TAX Writing Project - Kate & Sam Smith - Tax Return information

It is the end of the tax-year, and Kate and Sam Smith need your help completing pages 1 and 2 of Schedule 1040 and Schedule A. 

Kate Smith (SS # 555-55-5555)

Sam Smith (SS# 444-44-4444)

33 Oak Street Drive

San Diego, California  91911 

The taxpayers are 52 years old, file Married Filing Jointly, and have two children:

Elizabeth Smith (SS # 333-33-3333)

Jonathan Smith (SS# 222-22-2222). 

For this problem, assume their gross income is $185,300.

This year Kate got a new job, and the Smiths moved to a new city.  The new job was located within the same state about 650 miles away from their old house.  Before the move, the family went on a house hunting trip that cost them $700. They also hired a moving company for $2,800. On their way to their new house they spent $50 on meals, and $75 on a hotel room. They also stopped by an amusement park and spent $80 on tickets for the day.

The Smiths paid $12,000 in interest on their home mortgage this year, and $2,500 in real estate taxes on their new home. They also paid $1,200 in personal credit card interest, and Kate paid $850 in interest on student loans.

Sam was hospitalized with a heart condition this year, which required him to undergo surgery. The Smiths incurred $25,000 in medical expenses as a result of Sam's illness. Of this amount, $18,000 was reimbursed by the insurance company.

During the year the Smiths contributed $1,500 cash to the Salvation Army. Before their move, the family donated clothes and furniture that they had purchased for $650 to Goodwill. At the time of donation the items were worth $300. They also gave some old baby furniture to their friends that was valued at $150.

Sam Smith paid $200 in union dues for the year, and the family pays $250 for tax return preparation services.