CPP Practice Exam 12

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  • 1/25 Questions

    One element of a payroll calander is:

    • Pay frequency
    • Hire dates
    • Total remuneration
    • Social security numbers
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About This Quiz

Prepare for success with the CPP Practice Exam! This comprehensive practice test is designed to help you review and master the key concepts you’ll need to pass the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) exam. Covering topics such as payroll fundamentals, compliance, tax laws, deductions, and reporting requirements, this exam will challenge your understanding of the payroll profession.

Each question is carefully crafted to reflect the actual exam format, giving you a realistic preview of what to expect. By taking this practice exam, you can identify areas where you need improvement, build confidence, and refine your problem-solving skills. Whether you’re new to payroll or an experienced professional, the CPP Practice Exam is an essential tool to help you prepare and pass with flying colors. Take the quiz now and get one step closer to earning your CPP certification!

CPP Practice Exam 12 - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    All of the following actions demonstrate a strong customer service orientation EXCEPT:

    • Exhibiting a customer friendly attitude

    • Viewing customers as the most important part of the job

    • Using voice mail to answer phone calls from customers

    • Establishing relationships with people

    Correct Answer
    A. Using voice mail to answer phone calls from customers
    Explanation
    Using voice mail to answer phone calls from customers does not demonstrate a strong customer service orientation because it lacks personal interaction and may lead to a delay in addressing customer needs. The other actions mentioned, such as exhibiting a customer-friendly attitude, viewing customers as the most important part of the job, and establishing relationships with people, all indicate a focus on providing excellent customer service.

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  • 3. 

    The Family and Medical Leave Act requires employers to maintain records for:

    • 12 weeks

    • 1 year

    • 2 years

    • 3 years

    Correct Answer
    A. 3 years
    Explanation
    The Family and Medical Leave Act requires employers to maintain records for a period of 3 years. This means that employers must keep records of any leave taken by employees for family or medical reasons, including the dates of the leave and the reasons for it, for a minimum of 3 years. This requirement ensures that employers have accurate and up-to-date records of their employees' leave history, which can be helpful for both the employer and the employee in case of any disputes or inquiries in the future.

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  • 4. 

    An employee who works for more than one employer and has exceeded the social security wage base may:

    • Take a credit against federal income tax on Form 1040

    • Demand that the employer refund the overage

    • Apply the social security tax to next year's withholdings

    • Apply the overage to benefits paid at age 65

    Correct Answer
    A. Take a credit against federal income tax on Form 1040
    Explanation
    If an employee works for more than one employer and exceeds the social security wage base, they may take a credit against federal income tax on Form 1040. This means that they can reduce their federal income tax liability by the amount of excess social security taxes paid. This credit can help offset the additional taxes paid due to exceeding the wage base.

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  • 5. 

    When an employer is advised  by the IRS that an employee's Form W-4 is invalid, what action must the employer take?

    • All further Forms W-4 must be sent to the IRS as long as the employee is being paid

    • Employers have no obligation to change exemptions unless notified by the employee through a new Form W-4

    • Withhold on the basis of information provided by the IRS

    • The employer should send notice at the end of the quarter, requesting that the employee contact the IRS to clear up the problem

    Correct Answer
    A. Withhold on the basis of information provided by the IRS
    Explanation
    When an employer is advised by the IRS that an employee's Form W-4 is invalid, the employer must withhold taxes based on the information provided by the IRS. This means that the employer should adjust the employee's withholding amount according to the guidance given by the IRS. The employer is required to follow the instructions provided by the IRS in order to comply with tax regulations.

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  • 6. 

    What is the purpose of the payroll accrual entry?

    • To recognize expenses in the period in which they were incurred

    • To reverse an entry made in error

    • To recognize expenses in the period in which they were paid

    • To reverse an entry from a previous period

    Correct Answer
    A. To recognize expenses in the period in which they were incurred
    Explanation
    The purpose of the payroll accrual entry is to recognize expenses in the period in which they were incurred. This means that the entry is made to account for the expenses related to employee salaries and wages that have been earned but not yet paid. By recognizing these expenses in the correct period, it ensures that the financial statements accurately reflect the company's financial position and performance during that period.

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  • 7. 

    When checking for phantom employees, which of the following actions should be taken?

    • Notify the employees of an impending physical payout

    • Have the managers hand checks out to their employees

    • Have employees pick up checks and direct deposit advices and show identification

    • Mail checks directly to employee's homes

    Correct Answer
    A. Have employees pick up checks and direct deposit advices and show identification
  • 8. 

    Which of the following steps is LEAST important during the parallel testing phase of a new payroll system?

