Joe operates a business that locates and purchases specialized assets for clients, among other activities. Joe uses the accrual method of accounting but he doesn’t keep any significant inventories of the specialized assets that he sells. Joe reported the following financial information for his business activities during year 0.
Determine the effect of each of the following transactions on the taxable business income. (Select "No Effect" from the dropdown if no change in the taxable business income.)
a. Joe has signed a contract to sell gadgets to the city. The contract provides that sales of gadgets are dependent upon a test sample of gadgets operating successfully. In December, Joe delivers $13,950 worth of gadgets to the city that will be tested in March. Joe purchased the gadgets especially for this contract and paid $9,750.
No effect? Amount of deduction? Amount of income ?
b. Joe paid $305 for entertaining a visiting out-of-town client. The client didn’t discuss business with Joe during this visit, but Joe wants to maintain good relations to encourage additional business next year.
No effect? Amount of deduction? Amount of income ?
c. On November 1, Joe paid $650 for premiums providing for $65,000 of "key man" insurance on the life of Joe’s accountant over the next 12 months.
No effect? Amount of deduction? Amount of income ?
d. At the end of year 0, Joe’s business reports $12,750 of accounts receivable. Based upon past experience, Joe believes that at least $2,750 of his new receivables will be uncollectible.
No effect? Amount of deduction? Amount of income ?
e. In December of year 0, Joe rented equipment to complete a large job. Joe paid $6,750 in December because the rental agency required a minimum rental of three months ($2,250 per month). Joe completed the job before year-end, but he returned the equipment at the end of the lease.
No effect? Amount of deduction? Amount of income ?
f. Joe hired a new sales representative as an employee and sent her to Dallas for a week to contact prospective out-of-state clients. Joe ended up reimbursing his employee $550 for airfare, $600 for lodging, $500 for meals, and $400 for entertainment (Joe provided adequate documentation to substantiate the business purpose for the meals and entertainment). Joe requires the employee to account for all expenditures in order to be reimbursed.
No effect? Amount of deduction? Amount of income ?
g. Joe uses his BMW (a personal auto) to travel to and from his residence to his factory. However, he switches to a business vehicle if he needs to travel after he reaches the factory. Last month, the business vehicle broke down and he was forced to use the BMW both to travel to and from the factory and to visit work sites. He drove 245 miles visiting work sites and 96 miles driving to and from the factory from his home. Joe uses the standard mileage rate to determine his auto-related business expenses. (Round your answer to whole number. Use standard mileage rate.)
No effect? Amount of deduction? Amount of income ?
h. Joe paid a visit to his parents in Dallas over the Christmas holidays. While he was in the city, Joe spent $175 to attend a half-day business symposium. Joe paid $450 for airfare, $150 for meals during the symposium, and $95 on cab fare to the symposium.
No effect? Amount of deduction? Amount of income ?

First off Joe's income is only dependent on if the test is successful. Even if it were, the test would only be conducted in year 1 March not in year 0 which is the focus of this question. Taxes are only paid when cash is received.

b. No Effect on Taxable Income.

Had there been a business discussion, Joe would have been able to claim a 50% deduction in Tax. However since there was none, there is no effect on Tax.

c. No effect on Taxable Income

The insurance is not tax deductible.

d. $12,750 in taxable income.

Even Joe believes that $2,750 of income might not be collected, he cannot deduct this from taxes until it actually happens therefore his increase in income is $12,750.

e. $2,250 reduction in taxable income

The $6,750 was paid for 3 months. Joe uses Accrual accounting however meaning that expenses have to be recorded for the period they are incurred. $2,250 was incurred for December and so that is the amount that will be deducted as an expense for the year.

f. $1,600 reduction in Taxable income.

If the representative brings back receipts that are in order, Joe can be able to reimburse her for $1,600 in expenses. This includes $550 for airfare, $600 for lodging and for food and entertainment, the maximum he can claim as deductible in tax is 50% of each which means $250 for meals and $200 for entertainment. Adding all that up will give $1,600.

g. $139.15 reduction in Taxable income

Joe drove 96 miles to and fro the factory to his house. This is not tax deductible and considered personal. He however drove 245 miles visiting company sites. This is tax deductible.

The standard rate for 2020 according to the IRS is 57.5 cents per mile so 245 * 57.5 cents per mile will give $139.15.

h. $345 reduction in taxable income

Joe spent $175 to attend to symposium. He also paid $95 in taxi fare to get to the symposium. He ate meals worth $150 during the symposium not which 50% is deductible. 50% being $75. Adding all these together is,

= 175 + 95 + 75

= $345.

This is the taxable reduction.