Management & Tax Concepts
Showing 209–224 of 262 results
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To cope with a calamity – Deducting casualty and theft losses
Fall 2010
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 446
Abstract: Although calamities like theft and natural disasters are certainly no fun, victims can get at least some payback from a tax perspective. That is, in qualifying instances, they may be able to deduct a casualty (disaster) or theft loss on their federal income tax return. This article discusses what losses qualify and how to claim them.
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Long-term care policies offer security … for a price
Fall 2010
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 700
Abstract: Medicare and standard health insurance can protect individuals from home-care, nursing-home or other care-related costs while recovering from surgery, an injury, an illness or another health issue. But they don’t cover such care long-term. Those who worry about how they’d afford care beyond those limits without depleting their estate might want to look into long-term care insurance. This article looks at the different kinds of policies, their tax treatment, and why it’s important to become familiar with their terms, conditions and features.
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4 ways to get — and keep — your business data in order
Fall 2010
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 439
Abstract: For business owners, it may seem like this is the hyperinformation age. With so much data flying around, it’s easy for something to fall through the cracks — something that could come back later to haunt management. This article offers four ways to get — and keep — business data in order: administrative simplification, a data storage policy, cloud computing and an e-mail retention policy.
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Driving down the 199 – Manufacturers’ deduction could lead to a tax-saving destination
Fall 2010
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 842
Abstract: Businesses that are involved in “qualified production activities” and looking for a smart route to potentially lowering their 2010 tax bill may want to look into the Section 199 deduction — popularly known as “the manufacturers’ deduction.” It’s available to more than just manufacturers, and this article looks at what it has to offer and the steps that qualifying businesses must take to claim it. A sidebar discusses whether, in light of scheduled tax rate increases, it’s a good idea to defer income.
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What’s become of estate planning?
Summer 2010
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 458
Abstract: While Congress has passed some major legislation in 2010, as of this writing it hasn’t passed estate tax legislation. So the 2010 estate and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax repeal still stands. And both taxes are still scheduled to return in 2011 — at their pre–tax-cuts level of 55% and with exemptions significantly smaller than in 2009. This uncertainty creates tax hazards for some estate plans, and could even cause some people to unintentionally disinherit their spouse. So it’s important to check with one’s financial advisor for the latest developments.
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Postnups offer couples a smoother road in a fragile economy
Summer 2010
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 445
Abstract: When people see the words “nuptial” and “agreement” used together, they may immediately think of prenuptial agreements — or “prenups.” But many couples may benefit from a postnuptial agreement. Even in states where postnups aren’t legally recognized, couples can still create informal agreements for the purpose of clarifying their respective wishes and responsibilities. Postnups aren’t without risks, but they can help couples avoid protracted and expensive divorce proceedings.
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Making the case for a telecommuting option
Summer 2010
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 658
Abstract: Telecommuting is becoming increasingly popular, but some are still hesitant to undertake this step. There are some risks involved, but the potential benefits include reduced overhead costs, increased productivity, and lower hiring and retention costs. As the technology involved becomes more pervasive and less expensive, this option is one every company should at least consider for certain positions.
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Wrestle back control of your inventory – 3 ways to get off the mat
Summer 2010
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 939
Abstract: With an improving economy, it may be a good time for companies to wrestle back control of inventory. This will involve ensuring accurate inventory counts, using the best technology, and — if necessary — disposing of unwanted inventory in the most tax-efficient manner possible. A sidebar to this article discusses LIFO and FIFO, the two primary inventory accounting methods.
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Intrafamily loans: Know what you’re getting into
Spring 2010
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 434
Abstract: When money is tight, and particularly when job losses affect an extended family, the prospect of an intrafamily loan often comes up. But, if not conducted carefully, these arrangements can lead to awkwardness, if not outright conflicts. There may also be tax implications. So, one needs to ask: Is this really a loan, or would it be better to regard it as a gift? And what indicators does the IRS use in determining whether it qualifies as a loan for tax purposes?
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Buying vs. leasing – The choice isn’t always clear
Spring 2010
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 614
Abstract: In trying to determine whether to buy or lease, there are many tax, financial and practical issues to consider. The decision also depends in part on the type of asset: Two prime concerns for business owners are office space and equipment. This article discusses the pros and cons of buying vs. leasing in regard to both of these.
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3 simple steps to better personal credit management
Spring 2010
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 442
Abstract: The rough economy and its slow recovery have had marked effects on many people’s personal finances. Many Americans have been leaning harder on their credit cards, but this puts them at greater risk for not only overextending that credit, but also falling victim to fraud as their account numbers go into wider circulation. And, for business owners, the risk is even greater. Lenders are increasingly looking into a company owner’s personal credit history, including personal guarantees. The good news is that everyone — business owner or otherwise — can create a relatively simple credit management plan by following three important steps.
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Are you getting paid? Managing collections in an uncertain economy
Spring 2010
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 946
Abstract: The economic uncertainties facing many businesses today have put them in an odd position. Should they push customers harder for payments? Or go easy on them to avoid risking the loss of their business? It’s a tricky balance — but, the better a business knows its own collection rate and the more it refines its collection practices, the greater its odds for success. This article offers tips for calculating a collection rate, reassessing payment terms, and creating a collection plan. A sidebar reveals that many companies are turning to credit monitoring services not only to help prevent identity theft, but also to keep a closer eye on customers and vendors.
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Have you considered a reverse mortgage? It can do more than just fund medical expenses
Winter 2010
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 668
Abstract: Although many associate reverse mortgage arrangements with someone looking to fund an influx of unexpected medical costs, they can do more than just that. Many higher-net-worth individuals are using these arrangements to supplement their retirement income, allowing them to take trips or buy recreational vehicles. Some are taking out reverse mortgages to fund the purchase of a vacation home, or to make annual exclusion gifts or 529 college savings plan contributions. But there are risks, as well, so it’s important to get professional advice.
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Accidents happen: Consider long-term disability coverage
Winter 2010
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 423
Abstract: A disabling accident or illness can happen to anyone at any time — and the more severe, the greater the potential drain on an individual’s or family’s budget. For this reason, everyone should at least consider long-term disability insurance. Employer coverage is likely only short-term and, even if it’s for a longer period, may not offer adequate coverage. Buying one’s own long-term disability coverage isn’t inexpensive, but does offer certain advantages. There are, however, certain things to consider, such as how the insurer defines “disability” and whether to buy “own occupation” vs. “any occupation” coverage.
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6 key components of a business budget
Winter 2010
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 408
Abstract: Many owners of small to midsize businesses don’t create a budget or don’t update the one they have, typically because they’re too busy or simply not focused on sticking to a budget. But keeping a budget is important not only for planning purposes, but because banks have been setting up loan covenants with an increased emphasis on budgeting. There are six key components that should be part of a budget, including line-item details for allocating funds and a regular monitoring of performance against expectations.
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Disaster recovery planning – Making sure your company is ready for anything
Winter 2010
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 868
Abstract: Every year there are at least a few examples in the news of how a single natural disaster can adversely affect — sometimes even destroy — a business. And many disasters, both natural and manmade, have detrimental consequences not fully realized until many months later. This is why it’s so important that a company put together a comprehensive plan to keep its people safe, its information preserved and its operational capacity maintained. This article shows how disaster planning, storage technology and the proper insurance are important components in a disaster recovery plan. A sidebar briefly looks at the kinds of disasters waiting to happen.