January / February
Showing 513–528 of 623 results
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Dealer Digest
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 463
Abstract: This issue’s “Dealer Digest” warns against sending text messages in violation of federal rules; discusses a new AIAG guideline for the electronic reporting of vehicle delivery; and shows why some will find it easier to convert from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA in 2010.
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Prep time given – IRS suspends the examination of accounting for certain inventory costs
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 918
Abstract: After years of many auto dealerships accounting for the costs associated with their inventories in ways the IRS considered improper, the agency has issued new instructions to its examiners on how to assess dealership compliance with Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 263A. In light of the accounting changes dealers may need to make to comply, the IRS has suspended examination on Sec. 263A issues during audits until Jan. 1, 2011. But this does not apply to examinations begun before Sept. 15, 2009.
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Meeting FLSA overtime requirements – 7 factors to keep in mind
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 728
Abstract: While making decisions about overtime, it’s important that dealerships comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). There are seven factors to keep in mind, involving such considerations as salary thresholds and the different employee categories. A sidebar to this article lists several overtime errors that employers commonly make.
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Keeping up with online leads
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 733
Abstract: One aspect of the industry that’s moving forward at a rapid pace is the purchase of online leads. Dealerships are in something of an experimental stage right now as the pay-per-lead model of purchasing gains momentum. At the same time, third-party lead providers are stepping up the competition. And customers are more vigorously exploring their online options. Typically, Internet leads have been sold via a subscription model, in which Internet lead providers sell leads in bulk. But visitors to Kelley Blue Book’s new site are able to select search criteria and get “best match” results.
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Construction Success Story – Contractor rolls out new technology the right way
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 428
Abstract: In the midst of a flush of stimulus-related public projects, a small subcontractor was finding his old accounting system too slow and cumbersome. So, with little time to spare, he headed to the software market and chose a new system. Upon introducing the technology to his managers, however, the contractor found that everyone had a gripe. Frustrated, the contractor mentioned the dilemma to his financial advisor, who suggested he return the product and begin again with a collaborative, team-based approach to choosing new software.
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Discover the secret to your success with bid-hit ratios
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 421
Abstract: Some contractors equate success with the number of bids they win or perhaps simply with the number of jobs on which they’re bidding at any given time. But a more accurate and useful gauge lies in their bid-hit ratio — the rate at which they successfully bid on projects. A low bid-hit ratio can help contractors identify project types where they consistently fall short, and decide whether to allocate more resources to them or to bid more on other project types. But even the best bid ratio doesn’t guarantee profitability, so it’s important to track that measure as well.
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Care to trade? Trying your hand at a Sec. 1031 exchange
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 684
Abstract: A “Section 1031 exchange,” or “like-kind exchange,” refers to the swapping of two properties, potentially resulting in a significant tax advantage — deferring gain until the replacement property is sold. But, under Sec. 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), one may swap more than just real estate. This article looks at the basic rules of such an exchange and the timeframes involved, but also shows how non-like-kind property can be included.
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Preparing for battle – Strategic risk management for contractors
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 922
Abstract: The construction business is replete with risks. Bumps in the supply chain can stall deliveries, weather can wreak havoc on project schedules and owners can go bankrupt. These realities, compounded by recent natural disasters, heavier pressure to finish projects faster and more efficiently, and a steep rise in global competition, have prompted contractors to turn to strategic risk management (SRM). Having an SRM plan can reduce the chances of unexpected risks destabilizing a business, and allow owners to gain a better perspective on what risks could actually be beneficial to their construction business. This article discusses how to set up an SRM plan, while a sidebar discusses the importance of insurance as one component.
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Tax Tips – Year of the Roth – Watch out for shareholder loans – Can you deduct job search expenses?
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 441
Abstract: In this article, we briefly look at Roth IRA conversions, shareholder loans and the deductibility of certain job expenses.
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Until death … Postmortem strategies to reduce estate taxes
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1099
Abstract: Many people worry about not having an estate plan or having one that isn’t meeting all of their objectives. With ever-changing estate tax laws and the possibility that other unexpected situations may arise, it’s not unusual to be concerned about the strength of one’s estate plan. But one shouldn’t worry too much. This article offers a number of strategies a surviving spouse, executor or beneficiaries can implement after a loved one’s death.
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Extra credit – Do your homework on the Work Opportunity tax credit
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 643
Abstract: In today’s tough economy, every dollar counts. But many businesses lose out on thousands of dollars in tax savings every year by failing to claim tax credits to which they’re entitled. One such overlooked credit is the Work Opportunity tax credit (WOTC). This article explains what the credit entails, which employees are eligible and more.
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Creating a reliable buy-sell agreement — A valuation provision must be at its heart
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1074
Abstract: A buy-sell agreement can be an important tool in smoothing any business ownership transition — whether the aim is to maintain control, provide liquidity and a ready market for the stock, retain key employees, or ensure an orderly ownership transfer in the case of death, disability or divorce. And at the heart of every successful buy-sell agreement is a well-reasoned, supportable value. This article explains the various approaches a valuator might use to set the price in a buy-sell agreement and ensure the resulting valuation is objective and fair to all shareholders.
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Think outside the box in divorce
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: The rules governing equitable marital dissolutions vary from state to state. But divorce courts often consider cases in other jurisdictions, especially when relevant legal precedent in their own jurisdictions is lacking. This article uses a recent tax case, Wechsler v. Wechsler, to illustrate the importance of considering Tax Court precedent if a marital estate includes a holding corporation with significant built-in capital gains tax obligations. Citations: Wechsler v. Wechsler, 2008 WL 4635832, Oct. 21, 2008; Estate of Dunn v. Commissioner, 301 F.3d. 339, 5th Cir., 2002; Estate of Jelke v. Commissioner, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, No. 05 15549, Nov. 15, 2007.
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Look for the silver lining — A volatile market translates into higher marketability discounts
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1112
Abstract: Recent market volatility may provide an opportunity to gift private business interests at significant discounts, potentially saving a substantial amount in taxes. High volatility typically lowers marketability by making investments less attractive. This article discusses the data valuators generally use to support marketability discounts for private companies, including restricted stock and pre-initial public offering studies. It also looks at other factors that affect marketability, such as the pool of potential buyers, company size and financial performance.
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Selecting guideline companies in a volatile market
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 592
Abstract: When valuation professionals appraise a business using the market approach, they rely heavily on data from comparable or “guideline” companies. Selecting appropriate guideline companies is always important in preventing over- or undervaluation, and this selection is based on the type of business being appraised. The market approach can be effective in times of general economic stability, but when the value of companies falls dramatically and the economic future is uncertain, guideline company data can be less reliable.
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Personal vs. enterprise goodwill – Another state recognizes the critical difference
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 618
Abstract: The Kentucky Supreme Court recently joined the majority of states that distinguish between personal and enterprise goodwill when valuing a business. Such a distinction can significantly affect divorce settlements when one spouse holds an interest in a closely held business or sole proprietorship — particularly a professional practice. This article looks at how the court came to its conclusion that spouses will receive no share of their partner’s personal goodwill.