August
Showing 1–16 of 46 results
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A family budget for your needs — today and tomorrow
August 2022
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 245
Abstract: A good family budget should be simple yet comprehensive. As this brief article explains, this objective can be accomplished by addressing both the near term (such as day-to-day items) and the long term (such as college education and retirement).
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Too much inventory at your business? Trim the fat!
August 2022
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 382
Abstract: Inventory is expensive, so it needs to be as lean as possible without compromising revenue and customer service. This article provides some suggestions to help businesses trim the fat from inventory and some useful inventory ratios for benchmarking and evaluating product mix.
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Should you digitize your tax and financial records?
August 2022
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 483
Abstract: Traditionally, important tax and financial records have been stored as hard copies in desk drawers, filing cabinets and safe deposit boxes. These days, it has become increasingly popular and easy to digitize documents and store them electronically. This article explores the advantages and risks of this approach.
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When is employer-provided life insurance taxable?
August 2022
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 546
Abstract: Employer-provided life insurance can be a great benefit, with the cost of part of it excluded from an employee’s taxable income. Participating employees need to be aware that this exclusion only applies to the first $50,000 in coverage, and the employer-paid cost of the excess will be reported on the employee’s Form W-2. This is true even if the life insurance is never received. A sidebar reveals how the value of that taxable income is determined.
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Compiling a marital balance sheet in divorce
August 2021
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 296
Abstract: Divorce is a difficult process for almost everyone. That’s why being clear and organized can help facilitate the process. This brief article discusses how the first step is generally to compile a marital balance sheet and what that involves.
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Stress testing your investment portfolio
August 2021
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 380
Abstract: Many banks conduct regular “stress” tests to predict the impact of adverse external events. Essentially, stress testing is the ultimate “what if” analysis. This article discusses how investors can perform stress tests on their portfolios to assess and mitigate risk.
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5 key points about bonus depreciation
August 2021
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 498
Abstract: Like most business owners, you’ve probably heard about 100% bonus depreciation. It’s available for a wide range of qualifying asset purchases. But there are many important details to keep straight. This article presents five key points about this powerful tax-saving tool.
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Know the nuances of the nanny tax
August 2021
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 558
Abstract: During the pandemic, many families have hired household workers. For any household worker who isn’t an independent contractor, “nanny tax” obligations may apply. This article explores the details of withholding, reporting and paying a household worker. A sidebar looks at the federal unemployment tax.
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With glitch fixed, consider business property upgrades
August 2020
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 220
Abstract: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act fixed a legislative glitch that prevented businesses from claiming 100% bonus depreciation for qualified improvement property. This brief article describes the situation and advises business owners to keep this tax break in mind.
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Taking distributions from your traditional IRA
August 2020
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 404
Abstract: If you’re like many people, you’ve worked hard to accumulate a nest egg in your traditional IRA. Knowing the finer points of the distribution rules is critical — particularly as some of these rules have temporarily changed under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This article covers the latest details.
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Is your portfolio ready for a REIT?
August 2020
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 482
Abstract: The stock market’s roller coaster ride this year, spurred largely by the COVID-19 crisis, has many people craving stability. One way to potentially steady a portfolio is with real estate. This article looks at real estate investment trusts.
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Risks vs. benefits of life insurance loans
August 2020
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 565
Abstract: Because of the economic downturn triggered by the COVID-19 crisis, many people have found themselves in need of cash to pay unexpected medical bills, mortgage payments and other expenses. One option is to borrow against the cash value of a permanent life insurance policy. This article explores the risks and benefits of such a strategy, while a sidebar looks at a myth that represents a life insurance loan as a tool that “pays for itself.”
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Planning for the net investment income tax
August 2019
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 293
Abstract: Despite its name, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act didn’t cut all types of taxes. It left several taxes unchanged, including the 3.8% tax on net investment income (NII) of high-income taxpayers. This brief article defines the NII tax and urges you to explore strategies for reducing it if you must pay it.
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Know a teacher? Tell ’em about this tax break!
August 2019
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 421
Abstract: When teachers are setting up their classrooms for the new school year, it’s common for them to pay for a portion of their classroom supplies out of pocket. A special tax break allows these educators to deduct some of their expenses. This article explains how the educator expense deduction has changed under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
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Tax document retention guidelines for small businesses
August 2019
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 464
Abstract: Most small business owners probably breathed a sigh of relief after filing their 2019 taxes (or requesting an extension). They’ll have a much easier time filing next year if their tax-related files (whether paper or digital) are culled of clutter. This article provides both general and business-specific guidelines for tax document retention.
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Consider the flexibility of a self-directed IRA
August 2019
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 555
Abstract: Traditional and Roth IRAs can be relatively “safe” retirement-savings vehicles, depending on what they’re invested in. But a drawback is that they limit investment choices. This article looks at an alternative: self-directed IRAs, which provide more flexibility in investment choices but also come with a greater risk. A sidebar examines the IRA’s role in estate planning.