Question
Derek and Meagan Jacoby recently graduated from State University, and Derek accepted a job in business consulting while Meagan accepted a job in computer programming.
Derek and Meagan Jacoby recently graduated from State University, and Derek accepted a job in business consulting while Meagan accepted a job in computer programming. Meagan inherited $72,000 from her grandfather, who recently passed away. The couple is debating whether they should buy or rent a home. They located a rental home that meets their needs. The monthly rent is $3,350. They also found a three-bedroom home that would cost $352,000 to purchase. The Jacobys could use Meagans inheritance for a down payment on the home. Thus, they would need to borrow $280,000 to acquire the home. They have the option of paying two discount points to receive a fixed interest rate of 4.50 percent on the loan or paying no points and receiving a fixed interest rate of 5.75 percent for a 30-year fixed loan.
Though anything could happen, the couple expects to live in the home for no more than five years before relocating to a different region of the country. Derek and Meagan dont have any school-related debt, so they will save the $72,000 if they dont purchase a home. Also, consider the following information:
- The couples marginal tax rate is 24 percent.
- Regardless of whether they buy or rent, the couple will itemize their deductions and have the ability to deduct all of the property taxes from the purchase of a residence.
- If they buy, the Jacobys would purchase and move into the home on January 1, 2020.
- If they buy the home, the property taxes for the year are $4,700.
- Disregard loan-related fees not mentioned above.
- If the couple does not buy a home, they will put their money into their savings account, where they earn 5 percent annual interest.
- Assume that all unstated costs are equal between the buy and rent options.
Required: Help the Jacobys with their decisions by answering the following questions: (Leave no answer blank. Enter zero if applicable.)
c. What is the after-tax cost (in interest and property taxes) of living in the home for 2020? Assume that the Jacobys' interest rate is 5.75 percent, they do not pay discount points, they make interest-only payments for the first year, and the value of the home does not change during the year. (Round your intermediate calculations to the nearest whole dollar amount.)
After-tax cost is:
e. Assume the same facts as in part (d), except that the Jacobys sell their home for $331,500 and they pay a $7,500 commission. What effect does the sale have on their 2020 income tax liability? Recall that the Jacobys are subject to an ordinary marginal tax rate of 24 percent, and assume that they do not have any other transactions involving capital assets in 2020.
Effects on tax liability:
Step by Step Solution
There are 3 Steps involved in it
Step: 1
Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions
See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success
Step: 2
Step: 3
Ace Your Homework with AI
Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance
Get Started