Problem 3-52 (LO.9) Each year, Tom and Cindy Bates (who file married-filing jointly) report itemized deductions of $10,000, induding an annual $4,000 pledge payment to their church. Upon the advice of a friend, they do the following: In early January 2017, they pay their 2016 pledge; during 2017, they pay the 2017 pledge; and in late December 2017, they prepay their 2018 pledge. a. What are the Bateses trying to accomplish? b. What would the Bates total itemized deductions be if all three church pledge payments were made in 20177 Assume that the itemized deductions of $10,000 already incuded one year of the church pledge payments what will be the Bates' tax saving if their marginal tax bracket is 25% for all three years? (Assume that the standard deduction amounts for 2017 and 2018 are the same.) By concentrating their charitable contributions, their tax savings becomes C. Complete a leter to Tom and Cindy Bates (8212 Bridle Court, Reston, VA 20194) summariaing your analysis. Haloney, Hoffman, Raabe, & Young, CPAS 5191 Natorp Boulevard Mason, 041 45040 November 22, 2017 8212 bridie Court Reston, VA 20194 Cell Phones Off Q W E R T A S D F GH Maloney, Hoffman, Raabe, & Young, CPAs 5191 Natorp Boulevard Mason, OH 45040 November 22, 2017 Mr. and Mrs. Tom Bates 8212 Bridle Court Reston, VA 20194 Dear Mr. and Mrs. Bates: In response to your inquiry regarding the Federal income tax consequences of consolidating your charitable contributions for 2016, 2017, and 2018 into a single year (2017), here is a brief summary of the outcomes: As individual taxpayers are presumed to be on the V basis, all cash expenditures during a year . be evaluated in determining deductibility. In this case, combining the three $4,000 contributions into a single year sense from an income tax perspective. By combining all three payments in 2017, you will be able to in 2016 and 2018 in that year, while These $8,000 of additional contributions in 2017 (the $4,000 payments for 2016 and 2018) will mean that you will have of Your tax savings by consolidating these contributions in 2017 will be If I can be of further assistance to you in this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely Heywood R.Floyd Partner Check My Work All work saved DOLL Cell Phones WERTY