Theo Castellano is single for 2024 with wages of 72,000 dollars and taxable interest income of 800 dollars. He qualifies for the following above-the-line adjustments: educator expenses of 300 dollars (he is an eligible teacher and the per-educator limit is 300 dollars), student loan interest of 2,800 dollars paid with his income below the phase-out range, and a 2,000 dollar after-tax HSA contribution within his coverage limit. What is his adjusted gross income?
- A68,000 dollars Correct
- B67,700 dollars
- C68,300 dollars
- D72,800 dollars
Why A is correct: Total income is 72,000 plus 800, which is 72,800 dollars. Adjustments are 300 dollars educator, 2,500 dollars capped student loan interest, and 2,000 dollars HSA, totalling 4,800 dollars, giving an adjusted gross income of 68,000 dollars.
Why B is wrong: This subtracts the full 2,800 dollars of student loan interest rather than the 2,500 dollar cap. The student loan interest adjustment is limited to 2,500 dollars, so the total adjustments are overstated by 300 dollars.
Why C is wrong: This omits the 300 dollar educator expense adjustment from the total. All three qualifying adjustments, including educator expenses, reduce total income to reach adjusted gross income.
Why D is wrong: This is total income with no adjustments subtracted, as if these items were itemised deductions. Educator expenses, student loan interest, and HSA contributions are above-the-line adjustments that reduce income before reaching adjusted gross income.