On January 1, 2017, Abbey acquires 90 percent of Benjamin's outstanding shares. Financial information for these two companies for the years of 2017 and 2018 follows: Assume that a tax rate of 40 percent is applicable to both companies. a. On consolidated financial statements for 2018 , what are the income tax expense and the income tax currently payable if Abbey and Benjamin file a consolidated tax return as an affiliated group? b. On consolidated financial statements for 2018 , what are the income tax expense and income tax currently payable if they choose to file separate returns