1. Which of the following statements most accurately describes interim period tax expense?

a. The best estimate of the annual tax rate times the ordinary income (loss) for the quarter.

b. The best estimate of the annual tax rate times income (loss) for the year to date less tax expense (benefit) recognized in previous interim periods.

c. Average tax rate for each quarter, including the current quarter, times the current income (loss).

d. The previous year's actual effective tax rate times the current quarter's income.

2. The computation of a company's 3^rd quarter provision for income taxes should be based upon earnings

a. for the quarter at an expected annual effective income tax rate.

b. for the quarter at the statutory rate.

c. to date at an expected annual effective income tax rate less prior quarters' provisions.

d. to date at the statutory rate less prior quarters' provisions.