Focus
Showing 273–288 of 393 results
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Start organizing your tax records now!
August / September 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 311
Abstract: As summer fades into fall, it’s the perfect time to start organizing 2012 tax records. By gathering information about year-to-date income and deductions now, one can consider actions that could minimize taxes. Being organized is especially important in 2012, given the uncertainty about what will happen with the tax law. Tax rate increases are scheduled for 2013, but it’s important to be ready to quickly adjust strategies should tax law changes be passed before then. This article lists some of the documents to compile to support deductions and credits.
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Family business owners: Did you pick the right successor?
August / September 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 737
Abstract: It happens all the time — the owner of a family business picks his or her successor but, after a period of time, concludes that he or she is the wrong person for the job. This article offers some options to consider for those who are in such a situation. It looks at actions that can help if the successor is capable of eventually running the business effectively, and at actions that may be necessary if it’s determined that he or she needs to go. It also discusses improving the succession process itself.
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LTC insurance — Taking a close look before buying is essential
August / September 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 805
Abstract: Few people want to think about the possibility that they might need long-term care (LTC). But it’s important to do so. Why? Because, if not planned for, the costs of LTC can be ruinous. This article shows the importance of balancing the value of LTC insurance benefits with the cost of the premiums. To help prospective purchasers do so, it also explains some of the terminology used in LTC policies.
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How PEOs can help you handle employee-related tasks
August / September 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 922
Abstract: One way companies can reduce the employee-regulation workload is to engage a professional employer organization (PEO). A PEO can handle many employee-related tasks, such as administering payroll and employee benefits; collecting, reporting and depositing employment taxes; and developing employee handbooks. Essentially, the PEO becomes a co-employer. This article examines the legal and financial pros and cons, while a sidebar explains that it’s important to perform due diligence before hiring a PEO.
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Moving day — Don’t forget to pack a tax planning checklist
June / July 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 342
Abstract: Amid all the tumult of moving to a new home, it can be easy to forget about taxes. But there can be both pluses and minuses to a move. This short article lists five tax items that people who are moving should consider.
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Tax-related identity theft — Protect yourself and your tax return
June / July 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 787
Abstract: One form of identity theft that’s grown over the past few years is fraud involving an individual’s tax records. While the number is still just a tiny fraction of the 144 million individual returns filed, the impact on taxpayers directly involved can be significant. This article discusses the consequences to victims and offers tips showing how to avoid being scammed, along with what to do if it happens.
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Class is in session: A primer on 401(k) plans
June / July 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 741
Abstract: Offering a 401(k) continues to be a popular way to help employees build up their nest eggs. The most common version is the traditional one, which allows employees to save for retirement on a pretax basis and the employer to match all or a percentage of employee contributions. But this article explores other 401(k) options, such as the Safe Harbor, the Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE), and the Roth. Depending on a company’s size, its compensation goals, and employee and employer resources, one of these options may be more suitable.
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Barter for business — How to exchange services while growing your company
June / July 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 909
Abstract: According to the International Reciprocal Trade Association, in 2011 some 400,000 businesses around the world traded about $12 billion worth of goods and services on barter exchanges. This article explains how they work and how they can save money and grow a business’s customer base. It also discusses tax reporting issues, while a sidebar looks at community barter networks that neighborhoods around the country have formed.
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Estate tax law uncertainty: Keeping your plan on track
April / May 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 450
Abstract: If Congress allows current rates and exemptions to expire at the end of 2012 as scheduled, some families could lose significant amounts of wealth to gift, estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes. But Congress may extend current exemptions and rates or take other action. Because of this uncertainty with estate tax laws, it’s important to stay on the right track. This article discusses whether it’s advisable to make gifts this year.
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Mergers and acquisitions — The ins and outs of earnout provisions
April / May 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 654
Abstract: Earnout provisions require business buyers to make future payments to their seller. Often used when the parties have trouble negotiating a sale price, earnouts require the company to achieve certain post-transaction financial targets. To be successful, such negotiations involve give and take as well as attention to detail. This article shows how earnouts work, and how their provisions should address certain contingencies that could affect the business’s ability to reach the agreed-upon milestones.
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Should an FLP be in your family business’s succession plan?
April / May 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 999
Abstract: One of the biggest concerns for family business owners is succession planning — transferring ownership and control of the company to the next generation. A family limited partnership, or FLP, can help owners gradually transfer ownership while still retaining control. It can also provide protection from creditors. This article explains how to establish an FLP and transfer assets to children or other family members. A sidebar cautions about some of the risks of FLPs that are improperly established or administered.
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Use umbrella insurance to protect your family and assets
April / May 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 801
Abstract: Homeowners or auto insurance policies are a good insurance foundation, but they may not be enough for the average family. Many folks, and especially those who’ve accumulated any level of assets, will find it prudent to add an excess liability policy, sometimes referred to as an “umbrella” policy, to their insurance coverage. This article explains what an umbrella policy is, what is and isn’t covered, how much coverage might be necessary, and what to expect in terms of cost.
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Be wise when donating to charity
February / March 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 729
Abstract: There are ample opportunities to donate to many worthy causes— and to reap sizable tax deductions. The key is to make donations wisely. Otherwise, deductions may not be as large as they could be, or even be allowable at all. As this article explains, it’s important to first determine whether the organization is considered “qualified” by the IRS, so that contributions are deductible. Then one should consider the tax ramifications of different types of donations. And it’s important to maintain records that confirm contributions. A sidebar shows why donating stock is more tax-advantageous than donating cash.
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Education expenses — Earning credit where credit is due
February / March 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 342
Abstract: For those who are paying for postsecondary education expenses, tax credits can provide valuable savings. Unlike deductions, which reduce the amount of income that’s taxed, credits reduce one’s tax bill dollar for dollar. But modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)-based limits apply. This short article takes a look at the American Opportunity credit and the Lifetime Learning credit.
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Ready to retire? — An ESOP can help pave the way
February / March 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 759
Abstract: How can a business owner convert some of his or her company wealth into cash to help pay for retirement? Many C corporation owners have found that an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) — a qualified retirement plan, similar to a profit sharing or 401(k) plan — can help pave the way to a comfortable future. This article describes how an ESOP works and the advantages it offers. A sidebar notes that ESOPs can work for S corporations, too.
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The multigenerational workforce — How to lead your team effectively
February / March 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 865
Abstract: As a growing number of older workers postpone retirement or return to work, more companies are discovering that their employee rosters include individuals from roughly four generations. This shift in the workplace can present both benefits and challenges. This article describes general characteristics of these generations and offers guidelines for companies to effectively manage both employees who may have grown up without a television and those who never knew life without a home computer.