Contractor
Showing 289–304 of 390 results
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Construction Success Story – Housing contractor turns extra work into extra pay
September / October 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 433
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” looks at the case of a midsize housing contractor who was barely scraping by, in spite of a relatively healthy roster of jobs. When she visited her financial advisor, she learned of better procedures for documenting extra work and change orders.
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Staying focused in the fight against profit fade
September / October 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 636
Abstract: It’s common for a project to start out strong, but then encounter delays and incidental added work and changes that hurt the bottom line. There’s a name for these situations: “profit fade.” There are also a variety of ways to stay focused in the fight against this continuing problem. As this article discusses, they include knowing the contract and budget; staying on top of changes; and making sure the assumptions used in estimating the projects are valid.
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3 ways to get more from mobile technology
September / October 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 436
Abstract: Contractors who juggle projects at multiple sites know it can be tricky to accurately track job data and employee activities. The good news is that there are now a wide variety of apps available for smartphones, tablet computers, laptops and construction vehicles that allow contractors to store and view data regarding labor hours, vehicle and equipment use, and daily job-site production. This article examines three of these: wireless time cards, geo-fencing technology, and global positioning systems.
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Year end tax planning – Explore current incentives to boost your cash flow
September / October 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 935
Abstract: Many current tax incentives are set to expire at the end of this year (though Congress might extend them), so now is a good time for contractors to start exploring ways to lock in those breaks and lower their 2011 tax bill. This article looks at some of these breaks, such as those applying to hiring workers from certain disadvantaged groups; constructing energy-efficient buildings; conducting research and development; and purchasing certain assets. A sidebar shows how cost segregation studies offer bigger tax savings than ever.
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Construction Success Story – Contractor looks to turn around turnover
July / August 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 442
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” features a medical facilities contractor who suspected that high turnover was contributing to the company’s suddenly slumping profits. His financial advisor showed him a way to measure his turnover cost, and then address the root cause of the problem.
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What should you expect from your surety?
July / August 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 663
Abstract: The surety market remains tight in most areas of the country, so strict standards remain the norm. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible for contractors to navigate the situation and get the bonding they need. This article describes the business criteria that sureties are scrutinizing, and offers suggestions as to how contractors can meet them.
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Seize the moment when it comes to gift taxes
July / August 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 446
Abstract: Giving away money in an economy that remains challenging for many contractors may seem a hard-to-swallow concept. But current estate and gift tax rules allow one to give a substantial amount without incurring taxes — and they lower the tax rate for gifts beyond that dollar limit. This article briefly describes the rules — which, in their existing form, expire at the end of 2012 — and suggests how they can affect construction businesses and contractors’ personal estates.
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Crossing the border – A guide to multistate licensing
July / August 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 899
Abstract: Performing an out-of-state job is more complicated than just crossing the border with a crane and crew in tow. Most states require contractors to obtain licenses — even if they hold licenses in their home states. Those who skirt the licensing process can get slapped with civil or criminal penalties, such as significant fines. This article shows the necessity of advance preparation and research, along with some of the specific steps involved in the application process. A sidebar explains why submitting a bid without a license can have serious consequences.
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Construction Success Story – Contractor divides company into multiple entities
May / June 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 444
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” looks at a general contractor who was interested in taking on some state and federal projects. But he knew such jobs could be tricky and worried about his company’s lack of experience. His financial advisor showed him how multiple business entities could provide one way to safeguard his established company’s reputation while offering potential legal and tax benefits as well.
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Track your tools – Technology can help you stop the nickel-and-diming
May / June 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 642
Abstract: Losses of small tools, whether to carelessness or outright theft, can slowly but surely nickel-and-dime a contractor into a disadvantageous financial position. Fortunately, technology offers a variety of tools for coping with this problem. This article explains how bar-code systems can not only track tools, but in the process improve management efficiency and lower liability risks. And integrating a tool-tracking system into the accounting system can boost the value of tool-related data and streamline procurement of these assets.
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Preparation is key for contractors seeking credit
May / June 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 418
Abstract: Although the financing market remains tight, it’s still possible to prevail in a search for credit. By building their case beforehand and knowing all of the available options, contractors will have a better shot at getting the dollars they need. This article shows how to choose the right lender and how to analyze projected balance sheets and projected future earnings in advance of visiting the lender. It also looks at alternatives for those shut out of traditional lending altogether.
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Keeping Uncle Sam at bay – 4 ways to minimize your chances of an IRS audit
May / June 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 891
Abstract: Thanks to a variety of industry quirks, construction companies are especially vulnerable to IRS audits. But this article offers four ways to avoid some common audit triggers: using the accrual method of accounting, correctly classifying workers as employees or independent contractors, timely paying taxes on long-term contracts, and operating as an S corporation. A sidebar discusses steps that those already contemplating an audit can take.
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Construction Success Story – Contractor seeks to prevail over prevailing wage confusion
March / April 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 442
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” describes a contractor who hadn’t worked on public projects before, and needed some advice on navigating the confusing prevailing wage laws. His advisor determined the amount of increased benefits the contractor would have to pay his workers, but also showed him the most tax-advantageous way to do so and recommended specific construction software that could help keep accurate records and avoid fines.
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Cash in if you can on the extended tax carryback
March / April 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 428
Abstract: The Small Business Jobs Act (SBJA), enacted last year, contains a prime tax-saving opportunity for contractors. An SBJA provision includes an extended five-year “carryback” for general business tax credits to offset both regular tax liability and alternative minimum tax liability. The provision applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships and nonpublicly traded corporations that have $50 million or less in average annual gross receipts over the three preceding tax years. This article describes how the carryback works.
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Tripping out of the gate – 4 bidding mistakes to avoid
March / April 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 674
Abstract: There are many places where a construction business could stumble during a long project, but one of the worst has to be at the very beginning — during bidding. This article describes four bidding mistakes to avoid and offers ways to ensure that contractors submit the best offer for both the job in question and their construction company.
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Don’t get tangled in the web – Sales and use tax rules can snare the unaware
March / April 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 921
Abstract: With states searching for extra revenue to plug their growing budget gaps, many are enforcing their sales and use tax rules more strictly than ever. So it’s critical for contractors who cross state lines to get and stay up-to-date on sales and use taxes to avoid getting tangled in the web so often spun by out-of-state jobs. This article reviews the basics of these taxes and how contractors can manage them. A sidebar lists three tips for easing the sales and use tax burden.