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Daily Challenge — September 1, 2026

tax accounting · tax formula

Raymond Thornton is a single freelance graphic designer based in Portland, Oregon, who earns wages from a part-time agency position while also running his own independent design studio. In addition to his earned income, Raymond holds a modest brokerage account generating qualified dividends and realized a long-term capital gain from selling appreciated stock during 2024. He pays significant mortgage interest and state income taxes that push his itemized deductions above the standard deduction threshold.

Correct Answers

A G I

$81,900.00

gross Income

$88,800.00

tax Liability

$7,519.25

taxable Income

$62,500.00

refund Or Due Amount

$50.75

refund Or Due Direction

Refund

Step-by-Step Solution

TAX FORMULA — Raymond Thornton (SINGLE)

GROSS INCOME
  Wages:                  $60,100.00
  Interest Income:        $1,700.00
  Ordinary Dividends:     $3,000.00
  Business Income:        $9,500.00
  Capital Gain:           $14,500.00
  = Gross Income:         $88,800.00

  − Above-Line Deductions: $6,900.00
  = AGI:                  $81,900.00

DEDUCTIONS
  Standard Deduction (single): $14,600.00
  Itemized Deductions:    $19,400.00
  Deduction Used:         $19,400.00 (itemized)
  = Taxable Income:       $62,500.00

TAX CALCULATION
  Ordinary Taxable Income: $45,250.00
  Ordinary Tax:            $5,198.00
  LTCG + Qualified Div:   $17,250.00
  LTCG Tax:               $2,321.25
  − Credits:              $0.00
  = Tax Liability:        $7,519.25

  − Taxes Withheld:       $7,570.00
  = Refund:             $50.75