July / August
Showing 465–480 of 616 results
-
What should you expect from your surety?
July / August 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 663
Abstract: The surety market remains tight in most areas of the country, so strict standards remain the norm. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible for contractors to navigate the situation and get the bonding they need. This article describes the business criteria that sureties are scrutinizing, and offers suggestions as to how contractors can meet them.
-
Seize the moment when it comes to gift taxes
July / August 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 446
Abstract: Giving away money in an economy that remains challenging for many contractors may seem a hard-to-swallow concept. But current estate and gift tax rules allow one to give a substantial amount without incurring taxes — and they lower the tax rate for gifts beyond that dollar limit. This article briefly describes the rules — which, in their existing form, expire at the end of 2012 — and suggests how they can affect construction businesses and contractors’ personal estates.
-
Crossing the border – A guide to multistate licensing
July / August 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 899
Abstract: Performing an out-of-state job is more complicated than just crossing the border with a crane and crew in tow. Most states require contractors to obtain licenses — even if they hold licenses in their home states. Those who skirt the licensing process can get slapped with civil or criminal penalties, such as significant fines. This article shows the necessity of advance preparation and research, along with some of the specific steps involved in the application process. A sidebar explains why submitting a bid without a license can have serious consequences.
-
Tax Tips – Can you deduct an expense if someone else pays it? – Borrowing against a life insurance policy – Going green with less green
July / August 2011
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 464
Abstract: This issue’s “Tax Tips” answers whether an expense is deductible if someone else pays it, explains the tax consequences of not paying back a loan against an insurance policy, and describes a recent IRS Revenue Procedure that makes it easier and cheaper for commercial building owners to claim tax deductions for energy-efficient improvements placed in service in previous years.
-
Tick, tock, tick, tock – Time is running out to disclose “hidden” foreign accounts
July / August 2011
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 639
Abstract: From time to time, the IRS offers “deals” to taxpayers that have unreported income from undisclosed foreign accounts and other foreign assets. The current program — the 2011 Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Initiative — expires Aug. 31. This article notes what the law requires and lists the benefits of voluntary disclosure — as opposed to the penalties for failing to disclose.
-
Have you researched the research credit?
July / August 2011
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 887
Abstract: In 1981, a tax credit for increasing research activities was introduced. Congress has renewed this “temporary” credit multiple times over the last three decades, and it currently extends through Dec. 31, 2011. The credit isn’t just for scientists or engineers, but is actually available to companies in a wide range of industries. This article explains what activities qualify and how much the credit can be worth. A sidebar notes that last year’s Small Business Jobs Act lifted certain restrictions on claiming the research credit for eligible small businesses.
-
Succession planning – Transferring ownership to the next generation
July / August 2011
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 835
Abstract: One important step in the succession planning process is determining the best way to transfer ownership interests in a family business to the next generation. Who should be the successor? How should wealth be divided between those who work in the business and those who don’t? This article offers ways to address these questions, and considers the gift and estate tax implications. It also shows how business interests can be transferred through family limited partnerships, self-canceling installment notes or employee stock ownership plans.
-
Court rejects shortcut in favor of detailed analysis
July / August 2011
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 409
Abstract: A common rule of thumb for calculating reasonable royalties in patent infringement cases has been to presume the inventor and manufacturer split pretax profits 25/75. In Uniloc USA Inc. v. Microsoft Corporation, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit called this methodology “fundamentally flawed.” This brief article summarizes this case, noting that the decision underscores the importance of hiring a credentialed financial expert and establishing a solid connection between an expert’s analytical tools and case facts. Citations: Uniloc USA Inc. v. Microsoft Corporation, Case Nos. 2010-1035 and 2010-1055, Fed. Cir., Jan. 4, 2011. Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, 509 U.S. 589, 1983.
-
Settling shareholder disputes — Valuators build a bridge over troubled waters
July / August 2011
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 659
Abstract: A company’s owners tend to get along when times are good, but economic downturns can bring out the worst in shareholder relations. This article uses a hypothetical case study to illustrate how valuators can serve as expert witnesses or consultants, helping settle shareholder disputes both in and out of court. Valuators are objective outsiders who can defuse emotions and help the remaining owners refocus their attention on building and preserving value.
-
Projected cash flow — History doesn’t tell the whole story
July / August 2011
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 821
Abstract: Projected cash flow is an important measure of future economic benefits. Although some companies may grow at a relatively constant rate, a business’s historic cash flows may not be an accurate measure of its expected future performance — especially in an uncertain business climate. This article discusses the methods valuators use to project cash flow and notes the ways cash flow projections may help owners manage cash flow more efficiently or survive the monthly (or off-season) cash crunch.
-
Purchase price allocations: Acquiring minds want to know
July / August 2011
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1011
Abstract: When planning to merge with or acquire another company, a business owner needs to identify what’s actually being sold and estimate what those assets are really worth. Often the most valuable assets — such as goodwill, brand names, customer lists and patents — don’t appear on the balance sheet. This article explains how a preacquisition purchase price allocation can help an owner determine whether a purchase price is reasonable and ensure a transaction makes sense from a financial perspective.
-
Punitive damages – Are you asking the right questions?
July / August 2011
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 687
Abstract: Although the U.S. Supreme Court has suggested that there may be constitutional limits on the size of punitive damages awards, an appropriate award generally depends on the defendant’s financial condition. Professional damages experts can help lawyers ask the right questions and present information in court that will bolster their case. This article shows how the plaintiff’s or defendant’s counsel can address issues such as who specifically is responsible for the alleged wrongdoing, how they profited from it, and their ability to pay.
-
Spotting deception in fraud interviews
July / August 2011
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 517
Abstract: Even employees innocent of occupational theft may be less than honest during fraud interviews. Fortunately, experienced fraud investigators are skilled at spotting deception in perpetrators and bystanders alike. This article describes how investigators discern the verbal and nonverbal cues that can indicate who may know of fraud — whether committed by themselves or someone else.
-
ESI preservation guidelines can help your clients avoid sanctions
July / August 2011
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 589
Abstract: The quantity and numerous sources and formats of electronically stored information (ESI) can make satisfying the duty of preservation difficult. The Delaware Court of Chancery has attempted to address the problem by releasing some guidelines on ESI preservation. This article discusses some of these guidelines, which can help U.S. companies incorporated in Delaware avoid sanctions.
-
Uniloc v. Microsoft – Federal Circuit rejects “25% rule” for patent damages
July / August 2011
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 936
Abstract: Financial experts may use certain theoretical tools — or rules of thumb — to calculate infringement damages. But in Uniloc USA Inc. v. Microsoft Corp., the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit made it clear that experts should base their calculations on a case’s facts, rather than rely on abstract theoretical tools, especially those used arbitrarily. This article explains why the court decided the commonly used “25% rule” and “entire market value” rule were improper in this case. A sidebar notes that the court reaffirmed the use of the Georgia-Pacific factors to frame the question of reasonable royalties in patent infringement cases.
-
Rebalanced your portfolio, recently? If not, unintended risks may increase
July / August 2011
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 592
Abstract: Without rebalancing one’s portfolio it’s possible to become exposed to more risk than initially intended. This article explains the reasons to rebalance and the steps to take to do so. However, rebalancing involves buying and selling securities, which can expose an investor to capital gains tax when working within a taxable investment account. So it’s important to decide whether tax costs may outweigh the potential long-term performance benefit of rebalancing.