Ava and her husband, Leo, file a joint return and are in the 24% tax bracket in 2022. Ava's employer offers a child and dependent care reimbursement plan that allows up to $5,500 of qualifying expenses to be reimbursed in exchange for a $5,500 reduction in the employee's salary (Ava's salary is $91,800). Because Ava and Leo have two minor children requiring child care that costs $6,050 each year, Ava is wondering if she should sign up for the program instead of taking advantage of the credit for child and dependent care expenses. Analyze the effect of the two alternatives. Assume a FICA tax rate of 7.65%.

Do not round intermediate computations. If required, round your final answers to the nearest dollar.

Click to view Percentage Credit based on Adjusted Gross Income.

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a. If Ava and Leo take advantage of the plan, they

wouldwould not

save income taxes because the reimbursement of child care expenses is

included inexcluded from

gross income. The

income tax savingsadditional taxes

associated with participating in the plan would be$fill in the blank 389fed063f8dfd3_4. In addition, Ava will save $fill in the blank 389fed063f8dfd3_5 of FICA taxes due to the reduction in salary.

Alternatively, if Ava does not take advantage of the plan, their child and dependent care tax credit will be $fill in the blank 389fed063f8dfd3_6. Therefore Ava and Leo's income taxes will be $fill in the blank 389fed063f8dfd3_7

higherlower

if they do not participate in the plan.

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b. Assume, instead, that Avas salary was $30,000 and Ava and Leo's AGI is $23,500 and they are in the 10% tax bracket.

The

income tax savingsadditional taxes

associated with participating in the plan would be $fill in the blank bb7f22feafe203e_2. In addition, Ava will save$fill in the blank bb7f22feafe203e_3 of FICA taxes due to the reduction in salary.

Alternatively, if Ava does not take advantage of the plan, their child and dependent care tax credit will be $fill in the blank bb7f22feafe203e_4. Therefore Ava and Leo's income taxes will be $fill in the blank bb7f22feafe203e_5

higherlower

if they do not participate in the plan.