Social Security Disability Insurance Eligibility

In 2026, Thomas is age 45 and works as an electrician. Due to a severe spinal injury, he is no longer able to perform substantial work. His physician expects the condition to last at least 18 months. Thomas currently earns $3,820 per month from part-time consulting work. He is not blind and has sufficient work credits to…

Read More

Backdoor Roth IRA Taxation

In 2026, Maria, age 52, is single and has MAGI of $210,000, making her ineligible to contribute directly to a Roth IRA. She makes a $7,500 nondeductible contribution to a traditional IRA and immediately converts the entire balance to a Roth IRA. At the time of conversion, Maria also owns a rollover traditional IRA from a former…

Read More

Dying Intestate

If a client dies intestate, which of the following statements is correct? All assets automatically pass by beneficiary designation The state determines how probate assets are distributed The executor can distribute assets according to verbal wishes Property held jointly with rights of survivorship becomes subject to probate CLICK TO REVEAL ANSWERExpandB is the answer. Dying…

Read More

HO-3 Coverage

Under an HO-3 homeowners’ policy, which of the following losses is NOT covered unless an endorsement is purchased? Fire damage to the dwelling Theft of personal property Damage caused by a burst pipe Flood damage from rising groundwater CLICK TO REVEAL ANSWERExpandD is the answer. An HO-3 policy covers the dwelling for open perils and personal property…

Read More

Tax on Stock Gains

Linda sells stock she has held for 14 months at a $12,000 gain. She is in the 24% marginal income tax bracket. How is the gain taxed? As ordinary income at 24% As a long-term capital gain at 15% As a long-term capital gain at 20% As a qualified dividend taxed at 15% CLICK TO…

Read More

Bond Price Movement

Which of the following bonds would be expected to experience the greatest price decline if interest rates rise by 1%? A 3-year corporate bond with a 5% coupon A 10-year Treasury bond with a 7% coupon A 10-year Treasury bond with a 3% coupon A 5-year municipal bond with a 6% coupon CLICK TO REVEAL ANSWERExpandC…

Read More

Required Minimum Distribution Penalty

After Maria reaches age 73, she fails to take her required minimum distribution (RMD) from her traditional IRA. What is the consequence under current tax law? A 25% excise tax on the amount not withdrawn A 70% excise tax on the amount not withdrawn A 10% penalty plus ordinary income tax No penalty if she…

Read More

Correlation of a Portfolio

An investor owns two mutual funds. Fund A has an expected return of 8% and a standard deviation of 10%; Fund B has an expected return of 12% and a standard deviation of 20%. The correlation between the funds is 0.4. Which of the following statements is most accurate? Combining the two funds will not…

Read More

Maximum Employee Contribution to 401(k)

A participant age 52 wants to contribute the maximum elective deferral to her 401(k) plan in 2025. What is the maximum employee contribution, including any catch-up? $23,000 $24,000 $30,500 $34,500 CLICK TO REVEAL ANSWERExpandC is the answer.  For 2025, the 401(k) elective deferral limit is $23,000 plus a $7,500 catch-up for those age 50 or…

Read More

Determining Gross Income

In 2025, Jordan, a single taxpayer, has $80,000 in wages, $3,000 of qualified dividends, and $2,000 of tax-exempt municipal bond interest. What is Jordan’s gross income? $80,000 $83,000 $85,000 $82,000 CLICK TO REVEAL ANSWERExpandB is the answer. Gross income includes wages and taxable dividends but excludes tax-exempt municipal bond interest. $80,000 + $3,000 = $83,000.

Read More