Hal attended school much of 2014, during which time he was supported by his parents. Hal married Ruth in December 2014. Hal graduated and commenced work in 2015. Ruth worked during 2014 and earned $18,000. Hal's only income was $1,100 of interest. Hal's parents are in the 28% tax bracket. Thus, claiming Hal as a dependent would save them $1,106 (0.28 × $3,950) of taxes.

a. Compute Hal and Ruth's gross tax if they file a joint return.

b. Compute Ruth's gross tax if she files a separate return in order to allow Hal's parents to claim him as a dependent.

c. Which alternative would be better for the family? In other words, will filing a joint return save Hal and Ruth more than $1,106?