Question

Trudy and Ben file a joint return. Trudy’s reported income creates $200 of income tax and Ben’s reported income creates $180 of income tax. In addition to the reported income, Trudy has unreported income on which she owes $50 of income tax. How much of the $430 potential tax liability is Ben liable for?

Answer 1

Ben is liable for the entire potential tax liability of $430.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the case of a joint return, Trudy and Ben are jointly liable for the potential tax although Trudy reported income creates $200 of income tax and the income of Ben only creats $180 of income tax, they are equally liable to pay the potential tax liability.