FOC
Showing 305–320 of 393 results
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Learning the ropes before taking the reins – A smooth transition requires the successor in a family business to know all areas
April / May 2011
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: Grooming a successor in any business setting can be difficult, but it can be especially tricky in a family business. To help make the transition as seamless as possible, a successor needs to know the family business from the bottom up. To achieve this, the transition plan should include a multidisciplined approach showing the responsibilities and pressures each employee handles. This involves such areas as sales, customer service, finance, human resources and marketing.
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Are Roth IRAs worth a second look?
April / May 2011
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 806
Abstract: When it comes to IRAs, the traditional version is by far the most popular. But it may be time to take a second look at the Roth IRA, because it can be an important component of a retirement savings strategy. This article points out the circumstances in which a Roth may be advantageous, and discusses contribution limits. A sidebar takes a brief look at Roth 401(k), 403(b) and 457 plans.
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Married couples get more estate planning flexibility — temporarily
April / May 2011
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 316
Abstract: Under the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, if one spouse dies in 2011 or 2012 and part (or all) of his or her estate tax exemption is unused at his or her death, the estate can elect to permit the surviving spouse to use the deceased spouse’s remaining estate tax exemption, so that the exemption essentially is “portable.” Making this election is simpler than transferring assets during life and/or setting up a credit shelter trust. But, as this article explains, current law allows this option for only two years, so any planning will need to take that into account.
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Why 2011 may be a great year to invest in your business
April / May 2011
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 770
Abstract: A company considering investing in assets, research or people may find that 2011 is the year to do so. Why? Because the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 provides some enhanced tax breaks that may not be available (or that may be more limited) next year. This article discusses the status of bonus depreciation, the research credit, and the Work Opportunity credit. A sidebar shows how much bonus depreciation is available when.
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Community involvement – Reaching out to the neighborhood can benefit family businesses
February / March 2011
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 514
Abstract: This article looks at the fictitious case of George and Linda, small-business owners who realize that they can’t match the prices offered by big-box retailers. To compete, they decide to become more involved in the community. This article shows how fostering strong connections to the community can keep customers coming back.
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(Don’t) charge it! Educate your college-age child on the downsides of credit card debt
February / March 2011
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 678
Abstract: Students’ understanding of credit is becoming just as important as their ability to write top-notch term papers. Without it, today’s college students could be setting themselves up with debt loads (not even counting student loans) that may take years to pay off and hinder their ability to purchase cars or homes, or even to start their careers. This article offers tips for showing new students how to use credit cards responsibly. A sidebar shows how the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 offers college students new protections from overzealous credit card marketers.
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Business tax credits are now more powerful
February / March 2011
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 784
Abstract: It’s particularly critical this year for small businesses to look at general business credits, because changes to the credit carryback rules under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (SBJA) can benefit those that are eligible. This article explains the definition of “eligible small businesses,” the different types of credits involved, and how to use them. A sidebar discusses increases in the Section 179 expensing limit.
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Tax saving opportunities plentiful under 2010 Tax Relief act
February / March 2011
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 619
Abstract: With many of the tax breaks under the 2001 tax act set to expire after 2010, Congress passed and the President signed into law the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 in December. The act extends and expands a wide variety of tax breaks for individuals and businesses. This article focuses on some of the provisions most relevant to higher-income taxpayers.
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Act soon to take advantage of hiring incentives
Year End 2010
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 243
Abstract: This article looks at two tax breaks available under the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act. But employers need to act by Dec. 31, 2010, to take advantage of them.
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Not ready to retire? Sign up at age 65 for Medicare if you plan to continue working
Year End 2010
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 581
Abstract: It used to be a given that most employees would retire at age 65, but that’s no longer true. A growing number of baby boomers are opting to continue working into their late 60s or even longer. Those who are planning to postpone their retirement should consider enrolling in Medicare at age 65 — otherwise, they may end up permanently paying more for some of its benefits. This article discusses the steps involved.
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Growing up – Morphing a ma and pa shop into a professional family business
Year End 2010
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 626
Abstract: An informal setup may work fine during a family business’s infancy, but for it to remain competitive and profitable, it must “grow up” by enhancing its operations. This article shows how a company can do so by focusing on four areas: organizational management, business processes, strategic planning and decision-making, and information technology systems.
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Make noncash donations when cash flow is a problem
Year End 2010
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1047
Abstract: Donating cash while the economy remains shaky can be difficult, but contributing noncash assets can help charities while minimizing the impact on one’s own cash flow. This article shows how noncash donations may allow a taxpayer to avoid capital gains tax. It also discusses how to determine value for different kinds of noncash property and document it to satisfy the IRS. A sidebar offers an example of the tax treatment of selling stock and donating the proceeds vs. donating the stock outright.
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Warning! Warning! Safeguard your family against a disaster by preparing financial recovery and family emergency plans
October / November 2010
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 557
Abstract: To protect one’s family from a financial shock if there’s a disaster, it’s important to have a recovery plan. This article points out that insurance policies are typically not all-inclusive, and discusses inventorying and recording assets and backing up the information. It also looks at measures to provide for the physical security of one’s family, while a sidebar explains the importance of having an adequate cash reserve.
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Should you enact automatic 401(k) plan enrollment?
October / November 2010
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 578
Abstract: One of the easiest ways for employees to save for retirement is enrolling in their employers’ defined contribution plans, such as a 401(k) plan. But low participation has been a problem. A solution is to enact an automatic enrollment program, which has become more attractive to employers since the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA) eased some of the legal concerns. This article discusses some of those concerns, and how a qualified automatic contribution arrangement (QACA) exempts companies from meeting nondiscrimination requirements.
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Compensation conundrum – Offering fair pay packages to family-business employees isn’t easy
October / November 2010
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 748
Abstract: Creating employee compensation packages can be complex because they may include a mix of a base salary, bonuses, ownership options and benefits. It can be even more difficult for businesses that are family owned. This article looks at both subjective and objective ways to determine compensation packages for both loved ones and nonfamily employees.
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Tax changes on the horizon – Prepare with year end tax planning
October / November 2010
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 722
Abstract: Year end tax planning is important every year, but it’s particularly significant this year. Why? Many of the lower tax rates and other breaks that went into effect during the past 10 years are scheduled to sunset, or expire, on Dec. 31, 2010, unless Congress takes action. This article looks at some of the specific rates and breaks involved, the various options Congress has considered for addressing them, and steps that taxpayers might take in anticipation of them.