Answer:
a) Since Scot and Vidia's ordinary income = $90,400 + $81,000 = $171,400, their marginal tax rate will be 24%, and they will owe $29,211 + [($171,400 - $171,500) x 24%] = $29,295 in taxes
They will also have to pay 15% of $5,000 (capital gains) = $750
b) Since Scot and Vidia's ordinary income = $90,400 - $81,000 = $9,400, their marginal tax rate will be 10%, and they will owe $9,400 in taxes
They will also have to pay 15% of $5,000 (capital gains) = $750