    • The testing of employee earnings and deductions accuracy

    • The verification of employees transferred to the new system from the old system

    • The verification of tax withholding calculations for employees

    • Testing the functionality of a wage attachment process

    Correct Answer
    A. Testing the functionality of a wage attachment process
    Explanation
    During the parallel testing phase of a new payroll system, the least important step is testing the functionality of a wage attachment process. This is because a wage attachment process is typically a less common scenario compared to other payroll functions such as employee earnings and deductions accuracy, verification of employee transfers, and tax withholding calculations. Therefore, while it is still important to test the functionality of a wage attachment process, it is considered to be of lesser importance compared to other critical payroll functions.

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  • 9. 

    An employee is paid $9 per hour plus a 10% differential for evening shifts.  During the past week, the employee worked 24 hours on the day shift and 24 hours on the evening shift.  Under FLSA, what are the employee's gross wages for the week?

    • $378.00

    • $432.00

    • $572.40

    • $453.60

    Correct Answer
    A. $453.60
    Explanation
    Overtime typically applies when an employee works more than 40 hours in a workweek under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In the scenario you provided, the employee worked a total of 48 hours (24 hours on the day shift and 24 hours on the evening shift), which is more than 40 hours. Therefore, 8 of these hours are considered overtime hours.
    To calculate the gross wages with overtime, we need to consider the overtime rate, which is usually 1.5 times the regular rate for each overtime hour.
    Here's the corrected calculation:
    For the day shift:
    The employee worked 24 hours at a rate of $9 per hour.
    Gross wages for the day shift = 24 hours * $9/hour = $216
    For the evening shift:
    The employee worked 24 hours at a rate of $9 per hour, plus a 10% differential for evening shifts.
    Differential for evening shift = 10% of $9 = 0.10 * $9 = $0.90 per hour
    Gross wages for the evening shift = 24 hours * ($9 + $0.90)/hour = 24 hours * $9.90/hour = $237.60
    Now, for the 8 overtime hours on the evening shift:
    The overtime rate is 1.5 times the regular rate, so it's 1.5 * $9.90/hour = $14.85/hour
    Gross wages for overtime = 8 hours * $14.85/hour = $118.80
    Total gross wages with overtime = Gross wages for day shift + Gross wages for evening shift (excluding overtime) + Gross wages for overtime Total gross wages = $216 + $237.60 + $118.80 = $572.40
    So, accounting for overtime, the employee's gross wages for the week are $572.40.

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  • 10. 

    A nonexempt employee earns $400 per week for a normal schedule of 35 hours.  Under FLSA, how mjuch would this employee be due if 48 hours were worked?

    • $400.00

    • $594.40

    • $548.64

    • $433.32

    Correct Answer
    A. $594.40
    Explanation
    The correct answer is $594.40. To calculate the amount due, we need to determine the employee's regular rate of pay. The regular rate is calculated by dividing the total weekly pay by the total number of hours worked. In this case, the employee earns $400 per week for 35 hours, so the regular rate is $400/35 = $11.43 per hour.

    Since the employee worked 48 hours, we need to calculate overtime pay. Overtime pay is 1.5 times the regular rate for any hours worked over 40. In this case, the employee worked 8 hours of overtime (48 - 40 = 8). So, the overtime pay is 8 x $11.43 x 1.5 = $137.16.

    Adding the overtime pay to the regular pay, the total amount due is $400 + $137.16 = $537.16.

    However, since the FLSA requires that overtime pay be calculated based on the regular rate, we need to multiply the overtime pay by the number of overtime hours worked. So, the final amount due is $537.16 + ($11.43 x 8) = $594.40.

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  • 11. 

    An employee covered by group health insurance at the time his employment terminates to return to school is entitled to CORBA continuation rights for:

    • 12 months

    • 18 months

    • 24 months

    • 30 months

    Correct Answer
    A. 18 months
    Explanation
    When an employee's employment terminates and they are covered by group health insurance, they are entitled to CORBA continuation rights. These rights allow the employee to continue their health insurance coverage for a certain period of time. In this case, the correct answer is 18 months, which means that the employee can continue their group health insurance coverage for 18 months after their employment ends.

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  • 12. 

    All of the following practices are acceptable to an external auditor EXCEPT:

    • The accounting department reconciling the payroll checking account

    • The payroll supervisor verifying that deposits are made timely

    • Storage of blank payroll checks in the payroll department

    • The treasury department being responsible for the signature of payroll checks

    Correct Answer
    A. Storage of blank payroll checks in the payroll department
    Explanation
    The storage of blank payroll checks in the payroll department is not acceptable to an external auditor because it increases the risk of unauthorized access and potential fraud. It is best practice to store blank checks in a secure location separate from the department responsible for payroll processing.

