Answer:
Susan
The maximum amount of Susan's investment interest expense deduction for the current year if she decides to give up the capital gain preferential treatment is:
= $46,500.
Step-by-step explanation:
a) Data and Calculations:
Investment interest expense = $58,500
Investment income = $46,500
Makeup of investment income:
Interest = $15,000
Dividends = $9,000
Net capital gain on the sale of securities = $22,500
b) Susan's investment interest expense is the interest amounting to $58,500 that she paid on the money she borrowed to purchase the taxable investments. The amount that Susan can deduct is capped at her net taxable investment income for the year, which totaled $46,500 since she gives up the capital gain preferential treatment. The remaining $12,000 in interest expense can be carried forward to the next fiscal year to reduce her future taxes.