General & Family Business
Showing 33–48 of 1042 results
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New law upgrades home energy credits
February / March 2023
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 453
Abstract: The new Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed in August of 2022, rewards homeowners for going green. This article explains that taxpayers now may qualify for either or both of two enhanced tax credits: the “residential clean energy credit” (previously the energy-efficient property credit) and the “energy-efficient home improvement credit” (previously the “nonbusiness energy property credit”). The article offers a brief overview of both credits.
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How to choose a trustee for your estate
February / March 2023
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 608
Abstract: One of the most significant aspects of an estate plan isn’t to whom the assets will be distributed but who will oversee their distribution. This article points out that the trustee an individual chooses will play a significant role in managing all of the financial aspects of the estate after death, so it’s wise to consider this decision carefully. The article explains some of the factors to consider in that decision, such as whether the trustee should be an individual or a professional and whether fees will be incurred.
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Navigating inflation – Chart a course for success
February / March 2023
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 687
Abstract: With prices jumping more than 8% over the past year or so, it’s not surprising that roughly 85% of small business owners recently said they’re concerned about the impact of inflation. This article suggests some steps business owners can take to help their businesses survive — and possibly even thrive — during these volatile economic times, including reviewing inflation’s impact by product line and investing in technology to improve efficiency.
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What method should you use to deduct business vehicle expenses?
February / March 2023
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 876
Abstract: Businesspeople who use their passenger cars, vans or pickup trucks for business driving can generally deduct expenses attributable to the use of those vehicles, just like one that’s owned by the business. But it’s important to note that they can deduct only the portion of their overall expenses that’s attributable to their business use. This article points out that there are two ways to arrive at a deduction for the current year — the actual expense method or the standard mileage rate. A sidebar presents an example of how the deduction might work.
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Noncorporate taxpayers: Watch out for the excess business loss limitation
Winter 2023
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 462
Abstract: One advantage of operating a business as a sole proprietorship or pass-through entity (partnership, S corporation or limited liability company) is the ability of owners to deduct some business losses on their individual tax returns. In other words, business losses can offset nonbusiness income, such as wages, interest, dividends or capital gains. However, this article points out that the limit on excess business losses could reduce the deduction. It explains that taxpayers need to talk to their tax advisors about alternative tax-planning strategies for reducing or deferring taxable income.
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When should you start your estate plan?
Winter 2023
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 718
Abstract: The consequences of delaying estate planning too long can be devastating to surviving family members. This article notes that if someone dies without a last will and testament, for example, state law might end up deciding who receives that person’s assets. It further points out that without a medical directive, an individual’s wishes with regard to end-of-life care decisions might not be followed. The article explains that even people who have created estate plans should review them periodically.
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4 steps to take before selling your business
Winter 2023
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 756
Abstract: In a volatile economic climate, it’s wise for business owners to be prepared for every eventuality — including the possibility they’ll need to sell their businesses fast. This article explains that even if a sale isn’t urgent, it’s important to prepare the business for potential sale. The article suggests four helpful steps for business owners to take as they consider putting their businesses on the market.
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Expanded energy tax incentives benefit businesses
Winter 2023
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 914
Abstract: The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed into law in August 2022, contains provisions designed to reduce carbon emissions and spur development of clean energy. The act also significantly expands energy-related tax incentives for businesses in general as well as for individuals. This article looks at the expansion of two valuable tax breaks for eligible real estate developers, builders and owners: the tax credit for new energy-efficient homes and the deduction for energy-efficient commercial buildings. A sidebar discusses the updated electric vehicles tax credit.
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Fast write-offs for start-up costs
Year End 2022
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 453
Abstract: It can be expensive to launch a business today, but new business owners may be able to deduct some start-up costs in the first year of operation. The trick is to get the business up and running before the end of the year. This article discusses a special tax law break that may be helpful to start-up businesses if they qualify.
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How should you manage overtime?
Year End 2022
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 613
Abstract: Payroll is one of the largest expenses for many businesses. So, while employers need to comply with the regulations that govern salaries and wages, they also need to work within their budgets. This article points out that effectively managing overtime is key to reaching these goals, and offers some useful strategies, including cross-training workers and leveraging technology to automate some tasks.
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How to make a family vacation home work for you
Year End 2022
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 574
Abstract: Individuals considering buying a vacation home need to choose an ownership structure, whether it’s a corporation, a trust, tenants in common (TIC) or a limited liability company (LLC), that will best serve them going forward. This article suggests that though each structure has its pros and cons, an LLC might offer the most benefits. It lists a number of those benefits, such as that an LLC structure will limit family members’ exposure to personal liability lawsuits associated with the property and allow avoidance of probate at the owner’s death.
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Timing is everything – Avoid the wash sale rule to keep taxes in check
Year End 2022
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 944
Abstract: As the end of the year approaches, individuals may be in a position to recognize capital losses from sales of securities to offset gains or even some high-taxed ordinary income. However, as this article points out, there’s an obstacle standing in the way of some investors: the wash sale rule. If investors aren’t careful, this rule can result in losses being disallowed. The article offers several strategies that can help, with the caveat that any strategies should reflect an investor’s investment goals, risk tolerance and more. A sidebar offers an example of how the wash sale rule works.
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Corporations: Beware the accumulated earnings tax
Fall 2022
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 457
Abstract: A disadvantage of C corporation structure is the possibility of double taxation. A C corporation’s income is subject to two levels of income tax: once at the corporate level and a second time at the shareholder level when income is distributed in the form of dividends. This article explains that to avoid — or at least defer — double taxation, many corporations retain earnings rather than distributing them to shareholders. It points out, however, that this strategy can backfire by triggering the accumulated earnings tax (AET).
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Shopping around to get the best financing for your business
Fall 2022
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 609
Abstract: It can be difficult for a small business owner to discern what type of financing will best serve the business and help it thrive through difficult financial times. This article points out that whether it’s the need for new, more technologically advanced equipment or an opportunity to expand operations, owners need to shop around to familiarize themselves with the different financing options available before they “buy” into a particular borrowing strategy.
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How a life insurance trust could lower your estate taxes
Fall 2022
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 756
Abstract: In 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act significantly boosted the estate tax exemption, which is the amount of an estate that is exempt from taxation. This could change, however, if the estate tax exemption is cut in half in a few years as is currently scheduled. This article explains that it’s important for people to start thinking about how they can reduce or eliminate federal estate taxes if their estates will be larger than the new exemption amounts in 2026 and beyond. It suggests that one idea is to set up an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT), and discusses the ins and outs of that approach.
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Will you qualify for the home sale gain exclusion?
Fall 2022
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 880
Abstract: For most people, the home sale gain exclusion is the biggest tax break they’ll ever get. But the exclusion is subject to several complicated rules and limitations. This article notes that it’s important for individuals to plan carefully before they sell to shield as much of their profit from tax as possible. A sidebar discusses how a home office affects a home sale exclusion.