Final answer:
To calculate the projected tax expense for Year 8, we need to consider the tax rate of Reed Corporation, which is 34%. We can then calculate the projected tax expense by multiplying the projected Year 8 income by 34%. Therefore, the correct option is D.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the projected tax expense for Year 8, we need to consider the tax rate. From the given information, we know that the tax rate structure produces a flat 34% tax rate on incomes from $335,000 to $10,000,000, and a flat rate of 35% on incomes above $18,333,333. Since Reed Corporation's income before taxes is $97.8 million in Year 7, which is below $18,333,333, we can assume a tax rate of 34%.
To calculate the projected tax expense for Year 8, we need to calculate 34% of the projected Year 8 income. Since sales are projected to increase by 4% in Year 8, we can calculate that the projected Year 8 income is $332 million + (4% of $332 million). We can then calculate the projected tax expense by multiplying the projected Year 8 income by 34%.
Therefore, the projected tax expense for Year 8 will be $29.8 million (option d).