FOC
Showing 353–368 of 393 results
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A thief among us – How to curtail employee fraud
June / July 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 361
Abstract: The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners notes that employee fraud is on the rise. Workers may commit a variety of crimes, ranging from misappropriating assets to stealing supplies. This article discusses the kinds of persons most likely to commit fraud, what company functions are susceptible to particular kinds of fraud, and — most important — what steps companies can take to minimize risk.
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CI can keep you ahead of the competition
April / May 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 312
Abstract: Resorting to corporate espionage isn’t necessary for you to win the advantage over your competition. What you do need is competitive intelligence (CI). CI is the process of legally and ethically gathering and analyzing information on your competitors so you can better anticipate market trends, analyze industry developments and compare business practices.
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EESA provides businesses with 2009 tax-saving opportunities
April / May 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 742
Abstract: While business owners may be focusing on the latest stimulus legislation and other potential tax law changes that may pass in 2009, it’s important not to forget about tax breaks signed into law last year. This article reviews some key provisions offered by the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (EESA) of 2008 that may provide you some tax-saving opportunities.
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Decisions, decisions – How should you handle the uncertain estate tax?
April / May 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 628
Abstract: The federal estate tax is, as of this writing, scheduled to be repealed next year. But it’s unlikely estate taxes will really go away. Whatever happens, now is a good time to consider how estate tax law changes could affect your estate plan.
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Keep on course with college savings
April / May 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 711
Abstract: With the market upheaval and tight credit affecting savings plans and restricting loans, you may be concerned about how you’ll fund your children’s or grandchildren’s college education. But don’t let those worries cause you to stray off the path. A 529 plan can still help you build a college fund and save taxes, too. This article discusses the benefits of setting aside funds to pay for qualified higher education costs.
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Weathering the economy – Improve your collections to help secure cash flow
April / May 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 718
Abstract: In a stormy economy, it can be difficult to collect receivables from clients who are experiencing cash flow problems. This can, in turn, threaten your ability to access working capital, reinvest in the company and pay your own bills. This article offers tips on how you can improve your collection process, so you can maintain a steady stream of cash even during harsh economic times. A sidebar discusses why it’s critical to assess the financial backgrounds of potential clients to make sure you don’t bring collection hassles into your business.
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Delivering employee feedback: Accentuate the positive
February / March 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 285
Abstract: People often overlook or take for granted positive accomplishments and spend excess time dwelling on the negatives. In the workplace, this negative tendency can contribute to poor morale and costly workforce attrition. The next time you or your supervisors provide employees with feedback on areas for improvement, remember to balance that feedback with positive comments. This brief article shows you how.
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It’s more important than ever to start thinking about taxes early
February / March 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 676
Abstract: If you’re like most people, you don’t worry about tax planning in February or March. You wait until later in the year. But, to maximize your tax savings, you should begin planning earlier — especially this year. That’s because Congress enacted two significant pieces of legislation in the second half of 2008, both of which contain a variety of tax benefits and incentives. This article takes a look at some provisions worth a trip to your CPA.
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The ins and outs of valuing a privately held business
February / March 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 677
Abstract: You may think you have a fairly good idea of how much your company is worth. But formally appraising a privately held business goes far beyond guesswork. In fact, it’s a fairly complex process that involves using professionally accepted methods to arrive at a well-reasoned and defensible estimate of value. This article explains the three most commonly used methods for valuing a privately held business. A sidebar discusses how to increase your business’s worth through a “unique selling proposition.”
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The R&D tax credit – Are you overlooking this tax-saving tool?
February / March 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 471
Abstract: Among all the deductions and credits that Uncle Sam has to offer businesses, the research and development (R&D) tax credit is perhaps the most overlooked. This article explains how the credit works and why companies that have proven or attempted technological advances should claim the R&D credit. With Congress extending the credit under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, now’s the time to take advantage of it.
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Don’t underestimate the power of giving
February / March 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 964
Abstract: Starting in 2009, the annual gift tax exclusion has been increased to $13,000 per recipient to keep pace with inflation. In light of this increase, now’s a good time to review your gifting strategies. This article explains how a well-designed gifting program can help you slash your potential tax bill, even while the estate and gift tax rules remain in limbo.
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5 things to consider before relocating
Year End 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 256
Abstract: If your business is at a point where you need to relocate or expand operations to support continued growth or contain rising costs, remember: location, location, location. This brief article takes a look at five criteria you should consider when looking for new grounds.
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Trouble finding a group health policy? The 411 on other options
Year End 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 774
Abstract: Offering group health insurance through your company is a great benefit for your employees as well as for your business. But some businesses may find group health insurance cost-prohibitive. This article offers some alternatives when group health coverage through the company isn’t feasible. It explains the ins and outs of private health insurance, and it explores some popular consumer-directed programs that can help employees with their medical expenses. (Updated 1/4/12)
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When money and marriage are at odds
Year End 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 485
Abstract: Money and marriage — the two often mix about as well as oil and water. While there’s no one right way for married couples to manage money, this article explains why the goal should always be to cover all bills and balance shared and individual financial goals. It also offers some tips on how to head off disputes. (Updated 1/4/12)
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The manufacturers’ deduction: Not just for manufacturers
Year End 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 850
Abstract: In 2004 lawmakers added Section 199 to the tax code, creating a tax deduction for all U.S. businesses that engage in qualified domestic production activities, whether they export or not. Although the manufacturers’ deduction is often associated with large manufacturers, it’s available to companies of all sizes. And it’s not limited to manufacturers, either. This article explains who’s eligible for the deduction and how it’s calculated. A sidebar discusses how small companies, including sole proprietors, can also take advantage of the deduction.
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Year end business planning – Timely tips to tame the tax tiger
Year End 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 593
Abstract: As 2008 comes to a close, it’s a good time to review your year end tax plans and take advantage of last-minute strategies that can reduce your company’s tax bill. This article provides some tax-saving ideas to explore, such as changing your accounting method, deferring tax on advance payments, buying equipment now so you can take advantage of higher expensing limits, and others.