Both I and II

Explanation:

The gross estate is taxed only after several deductions (discretionary and nondiscretionary) are taken. Nondiscretionary deductions include satisfying all outstanding debts, estate administrative expenses, medical expenses, funeral expenses, and certain taxes. Discretionary deductions include charitable bequests and marital deductions, both of which are unlimited.

Example Question #1 : Taxation Of Estates

Of the following, which item is not normally taken into account in determining distributable net income of a simple trust?

Possible Answers:

Tax exempt interest

Taxable interest income

Personal exemption

Fiduciary fee

Correct answer:

Personal exemption

Explanation:

The calculation of a distributable net income includes all of a trust’s gross income except capital gains attributable to corpus and is reduced by all of a trust’s deductions except the exemption.

Example Question #2 : Taxation Of Estates

A distribution from estate income that was currently required was made to the estate’s sole beneficiary during its calendar year. The maximum amount of the distribution to be included in the beneficiary’s gross income is limited to the estate’s 

Possible Answers:

Ordinary gross income

Net investment income

Distributable net income

Capital gain income

Correct answer:

Distributable net income

Explanation:

DNI is the upper limit on the amount of income that a beneficiary has to include in income from a trust distribution.

Example Question #1 : Taxable Estate

Of the following, what is the standard deduction for a trust or estate fiduciary income tax return?

Possible Answers:

$1,000

Variable depending on charitable deductions

None

It depends on the fiduciary

Correct answer:

None

Explanation:

There is no standard deduction allowed for fiduciary income tax returns.

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