Using the married filing jointly status and their income and expense statement, calculate the 2014 tax liability for Shameka and Curtis Williams. First use the standard deduction, and then use the following itemized deductions:

Income:

Earned- $50,000

Interest- 2500

Expense:

Home mortgage interest- $8000

Real estate and state income taxes- 3800

Miscellaneous deductions- 650

Explain to the Williams which method they should use and why.

Shameka and Curtis' total gross income for the 2014 tax year is $__________. Round to the nearest cent. Thanks!