September / October
Showing 545–560 of 608 results
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Tell it to the jury – Dustup over soil conditions puts case in dubious hands
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 579
Abstract: In a case involving a building that was damaged due to shifting ground, the judge denied all defense motions and permitted the case to be argued to the jury on the theories of negligent design, negligent construction and breach of contract against all of the defendants. The lesson? If parties to a construction contract can’t resolve their differences via negotiation or arbitration, those differences may be decided by lay jurors who may have no background in construction.
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Is construction management the same as general contracting?
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 956
Abstract: California courts are notorious for refusing to let unlicensed general contractors collect payments due them — even in cases where the license had lapsed only for a few days during a lengthy project. But one case shows that a court may draw a distinction between construction management and general contracting. At the heart of this case is whether an entity which provides construction management services to a private owner developing commercial real property is required to be licensed. This article describes the Court of Appeal’s decision and its reasoning, while a sidebar looks at the point of view of the lone dissenting judge.
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Dealer Digest – Bartering between businesses is taxable
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 392
Abstract: Topics covered this month are the tax implications of business-to-business bartering; the COBRA premium subsidy that’s in effect this year only; and five ways to cut shop-supply expenses.
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Do you know what your dealership is really worth?
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 613
Abstract: To get a loan in this tight credit environment, it’s more important than ever that dealerships be able to accurately determine their net worth. It’s important to go beyond the figure provided on the balance sheet to find unrecorded liabilities or contra assets such as those with a negative credit balance. Areas to examine include uncollectible receivables, inventories, fixed assets and F&I chargebacks.
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The quest to be the best – Use benchmarking as a strategic weapon
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 534
Abstract: As consolidation continues to shake the industry, benchmarking is a weapon that dealerships can wield to fight off mediocre performance and strengthen their competitiveness. Almost anything can be benchmarked, but it’s wise to start with areas that have the most effect. The article discusses what information may be best and how to obtain it, while a sidebar lists suggestions for acting on the results.
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Sparking new car sales – New tax break, special offers and financing tips all help
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 874
Abstract: The tax break for new car purchasers isn’t the be-all, end-all for curing the super sales slump. But it is a tool that can spur customers to buy a new vehicle by year end. This article discusses some of the details, such as deadlines, deduction size and qualification requirements. Also discussed are factory incentives and options for consumers to educate themselves in regard to financing.
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Construction Success Story – Contractor goes paperless with IWA system
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 437
Abstract: This month’s Construction Success Story tells of one contractor who had been pondering the idea of going paperless but hadn’t found the right tool to help her do so. When she asked her CPA for ideas, he mentioned imaging and workflow automation (IWA) systems. He explained that many business owners, including contractors, have been using IWA systems to streamline their invoice and accounts payable processes.
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On-the-job training provides lasting returns
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 477
Abstract: A contractor will benefit clients, employees and itself by providing on-the-job training at every level. Sure, it takes time and money, but not as much as one might think — and the results can mean a more efficient company and bigger profits. Knowledgeable employees work faster and better; in the end, they’ll make the company more money. Plus, an employee who feels valued is more likely to stick around, helping to decrease turnover. But many managers get promoted to leadership positions because they are hard workers and great at their jobs, not because they’re natural or skilled leaders. So it’s important to ease the transition and the learning curve by creating opportunities for new managers to learn from experienced leaders within the company.
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The inside scoop on the manufacturers’ deduction
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 492
Abstract: Many contractors have been taking advantage of a useful break with a somewhat misleading name: the manufacturers’ deduction, which provides a tax break for many businesses besides manufacturers — including contractors. Certain kinds of construction activities qualify for the deduction, which will be increasing in 2010.
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Employee benefits – Self-funded health insurance may be a healthy option
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1009
Abstract: Because of rapidly rising health insurance premiums and shrinking budgets, some contractors are choosing to forgo offering health care benefits to their employees as a way to save money in a down economy. But a number of alternatives can reduce their financial burden while still giving their employees access to the health care services they need. One such route is the self-funded health insurance plan. This article discusses how it differs from commercial insurance, the risks and rewards, and the obligations involved. A sidebar discusses what to look for when choosing a third-party administrator for a plan.
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Tax Tips – job search expenses – cost segregation studies – social security numbers
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 394
Abstract: This article briefly looks at deducting job-search expenses, cost segregation studies and Social Security Numbers.
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Married with children? – A QTIP trust can help you achieve your estate planning goals
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 690
Abstract: As a spouse and parent, you have the difficult challenge of ensuring your spouse is provided for after your death while making certain there are assets left for your children’s inheritances. Trying to meet both objectives while minimizing estate taxes is no small feat. This article looks at how a qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) trust can help.
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Be reasonable! – Court weighs in on executive compensation
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 613
Abstract: The Internal Revenue Code allows a business to deduct a “reasonable allowance for salaries or other compensation” it pays to executives and other employees. When an executive is also a shareholder of a C corporation, the IRS may challenge compensation it believes is unreasonably high, arguing that the excess is really a disguised dividend. Dividends aren’t deductible, so by characterizing payments as deductible compensation, the company reduces its tax bill. This article reviews a recent case, Menard, Inc. v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue (March 10, 2009), and the potential impact on businesses.
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Year end tax planning in uncertain times
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 981
Abstract: In today’s uncertain economic times, with potential tax law changes on the horizon, tax planning can be a challenge. Between now and year end, it’s important to monitor your financial situation closely, keep an eye on Congressional developments and work with your tax advisor to devise a tax plan based on your best guess as to what the future holds. With that in mind, this article explores strategies that may work for your financial situation.
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Finding the appropriate valuation standard
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 916
Abstract: Valuation isn’t static and can change depending on the purpose of the valuation. This article looks at the three most common standards of value: fair market, investment and fair. It briefly defines each standard and discusses the circumstances in which one standard may be more appropriate than another. The article points out that identifying the appropriate valuation standard up front can minimize confusion down the road. The goal is to arrive at a reasonable and supportable value conclusion in light of all the surrounding facts and circumstances.
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Shortcuts can be embarrassing — and costly
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 561
Abstract: This brief article warns that novice valuators who sidestep valuation procedures to save money — as well as clients who misrepresent the facts to skew valuation results — may be in for a rude awakening. Courts are becoming increasingly sophisticated in appraisal matters. When a valuator skips steps or fails to understand a company’s operations, the court is likely to discount — or even reject — the expert’s opinion. The article uses the recent case Burr v. Burr to illustrate this point. Case citation: Burr v. Burr (2008 WL 4906271, Mass. App. Nov. 18, 2008).