General & Family Business
Showing 865–880 of 1042 results
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How’s your buy-sell agreement doing?
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 806
Abstract: Many ownership transition issues can be resolved with a buy-sell agreement, which is a contract among business owners that sets parameters for the transfer of interests in the business. The contract determines the value of the business, or defines the valuation method to be used, and outlines when and to whom the interests can be sold. A buy-sell agreement can preserve or transition the management and control of a company in times of change, and can offset potential conflicts among owners and family members. It can also create a market for a withdrawing owner’s business interest and establish a succession plan. There are two kinds of buy-sell agreements: cross-purchase and redemption.
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Midyear tax planning – Grappling with tax law uncertainties
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1006
Abstract: A substantial number of the tax cuts introduced under the last presidential administration are heading toward expiration at year end. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to expire — Congress could extend them. So, though it may seem early in the year to start thinking about tax planning, it’s an important time to do so. This article discusses potential changes to marginal income tax rates and capital gains rates, as well as gift, estate and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax rates. A sidebar discusses how the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act can benefit some businesses.
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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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Don’t lose out on loss deductions
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 315
Abstract: When a business is losing money, the tax code’s net operating loss (NOL) provisions can help ease the pain. But these days, many businesses have been operating at a loss for some time and have had insufficient income in recent years to take advantage of NOL carrybacks. To make the break more useful, the Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009 (WHBAA) temporarily extended the maximum carryback period to five years for most businesses. WHBAA provides several options for businesses with NOLs.
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When family business succession planning goes awry, fix it — fast
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 754
Abstract: What if children or other family members are interested in taking over but they aren’t ready to run the business? A sound succession plan is a must in this situation, but even the best-laid plans can go awry. The good news is that there are steps one can take to right the succession ship. It’s important to involve all levels of the organization, and to take steps to maintain interim leadership if the preferred new leader isn’t yet ready. Professional advisors may also have the experience and skills necessary to shed an objective light on the situation.
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Making a difficult decision – Naming a guardian for your young child isn’t easy, but necessary
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 725
Abstract: It may be an unpleasant decision — but anyone who has minor children needs to decide, as soon as possible, who their child’s guardian should be if they and their spouse die unexpectedly. The process starts with creating a list of appropriate candidates. Who has the same values, and will be able to live up to the responsibilities of guardianship? As a sidebar to this article explains, it may be best to choose separate guardians in some instances, such as when there are several children in a blended family — or if one guardian is better at child care, and another at handling finances.
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Moving day – Your new home state can change your tax circumstances
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 806
Abstract: Someone who is moving out of state can find it beneficial to take a closer look at how the new home state may affect their tax liability. What are the state’s income, property, sales or estate taxes? Are there tax breaks for pension payments, retirement plan distributions and Social Security payments? What about state and local income taxes, which aren’t deductible for AMT purposes? And how do property taxes compare in the city or suburbs vs. a rural area? And, for those who own homes in multiple states, it’s important to take steps to establish domicile in one, or else possibly face unnecessary negative tax consequences.
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Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family – Rising exec reconsiders disability income insurance
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 521
Abstract: After a difficult period of unemployment, Sylvia scored a great job as an executive of a nonprofit. Her benefits package was decent except for one thing: Her group plan disability insurance fell short of her needs. As someone who had once been disabled following an auto accident, Sylvia couldn’t live without a good disability income insurance policy — especially in a slow-recovering economy. She visited her financial advisor to talk about what she should look for in a policy. The advisor offered several tips.
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Moneylines: News briefs for businesses
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 331
Abstract: This issue’s “Moneylines” discusses new reduced IRS mileage rates; the introduction of Generally Accepted Privacy Principles (GAPP) to help business management combat identity theft; and businesses that are physically relocating nearer to their competitors to form “business clusters.”
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Give your company some credit – It’s not easy to find, but financing is out there
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1124
Abstract: Traditional banks have taken a substantial amount of heat over the last year and a half, and many continue to be hesitant about extending financing to even the most stable of businesses. There are, however, other options for borrowers to consider. These include “angel” investors, venture capital firms, and Small Business Administration loans. As a sidebar explains, banks are skittish partly due to the increased number of small business bankruptcies in 2009. However, for those who still want to approach a traditional bank, another sidebar offers some pointers.
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On the rise – Social Security increasingly valued as retirement supplement
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 765
Abstract: Although no one should depend solely on Social Security for retirement, many people are taking a second look at it. Unfortunately, rumors persist that the venerable government program is on its last legs. This article looks at how Social Security is funded, and what changes might be made to keep it solvent. In the meantime, savers will need to determine how large a Social Security presence they’re comfortable factoring into their retirement strategy. Then they’ll need to accumulate enough assets to provide themselves a comfortable retirement income when combined with the monthly government checks they expect.
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New for 2010: Roth IRA conversions available to everyone!
February / March 2010
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 252
Abstract: 2010 is the year when those with significant amounts in their traditional IRAs can convert and reap the tax-free growth benefits of a Roth IRA — regardless of their income level. Previously, one had to have a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $100,000 or less to be eligible to convert. This short article looks at some of the benefits and caveats.
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Are you caring for aging parents? If so, you’ll want to know about the adult dependent exemption
February / March 2010
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 827
Abstract: Many in their 40s and 50s find themselves caring for children and aging parents while worrying about their own retirement. The combination of these factors can create a substantial burden on personal finances. The adult dependent tax exemption may help, if one qualifies — that depends on the income of both the taxpayer and his or her parents. Even if one doesn’t qualify, it still may be possible to deduct some medical costs. A sidebar discusses long-term care insurance.