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  • 13. 

    All of the following types of compensation are subject to social security tax EXCEPT:

    • Tips under $100

    • Deferred bonus

    • Third-party sick pay up to $3,000

    • Workers' compensation pay

    Correct Answer
    A. Workers' compensation pay
    Explanation
    Workers' compensation pay is not subject to social security tax because it is a type of insurance that provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees who are injured on the job. Since it is not considered regular wages or income, it is not subject to social security tax. On the other hand, tips under $100, deferred bonus, and third-party sick pay up to $3,000 are all types of compensation that are subject to social security tax.

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  • 14. 

    A payroll register for the pay period shows gross earnings of $300,000 and deductions of $120,000.  The entry to the payroll expense account would be:

    • $120,000

    • $180,000

    • $300,000

    • $420,000

    Correct Answer
    A. $300,000
    Explanation
    The entry to the payroll expense account would be $300,000 because the gross earnings of $300,000 represent the total expense incurred by the company for paying its employees, and this amount needs to be recorded in the payroll expense account. The deductions of $120,000 are not relevant to this entry as they are subtracted from the gross earnings to arrive at the net amount paid to employees.

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  • 15. 

    A team comprised of members of a department's staff with the intention of improving their own process is a:

    • Cross-functional team

    • Conversion team

    • Functional team

    • Management team

    Correct Answer
    A. Functional team
    Explanation
    A functional team is a group of individuals from the same department who work together to improve their own processes. They share a common goal and focus on enhancing their own department's operations. This type of team is different from a cross-functional team, which consists of members from different departments working together towards a common objective. Conversion teams are focused on transitioning or implementing new systems or processes. Management teams are responsible for making decisions and overseeing the overall operations of a department or organization.

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  • 16. 

    Payroll system user documentation should include:

    • A copy of the RFP

    • Copies of project development documents

    • Details of disaster recovery procedures

    • The history of the payroll system conversion

    Correct Answer
    A. Details of disaster recovery procedures
    Explanation
    The user documentation for a payroll system should include details of disaster recovery procedures. This is important because in the event of a system failure or data loss, it is crucial to have a plan in place to recover the payroll system and ensure that employee payments are not disrupted. Including these procedures in the user documentation helps to ensure that all users are aware of the steps to take in case of a disaster and can quickly and efficiently restore the system.

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  • 17. 

    With online input, what is the BEST way to control miscellaneous payments?

    • Verification of a sample of entered data

    • A visual audit of the online activity report

    • An auditor's comparison of each input source document to the database record

    • A comparison of the online report totals to predetermined totals taken from the source documents

    Correct Answer
    A. A comparison of the online report totals to predetermined totals taken from the source documents
    Explanation
    The best way to control miscellaneous payments with online input is to compare the online report totals to predetermined totals taken from the source documents. This ensures that the total amount entered online matches the total amount recorded in the source documents, reducing the risk of errors or fraudulent activity. Verification of a sample of entered data may not capture all discrepancies, while a visual audit of the online activity report may not provide a comprehensive analysis. An auditor's comparison of each input source document to the database record may be time-consuming and inefficient.

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  • 18. 

    Which of the following outcomes is the PRIMARY advantage of developing an in-house system?

    • Outsiders are not involved in a firm's daily operations

    • Costs are reduced and can be distributed on an equitable basis

    • The employer controls the entire computer system

    • Time is saved by having to explain business policies and practices

    Correct Answer
    A. The employer controls the entire computer system
    Explanation
    Developing an in-house system allows the employer to have complete control over the computer system. This means that they have the ability to customize and tailor the system to meet their specific needs and requirements. They can make changes and updates as necessary without relying on external vendors or service providers. This level of control can lead to increased efficiency and effectiveness in managing and utilizing the computer system. Additionally, it provides the employer with a greater sense of security and confidentiality as they have full ownership and oversight of the system.

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  • 19. 

    How may federal income tax be withheld from separation pay and accrued vacation wages totaling $20,000 that are paid at the time of termination and identified separately on the employees' pay stub, if the employee has been paid $25,000 so far this year and had income tax withheld from her most recent wage payment?

    • Using the aggregated method only

    • Using the prior 12 months' tax rate

    • At the optional flat rate for all payouts at termination only

    • At the optional flat rate or using the aggregate method

    Correct Answer
    A. At the optional flat rate or using the aggregate method
    Explanation
    The correct answer is at the optional flat rate or using the aggregate method. This means that the federal income tax can be withheld from separation pay and accrued vacation wages totaling $20,000 either at a flat rate specifically for termination payouts or using the aggregated method, which takes into account the employee's total income for the year. This allows for flexibility in how the tax is calculated and withheld.

