Q: How much did Newt Gingrich pay in taxes for the past couple of years? Was it similar to Mitt Romney?
—Robert O’Neal, Johns Creek
A: Newt Gingrich and his wife Callista filed a joint return in 2010 and paid $994,708 in federal income taxes, or 31 percent, of their $3,162,424 in total income, according to CNNMoney. While a portion of Gingrich's income was taxed at lower rates, everything over $373,650 was taxed at 35 percent, according to the article. Romney paid more in taxes in 2010 because he earned more, but he was taxed a lower rate – about 15 percent – because of his millions in investment income, according to U.S. News & World Report. "In 2010, (Romney) reported earning $21.7 million in income and paying $3 million in federal taxes, a rate of about 14 percent. The estimates for 2011 show him earning about $20.9 million in income and paying $3.2 million, a rate of about 15.4 percent," the article stated.
Q: In professional tennis, the serves and volleys travel at or exceed 100 mph. Do line judges have to have near-perfect eyesight and depth perception? Are they given a test to determine this proficiency?
—Jim Pursley, Hartwell
A: Line judges are required to have natural or corrected vision of 20-20, which must be certified from their optometrist every year, Greg Sharko, the director of media information for the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) told Q&A on the News in an email. In addition, they attend training every year and are graded by chair umpires. This information is kept in an international database, Sharko said.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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