This year, major healy paid $34,750 of interest on a mortgage on his home (he borrowed $695,000 to buy the residence in 2015; $795,000 original purchase price and value at purchase), $5,250 of interest on a $105,000 home equity loan on his home (loan proceeds were used to buy antique cars), and $7,250 of interest on a mortgage on his vacation home (borrowed $145,000 to purchase the home in 2010; home purchased for $362,500). major healy’s agi is $220,000. how much interest expense can major healy deduct as an itemized deduction?

You are chairman of the board of a successful technology firm. there is a nominal federal corporate tax rate of 35 percent, yet the effective tax rate of the typical corporation is about 12.6%. your firm has been clever with use of transfer pricing and keeping money abroad and has barely paid any taxes over the last 5 years; during this same time period, profits were $28 billion. one member of the board feels that it is un-american to use various accounting strategies in order to avoid paying taxes. others feel that these are legal loopholes and corporations have a fiduciary responsibility to minimize taxes. one board member quoted what the ceo of exxon once said: “i’m not a u.s. company and i don’t make decisions based on what’s good for the u.s.” what are the alternatives? what are your recommendations? why do you recommend this course of action?

Cash flow is often a problem for small businesses. how can an entrepreneur increase cash flow? a) locate lower-priced suppliers. b) forego sending in estimated tax payments to the irs c) shorten the terms on a bank loan to pay it off more quickly d) sell more low-margin items.

Jewelry manufacturers produce a range of products such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, and brooches. what fundamental economic question are they addressing by offering this range of items?