Answer:
$987.50
Explanation:
To calculate Joan Smith's tax, we need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Determine the taxable income
Taxable Income = Joan Smith's earnings - Federal exemption
Taxable Income = $42,500.00 - $3,000.00 = $39,500.00
Step 2: Calculate the tax amount
Tax amount = Taxable Income * Tax rate
Tax amount = $39,500.00 * 2.5% = $987.50
Therefore, Joan Smith's tax amount is $987.50.