Calculate the total 2020 tax liability for a surviving spouse with one dependent child with a gross income of ​$59 comma 400.00​, assuming that the taxpayer takes the standard deduction. If the dependent child is under the age of 17 and ​$3 comma 000.00 was withheld from the​ taxpayer's wages for federal income​ taxes, what is the amount of the​ taxpayer's refund or tax​ due?
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Part 1
Assuming the single parent​ taxpayer's filing status is Married Filing Jointly or Surviving​ Spouse, the​ taxpayer's standard deduction for the 2020 tax year is ​

To calculate the total 2020 tax liability and determine the refund or tax due for a surviving spouse with one dependent child, we'll follow these steps:

### Step 1: Determine the Standard Deduction
For the 2020 tax year, the standard deduction for a surviving spouse (Married Filing Jointly or Surviving Spouse status) is:

- **Standard Deduction for 2020**: $24,800

### Step 2: Calculate the Taxable Income
To compute the taxable income, subtract the standard deduction from the gross income:

\[
\text{Taxable Income} = \text{Gross Income} - \text{Standard Deduction}
\]

Given:
- **Gross Income** = $59,400
- **Standard Deduction** = $24,800

\[
\text{Taxable Income} = 59,400 - 24,800 = 34,600
\]

### Step 3: Determine the Tax Liability
For 2020, the federal income tax brackets for a Surviving Spouse (Married Filing Jointly) are as follows:

1. **10%** on income up to $19,750
2. **12%** on income over $19,750 up to $80,250

To calculate the tax:

- **First $19,750** is taxed at 10%:
\[
19,750 \times 0.10 = 1,975
\]

- **Remaining amount ($34,600 - $19,750 = $14,850)** is taxed at 12%:
\[
14,850 \times 0.12 = 1,782
\]

- **Total Tax Liability**:
\[
1,975 + 1,782 = 3,757
\]

### Step 4: Calculate the Refund or Amount Due
The taxpayer's federal income tax liability is $3,757. Given that $3,000 was withheld from the taxpayer's wages, the difference will determine whether a refund is due or additional tax is owed.

\[
\text{Refund or Amount Due} = \text{Tax Withheld} - \text{Tax Liability}
\]

\[
\text{Refund or Amount Due} = 3,000 - 3,757 = -757
\]

### Conclusion:
- **Tax Liability**: $3,757
- **Tax Withheld**: $3,000
- **Amount Due**: $757

The taxpayer owes $757 in additional taxes.

---

Would you like more details on any specific part? Here are some questions to consider:

1. How do federal tax brackets work for different filing statuses?
2. What are the differences between the standard deduction and itemized deductions?
3. How do tax credits differ from deductions in reducing tax liability?
4. What other filing statuses might be applicable in different situations?
5. How can withholding adjustments be made to avoid owing taxes at the end of the year?

**Tip:** Always ensure you update your withholding allowances based on any life changes (marriage, birth of a child, etc.) to avoid underpaying or overpaying your taxes.

Calculate the total 2020 tax liability for a surviving spouse with one dependent child with a gross income of $59,400.00, assuming that the taxpayer takes the standard deduction. If the dependent child is under the age of 17 and $3,000.00 was withheld from the taxpayer's wages for federal income taxes, what is the amount of the taxpayer's refund or tax due?

Learn how to calculate the total 2020 tax liability for a surviving spouse with one dependent child and a gross income of $59,400. This example uses the standard deduction and federal income tax brackets to determine the tax due or refund. A detailed breakdown of the tax liability and withholding is provided.

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