Focus
Showing 289–304 of 393 results
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Wedding bells require special tax planning
Year End 2011
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 309
Abstract: A couple that gets married in 2011 — even as late as Dec. 31 —is married the entire year for income-tax purposes. For better or for worse, this may have a major impact on their tax liability that they should consider before year end. This brief article discusses tax planning issues related to the “marriage penalty” and to filing jointly vs. separately.
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Avoid the “second class citizen” syndrome: Embrace collaboration
Year End 2011
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 626
Abstract: At one point or another, nonfamily employees may feel like second-class citizens. To make sure everyone feels like part of the team, it may be beneficial to create a collaborative management environment. This article explains why collaboration is important and how to successfully implement it within the company.
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Act now to protect your loved ones – Drafting these essential estate planning documents is key
Year End 2011
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 674
Abstract: Neglecting to prepare a will or other estate planning documents can cause serious problems for loved ones. This article lists six estate planning documents and how they can help ensure that the author’s wishes are carried out in regard to such matters as asset distribution and end-of-life issues.
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How to keep business ethics front and center
Year End 2011
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 899
Abstract: Acting in a less-than-honorable fashion not only can expose a business to possible criminal charges, but also can encourage employees and business partners to also act unethically. Fostering an ethical workplace requires management to value honesty and integrity, and hire employees whose values match the company’s. This article discusses the importance of management setting the tone at the top and of instituting formal policies — including strong internal controls — to ensure ethical behavior. A sidebar notes a survey showing that smaller businesses are particularly vulnerable to fraud.
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Is your key person insured?
October / November 2011
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 241
Abstract: The death of a key person can affect a business’s credit standing and ability to secure financing, result in a loss of supplier and customer confidence and, as a worst-case scenario, force the sale of the company. This article explains how a key person life insurance policy can protect a business against these potential outcomes.
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Future-proof your estate plan with qualified disclaimers
October / November 2011
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 542
Abstract: While it’s nearly impossible to prepare for every contingency, one can build flexibility into an estate plan by taking into account the potential for heirs to take advantage of qualified disclaimers. This article offers a hypothetical example that shows how a qualified disclaimer can help a disclaimant avoid double taxation on his or her estate. But it also warns of negative gift or estate tax consequences if the disclaimer isn’t “qualified.”
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A retirement benefit for you (and only you) – A solo 401(k) lets business owners save more
October / November 2011
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1002
Abstract: Those who are in business for themselves need to invest in their retirement just as they invest in their business. A solo or individual 401(k) plan, sometimes known as the uni-k or one-participant k, allows them to sock away more than some other retirement plans do. This article describes the rules and regulations involved in establishing a solo 401(k) plan and offers some contribution calculations. A sidebar looks at the solo 401(k) plan’s cousin, the solo Roth 401(k) plan.
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Personal year end tax planning – Income and expenses and AMT — oh my!
October / November 2011
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 750
Abstract: As Dec. 31 approaches, it’s time to think about year end tax planning. Many choose to defer income and accelerate expenses, so as to defer taxes to the next year. But deferral isn’t always advantageous, and further complicating matters is the alternative minimum tax (AMT). This article explains the impact of the AMT and considers strategies that may be appropriate according to whether one might be subject to it.
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Financing college tuition with a 529 plan
August / September 2011
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 312
Abstract: An attractive college-savings option that has weathered the recession relatively well is the 529 plan. As this article explains, there are two kinds of 529 plans to choose from. A prepaid tuition plan allows one to prepay all or part of children’s tuition costs at today’s rates. And a college savings plan can provide for more than tuition.
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Under new management (style) – Transform a micromanager into a productive manager
August / September 2011
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 666
Abstract: Taking on extra tasks, being involved in all aspects of the department’s work and providing detailed instructions are qualities of a good manager — but also of a micromanager who can slow productivity and lower employee morale. So how does one distinguish between these two vastly different types of staff members? This article examines that question and shows how to reverse negative behavior.
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An audit survival guide – Timeliness and preparedness can make a difference
August / September 2011
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 693
Abstract: One word that can make taxpayers cringe is “audit.” Although the IRS audited just over 1% of returns in 2010, there are certain triggers that can boost the likelihood of a return being among those targeted. This article describes those factors, the different kinds of audits, how to respond to an audit notice, and how to prepare for an audit.
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Tax-advantaged health care payment options: HSAs and HRAs
August / September 2011
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 823
Abstract: Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) are growing in popularity because they’re seen as cost-effective ways to fund health care expenses. HSAs are tax-exempt accounts set up with a qualified trustee to pay for or reimburse qualified medical expenses. HRAs are employer-sponsored programs that reimburse employees. This article looks at the details for each. A sidebar discusses the pros and cons of a third option, the Flexible Spending Account.
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Does your home office qualify for a deduction?
June / July 2011
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 313
Abstract: Whether because their employer is trying to save money on office space or they’re self-employed, many people are working from home today. A tax-related benefit of working from home is claiming the home-office deduction. But, as this article explains, there are a number of requirements that must be observed to avoid running afoul of the IRS.
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Managing your management team – A successful family business requires efficient, informed decision makers
June / July 2011
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 780
Abstract: Running a successful family business in today’s unsettled economic times requires quality products and services, a talented staff and the ability of managers to efficiently make informed decisions. If management team members aren’t working off the same page, it’s important to make them better decision makers. This article offers suggestions for creating a shared understanding among managers, improving their decision-making capabilities, leveraging each manager’s strengths and realizing the full potential of management retreats.
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Multistate taxation efforts ramp up – Be aware of states with which your company may have nexus
June / July 2011
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 625
Abstract: Before a business transaction triggers income or sales tax in a particular state, the company involved typically has to have a nexus — that is, a connection or link — with the state. Until recently, nexus generally was presumed to exist only if the business had a physical presence in the state. In this Internet age, however, even businesses without such a presence may be obligated to pay income or sales taxes. And states have different criteria for determining just what triggers their income or sales taxes. This article looks at some of the criteria used to establish nexus and describes attempts that have been made to streamline regulations among the states.
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The ABCs of RMDs
June / July 2011
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 863
Abstract: One may begin taking penalty-free retirement plan distributions beginning at age 59½. But, after turning age 70½, one must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from employer-sponsored defined contribution plans and traditional IRAs. If not, the consequences are severe. This article looks at the rules regarding RMDs and how to calculate them. It also discusses the tax ramifications of timing RMDs, while a sidebar shows how to make charitable gifts from an IRA.