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  • 20. 

    A request for proposal (RFP) can be used to:

    • Provide vendors with technical and functional system requirements

    • Request funds during a budget process

    • Analyze needs for a system

    • Assign programming resources to enhance functionality

    Correct Answer
    A. Provide vendors with technical and functional system requirements
    Explanation
    An RFP is a document that outlines the technical and functional requirements for a system that an organization is looking to implement. It is used to solicit proposals from vendors who can provide a solution that meets these requirements. By providing vendors with these requirements, the organization can ensure that they receive proposals that are tailored to their specific needs and can make an informed decision when selecting a vendor.

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  • 21. 

    Which form is used to request an employer identification number?

    • I-9

    • SS-4

    • SS-5

    • SS-8

    Correct Answer
    A. SS-4
    Explanation
    The form SS-4 is used to request an employer identification number. This form is specifically designed for businesses and organizations to apply for an EIN, which is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify taxpayers. The SS-4 form collects information about the business or organization, such as its legal name, address, and type of entity. It is important to fill out this form accurately and submit it to the IRS to obtain an EIN, which is necessary for various tax and financial purposes.

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  • 22. 

    An employee is to be awarded a net bonus of $2,000 as supplemental wages.  Year-to-date regular and supplemental earnings are $15,000.  Using the current optional flat tax rate and social security and Medicare tax rates, what should be the gross amount of the payment if the employee lives and works in a state with no income tax?

    • $3,060.44

    • $2,666.67

    • $3,108.00

    • $2,153.00

    Correct Answer
    A. $2,666.67
    Explanation
    To calculate the gross amount of the payment, we need to consider the taxes deducted from the supplemental wages.
    First, we calculate the federal income tax on supplemental wages using the optional flat tax rate. The optional flat tax rate for supplemental wages is typically 22%. So, 22% of $2,000 is $440.
    Next, we calculate the Social Security and Medicare taxes on supplemental wages. The Social Security tax rate is 6.2%, and the Medicare tax rate is 1.45%. So, 6.2% of $2,000 is $124, and 1.45% of $2,000 is $29.
    Adding these tax amounts together, we get: $440 (federal income tax) + $124 (Social Security tax) + $29 (Medicare tax) = $593
    Therefore, the gross amount of the payment should be: $2,000 (net bonus) + $593 (taxes) = $2,593
    So, the closest option to the calculated amount is $2,666.67.

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  • 23. 

    When determining the value of employer-provided parking, which of the following valuation methods is allowed?

    • Employer's cost

    • Employee's cost

    • Lower of employee's cost or fair market value

    • Employee's fair market value

    Correct Answer
    A. Employee's fair market value
    Explanation
    The allowed valuation method for determining the value of employer-provided parking is the employee's fair market value. This means that the value of the parking space should be based on what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller for the same parking space in the same area. It is important to consider the fair market value to ensure accurate and transparent valuation of the benefit received by the employee.

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  • 24. 

    Employer-sponsored athletic facilities may not be nontaxable fringe benefits if the:

    • Employer requires substantiation of the amount, time, and business purpose of the facility's use.

    • Employer incurs no substantial additional cost, except labor, to provide the facility

    • Facility is on the employer's premises

    • Facility qualifies as a de minimus fringe

    Correct Answer
    A. Facility is on the employer's premises
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that the facility is on the employer's premises. This means that if the athletic facility is located on the employer's property, it may be considered a nontaxable fringe benefit. This is because the facility is directly provided by the employer and is easily accessible to employees during work hours. If the facility was located off-site, it may not qualify as a nontaxable fringe benefit.

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  • 25. 

    Using the 2010 percentage method withholding tables, calculate the employee's federal income tax based on the following data: Weekly pay frequency Vacation earnings:  $360.62 Regular compensation:  $239.38 401(k) (pre-tax):  $48.50 Married, 0 allowances  

    • $32.78

    • $40.05

    • $61.13

    • $44.28

    Correct Answer
    A. $32.78
    Explanation
    Based on the given data, the employee's federal income tax can be calculated using the 2010 percentage method withholding tables. The employee's regular compensation is $239.38, and their vacation earnings are $360.62. The employee also contributes $48.50 to their 401(k) before taxes. Since the employee is married and has 0 allowances, the federal income tax can be calculated using the withholding tables, which results in a tax amount of $32.78.

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