Parlay Economics  |  Home Economics Journal
The W-2 Is an Input. The 1040 Is the Model
The forms in the mail carry the inputs. The schedules attach as modules. Manage the inputs and the output can be money.
Document
Inputs · The Mail
FORM W-2WAGE & TAX STMT
Box 1 · Wages$35,360
Box 2 · Fed tax withheld$2,210
Box 4 · Soc Sec withheld$2,192
FORM 1099-NECNONEMPLOYEE COMP
Box 1 · Compensation$4,800
Box 4 · Fed tax withheld$0
The Model
FORM 1040U.S. INDIVIDUAL RETURN
1a · Wages (W-2)$35,360
8 · Other income (Sch C)$3,500
12 · Deduction (Std or Sch A)−$15,000
24 · Total tax
25 · Already paid in
34 · Refund▶ output
Modules
SCH A
Itemized deductions
Mortgage · taxes · giving
SCH C
Business income
− expenses = net
Output
LINE 34REFUND
Tax the model computesLine 24
Paid in + creditsLine 25–32
Deposit to you$ ▶
One system. The W-2 and the 1099 arrive as inputs. Form 1040 runs the model. Schedules attach as modules. Select any document to see the job it does.
Illustrative figures  |  form and line references follow the current Form 1040 layout
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