Construction Industry Advisor
CIA
Showing 1–16 of 218 results
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Is blockchain the future of construction?
Winter 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 427
Abstract: Blockchain is the technology that powers Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Although it may not be ready for prime time in construction just yet, industry experts recognize its promise to transform the way projects are managed. This article explains how blockchain works and how “smart contracts” can keep everyone on the same digital page.
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5 tips for reducing workers’ compensation costs
Winter 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 530
Abstract: For most construction businesses, workers’ compensation is a significant expense. This article offers five time-tested tips for reducing or at least better controlling these costs, including classifying employees properly and developing a robust safety program.
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Connecting your succession plan to your estate plan
Winter 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: For any business owner, contractors included, putting together a succession plan may seem like an overwhelming task. Often, among the most difficult things to conceptualize is precisely how to connect — and beneficially integrate — your succession plan with your estate plan. This article offers a few ideas: selling ownership shares, gifting them and creating a trust.
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Qualified improvement property – Beware of a potential tax trap
Winter 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 939
Abstract: The CARES Act fixed a technical glitch, retroactive to 2018, that deprived many taxpayers of 100% bonus depreciation for qualified improvement property (QIP). As this article explains, however, the law also set a dangerous tax trap for those that elect not to claim bonus depreciation. A sidebar looks at how due dates work for amended tax returns.
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Qualified opportunity zone deadline extended
Fall 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 410
Abstract: The federal government created qualified opportunity zones (QOZs) in 2017 under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act “to spur economic development and job creation in distressed communities,” according to the IRS. This article reviews the thinking behind QOZs and notifies readers of an important deadline extension.
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Boost cash flow with savvy accounts payable strategies
Fall 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 541
Abstract: Managing accounts payable is a critical task for any business, but it’s particularly important for construction companies. As a back-office function, however, payables don’t always get the attention they deserve. This article provides tips and best practices for improving the process, including being strategic and leveraging technology.
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Accurate job schedules add value to financial reporting
Fall 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 677
Abstract: When many contractors read the term “financial reporting,” they may naturally think of their financial statements. However, another important aspect of financial reporting is the regular and consistent handling of job schedules. This article describes three types of job schedules and explains why it’s so important to keep these schedules accurate and up to date.
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Asking for forgiveness? Contractors should handle PPP loans with care
Fall 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 922
Abstract: Many construction companies have taken advantage of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Loan recipients may qualify for debt forgiveness if they meet certain requirements and submit a timely application with their lenders. This article explains some of the factors in qualifying for forgiveness and discusses recent federal guidance. A sidebar looks at the tax considerations of loan forgiveness.
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5 construction tech strategies for the new normal
Summer 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 440
Abstract: Even before the COVID-19 crisis, technology was transforming the way construction companies go about their business. The pandemic will likely accelerate the technological (r)evolution as contractors look for ways to work more safely and communicate more rapidly. This article covers five tech strategies, including going paperless and using robotic process automation.
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Apply the lessons of crisis and prepare for the future
Summer 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 547
Abstract: It’s critical for contractors to learn from the COVID-19 pandemic and apply those lessons to preparing for the inevitable disasters and economic downturns of the future. This article offers five ways to do so, including reviewing jobs and backlog, as well as implementing best safety practices.
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Managing project scope: It’s a full-time job
Summer 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 640
Abstract: Many contractors don’t think about project scope until something gets really out of whack. The truth is, it’s a full-time job that should begin before a bid is even submitted. This article discusses best practices in scope management from preproject planning through completion.
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Tax planning – CARES Act provisions may boost cash flow
Summer 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 867
Abstract: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes several provisions that can help construction companies reduce their tax bills and, thereby, boost their cash flows. This article discusses a couple of such opportunities involving excess business losses and business interest expense. A sidebar looks at the PPP Flexibility Act.
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Have you looked online for skilled labor?
Spring 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 440
Abstract: The construction industry continues to grapple with a serious skilled labor shortage. To cope, contractors need to take advantage of all recruiting options available — including those on the Internet. This article explains why the labor shortage is dragging on and provides examples of some construction-specific online job sites.
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Opportunity zones may increase demand but present risks
Spring 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 550
Abstract: The federal government created qualified opportunity zones to attract investment in economically distressed areas by offering tax benefits to those who invest in them through qualified opportunity funds. As this article explains, the program may boost demand for construction services, but contractors should familiarize themselves with the requirements and potential risks.
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Keeping an eye on taxes: the CARES Act and construction
Spring 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 682
Abstract: The federal government’s response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has included many tax law changes. This article looks at three issues that construction company owners should keep an eye on in light of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act): payroll, net operating losses and the end of the “retail glitch.”
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Classify carefully – IRS continues to scrutinize independent contractors
Spring 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 931
Abstract: The classification of workers as independent contractors or employees has significant implications for businesses, but especially for construction companies given the widespread use of subcontractors. This article reviews the differences between independent contractors and employees, and how the IRS evaluates the distinction. A sidebar looks at how the qualified business income deduction relates to independent contractors.