(1) What are the key facts in each of the 3 problems?

(2) What is the general issue to be addressed?

(3) What keywords would you use to research this question?

(4) Use online tax research tools to answer the question.

(5) What important information would you include in a memo/letter to the client to communicate the results of your research?

Please type your answers below. Be concise but thorough enough.

#1: Shaun is a huge college football fan. In the past, he has always bought football tickets on the street from ticket scalpers. This year, he decided to join the university's ticket program, which requires a $2,000 contribution to the university for the right to purchase tickets. Shaun will then pay $400 per season ticket. Shaun understands that the price paid for the season tickets is not tax deductible as a charitable contribution. However, contributions to a university are typically tax deductible.

#2: Latrell recently used his Delta Skymiles to purchase a free roundtrip ticket to Milan, Italy (value $1,200). The frequent flyer miles used to purchase the ticket were generated from Latrell's business travel as a CPA. Latrell's employer paid for his business trips, and he was not taxed on the travel reimbursement.

#3: J. C. has been a professional gambler for many years. He loves this line of work and believes the income is tax-free.

Is J. C.'s thinking correct? Is the answer to this question found in the Internal Revenue Code? If not, what type of authority answers this question?

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