February / March
Showing 1–16 of 486 results
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Estate Planning Pitfall – You haven’t made funeral arrangements
February / March 2023
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 210
Abstract: No one likes to contemplate his or her own death but making funeral arrangements is a necessary evil of estate planning. Family members usually are distressed in the immediate aftermath of a loved one’s death. Thus, they may be hard-pressed to follow through with funeral arrangements that have been stipulated in a will or other document. This brief article suggests ways to ease the burden on one’s family by making clear funeral arrangements.
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Comparing inter vivos and testamentary trusts
February / March 2023
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 584
Abstract: Creating and adhering to an estate plan is no simple task. Generally, the end goal of estate planning is to divide up and transfer assets to loved ones at a minimum or zero tax cost. Of course, a will is a good starting point, but it may be supplemented by various other estate planning techniques, including trusts. Trusts are essentially used to accommodate asset transfers beyond dispositions in a will. This article examines the two main trust types: the inter vivos trust and the testamentary trust.
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Has your buy-sell agreement recently been updated?
February / March 2023
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 868
Abstract: A buy-sell agreement should be a critical part of an individual’s estate plan if he or she has an interest in a business that’s closely held or family owned. The agreement provides for the disposition of each owner’s interest after a “triggering event,” such as death, disability, divorce, termination of employment or withdrawal from the business. This article explains how a properly drafted buy-sell agreement can help address a variety of issues business owners and their families may face when a triggering event occurs.
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Gifting made easy – Max out your annual gift tax exclusion amount
February / March 2023
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 793
Abstract: By using the annual gift tax exclusion judiciously, individuals can transfer assets to loved ones and reduce the size of their taxable estates without eroding their federal gift and estate tax exemption. This article details the benefits of making annual exclusion gifts, especially if one wants to transfer significant wealth to family members. A sidebar explains a recent U.S. Tax Court ruling regarding deathbed gifts.
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News for Nonprofits – Salary transparency gains steam
February / March 2023
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 443
Abstract: This issue’s News for Nonprofits looks at the growing trend in a number of states to require salary ranges in job postings, why social giving is growing in popularity, and news that Apple has made a $10-million grant to support organizations that investigate, expose and prevent highly targeted cyberattacks.
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Don’t let corporate sponsorships trip you up
February / March 2023
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 634
Abstract: With some financial experts predicting that a recession looms on the horizon, corporate sponsorship dollars can be appealing. However, nonprofit organizations need to take care when crafting such arrangements — or possibly face an unexpected tax bill. This article examines the definition of qualified sponsorship payments, and the difference between advertising and acknowledgments. Source: Internal Revenue Code Section 513(i)
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Who are disqualified persons? Understanding self-dealing rules
February / March 2023
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 611
Abstract: The IRS strictly prohibits self-dealing between private foundations and so-called “disqualified persons.” Potential penalties for the disqualified person and foundation staff are stiff. This article covers what nonprofits need to know to avoid liability. Source: Internal Revenue Code Section 4941
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Critical tax reminders for special events
February / March 2023
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 851
Abstract: After the pandemic-induced lull, many nonprofits are making up for lost time and fundraising opportunities by ramping up their special events. It’s easy to get caught up in the details that come with event planning, but it’s also important to remember that these functions can have tax implications. This article presents some things to keep in mind so nonprofits stay on top of compliance. A sidebar covers financial reporting for special events, highlighting three options for reporting in the statement of activities under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
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Game on! Ninth Circuit revives trade dress infringement claim
February / March 2023
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 441
Abstract: Two competing companies created their own three-foot-wide versions of the popular game “four-in-a-row” or “horizontal checkers.” P&P Imports (P&P) was trying to claim trade dress in the design of its four-in-a-row apparatus and color scheme. This article summarizes the ensuing trade dress dispute between P&P and another gaming company, and the decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit describing the proper standard for “secondary meaning.” P and P Imports LLC v. Johnson Enterprises LLC, DBA Tailgating Pros, Nos. 21-55013; -55323 (9th Cir. Aug. 24, 2022).
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Product-by-process analysis dooms challenged patent
February / March 2023
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 548
Abstract: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has invalidated a previously issued patent based on what it deemed a “product-by-process” claim. This article reviews the court’s finding that it wasn’t enough that the process part of the claim was different from existing processes — the product part also needed patentable differences. Kamstrup A/S v. Axioma Metering UAB, No. 21-1923 (Fed. Cir. Aug. 12, 2022).
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DMCA development – Standard for removal of digital copyright info comes into focus
February / March 2023
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 637
Abstract: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit is making it tough for digital copyright holders to allege violations of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) based on the removal of copyright management information (CMI). In doing so, the court agreed with other appellate courts that a plaintiff must establish “double scienter” by the defendant. This article reviews the court’s decision. Victor Elias Photography, LLC v. Ice Portal, Inc., No. 21-11892 (11th Cir. Aug. 12, 2022).
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Clarifying patent law’s recapture bar
February / March 2023
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 847
Abstract: Patent applicants sometimes amend their original applications in response to a patent examiner’s rejection — for example, adding or withdrawing elements so that the invention isn’t obvious and, thus, unpatentable. Such amendments can have long-standing effects, though, as one inventor learned the hard way when he tried to obtain a reissue patent. This article reviews the court’s ruling, which is a strong reminder that deliberately limiting patent claims will preempt the possibility of recapture in a patent reissue. A short sidebar highlights how a defective inventor declaration also doomed the reissue application. In re McDonald, No. 21-1697 (Fed. Cir. Aug. 10, 2022).
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New law upgrades home energy credits
February / March 2023
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 453
Abstract: The new Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed in August of 2022, rewards homeowners for going green. This article explains that taxpayers now may qualify for either or both of two enhanced tax credits: the “residential clean energy credit” (previously the energy-efficient property credit) and the “energy-efficient home improvement credit” (previously the “nonbusiness energy property credit”). The article offers a brief overview of both credits.
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How to choose a trustee for your estate
February / March 2023
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 608
Abstract: One of the most significant aspects of an estate plan isn’t to whom the assets will be distributed but who will oversee their distribution. This article points out that the trustee an individual chooses will play a significant role in managing all of the financial aspects of the estate after death, so it’s wise to consider this decision carefully. The article explains some of the factors to consider in that decision, such as whether the trustee should be an individual or a professional and whether fees will be incurred.
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Navigating inflation – Chart a course for success
February / March 2023
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 687
Abstract: With prices jumping more than 8% over the past year or so, it’s not surprising that roughly 85% of small business owners recently said they’re concerned about the impact of inflation. This article suggests some steps business owners can take to help their businesses survive — and possibly even thrive — during these volatile economic times, including reviewing inflation’s impact by product line and investing in technology to improve efficiency.
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What method should you use to deduct business vehicle expenses?
February / March 2023
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 876
Abstract: Businesspeople who use their passenger cars, vans or pickup trucks for business driving can generally deduct expenses attributable to the use of those vehicles, just like one that’s owned by the business. But it’s important to note that they can deduct only the portion of their overall expenses that’s attributable to their business use. This article points out that there are two ways to arrive at a deduction for the current year — the actual expense method or the standard mileage rate. A sidebar presents an example of how the deduction might work.