Part 1: Statutory Tax Rate versus Effective Tax Rate

How do U.S. Federal income tax rates compare to other industrial-developed countries in the world (e.g., The United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, Australia, Mexico, etc.)?

Include at least three scholarly sources (you may use the recommended readings) to support your answers.

Part 2: Schedule M1 (CT1) and M2 (CT2) For Rocky Mountain Equipment Corporation Form 1120-F

The Rocky Mountain Equipment Corporation, a Colorado Corporation, was formed by two Colorado State University business school graduates. The Rocky Mountain Equipment Corporation incorporated on October 20, 1974. The main line of business is selling recreational equipment to outdoor enthusiasts. Starting in their parents' garage, they have grown the corporation to a multimillion dollar business.

To comply with accounting requirements, the company uses an accrual method of accounting. Its accumulated earnings and profits as of December 31, 2016, were $1,200. It made cash distributions during its 2016 calendar tax year of $140,089. This consisted of $85,089 to preferred shareholders and $55,000 to common shareholders. The entire distribution to preferred shareholders is a taxable dividend. The $27,500 distribution on March 15, 2016, to common shareholders is a taxable dividend to the extent of $27,318 (99.33%), and the $27,500 distribution on September 15, 2016, to common shareholders is a taxable dividend to the extent of $26,118 (94.97%).

The following profit and loss account appeared in the books of the Rocky Mountain Equipment Corporation for calendar year 2016. It is required to file Form 1120 and completes Form 1120-F (M-1 and M-2).

Account

Debit

Credit

Gross sales

$1,850,000

Sales returns and allowances

$20,500

Cost of goods sold

1,525,000

Interest income from:

Banks

$11,000

Tax-exempt state bonds

5,500

16,500

Proceeds from life insurance (death of corporate officer)

7,000

Bad debt recoveries (no tax deduction claimed)

4,000

Insurance premiums on lives of corporate officers (corporation is beneficiary of policies)

10,000

Compensation of officers

42,000

Salaries and wages

31,000

Repairs

900

Taxes

11,000

Contributions:

Deductible

$23,000

Other

500

23,500

Interest paid (loan to purchase tax-exempt bonds)

850

Depreciation

5,700

Loss on securities

4,000

Net income per books after federal income tax

140,825

Federal income tax accrued for 2016

62,225

Total

$1,877,500

$1,877,500

The corporation analyzed the retained earnings and the following items appeared in this account on its books.

Item

Debit

Credit

Balance, January 1

$225,000

Net profit (before federal income tax)

203,050

Reserve for contingencies

$10,000

Income tax accrued for the year

62,225

Dividends paid during the year

140,089

Refund of 1995 income tax

18,000

Balance, December 31

233,736

Total

$446,050

$446,050

The following items appear on page 1 of Form 1120.

Gross sales ($1,850,000 less returns and allowances of $20,500)

$1,829,500

Cost of goods sold

1,525,000

Gross profit from sales

$304,500

Interest income

11,000

Total income

$315,500

Deductions:

Compensation of officers

$42,000

Salaries and wages

31,000

Repairs

900

Taxes

11,000

Contributions (maximum allowable)

22,500

Depreciation

5,700

Total deductions

113,100

Taxable income

$202,400

Exercise to be completed:

1. Please prepare Schedule M-1 for Rocky Mountain Equipment Corporation using the financial information and Form 1120 line items provided above.
2. Please prepare Schedule M-2 for Rocky Mountain Equipment Corporation using the retained earning information provided. To accurately calculate and support the ending balance, please complete a Retained Earnings Reconciliation Table.