Manufacturing & Distribution
Showing 1–16 of 208 results
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Is it time to update your company’s drug use policy?
Summer 2020
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 335
Abstract: Given the safety risks involved with many manufacturing jobs, it’s a good idea for manufacturers to adopt a drug and alcohol policy and enforce it consistently. However, the evolving legal environment — particularly the trend in many states toward legalization of marijuana — greatly complicates the process. This brief article looks at the difference between alcohol and marijuana testing and what to consider when updating your drug policy.
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Highlights of the USMCA for manufacturers
Summer 2020
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 643
Abstract: One of the biggest issues manufacturers have faced in recent years is trade uncertainty. And with the continuing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, trade stability is even more sought after. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) relieves some uncertainty by updating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The agreement will take effect as soon as each country has taken certain steps to implement it. This article reviews some key changes that will soon affect manufacturers.
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SECURE Act: New tax incentives for employers to offer retirement benefits
Summer 2020
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 808
Abstract: The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act authorizes a new, cost-effective type of retirement plan: the pooled employer plan (PEP), beginning in 2021. By creating the PEP, the SECURE Act largely eliminates multiple employer plan (MEP) obstacles, extending the benefits of MEPs to more businesses. This article looks at the upsides and pitfalls of MEPs, and why PEPs might be the right fit for many small companies. A short sidebar reviews ways the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act expands financial options for impacted employees through their employer-sponsored retirement plans.
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COVID-19 crisis – How amending previous years’ tax returns can possibly free up cash
Summer 2020
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 763
Abstract: For many manufacturers, 2020 has been a year like no other due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and cash flow is a major issue. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and. Economic Security (CARES) Act retroactively modifies certain business-related provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in ways that can help provide quick liquidity. This article reviews these changes and what manufacturers need to do to take advantage of them. A sidebar covers how the CARES Act affects real estate qualified improvement property (QIP).
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Work Opportunity Tax Credit extended through 2020
Spring 2020
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 447
Abstract: 2020 may be a good year for hiring, especially after the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act extended the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) through 2020. This federal income tax credit is available to businesses that hire members of certain “targeted” groups. This brief article examines how the credit can benefit manufacturing businesses.
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Why manufacturers can’t afford to ignore cybersecurity
Spring 2020
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 549
Abstract: Many manufacturers have a false sense of calm when it comes to cybersecurity. They incorrectly assume their risk of a cyberattack is low because they don’t sell products on the Internet or gather credit card information and other sensitive data from customers. In recent years, hackers looking for the next big score have found that manufacturers are an attractive target. This article looks at why it’s a good idea to conduct a risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities and take steps to shore up defenses.
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Independent contractor vs. employee – Beware: Worker classification is an IRS hot button
Spring 2020
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 638
Abstract: Treating a worker as an independent contractor (IC) rather than an employee can provide a business with important advantages. But simply labeling someone an IC doesn’t make it so. Whether a worker is properly classified as an IC or employee depends on several factors targeting the level of control the employer exerts over the worker. This article discusses the benefits of ICs, the IRS’s preference and the control factors that are considered when determining whether a worker is an IC or an employee.
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Four strategies for closing the skills gap
Spring 2020
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 862
Abstract: As technology continues to advance at a dizzying pace, manufacturers are facing a growing skills gap. The increasing role of automation, robotics, machine learning, artificial intelligence and other innovations is rendering many traditional manufacturing jobs obsolete. At the same time, manufacturers are finding that the skilled workers they need to operate a modern facility are in short supply. The situation is exacerbated by a tight labor market and millions of retiring Baby Boomers. This article examines four strategies for manufacturers who are faced with a skills gap. A brief sidebar discusses the deferral of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), from 2020 to 2021 for certain companies.
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Tariffs: Six strategies for protecting your company
Winter 2020
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 281
Abstract: Tariffs on imported materials, such as steel and aluminum, are increasing costs for many manufacturers. This brief article reviews six ways to help evaluate and manage the effects on a business.
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Is it time to revisit the R&D credit?
Winter 2020
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 460
Abstract: The federal tax credit for increasing research and development activities — popularly known as the R&D credit — can be a valuable break for manufacturers. Eligible companies can reduce their tax liability by as much as 7.9 cents (or more if state research credits are available) for each dollar of qualified research expenditures on wages, supplies, consulting fees and contract research. This article looks at why, unfortunately, many manufacturers lose out because they underestimate their R&D expenditures or believe their taxable income is too low to make it worthwhile.
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Why the segmented income statement is a powerful management tool
Winter 2020
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 502
Abstract: A companywide income statement may be sufficient for lenders or other outsiders to evaluate your company’s financial performance. But from management’s perspective, a “segmented” income statement can provide valuable insight into key performance drivers and possible improvement strategies. This article discusses the contents of a segmented income statement and why business owners may want to use one.
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How “Made in America” can work for you
Winter 2020
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 642
Abstract: “Made in the USA” is a hot marketing trend that can help manufacturers differentiate products in the marketplace. If manufacturers can obtain goods domestically faster and at lower costs than foreign suppliers can offer, it seems like a win. But, when “homegrown” products are more expensive than foreign-sourced products, purchasers may balk at the higher price tag. For manufacturers that have used overseas suppliers, deciding when and whether to return to U.S. factories and suppliers can be a tough decision. This article looks at what manufacturers should know before jumping on the Made-in-America bandwagon.
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On the road – Let’s review the tax implications of providing company cars
Winter 2020
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 653
Abstract: A company car can be a valuable perk for business owners, salespeople and other employees. And now may be an ideal time to invest in business vehicles. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) more than tripled the luxury auto threshold, from $15,800 to an inflation-adjusted $50,000. For 2019, the dollar cap on depreciation deductions doesn’t kick in until a vehicle’s cost exceeds $50,400. This article examines the rules surrounding company cars.
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5 steps to “recession-proof” your business
Fall 2019
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 430
Abstract: The manufacturing industry has enjoyed several years of prosperity. But no business is recession-proof. This article highlights five possible steps proactive owners can take today to prepare for downturns in financial performance that may be on the horizon.
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Valuing your business
Fall 2019
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 573
Abstract: Retirement. Loan applications. Shareholder buyouts. Divorce. There are many reasons to value a business. But manufacturers can’t necessarily find the answer on the face of their balance sheet — or rely on industry rules of thumb. This article explains the importance of hiring a business valuation professional and highlights the objective methods the pros use. A sidebar notes three kinds of adjustments valuators sometimes make to financial statements.
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Sales tax after Wayfair – What manufacturers need to know
Fall 2019
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 571
Abstract: The U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair affects many businesses, including manufacturers, that buy or sell products across state lines. This article answers some common questions the decision has raised about the types of businesses and purchases that are affected, the need to register as a sales tax vendor, and potential exposure to income and franchise taxes in the states where you must register. South Dakota v. Wayfair, No. 17-494, June 21, 2018