July / August

Showing 529–544 of 616 results

  • Ask the Advisor – What are short sales, and why are they so popular?

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 517

    Abstract: Short sales are a form of preforeclosure where a home sells for less than the mortgage amount. A homeowner facing foreclosure may benefit from a short sale because it reflects more favorably on the owner’s credit report than does a foreclosure. When the numbers are right, banks also benefit from short sales, because they avoid the hassle and expense of foreclosure. A real estate investor purchasing through a short sale wins too, because it’s getting a home at a discounted price. But getting one isn’t a given; there are requirements that must be met, and steps that investors should take to improve their success in negotiations.

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  • LLC or LP: Finding the best fit

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 775

    Abstract: Limited liability companies (LLCs) and limited partnerships (LPs) are popular business entities for real estate investors today. By providing both tax and nontax benefits, they achieve many investor goals. But choosing the best entity for holding a real estate investment will be influenced by a number of details. The pros and cons of each entity are discussed.

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  • How to thrive in a tenants’ market

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 672

    Abstract: As the deteriorating economy continues to impact the real estate market, landlords are taking a hit. Despite the significant drift toward a tenants’ market, the opportunity for deal-making still exists in tenant negotiations. Three specific suggestions are described, while a sidebar offers seven signs that a tenant is in trouble.

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  • The perfect windstorm

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 364

    Abstract: The rising costs of energy, the falling price of wind turbines and the lure of federal and state tax credits are all converging into a perfect windstorm that may inspire more building owners to make wind power part of their energy mix. This short article discusses financial incentives, including tax benefits that are available as a result of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

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  • The tax man cometh, bearing gifts – 2009 may be your year for tax breaks

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 776

    Abstract: In the midst of all the bailout bills, budget proposals and credit crunch measures of the past year, some of the old standbys have gotten a facelift which can greatly benefit real estate professionals. This article covers updates to laws regarding leasehold and restaurant depreciation, the Section 179 expensing election, the 50% first-year bonus depreciation allowance, net operating loss carrybacks and energy-related tax breaks.

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  • Consider taxes before you hire household help

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 571

    Abstract: When you hire someone to work in your home, you become an employer. Thus, you have specific tax obligations, such as withholding and paying Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes and possibly federal and state unemployment insurance. So before you say, “You’re hired,” make sure you understand your tax obligations — and the penalties for not meeting them. This includes knowing who qualifies as an employee, what taxes are owed, and how to pay them.

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  • Planning ahead – Tips for a near-term retirement

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 756

    Abstract: Whether you’ve already retired or plan to do so soon, one question is likely foremost on your mind: “Will I have enough?” To make sure the answer is “yes,” there are a number of specific steps you can take to keep your portfolio growing and to balance income and spending — and to play “catch-up” if it looks as if you’re falling short of your objectives.

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  • Education savings – Making the most of your 529 plan

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 918

    Abstract: Many are discovering that their 529 college savings plans have taken a hit in the current economic downturn. You can’t change the past, but you can make the most of the present situation. Depending on your investing time frame, you may be able to use market conditions to your advantage. Also, as a sidebar explains, recent legislation has expanded the kinds of higher education expenses that are covered. Even if you choose to close an account, you may be eligible to claim a loss on your income tax return.

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  • Do your dependents qualify you for tax breaks?

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 790

    Abstract: When you’re doing your taxes, can you count your unemployed brother-in-law as a dependent? How about your live-in niece? IRS rules say that both of the above could qualify as a dependent, under the right circumstances. For federal tax purposes, it all depends on whether that person is your “qualifying child” or, in some cases, a “qualifying relative.” This article discusses some of the criteria that can help you determine whether a child or relative may give you a tax advantage.

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  • Estate Planning Red Flag – You’re planning required minimum distributions from your retirement accounts

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 410

    Abstract: If you’re planning to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) at the end of this year from your IRA, 401(k) or other tax-deferred retirement-savings account, check with your tax and estate planning advisors first. Under a tax law passed late last year, you may be able to skip RMDs this year. This short article discusses the law’s provisions.

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  • What are these assets worth? Valuation is critical to your estate plan

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 543

    Abstract: If you make substantial noncash gifts or charitable donations, it’s critical to have the property valued by a qualified appraiser to protect you against IRS challenges that could result in some unpleasant tax surprises. This article discusses steps you should take to avoid an IRS challenge that could result in penalties as high as 40% of an asset’s value.

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  • Do-it-yourself estate planning can lead to costly mistakes

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 802

    Abstract: If you’re interested in preparing your own estate plan, there’s no shortage of software, how-to books, preprinted forms and online services to assist you. Do-it-yourself (DIY) estate planning may save you a few hundred dol¬lars, or even a few thousand dollars, up front. But except in the simplest cases, the risk of unintended results or costly disputes is too great to justify the initial savings. This article looks at one hypothetical example, and one real-life court case, to show why.

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  • It’s time to make gifts – The struggling economy may allow you to save gift and estate taxes

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1052

    Abstract: Estate planning opportunities are a silver lining among today’s dark economic clouds. Depressed asset values and low interest rates may allow you to gift more to your loved ones at a significant gift tax savings, removing substantial wealth from your taxable estate. Some of the most effective gifting strategies involve the use of trusts. Or you might transfer interests in a family business or other closely held company using a family limited partnership (FLP) or a family limited liability company (FLLC). But, as a sidebar explains, Congress is considering new restrictions on FLPs and FLLCs. Also, when gifting property, you will need to consider income taxes as well as gift and estate taxes.

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  • Estate wins the discount war

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Valuation & Litigation Briefing / Litigation & Valuation Report

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 623

    Abstract: In Estate of Litchfield v. Commissioner, the Tax Court generally accepted the estate’s proposed valuation discounts because the estate’s expert’s methods were more precise and relied on more recent, company-specific data. The article and an accompanying chart show the differences between the estate’s and the IRS’s discounts and why the court sided mostly with the estate.

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  • In valuation, timing is everything

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Valuation & Litigation Briefing / Litigation & Valuation Report

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 476

    Abstract: The valuation date can have an enormous impact on value, particularly for assets such as stock, whose valuations can fluctuate dramatically, literally overnight. Learn how the valuation date is especially important in estate planning, divorce settlements, and shareholder litigation.

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  • Nonqualified deferred compensation – Independent appraisals offer protection against 409A challenge

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Valuation & Litigation Briefing / Litigation & Valuation Report

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1174

    Abstract: Businesses that provide employees with stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs) and other types of nonqualified deferred compensation have been subject to Internal Revenue Code Section 409A for years. As you can imagine, compliance is particularly challenging in the current economic environment. To avoid Sec. 409A problems, options and SARs must be issued at or above fair market value, so accurate valuations are critical. It’s important to know what Sec. 409A requires and how to establish fair market value. Three “presumptive” valuation methods are discussed.

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