Final answer:
Arnold and Beth can deduct $28,000 total for AGI, which includes $12,000 for alimony payments, $6,000 for mortgage interest, $2,500 for property taxes, and $7,500 for investment interest.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate Arnold and Beth's deduction for AGI (adjusted gross income), we'll look at the items listed that are applicable for deduction. However, since tax laws have changed, particularly with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, certain expenses such as moving expenses are no longer deductible unless you are a member of the Armed Forces on active duty moving under orders to a permanent change of station.
Alimony payments for divorces finalized before December 31, 2018 remain deductible. Given this, Arnold and Beth can include the $12,000 of alimony payments. The mortgage interest of $6,000 and property taxes of $2,500 on their personal residence are deductible. The investment interest is deductible up to the extent of their net investment income, which is $7,500 out of the $8,000 of expenses.
Items such as charitable contributions, state income taxes, and sales taxes are itemized deductions, which would be relevant if Arnold and Beth choose to itemize rather than take the standard deduction. Unreimbursed employee expenses are not deductible for tax years 2018-2025. The deductible expenses for Arnold and Beth would be the alimony payments, mortgage interest, property taxes, and limited investment interest.
Accordingly, their deduction for AGI would be $12,000 + $6,000 + $2,500 + $7,500 = $28,000, assuming no other adjustments apply.