Final answer:
Tom does not need to include the value of the golf rounds in his gross income, as it is considered a no-additional-cost service fringe benefit, provided by the employer during off-peak hours when there is no lost revenue to the employer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is regarding whether Tom must include the value of rounds of golf he played at his workplace in his gross income for tax purposes. The Internal Revenue Service categorizes many fringe benefits as taxable income, but there are exceptions.
Answer Choice A suggests that it is a "no-additional-cost service" fringe benefit. This is likely the correct choice because Tom is using the golf course during times when it is not in use by paying customers, implying there is no additional cost to the employer.
Answer Choice B is incorrect because the benefit is not a gift; it's part of Tom's compensation for employment. Answer Choice C is incorrect because a de minimis fringe benefit typically refers to something of small value and occasional use, such as coffee or donuts in the office, not a substantial value like 40 rounds of golf. Answer Choice D is incorrect because, assuming this qualifies as a no-additional-cost service, it would not need to be included in gross income. Therefore, Tom is not required to include anything in his gross income as per Answer Choice A.