Erin and Mars are married cash-basis taxpayers. The couple had interest income as follows:$500 interest on federal income tax refund$600 interest on state income tax refund$800 interest on US Treasury (i.e., federal government) obligations$300 interest on Puerto Rico government obligations$700 interest on state government obligationsWhat amount of interest income is taxable on the couple’s joint income tax return?

The CPA REG exam (Taxation of Individuals) focuses on federal taxation, covering gross income inclusions/exclusions, adjustments to Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), itemized deductions, tax credits, and filing statuses. It comprises 22-32% of the Regulation section, testing ability to calculate individual tax liability, passive losses, and property transactions.  Key Topics in Individual Taxation (REG) Gross Income: Inclusions (wages, interest, dividends) and exclusions (gifts, life insurance proceeds). Adjustments & Deductions: Above-the-line adjustments to arrive at AGI (e.g., IRAs, student... Show more

The CPA REG exam (Taxation of Individuals) focuses on federal taxation, covering gross income inclusions/exclusions, adjustments to Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), itemized deductions, tax credits, and filing statuses. It comprises 22-32% of the Regulation section, testing ability to calculate individual tax liability, passive losses, and property transactions. 

Key Topics in Individual Taxation (REG)
Gross Income: Inclusions (wages, interest, dividends) and exclusions (gifts, life insurance proceeds).
Adjustments & Deductions: Above-the-line adjustments to arrive at AGI (e.g., IRAs, student loan interest).
Itemized Deductions: Medical expenses, taxes paid, interest (mortgage), and charitable contributions (Schedule A).
Filing Status & Exemptions: Single, Married Filing Jointly/Separately, Head of Household, Qualifying Surviving Spouse.
Tax Credits: Refundable (e.g., Earned Income Credit) vs. Nonrefundable (e.g., Child Tax Credit).
Property Transactions: Capital gains/losses, basis calculations, and depreciation recapture for individuals.
Loss Limitations: Passive activity loss rules and at-risk limitations. 

Important Details for Candidates
Exam Structure: Covers federal tax procedures, ethics, and professional responsibility (e.g., Treasury Dept Circular 230).
Key Dates: Individual tax returns are due April 15; form 4868 allows an automatic six-month extension.
Focus Areas: High focus on tax implications of pass-through entities (Partnerships, S Corps) and capital transactions.
Study Tip: Focus on applying tax laws through simulations rather than just memorizing rules.

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