March / April
Showing 17–32 of 616 results
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Know what you’re getting into with an IDIQ contract
March / April 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 446
Abstract: For the right type of construction company, an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract can be a lucrative revenue stream. But being at the “beck and call” of a federal agency isn’t particularly easy. This article discusses how IDIQ contracts work and what steps a contractor should take to be prepared for one.
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How blockchain could change construction
March / April 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 532
Abstract: For reasons both good and bad, cryptocurrency has been in the news in recent months. The trading of these digital investments is made possible by a “digital ledger” technology called blockchain. Could this technology be used for construction contracts? As this article explains, yes, it’s entirely plausible and would offer some intriguing benefits.
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Is it time to formalize your subcontractor prequalification process?
March / April 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 663
Abstract: Operating successfully as a general contractor involves engaging and coordinating qualified and competent subcontractors. Or, to put it another way, the failure of a subcontractor can materially affect the reputation and profitability of the general contractor. This article explores how general contractors can mitigate their risk by creating a detailed, comprehensive subcontractor prequalification process.
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Safety first, safety always – Controlling workers’ compensation costs in the current environment
March / April 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 927
Abstract: Any experienced contractor will tell you: Every safety incident comes with hidden costs, including rising workers’ compensation premiums. If a construction business suffers multiple incidents, the financial impact can be devastating. This article notes some troubling recent statistics and suggests some best practices for keeping workers safe and controlling workers’ compensation costs. A sidebar urges contractors to double-check their experience modification factors.
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Estate Planning Red Flag – You haven’t planned for the death of beneficiaries
March / April 2023
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 306
Abstract: When one plans for the disposition of his or her estate, it’s critical to understand what happens if a child or other beneficiary predeceases the person. There’s no one right way to deal with this contingency, but to avoid unintended results the estate plan should spell out, with precise language, how the estate should be divided among loved ones. This brief article details a few scenarios that can play out if vague language is used in an estate plan.
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Estate planning and asset protection planning go hand in hand
March / April 2023
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 607
Abstract: Business owners understand the importance of protecting the company’s wealth from the claims of creditors and lawsuits. Doing so ensures that more wealth will be available to pass to family members. This article explains that the way a business is structured can affect its level of asset protection. It also discusses strategies to build asset barriers.
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Influencing your heirs – 4 tips for an effective incentive trust
March / April 2023
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: Estate planning isn’t just about sharing wealth with the younger generation. For many people, it’s equally important to share one’s values and to encourage their children or other heirs to lead responsible, productive and fulfilling lives. One tool for achieving this goal is an incentive trust, which conditions distributions on certain behaviors or achievements that you wish to inspire. This article explores four strategies that can increase the effectiveness of an incentive trust.
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Funding long-term care expenses: What are your options?
March / April 2023
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 936
Abstract: Few things can derail an estate plan as quickly as unanticipated long-term care (LTC) expenses. Most people will need some form of LTC (such as a nursing home or assisted living facility stay) at some point in their lives. And the cost of this care is steep. This article explores a few options to fund LTC expenses so that a person won’t deplete his or her nest egg. A sidebar details tax benefits available to offset LTC expenses.
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How do value conclusions and value calculations differ?
March / April 2023
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 421
Abstract: The value of a business is relevant in a wide variety of legal contexts, including divorces, shareholder disputes, mergers, bankruptcy and tax planning. Understanding the different services valuators offer can facilitate informed decision-making. This article compares and contrasts two common types of valuation services: calculations of value and conclusions of value.
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Detecting fraud with proactive measures
March / April 2023
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 666
Abstract: Each year, businesses lose about 5% of revenue to fraud, according to Occupational Fraud 2022: A Report to the Nations. A key takeaway from the biennial report is that active detection methods are far more effective than passive methods in reducing fraud loss and duration. This article delves into the details of this finding and provides other key takeaways from the report.
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Estate of Levine – Taxpayer wins on value of split-dollar arrangement
March / April 2023
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 526
Abstract: The U.S. Tax Court recently rejected the IRS’s attempt to essentially triple the value of a split-dollar life insurance arrangement in a decedent’s taxable estate. This article summarizes this case and highlights the importance of careful drafting in estate plans. Estate of Levine, No. 13370-13 (Tax Ct. Feb. 28, 2022).
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IRS sheds light on subsequent events and recycled valuation reports
March / April 2023
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 935
Abstract: A recent IRS Chief Counsel Advice memorandum offers valuable insight into the IRS’s perspective on whether subsequent events may be considered when estimating the fair market value of a private business interest for gift tax purposes. The memorandum — which can’t be used or cited as legal precedent — also addresses the issue of re-using previously issued valuations for gift and estate tax purposes. This article summarizes the key takeaways from this unofficial guidance. A sidebar explains when valuators may factor subsequent events into their analyses.
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Tax Tips – How closely held business owners can defer estate taxes
March / April 2022
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 443
Abstract: These brief tips explain the specifics of when an estate’s executor can defer the payment of estate taxes for up to 14 years; detail the ins and outs of using alternative IRA investments; and discuss the fact that for 2022, the annual gift tax exclusion was increased by $1,000 to $16,000.
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Are scholarships taxable?
March / April 2022
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 558
Abstract: For parents faced with the soaring cost of higher education, a scholarship can provide welcome financial relief. Most parents assume that scholarships are tax-free, but that’s not always the case. This article explains that only specific items under a scholarship are tax-free.
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Asset values and the COVID-19 pandemic – Depressed values can affect your estate plan
March / April 2022
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 585
Abstract: A variety of estate planning strategies require having accurate valuations of assets. Indeed, the tax implications of these strategies depend on the fair market value of one’s assets when they’re transferred. The values of many assets may be temporarily depressed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This article explains why now may be an ideal time to gift them, either directly to family members or to irrevocable trusts. Hiring a qualified valuation expert is essential to updating one’s estate plan for this limited-time opportunity.
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Corporations: Watch out for the PHC tax
March / April 2022
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 896
Abstract: Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reduced the top federal corporate income tax rate to 21%, an increasing number of business owners are contemplating establishing their businesses as C corporations or switching their pass-through entities to C corporation status. However, entity choice is a complex decision that involves consideration of several financial, tax and legal factors. This article details one factor that a closely held C corporation shouldn’t overlook: potential liability for the personal holding company (PHC) tax. A sidebar explains the accumulated earnings tax (AET).