Freda is a cash basis taxpayer. In 2017, she negotiated her salary for 2018. Her employer offered to pay her $21,000 per month in 2018 for a total of $252,000. Freda countered that she would accept $10,000 each month for the 12 months in 2018 and the remaining $132,000 in January 2019. The employer accepted Freda’s terms for 2018 and 2019.
a. Did Freda actually or constructively receive $252,000 in 2018?
b. What could explain Freda’s willingness to spread her salary over a longer period of time?
c. In December 2018, after Freda had earned the right to collect the $132,000 in 2019, the employer offered $133,000 to Freda at that time, rather than $132,000 in January 2019. The employer wanted to make the early payment so as to deduct the expense in 2018. Freda rejected the employer’s offer. Was Freda in constructive receipt of the income in 2018? Explain.