In 2014,Godfrey received a $50,000 sales commission on a long-term contract.But in 2015,the customer filed bankruptcy and Godfrey's employer was not able to collect from the customer.Under the bonus agreement,Godfrey was required to repay the employer $20,000 of the bonus.Godfrey was in the 35% marginal tax bracket in 2014 but he is in the 25% marginal tax bracket in 2015.
A)Godfrey can amend his 2014 tax return and reduce his taxable income by $20,000.
B)Godfrey should deduct the $20,000 paid in 2015 and thus his tax savings will be $5,000.
C)Godfrey can reduce his 2015 tax liability by 35% × $20,000 = $7,000.
D)Godfrey should not have reported the income in 2014 because of the contingencies.
E)None of these.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Godfrey received the income in 2014 under a claim of right but was required to include it in his gross income.Because he received the income under a claim of right in 2014 when he was in the 35% marginal tax bracket,§ 1341 permits Godfrey to reduce his taxes in the year of repayment by the amount of tax paid in the previous year on the refunded income.

In 2014,Godfrey Received a $50,000 Sales Commission on a Long-Term