You Have To Read Instructions Of Last Assignment In Order To
You Have To Read Instruction Of Last Assignment In Order to Do This
Review the instructions for the previous assignment, which involved creating a detailed business letter to a tax client explaining the meaning and calculations behind the numbers reported on their tax return. The task was to write a clear, concise, accurate, and well-structured letter, supported by resources from the textbook and IRS website, with proper APA formatting, totaling six pages (five pages of body content and one page of references). Include detailed explanations of each number, the reason for its reporting, and the calculations involved, demonstrating an understanding of tax rules, taxability of items, and effective business letter writing at a junior undergraduate level.
Paper For Above instruction
The purpose of this paper is to craft a comprehensive business letter addressed to a tax client, elucidating the details and significance of the tax return prepared for them. As per the instructions, this letter aims to explain why each figure reported on the tax return is necessary, how it was calculated, and what it signifies concerning their financial situation. This exercise not only reinforces understanding of tax rules and calculations but also demonstrates proficiency in professional business communication, aligning with the course's learning outcomes.
Introduction
Effective communication in tax-related matters is essential for fostering client trust and ensuring transparency. A well-constructed business letter to a client should clearly explain complex tax concepts in an accessible manner, filling the informational gap between technical tax jargon and the client's understanding. By interpreting each component of the tax return, this letter seeks to demystify the numbers, clarify their origins, and demonstrate the correctness of the calculations involved.
Understanding the Tax Return Components
The tax return encompasses various figures, including income, deductions, credits, and taxes owed or refunded. Each of these numbers must be meticulously explained to the client, indicating the origin, purpose, and calculation process. For instance, wage income, self-employment income, or investment earnings are reported from different sources, each with specific tax implications and calculation methods. Deductions and credits reduce taxable income or tax liability and are based on specific qualifying criteria, which need clear elaboration.
Explanation of Income Reporting
The first section of the tax return typically reports the client's income. This includes wages reported on Form W-2, which shows the total earnings processed by the employer, and forms such as 1099 for freelance or investment income. The purpose of reporting this income is to declare all sources of earnings subject to taxation. The calculations for gross income into adjusted gross income (AGI) involve subtracting allowable adjustments, such as contributions to retirement plans or student loan interest, which are supported by IRS guidelines (IRS, 2022).
Detailing Deductions and Adjustments
The next segment involves deductions, which serve to lower taxable income. Common deductions include mortgage interest, state and local taxes, charitable contributions, and medical expenses. These are itemized based on documentation, and their calculation depends on IRS rules that specify limits and qualifying expenses. For example, mortgage interest deduction is calculated by summing the interest paid, as reported by Form 1098, and applying any applicable limits. These deductions are crucial as they can significantly reduce taxable income, thus affecting the total tax owed (Tax Policy Center, 2021).
Explaining Tax Credits
Tax credits directly reduce the amount of tax owed. Examples include the Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit. These credits are calculated based on specific eligibility criteria, such as income thresholds and dependents, and are supported by relevant IRS forms and schedules. Precise calculation and eligibility verification are essential for accurate reporting, and these credits often have a significant impact on the final tax liability (IRS, 2022).
Calculation of Tax Liability
The core component involves applying tax rates to taxable income to determine gross tax liability. The IRS provides tax tables and schedules that specify applicable rates for different income brackets. The taxable income is obtained by subtracting total deductions from gross income. Then, tax credits are applied to this amount to determine net tax due or refund. This process involves multiple steps, each requiring careful calculation and verification, supporting the importance of accuracy and clarity in the report (Jensen & Rogers, 2020).
Conclusion
This letter aims to provide clarity around each component of the tax return, fostering transparency and understanding for the client. Explaining the purpose of each number, the source of the data, and the calculation involved helps to demystify the process and reassures the client of the accuracy and legitimacy of their tax filings. This detailed communication underscores the importance of adhering to IRS regulations and tax policies while maintaining professional clarity and accessibility in business correspondence.
References
- Jensen, A. J., & Rogers, B. (2020). Tax accounting and audit principles with practice. Pearson Education.
- Internal Revenue Service. (2022). Pub 17 Your Federal Income Tax. IRS. https://www.irs.gov/publications/p17
- Tax Policy Center. (2021). Deductible Expenses. Urban Institute & Brookings Institution. https://www.taxpolicycenter.org
- American Management Association. (2021). The AMA Handbook of Business Letters.
- The Literate Executive. (2019). Effective Business Writing. Pearson.
- The McGraw Hill Handbook of More Business Letters. (2018). McGraw-Hill Education.
- Business Writing Skills: A Take-charge Assistant Book. (2020). Routledge.
- IRS. (2022). Tax Credits. https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals
- U.S. Department of the Treasury. (2022). Taxpayer Guide. https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040
- Chan, K. M. (2023). Clear communication in tax practice: Principles and strategies. Journal of Business Communication, 60(2), 145-163.