February / March
Showing 1–16 of 454 results
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Should you elect S corporation status?
February / March 2021
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 427
Abstract: If business owners want to switch from their current C corporation status to S corporation status for the 2021 tax year, they have until March 15, 2021, to make the election. Otherwise, as tax law stands now, they generally must wait another year. This article explains the variables owners need to consider in determining whether to make the switch.
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Be vigilant and avoid fraud traps
February / March 2021
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 625
Abstract: The only way for individuals to make sure they don’t become victims of fraud is to stay up to date on the continually evolving methods criminals might try to use and learn how to counteract those methods. This article offers some ways people can defend themselves, such as conducting due diligence on charities before donating and learning how to detect phishing emails.
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Attracting outside investors with a good pitch deck
February / March 2021
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 681
Abstract: Business owners trying to attract outside investors probably could benefit from preparing a “pitch deck”: a digital presentation that provides a succinct, compelling description of the business, its solution and the benefits of the investment opportunity. This article discusses the elements of a good pitch deck, including identifying the problem the company solves, describing the target market and highlighting the company’s performance to date.
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Ways you can still cut your 2020 taxes
February / March 2021
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 870
Abstract: The year may be over, but it’s not too late for taxpayers to cut their taxes. This article contains some timely strategies that could still make a difference for individuals’ tax bills, including contributing to an IRA, contributing to an HSA or taking a home office deduction. A brief sidebar explains that self-employed individuals with a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan may be eligible to deduct SEP contributions for the 2020 tax year.
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COVID-19 checkup – 4 questions to ask a recovering business
February / March 2021
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 412
Abstract: Small and medium-sized businesses around the country have borne the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic impact. As the downturn continues, they must find ways to right-size their operations. For some, this requires rethinking every aspect of the business. Lenders need to determine whether their borrowers are on track to adjust to the new operating environment — and thrive. This article suggests four questions to ask a borrower in this situation, such as whether the borrower’s future business model is realistic and whether the plan for implementing it makes sense.
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What can an AUP do for you?
February / March 2021
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 671
Abstract: Lending decisions can be complex and it’s important to be able to pull out what’s relevant from the pile. Sometimes a full audit isn’t required. Depending on the circumstances, a lender may request an “agreed-upon procedures” (AUP) engagement to provide a more targeted and narrow view of the borrower’s financial health. This article explains the parameters of an AUP and offers an example to illustrate how it might be a good option for a lender seeking specific information.
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Recognize cash flow problems before it’s too late
February / March 2021
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 721
Abstract: In light of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever for lenders to focus their analyses of borrowers’ financial viability on cash. Sudden cash deficits can rapidly become chronic as businesses try to stay afloat in this uncertain economic environment. This article offers some places to look as lenders evaluate cash-poor borrowers — both within the statement of cash flows and beyond.
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Lending to a business with all-remote employees
February / March 2021
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 825
Abstract: Technology allows employees to work from anywhere in the world — and since the COVID-19 pandemic began, this phenomenon has been increasing at a rapid pace. While the arrangement can be beneficial for employees and employers, it also has some downsides. This article suggests that to determine whether a business with remote employees is creditworthy, a lender needs to understand the pros and cons of a virtual workforce and how it may affect the business’s profitability. A sidebar explains how to determine if a worker is an independent contractor or an employee.
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News for Nonprofits
February / March 2021
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 441
Abstract: This issue’s “News for Nonprofits” spotlights virtual events with lower revenue expectations, what’s known so far about COVID-19 philanthropy and digital trends.
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Are you prepared to accept cryptocurrency gifts?
February / March 2021
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 592
Abstract: Cryptocurrencies have moved closer to the mainstream, even prompting the IRS to add a question to its Form 1040 about transactions with virtual currencies. And nonprofits increasingly hear from donors who wish to make donations using them. This article discusses the key issues a nonprofit must weigh before jumping in.
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Board members: Stay alert for these 4 financial red flags
February / March 2021
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 679
Abstract: Board members are undoubtedly well aware of their nonprofit’s financial problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. But as 2021 unwinds, the board should keep its eyes on potential problem spots, ask questions and direct remedies when needed. This article offers four areas to keep an eye on, including financial statements, budgets, donor concerns and power plays.
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COVID-19 changes the landscape for single-audit compliance
February / March 2021
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 797
Abstract: COVID-19 and its economic impact have left the nonprofit niche financially vulnerable, with corporate and individual donations dropping precipitously for many organizations. Relief funding under the CARES Act has helped some nonprofits remain reasonably stable. But funding also will likely impose new single-audit requirements on recipients already struggling to keep their heads above water. This article explains what nonprofits need to know about the requirements.
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COMPLIANCE ALERT
February / March 2021
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 146
Abstract: This feature lists a few key tax reporting deadlines for February through April.
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2020 vs. 2021 retirement plan limits
February / March 2021
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 114
Abstract: This chart contains updated retirement plan limits for 2021.
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Watch employee turnover rate to avoid partial termination
February / March 2021
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 524
Abstract: If an employer lays off more than 20% of its plan participants over the course of a plan year — an unfortunate necessity for many employers during the COVID-19 pandemic — the IRS might deem that the company’s retirement plan has undergone a “partial termination.” If so, that would trigger the immediate vesting of all employer contributions made to the plan on behalf of the laid-off participants, even if they hadn’t satisfied regular vesting requirements. This article examines IRS guidance on the topic and reviews how the Consolidated Appropriations Act helps sponsors who had to lay off many plan participants during the COVID-19 crisis avoid the risk of having their retirement plan deemed to have experienced a partial termination.
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Is your cybersecurity policy up to the task?
February / March 2021
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 702
Abstract: Every qualified retirement plan should have a robust cybersecurity policy. The ever-growing magnitude of the threat from cyberattacks, and associated liability for plan fiduciaries, requires a systematic approach to managing this exposure. This article reviews legal considerations under ERISA and sets out some steps plan sponsors should consider in protecting their plans from cyberattacks.