Construction Industry Advisor
Showing 65–80 of 262 results
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Risky business: Valuation rules of thumb
Fall 2019
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 429
Abstract: Determining the market value of a construction company may be necessary or desirable for many reasons, including a business sale or for succession planning. Some contractors may use valuation rules of thumb to do so, but that’s risky business. This article explains why, providing examples of how countless factors affect a business valuation.
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Would you recognize an indirect cost if you saw one?
Fall 2019
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 549
Abstract: Indirect costs can have a substantial impact on a construction company’s financial picture and bottom line. But they’re not always the easiest things to “see.” This article brings indirect costs into focus by defining them, distinguishing the costs from overhead and explaining how to use a “cost driver” to allocate them.
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Outsourcing employment tasks to a PEO
Fall 2019
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 661
Abstract: After reaching a certain level of success, many construction companies struggle to keep up with employment and human resources tasks. One solution may be to outsource these functions to a professional employer organization (PEO). This article explores the benefits and risks of PEOs.
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Year-end tax planning – Tax benefits available to small businesses
Fall 2019
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 923
Abstract: Companies that qualify as “small businesses” enjoy several tax benefits. Whether a company qualifies depends on a gross receipts threshold that was recently increased under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This article explains the advantages of small business status and how to calculate the gross receipts test. A sidebar looks at the perhaps surprising definition of a “tax shelter.”
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Should your company conduct a cybersecurity assessment?
Summer 2019
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 431
Abstract: Contractors are particularly vulnerable to hackers and other threats because of the mobile nature of their businesses. A cybersecurity assessment or audit can help ensure that a construction company is taking the proper steps to protect sensitive information. This article reviews some of the threats out there today and explains the benefits of an assessment.
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Help build tomorrow’s workforce with an apprenticeship program
Summer 2019
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 531
Abstract: It’s not always easy to find good news on the topic of the skilled labor shortage, but here’s some: There are few industries better poised to create its own workforce than construction. One reason is apprenticeships. This article urges contractors to consider the benefits of an apprenticeship program and discusses the concept of registering with the U.S. Department of Labor.
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Deductibility of meals and entertainment after tax reform
Summer 2019
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 665
Abstract: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made significant changes to the deductibility of meal and entertainment expenses. Unfortunately, there’s much confusion about which deductions have been eliminated and which remain. This article provides helpful guidance on what’s allowed in the office, on the jobsite and elsewhere, as well as notable exceptions to the rules.
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Lease accounting for contractors – New rules on the way
Summer 2019
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 881
Abstract: It’s been 13 years since the Financial Accounting Standards Board started overhauling its lease standard. Now the new accounting rules are set to take effect in 2020 for companies with a calendar year end. This article explains what’s changing and how the changes may affect a construction company’s financial statements. A sidebar looks at some complexities of how the rules may or may not affect short-term leases.
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Watch out for joint employer rule
Spring 2019
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 433
Abstract: Construction is an inherently collaborative enterprise. But contractors who exercise control over the employees of subcontractors or other parties — or reserve the right to exercise such control — risk being ensnared by the so-called “joint employer rule.” This article discusses the rule and how recent legal machinations have put it in flux.
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Checking your paperwork for slow cash flow contributors
Spring 2019
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 539
Abstract: For construction companies, a common contributor to cash flow slowdowns is the very paperwork that contractors use to arrange and close out projects: namely, their contracts and invoices. This article examines both, looking at how each type of document affects cash flow.
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Final pass-through deduction regs offer welcome guidance
Spring 2019
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 667
Abstract: In January, the IRS issued final regulations under Internal Revenue Code Section 199A. Owners of construction companies organized as pass-through entities should take a close look at the regs with their CPAs. This article recaps the pass-through deduction and offers up some highlights of the regs that are of interest to contractors.
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Risk management – Could a captive insurance company suit you?
Spring 2019
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 889
Abstract: A captive insurance company is an insurer established to provide coverage to the company or companies that own and control it. Contractors looking for an ambitious way to control insurance costs and customize coverage should explore the concept. This article explains the workings and benefits of captive insurance while noting its risks. A sidebar looks at the notable tax savings of “microcaptives.”
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Mixed reality: The next BIM thing in construction tech?
Winter 2019
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 417
Abstract: Building information modeling (BIM) is one of the most important technological developments in construction history. But BIM doesn’t sit still; it keeps evolving. This article looks at the next BIM thing — mixed reality, which combines virtual reality with the real-world construction site.
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Steel yourself against rising materials prices
Winter 2019
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 540
Abstract: Tariffs on steel and aluminum have recently contributed to an increase in materials costs. But there are many other factors that can cause prices to escalate. This article suggests some ways that contractors and subcontractors can manage the risk.
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Following the fundamentals of employee retention
Winter 2019
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 643
Abstract: On a nationwide basis, construction businesses face a great challenge in hiring and retaining skilled workers. This means that, if a contractor currently has good people on board, he or she needs to keep them. This article reviews some employee retention fundamentals, including competitive compensation and regular feedback.
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A fresh look at the pass-through deduction
Winter 2019
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 945
Abstract: The new 20% “pass-through” deduction can be a valuable tax break for construction businesses organized as sole proprietorships or pass-through entities. But the deduction comes with complex limits and restrictions. This article takes a fresh look at the tax break in light of proposed regulations. A sidebar warns of antiabuse rules that could trip up some taxpayers seeking eligibility for the deduction.