#1
Which type of income is typically taxed at a lower rate in many tax systems?
Capital gains
ExplanationCapital gains are subject to lower tax rates to incentivize investment.
#2
Which of the following is NOT a deductible expense when calculating taxable income from a rental property?
Vacation trips
ExplanationVacation trips are personal expenses and not deductible against rental income.
#3
What kind of tax system uses the same tax rate across all income levels?
Proportional tax system
ExplanationIn a proportional tax system, all taxpayers pay the same percentage of their income in taxes.
#4
What is the primary purpose of a tax credit?
To reduce the amount of tax owed, dollar for dollar
ExplanationTax credits directly reduce the amount of tax owed, providing a dollar-for-dollar reduction.
#5
What does the term 'tax haven' refer to?
A country or jurisdiction with low or no taxes to attract foreign investments
ExplanationA tax haven is a jurisdiction that offers favorable tax rates and regulations to attract foreign investment and business.
#6
What is the main characteristic of a 'sin tax'?
It is a tax specifically levied on certain goods deemed harmful to society, such as tobacco and alcohol
ExplanationSin taxes target products considered harmful or socially undesirable, aiming to discourage their consumption.
#7
Which of the following is an example of a regressive tax?
Sales tax
ExplanationSales tax imposes a higher burden on low-income individuals as it applies uniformly regardless of income level.
#8
What is the main purpose of progressive taxation?
To levy higher taxes on higher income levels
ExplanationProgressive taxation aims to distribute the tax burden proportionally based on income, with higher earners paying more.
#9
In the context of income taxes, what does 'tax evasion' refer to?
Illegally hiding income to avoid taxes
ExplanationTax evasion involves illegal activities to conceal income and evade tax obligations.
#10
Which of the following is a characteristic feature of indirect taxes?
Levied on goods and services
ExplanationIndirect taxes are imposed on goods and services, usually at the point of sale or consumption.
#11
For tax purposes, what distinguishes a 'hobby' from a 'business'?
The intention to make a profit
ExplanationA business is conducted with the intention of making a profit, while a hobby is pursued for personal enjoyment.
#12
Which term refers to the shifting of tax burden from the entity legally responsible for it to another party?
Tax incidence
ExplanationTax incidence refers to the distribution of tax burden between buyers and sellers or between producers and consumers.
#13
Which of the following best describes 'withholding tax'?
A tax deducted at source on interest or dividends
ExplanationWithholding tax is deducted at the source of income, such as interest or dividends, before it is received by the taxpayer.
#14
What principle underlies the concept of 'ability to pay' in taxation?
Taxes should be proportional to the income or wealth of the taxpayer
ExplanationThe ability to pay principle suggests that those with higher incomes or greater wealth should contribute a higher proportion of their income in taxes.
#15
What is the tax treatment of long-term capital gains, generally speaking?
Taxed at a special reduced rate
ExplanationLong-term capital gains are often taxed at lower rates to promote investment in assets held for a longer duration.
#16
Which statement best describes the 'marginal tax rate'?
The rate at which your last dollar of income is taxed
ExplanationThe marginal tax rate is the percentage of tax applied to the last dollar of income earned.
#17
What does 'tax bracket creep' refer to?
The process of moving into a higher tax bracket due to inflation rather than an actual increase in real income
ExplanationTax bracket creep occurs when inflation pushes taxpayers into higher tax brackets, resulting in higher tax liabilities despite no increase in real income.
#18
Which of the following best describes 'tax arbitrage'?
The process of adjusting the features of a financial instrument to reduce tax liability
ExplanationTax arbitrage involves exploiting differences in tax laws or regulations to minimize tax liabilities.