1. A Series EE U.S. government savings bond accrues 3.5% interest each year. The bond matures in 3 years, at which time the principal and interest will be paid. The bank will pay the taxpayer at a 3.5% interest rate each year if he agrees to leave money on deposit for 3 years. What tax advantage does the Series EE bond offer that is not available with the bank deposit?

2. An employer provides all of his employees with life insurance protection equal to twice the employee's annual salary. Melba, age 42, has an annual salary of $70,000. Is Melba required to recognize income even though she is still alive at the end of the year and thus nothing has been collected on the life insurance policy? Explain.

3. Freda is a cash basis taxpayer. In 2013, she negotiated her salary for 2014. Her employer offered to pay her $21,000 per month in 2014 for a total of $252,000. Freda countered that she would accept $10,000 each month for the 12 months in 2014 and the remaining $132,000 in January 2015. The employer accepted freda's terms for 2014 and 2015.

A. Did Freda actually or constructively receive $252,000 in 2014?

B. What could explain Freda's willingness to spread her salary over a longer period of time?

C. In December 2014, after Freda had earned the right to collect the $132,000 in 2015, the employer offered $133,000 to Freda at that time, rather than $132,000 in January 2015. The employer wanted to make the early payment so as to deduct the expense in 2014. Freda rejected the employer's offer. Was Freda in constructive receipt of the income in 2014? Explain.