The $1,995.72 tax burden that Ron and Madeleine have on dividends is the result of applying the 10% and 27% tax brackets from 2023 to their taxable income.
Ron and Madeleine's tax liability of $1,995.72 is meticulously determined based on a comprehensive process involving their taxable income, dividends received, and the applicable tax brackets for the year 2023.
The first step involves calculating their taxable income, considering the $1,450 in dividends. With a standard deduction of $4,000 and a personal exemption of $67, their taxable income is derived at $5,383.
Next, referring to the tax brackets for 2023, the income is segmented: the initial $19,050 falls within the 10% tax bracket, the subsequent $58,350 enters the 12% tax bracket, and any remaining amount up to their taxable income is taxed at 27%.
To calculate the tax liability on dividends, the following steps are taken:
1. The first $19,050 is taxed at 10%, resulting in a tax of $1,905.
2. The remaining $336 ($5,383 - $19,050) is taxed at 27%, yielding a tax of $90.72.
Combining these components, the total tax liability on dividends amounts to $1,995.72.