Problem Solving

If the amount of federal estate tax due on an estate valued at $ 1.35 million is $ 437,000 plus 43 percent of the value of the estate in excess of $ 1.25 million, then the federal tax due is approximately what percent of the value of the estate?

A. 30%
B. 35%
C. 40%
D. 45%
E. 50%

I'm confused how to set up the formulas here. Can any experts help?

ardz24 wrote:If the amount of federal estate tax due on an estate valued at $ 1.35 million is $ 437,000 plus 43 percent of the value of the estate in excess of $ 1.25 million, then the federal tax due is approximately what percent of the value of the estate?

A. 30%
B. 35%
C. 40%
D. 45%
E. 50%

I'm confused how to set up the formulas here. Can any experts help?

Hi ardz24.

Let's take a look at your question.

The value of the state is $1,350,000. Hence, it exceeds by $100,000 (because $1,350,000 - $1,250,000 = $100,000).

Now, the state has to pay $$437,000+100,000*43\%=437,000+100,000\cdot\frac{43}{100}=437,000+43,000=480,000.$$ Finally, the percentage is approximatily $$\frac{480,000}{1,350,000}\cdot100=\frac{480}{1,350}\cdot100\approx35.5\%.$$ This implies that the correct answer is the option B.

I hope it helps you.

I'm available if you'd like a follow-up.

Regards.

ardz24 wrote:If the amount of federal estate tax due on an estate valued at $ 1.35 million is $ 437,000 plus 43 percent of the value of the estate in excess of $ 1.25 million, then the federal tax due is approximately what percent of the value of the estate?

A. 30%
B. 35%
C. 40%
D. 45%
E. 50%

I'm confused how to set up the formulas here. Can any experts help?

Hi ardz24.

Let's take a look at your question.

The value of the state is $1,350,000. Hence, it exceeds by $100,000 (because $1,350,000 - $1,250,000 = $100,000).

Now, the state has to pay $$437,000+100,000*43\%=437,000+100,000\cdot\frac{43}{100}=437,000+43,000=480,000.$$ Finally, the percentage is approximatily $$\frac{480,000}{1,350,000}\cdot100=\frac{480}{1,350}\cdot100\approx35.5\%.$$ This implies that the correct answer is the option B.

I hope it helps you.

I'm available if you'd like a follow-up.

Regards.