August / September

Showing 113–128 of 469 results

  • Understanding the contents of a will

    August / September 2018
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 929

    Abstract: No estate plan is complete without a will. But what provisions should be included in it? This article explores the basic provisions of a will and how it should address estate taxes and specific bequests. A sidebar discusses the importance of including a “common disaster” clause in a will.

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  • Charitable giving in a post-TCJA world – What you need to know in the wake of the new tax law

    August / September 2018
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 824

    Abstract: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) will have a significant impact on estate planning and related aspects, such as charitable giving. Even though the TCJA reduces tax incentives for making charitable donations for some people, it encourages contributions for others. This article explains how the TCJA affects charitable giving.

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  • How to prepare your business for a natural disaster

    August / September 2018
    Newsletter: Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 414

    Abstract: Natural disasters can strike any business. Companies with a plan for surviving one are more likely to make it through relatively unscathed. This article suggests some steps businesses can take to develop a disaster plan designed to safeguard employees and others, and to minimize property loss and the disruption to operations.

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  • What happens to taxes in the gig economy?

    August / September 2018
    Newsletter: Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 609

    Abstract: Gig workers accounted for 15.8% of workers in 2015, up from 10.1% in 2005, according to researchers at the National Bureau of Economic Research. And the percentage is only increasing. This article looks at the way gig workers pay taxes, which differs from the way they would as employees. Because an employer typically isn’t withholding money from paychecks to cover gig workers’ tax obligations, they’re responsible for making federal income tax payments and possibly for paying state income tax. This article looks at the ins and outs of gig workers’ tax responsibilities and emphasizes the importance of keeping accurate, timely records of revenue and expenses.

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  • Trust in a trust to keep assets secure

    August / September 2018
    Newsletter: Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 651

    Abstract: Whether the economic climate is stable or volatile, one thing never changes: the need to protect assets from risk. That risk may occur as a result of factors entirely outside of owner control, such as the stock market or the behavior of heirs and creditors. This article points out that it’s wise to consider taking steps to mitigate the potential peril, including setting up a trust. The article explains that a trust can be a great way to protect assets. But to ensure the funds are unavailable to satisfy claims against the owner, the trust must become the owner of the assets and be irrevocable.

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  • New TCJA tax break may benefit your small business pass-through

    August / September 2018
    Newsletter: Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 867

    Abstract: A small business that operates as a pass-through entity may benefit from significant tax savings under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). This article details the qualified business income (QBI) deduction and explains its limits. It also points out that, as with any new legislation that is this massive, it will take time for all the consequences to be fully understood, and that the IRS will likely issue regulations and guidance, such as reporting requirements and the allocation of items and wages. A sidebar offers an example that illustrates how to calculate the QBI deduction.

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  • COMPLIANCE ALERT

    August / September 2018
    Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 87

    Abstract: This feature lists a few key tax reporting deadlines for September.

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  • Do you know what to do with an SOC report?

    August / September 2018
    Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 402

    Abstract: Service organization control (SOC) reports come in several varieties. They generally pertain to service organizations, like retirement plan recordkeepers or third party administrators (TPAs). The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) determines the scope of each SOC report. This short article reviews the types of SOCs and the reason for their use.

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  • New rules affect disability benefit claim denials in retirement plans

    August / September 2018
    Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 447

    Abstract: Retirement plans (or other ERISA-regulated benefits, including nonqualified “top hat” plans) containing a disability benefit are affected by the new DOL rules that took effect in April 2018. The new regulations, in the works since 2015, pertain to disability claims and the processes governing appeals of a denial of disability benefits. This article reminds sponsors of 401(k) plans and defined benefit pension plans with disability benefits that they have until the end of this year to amend their plans to reflect the new rules.

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  • Keep your eye on the ball – Plan forfeitures must match plan document

    August / September 2018
    Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 804

    Abstract: It’s a routine matter for employees to forfeit retirement plan benefits. Even so, plan sponsors can’t afford to become blasé about it; ERISA demands more than an “easy come, easy go” attitude about the matter. This article reviews how plans can forfeit benefits and when benefits are forfeited. A short sidebar covers what plans can do with forfeited funds.

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  • Charging plan expenses to participants correctly

    August / September 2018
    Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 852

    Abstract: Shaving a few basis points off plan participants’ annual returns on their retirement plan accounts can put a significant dent in their asset accumulations by the time they’re ready to retire. For that reason, the question of which plan expenses are charged to participants, and which must be borne by the plan sponsor, is a critical issue to resolve correctly. Improperly allocating expenses to participants could be a serious fiduciary breach. This article summarizes the difference between administrative and settlor functions and which can be charged as plan expenses.

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  • 4 hidden costs entrepreneurs omit from their forecasts

    August / September 2018
    Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 439

    Abstract: When entrepreneurs prepare financial forecasts for their business plans, they sometimes overlook costs that might have the potential to derail their business. That’s particularly problematic if a bank relies on a forecast during the initial underwriting process or on an ongoing basis to justify increases in a start-up borrower’s debt. This article suggests four costs entrepreneurs tend to leave out or miscalculate.

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  • Head off concentration risk at the pass

    August / September 2018
    Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 635

    Abstract: Concentration risk is a financial risk that comes into play when a borrower relies too heavily on one, or one set of, suppliers or customers — making the business vulnerable if those “key” suppliers or customers fail. Lenders need to identify these risks and help borrowers find ways to minimize the negative effects the risks might have on business performance. This article explains several types of risks and how to assess them. The article points out that a lender may need to adjust interest rates or take other measures to offset the risk, or even deny the loan until remedial measures are taken.

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  • Being there – Site visits can take you beyond the numbers

    August / September 2018
    Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 654

    Abstract: Financial statements, strategic plans and other financial documents provide essential information about the health and prospects of borrowers’ businesses, but to really understand a company’s operations, a lender needs to see what’s happening first-hand. This article shows how site visits can provide essential information about borrowers and help lenders detect problems before distress symptoms appear on their customers’ year-end financial statements.

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  • What to consider when lending to a franchisee

    August / September 2018
    Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 747

    Abstract: Some franchisors offer financing, but first-time franchisees often find themselves in need of traditional bank loans. And it’s not just new franchisees that need access to capital. Established ones frequently need funds to purchase new equipment, remodel their locations and meet short-term cash crunches. This article explains how to evaluate these types of loan applications. A sidebar discusses the importance of establishing a relationship with the franchisor to increase the bank’s exposure to franchise-related lending.

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  • SEC rules charitable contribution violated FCPA

    August / September 2017
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 412

    Abstract: The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Department of Justice have warned companies about potential Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) liability associated with charitable giving. This brief article reviews the FCPA and summarizes the SEC’s first-ever FCPA enforcement action based solely on a one-time charitable donation.

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