General & Family Business
Showing 849–864 of 1042 results
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4 steps to fight back against identity theft
August / September 2010
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 527
Abstract: There’s no way to completely eliminate the risk of identity theft. And as people increasingly use the Internet to pay bills, trade stocks and access their bank accounts, the risk rises exponentially. This article summarizes the Federal Trade Commission’s four-step action plan that a person should implement as soon as he or she learns of fraudulent activity.
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HIRE Act incentives require action by year end
August / September 2010
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 847
Abstract: In March, two provisions of the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act became law, providing incentives for hiring and retaining workers: 1) payroll tax forgiveness, which essentially exempts qualified employers from having to pay the 6.2% Social Security portion of Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes on certain new hires, and 2) a retained worker tax credit. But hires must be made by year end — and the sooner this is done, the more tax savings will result. This article explains how these two breaks work and offers some tips on deciding whether to bring on new employees. A sidebar discusses the act’s extension of 2009’s higher Section 179 expensing limits.
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Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family – Homeowners go (and save) green with energy-related upgrades
August / September 2010
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 512
Abstract: Pedro and Angelina had owned their home for several years and wished to make some environmentally friendly upgrades. But they also wanted to reap any available tax benefits, so they visited their tax advisor. She explained that, yes, there were a number of ways that Pedro and Angelina could make improvements that would do less damage to the environment, lower their energy bills and save them some tax dollars.
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Moneylines: News Briefs for Businesses
August / September 2010
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 339
Abstract: This issue’s “Moneylines” takes a look at increased IRS scrutiny of small businesses and individuals who misclassify employees as independent contractors. It discusses who has been lending to small businesses since passage of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), and who hasn’t. And it mentions a survey that shows increasing optimism among small-business executives.
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Are you in a giving mood? – Making lifetime gifts still an effective estate planning strategy
August / September 2010
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 757
Abstract: It’s an odd year for estate planning, with estate tax legislation up in the air as of midyear. Although this has given rise to much estate planning uncertainty, making lifetime gifts is still an effective strategy. Lower asset values can make this a good time to transfer assets and remove future appreciation from one’s taxable estate. It’s also important to consider income taxes, as well as gift and estate taxes, and to ask whether gifting through a grantor retained annuity trust (GRAT) or charitable lead annuity trust (CLAT) might be beneficial.
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A heads-up on health care reform – How it could affect your business
August / September 2010
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1112
Abstract: The recently enacted Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is a massive law with many provisions — and a large portion of those provisions don’t take effect until future years. This article offers a heads-up on a few of the act’s highlights that could change how businesses approach health care benefits for their employees. Depending on the size of the business, incentives or penalties may apply in order to induce employers to provide benefits. A sidebar discusses new IRS reporting requirements under the act.
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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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Travel down the road toward tax savings
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 323
Abstract: This short article describes instances in which commuting expenses may be deducted, and points out that the 2010 standard rate for business travel in an automobile has been reduced from 2009’s.
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Pieces of the pie – Dividing the family business into separate entities can benefit all
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 753
Abstract: If a small family business has become big, it may be time to split it into two or more entities. Doing so may be necessary if the company has evolved into two distinct businesses or if heirs are locked in a battle of clashing visions for its future. But before moving forward, it’s important to know how the split will affect tax liability. A split can be a tax-free transaction if the company provides a valid business reason that led to the division. But such splits are complex, especially if they involve an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). It will first be necessary to check whether a split is allowed under a previous buy-sell agreement. It’s also important to focus on the previous and anticipated business structures and the company’s pre-split tax attributes, along with the impact of a split on personal finances.
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Going green? Get credit – Tax credits for energy improvements
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 629
Abstract: Going green is not only the hot trend for both individuals and business — it can also reduce taxes. This year, boosting the energy efficiency of a home or car may qualify taxpayers for certain tax credits. Many of these are a result of provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. One can receive a credit of 30% of the cost of eligible energy-efficient “appliances” such as heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment, insulation and nonsolar water heaters. And certain plug-in electric vehicles may be eligible for a credit. A sidebar to this article discusses the credits available to those who put in a geothermal heat pump, small wind turbine, solar water heater or solar energy system.
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Fact finding mission – Assessing customers’ creditworthiness
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 843
Abstract: Business bankruptcies are up, and many companies that escaped bankruptcy are struggling. But most businesses need to extend credit to attract and keep customers. The key is to take steps to limit the risk that they won’t be paid. A first step is to ask new customers to complete a credit application. Next up is contacting the potential customer’s trade and bank references, and to study third-party evaluations such as newspaper articles and reports from credit rating agencies. A sidebar to this article offers suggestions for collecting from slow-paying customers.
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Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family – Retirement investor revisits his old friend the bond
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 532
Abstract: When Harold, a working professional, started his portfolio, he made sure it was well balanced with a variety of stocks and bonds. But, when the economy swelled some years ago, he moved away from bonds into more aggressive stocks. It was a decision he lived to regret. In talking to his financial advisor, Harold was able to get a better idea of how to integrate bonds back into his portfolio. He learned about the benefits and drawbacks of U.S. government savings bonds, Treasury bills and notes, and state, municipal and corporate bonds.
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Moneylines: News Briefs for Businesses
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 337
Abstract: This issue’s “Moneylines” takes a look at how the new health care bill will affect companies’ medical benefits; a survey showing that corporate accounting accuracy has improved; and a sharp increase in the number of companies that are getting into social networking.