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Showing 9281–9296 of 10245 results
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Prove it or lose it – Surety required to substantiate bond losses
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 653
Abstract: When the owners of a failed contracting business have financial means other than the assets of the contractor, bonding companies may pursue collection. Such was the case in Centennial Insurance v. Horizon Contracting. The lesson: It’s important for all parties involved in construction projects to maintain organized files of documents such as invoices and canceled checks.
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There must be a gang – Civil RICO convictions are no slam dunk
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 965
Abstract: Many construction fraud victims are tempted to bring claims under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), which can offer triple damages. But courts are indicating that those who pursue such a claim must meet certain criteria. The case of Wickes Furniture v. Carpman illustrates one decisive factor in particular: whether an organized gang is involved in the crime.
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Dealer Digest – Online auctions: An oasis in arid times?
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 433
Abstract: This month, “Dealer Digest” examines the growth of online auctions and discusses a survey showing that financial executives are placing increased emphasis on cost cutting.
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3 qualified retirement plans you may want to consider
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 353
Abstract: Although it may be tempting to make cuts in these difficult times, qualified retirement plans still offer sound advantages: not only tax breaks, but morale and productivity boosts, as well. This short article takes a brief look at 401(k)s, SEP IRAs and SIMPLEs.
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Keeping tabs on Mr. Wrench – How to measure your technicians’ performance
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 849
Abstract: When your service department is slow, it’s more important than ever to make sure your technicians are performing up to par. There are a number of procedures to ensure accountability. How do you calculate contributions and create incentives? What are the pros and cons of guaranteed wages? How do you judge the “comeback ratio” and determine the performance of more experienced employees? These issues are explored, while a sidebar addresses labor hours and profitability.
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Is now the time? Passing the baton to your children may be a wise move
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 892
Abstract: Reflecting the downturn in the general economy and especially the automotive industry, the value of many auto dealerships nationwide unfortunately is quite low of late. For this reason — and because interest rates are low — now may be a good time to transfer your dealership to your children. But there are a number of factors to consider. What are the pros and cons of an installment sale? Should you try to receive less so as to minimize estate taxes? What are the advantages of creating voting and nonvoting stock? Will the factory have concerns about the succession? And how should real estate rights be assigned? This article addresses these concerns.
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Construction Success Story – Contractor learns the ins of out-of-state projects
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 364
Abstract: A contractor who had established a successful commercial electrical systems installation and repair business in his home state was considering bidding on jobs in neighboring states. At face value, it seemed like a great way to increase revenue and ultimately expand his business. Before venturing too far afield, however, the contractor ran the idea by his financial advisor, who explained that each state has its own laws and requirements for taxes, workers’ compensation, licenses, insurance and bonding.
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Employment update – E-Verify system now required for federal projects
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 673
Abstract: E-Verify, the free, Internet-based system that matches an employee’s Social Security number to his or her I-9, has become a requirement for the growing number of contractors taking on federal projects. This article describes who is required to sign on, how to do so, and the pros and cons of the system. A sidebar discusses new I-9 guidelines.
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3 tips on improving communication (and keeping your sanity)
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 527
Abstract: Today, it may seem as if you have too little communication — or too much. Here are three ways to help you be sure that communication enhances your business instead of crippling it.
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Turning bad news into good with an NOL deduction
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 521
Abstract: No one likes losses, but a net operating loss (NOL) may help your construction company because you can use it to offset past tax payments through carryback provisions or reduce future tax liabilities through carryforward provisions. Historically, a company could carry back an NOL two years and forward 20 years. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), however, increased the carryback period to five years for many 2008 NOLs. This article can help you determine if you qualify and whether you should carry a loss backward or forward.
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Have assets you need to buy? Give these depreciation-related tax breaks a try
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 948
Abstract: Times are tight. If you need to buy assets but are understandably concerned about keeping expenses down, provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) could help ease this tough decision. ARRA has extended both the 50% depreciation bonus and the Section 179 expensing deduction, which are especially advantageous when used together. A sidebar discusses the benefits of timekeeping software.
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Tax Tips – A boost for small business stock – Tax law changes that improve your cash flow – Checking out the manufacturers’ deduction – Consider generation-skipping trusts
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 511
Abstract: This article briefly looks at small business stock, strategies to enhance cash flow, the domestic production activities deduction, and generation-skipping and dynasty trusts.
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When are transportation expenses deductible?
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 621
Abstract: Most workers and employers know that you generally can’t deduct the cost of commuting between home and work — that’s considered a personal expense. But there are certain situations in which commuting costs are deductible as transportation expenses. This article explains what the IRS considers to be commuting and the tax benefits to employers and employees.
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Why there’s nothing shabby about a Crummey trust
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1097
Abstract: You probably know about the annual gift tax exclusion. It allows you to give up to $13,000 per year (the limit in 2009) tax free, to an unlimited number of people — and without using up any of your $1 million lifetime gift tax exemption. If you elect to split gifts with your spouse, you can give away up to $26,000 per recipient. What you may not know is that the annual gift tax exclusion is available only for gifts of a present interest. Contributions to a trust ordinarily don’t count, because a beneficiary’s interest in a trust is considered a future interest. But what if you want to take advantage of the annual gift tax exclusion without simply handing over the cash to your children or grandchildren? This article offers one solution: a carefully designed Crummey trust.
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Energy tax incentives – A conservation plan for your tax bill
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1088
Abstract: Over the last few years, Congress has created a variety of tax incentives for individuals and businesses that invest in energy-efficient appliances, cars, equipment and buildings. This year’s stimulus bill — the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) — expands many of these incentives and makes them even more valuable. But most of the energy tax breaks are temporary. So if you want to take advantage of them, begin planning now. This article explores tax breaks for individuals and businesses, including those related to home improvement and alternative energy. A sidebar warns that not every investment you make in energy-saving products and materials will necessarily qualify for a tax break.
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FAR-reaching rules for government contractors
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 336
Abstract: Contractors performing work for the federal government must become familiar with the recently revised Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). They are now required to disclose certain overpayments and legal violations. And those who are involved with larger projects must implement rigorous business ethics programs and internal control systems. This short article looks at some of the details.