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Showing 1–16 of 23 results
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It’s time to review your client trust account practices
Winter 2023
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 628
Abstract: Handling client money happens daily in every law firm. State ethics rules require most attorneys to use trust funds to segregate client funds from firm funds. Maintaining these client trust accounts (CTAs) while meeting a state’s ethics rules can be onerous, but following the rules is better than sanctions or potential disbarment. CTA rules vary by state, and this article highlights ways law firms can monitor their CTA practices.
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Does your website comply with Truth-in-Lending regulations?
Winter 2020
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 628
Abstract: A bank’s website may serve a variety of purposes, but ultimately it’s a form of advertising. That means that any descriptions of a bank’s loans, credit cards and other lending products on the site must comply with the Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z. This article points out that, over the past few years, regulators and potential litigants have been scrutinizing banks’ websites to identify potential compliance violations. The article notes that it’s a good idea for bankers to review their websites and correct any problems before they become the subject of an examination or lawsuit.
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Valuation matters when a company is liquidating
November / December 2018
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 628
Abstract: Even in a bull market, some businesses struggle to make ends meet. This article highlights how outside financial experts can help struggling owners make informed decisions about their company’s future and maximize liquidation proceeds. It also explains how experts can help potential buyers of financially distressed businesses determine the appropriate asking price and conduct acquisition due diligence.
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ABLE accounts – Families of disabled children have another estate planning option
September / October 2016
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 628
Abstract: For many years, the most effective financial planning tool for parents of disabled children was the special needs trust. Recently, however, a new option was made available to families: the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account. This article compares the two options, explaining the pros and cons of each.
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Stay on top of new lease accounting guidelines
August / September 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 628
Abstract: The FASB issued new lease accounting guidelines earlier this year to provide complete, understandable pictures of companies’ leasing activities. As this article discusses, such guidelines may be important for companies that lease office space, equipment, real estate or other assets. The article covers several new requirements and modifications.
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What to do about falling realization rates
Summer 2016
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 628
Abstract: Many firms have experienced falling realization rates over the past 10 years. Although a goal of 100% realization probably isn’t realistic, firms can take steps to improve their rates. This article suggests that firms avoid making write-downs routine, put billing and other policies in place and increase collection efforts.
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Have a household employee? Be sure to follow the tax rules
July 2016
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 628
Abstract: Many families hire people to work in their homes, such as nannies, housekeepers, cooks, gardeners and health care workers. Those who employ a domestic worker must follow the tax rules. This article looks at applicable taxes, such as Social Security, Medicare, unemployment and federal income.
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Have a household employee? Be sure to follow the tax rules
Summer 2016
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 628
Abstract: Many families hire people to work in their homes, such as nannies, housekeepers, cooks, gardeners and health care workers. Those who employ a domestic worker must follow the tax rules. This article looks at applicable taxes, such as Social Security, Medicare, unemployment and federal income.
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Trusts and taxes – Understanding how one affects the other can benefit your estate plan
February / March 2016
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 628
Abstract: Trusts typically are a main component of an estate plan. But many may not know how higher taxes can impact a trust’s overall effectiveness. This article explains how the current tax environment affects trust planning.
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Your life insurance – Plan to protect the proceeds now
Fall 2015
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 628
Abstract: The proceeds from a life insurance policy are part of the financial legacy a policyholder leaves behind after death. This article describes what policyholders can do now to protect those proceeds from taxes. Avoiding estate taxes and heeding the transfer-for-value rule are discussed.
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5 questions to gauge valuation expertise
November / December 2014
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 628
Abstract: Specializing in the business valuation discipline requires years of training and experience. Generalists who merely dabble in business valuations are unlikely to withstand IRS scrutiny or cross-examination by opposing counsel if the appraisal winds up in court. This article poses five preliminary questions to help differentiate specialists from generalists in the business valuation realm.
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Take the money — and stay – Partial sales provide owners with options
August / September 2014
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 628
Abstract: Selling a business doesn’t have to be an either-or proposition. Many buyers are interested in taking only a minority stake in a company — which allows owners to raise new capital and retain some control of their business. A partial sale may also be a good way to gain valuable strategic advice and receive a capital infusion. This article describes two types of partial sales, along with the benefits and potential pitfalls of such a sale.
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A successful family business requires strong governance
March / April 2014
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 628
Abstract: For a family business to provide financial security for current family members and future generations, the company must have strong governance. It starts with the initial organization (or reorganization) of a business into a corporation, partnership or LLC. This article focuses on the corporation, which is required by law to have a board of directors and officers and to observe certain other formalities. The article also looks at estate planning strategies, including having a well-designed buy-sell agreement.
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Can portability help preserve retirement benefits?
Year End 2013
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 628
Abstract: The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA) made the estate tax exemption “portability” feature permanent. This allows a surviving spouse to take advantage of a deceased spouse’s unused federal gift and estate tax exemption. One particular area where portability may provide an advantage is in planning for retirement benefits. As this article explains, portability avoids the need for spouses to “equalize” their estates and allows a taxpayer to leave retirement benefits to his or her spouse without wasting any estate tax exemptions.
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Tug of war – New regulation aims to prevent valuation disputes
August / September 2013
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 628
Abstract: Determining the fair value of a company can be cause for contention between buyers and sellers. To prevent discord during M&A deal negotiations, sellers need to understand how their company will be valued. This includes knowledge about recent fair-value accounting regulatory changes. This article examines International Financial Reporting Standard No. 13 (IFRS 13), which provides more detailed guidance on measuring an asset’s fair value.
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Walk the talk with a code of ethics
Summer 2013
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 628
Abstract: Managers and their staff may know that their nonprofit is ethical — but that doesn’t mean those outside their organization do. A formal code of ethics can help communicate a nonprofit’s values and assure donors and other stakeholders that the group deserves their trust and support. This article explains the policies a code should include and how to communicate and implement it.