Question

On December 1 of Year 1, Jones, a self-employed cash basis taxpayer, took out a loan to use in her business. The loan principal is to be repaid on November 30 of Year 3. Jones prepaid the entire interest of $12,000 on December 1 of Year 1. What amount of interest was deductible on Jones' Year 2 income tax return?

Answer 1

Answer: $6,000

Explanation:

When expenses such as this interest expense are for 12 months or more, the deduction will need to be evenly spread over the period that they apply to. As the loan was to be repaid in 24 months, the interest payment deductions should be evenly spread over 24 months.

= 12,000/24

= $500

That means that for Year 2, the relevant deduction will be for the 12 months in it;

= 500 * 12

= $6,000