Explanation:
a. Ralph is in charge of the land, with an implicit right to payment in compliance with right doctrine (North American Oil Consol. v. Burnet (1932, S.Ct.) 286 US 414). This year, however, gross sales are made, although they may be reimbursed later.
b. Unless he returns money to Acme this year, Ralph will be able to claim a deduction of $5,000. Although Ralph originally paid the $1,750 tax on invoice and only saved $1,400 on the reduction of the refund and because the repayment timing resulted in an additional $350 tax. As the amount refunded to Ralph is more than $3,000 according to IRC§ 1341a. This is possible for Ralph to use the taxes accrued in the next year from the same refund to cover taxes. So Ralph will say a tax offset of $1,750 instead of a deduction of $5,000.
c.The sum of the deduction must be more than $3,000, according to IRC § 1341(a). Because Ralph spent just $2,500, he is not liable for tax reduction deductions, but can only claim a refund deduction.