Auto Dealers
Showing 433–448 of 578 results
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How to create an honest budget
Summer 2011
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 692
Abstract: Analysts can conjecture how U.S. new- and used-car markets will perform in 2012, but no one knows for sure — particularly in local markets. So, with the future uncertain, the somewhat daunting challenge is to create a realistic annual budget that’s based on fact, not optimism. This article describes the steps involved.
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Can you expense your repairs? Your answer might be at odds with the IRS
Summer 2011
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1067
Abstract: When fixed assets are repaired, how should this be accounted for? Most business owners prefer to expense repairs and maintenance in the current period, because it saves taxes and simplifies the accounting. But the IRS has another, more complicated plan for these costs: capitalizing them. This article explores the tax implications of this approach, and shows what kinds of repairs can still be expensed. A sidebar lists the factors that the Tax Court considers in determining whether a repair should be classified as a capital improvement or an expense.
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Japan earthquake aftershock – Weathering inventory challenges
Summer 2011
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 684
Abstract: Both import and domestic dealerships are suffering an inventory crunch following Japan’s March 11 earthquake, tsunami and subsequent nuclear crisis. The disaster highlights the downside to just-in-time inventory practices, but this article offers some proactive ways to combat a summertime drought in the automotive supply chain.
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Dealer Digest – What’s your spread between new and used cars
May / June 2011
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 376
Abstract: This issue’s “Dealer Digest” looks at one economist’s prediction that the prices and availability of used cars will help drive up sales of new cars this year. It also discusses a new loan program offered by the Small Business Administration, and Ford’s expansion of its line of no-appointment service shops.
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“Acts of greenness” you can do now
May / June 2011
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 349
Abstract: Dealerships sprinkled across the nation are becoming environmentally conscious business leaders through some impressive new-construction choices. But this article offers some tips for making a dealership greener this year without even turning a brick. Many are free or inexpensive.
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Business tax planning in light of recent laws
May / June 2011
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 735
Abstract: This article offers three suggestions to help dealers take advantage of provisions of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 and the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. It specifically discusses 100% bonus depreciation, Section 179 expensing, and the Work Opportunity credit.
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Plan your individual income tax strategies for 2011
May / June 2011
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1078
Abstract: The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 extends many breaks through 2012. This article offers facts about key Tax Relief act changes affecting individuals, and tips for taking advantage of them. It touches upon tax rates, itemized deduction and personal exemption phaseouts, capital gains tax rates, Social Security taxes, education-related tax breaks, and a federal tax credit for all-electric cars. A sidebar discusses a large but temporary boost in the gift tax exemption.
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What makes Gen Y tick?
Spring 2011
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 365
Abstract: Dealers who understand Generation Y and customize their marketing and sales strategies stand to profit. This brief article examines not only the kinds of cars Gen Yers want, but also the most effective ways to market to them.
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Staffing levels – Sizing up your sales team
Spring 2011
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 634
Abstract: NADA predicts double-digit percentage gains for new vehicle sales in the United States in 2011. But it’s important that dealerships be prepared to handle the 11% or more additional business that is expected to walk through their doors or make online inquiries. This article offers tips to help determine the appropriate size of staff, taking into account vacations or other absences and the inevitable peaks and valleys of floor traffic.
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Get control of internal controls
Spring 2011
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 632
Abstract: Internal controls are the policies and procedures dealers employ to protect assets, improve operating efficiency and ensure reliable financial reporting. They also are their first line of defense against theft and fraud — but only if the dealer doesn’t have a “not-in-my-backyard” attitude. This article explains how internal controls can protect inventory, customer lists and cash.
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Estate planning: How to make use of today’s window of opportunity
Spring 2011
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1104
Abstract: For an auto dealer, estate planning is especially complicated, because it needs to be tied closely to both succession planning for the dealership and retirement planning for the dealer. Still, minimizing estate tax is an important objective. The good news is that recent tax law creates a significant but short-term window of opportunity to transfer a substantial portion of one’s estate to loved ones without incurring gift or estate taxes. This article shows how to maximize one’s gift tax exemption — or pursue other strategies as an alternative to outright gifts. A sidebar takes a closer look at one of these alternatives: the family limited partnership.
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Dealer Digest – IRS offers safe harbor from UNICAP rules
March / April 2011
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 414
Abstract: This issue’s “Dealer Digest” discusses a new IRS Revenue Procedure that offers auto dealerships two safe harbor methods to use for the capitalization of costs related to inventories per UNICAP rules. It also looks at new IRS guidance on in-plan Roth rollovers and rollovers from 403(b) plans to Roth accounts in the same plan.
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5 tips for holding up to a manufacturer rebate audit
March / April 2011
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 480
Abstract: Many dealers have a love-hate relationship with manufacturer rebate incentives. On the one hand, they draw customers to the showroom and can bump up sales with alluring customer discounts. But they also pose the risk of a dealership undergoing a rebate audit by the manufacturer. This article offers five tips to help prevent a managerial headache — and a possibly large chargeback.
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Trade-ins expected to rise – Is your appraisal process up to par?
March / April 2011
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 805
Abstract: Auto dealers know that a sure way to satisfy — or dissatisfy — customers has to do with trade-in offers. So, as dealers ready their business for an expected bump in used car stock in 2012, it’s important that they make sure their appraisal process is fair and transparent. This article discusses the advantages of formalizing the appraisal process, including using appraisal software that can help salespeople show skeptical customers that the dealership’s offer has been arrived at fairly.
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F&I products – Are you paving your service lanes with promise?
March / April 2011
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 848
Abstract: A growing number of owners are finding unconventional ways to put their dealerships’ service lanes to better use by expanding product lines beyond batteries and floor mats. Service writers are being trained to talk about the value of service contracts and prepaid maintenance plans and how to close them. This article discusses how to determine the most likely customers and how to train service personnel to sell effectively to them. However, there’s at least some potential for fraud by service writers, so a sidebar discusses how to head it off.
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Dealer Digest – Could your streetlights save you ’10 tax dollars?
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 393
Abstract: This issue’s “Dealer Digest” looks at consumer buying trends, 2010 and 2011 tax breaks, and how dealers with a large number of streetlights may enjoy tax savings.