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Showing 1–16 of 20 results
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Influencing your heirs – 4 tips for an effective incentive trust
March / April 2023
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: Estate planning isn’t just about sharing wealth with the younger generation. For many people, it’s equally important to share one’s values and to encourage their children or other heirs to lead responsible, productive and fulfilling lives. One tool for achieving this goal is an incentive trust, which conditions distributions on certain behaviors or achievements that you wish to inspire. This article explores four strategies that can increase the effectiveness of an incentive trust.
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A good idea: Buy-sell agreements
Spring 2022
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: Life comes at you fast. Any one of a wide variety of dire events could pose a major problem to any construction company with multiple owners. That’s why having a buy-sell agreement is a good idea. This article explores the valuation provision of such an agreement.
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A good idea: Buy-sell agreements
March / April 2022
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: Life comes at you fast. Any one of a wide variety of dire events could pose a major problem to any construction company with multiple owners. That’s why having a buy-sell agreement is a good idea. This article explores the valuation provision of such an agreement.
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Critical questions to ask about internal controls
Winter 2019
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: The median fraud loss among manufacturers was almost double the median loss for all industries, according to the 2018 Report to the Nations published by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). Internal controls are a company’s first line of defense in preventing and detecting fraudulent activity. This article identifies five questions proactive managers consider when evaluating the strength of their company’s internal controls.
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Secure your front office against the threat of fraud
January / February 2018
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: In its 2016 Report to the Nations on Occupational Fraud and Abuse, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners reported that construction businesses suffered a median loss of $259,000 in the 86 cases reported. Contractors must secure their front offices against such financially devastating crimes. This article points out some of the more common ways dishonest employees steal money and suggests three countermeasures to consider.
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Is your website all that it can be?
November / December 2017
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: In today’s car-buying universe, the primary goals of a dealership website should be guiding customers through the car-buying process and motivating them to eventually buy a vehicle from that dealer. This article discusses helping customers find the right vehicle on a dealership website, gearing up the customer for a trade-in and providing useful content related to car-buying and ownership. It also discusses keeping abreast of current online buying trends.
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Donate art and secure a tax break
April / May 2016
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: Valuable works of art may be ideal candidates for charitable donation. Generally, it’s advantageous to donate appreciated property to avoid capital gains taxes. Because the top capital gains rate for art and other “collectibles” is 28%, donating art is particularly effective. This article answers key questions to keep in mind when donating art, including getting an appraisal, being cognizant of the related-use rule, and considering a fractional donation.
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Determination letter limbo – IRS makes changes to determination letter program
Year End 2015
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: Sponsors of individually designed qualified retirement plans will need to adjust to the idea of operating without the IRS’s official blessings when changing the plan document to comply with new laws and regulations. Earlier this year the IRS laid out its plans to scale back its plan determination letter program. This article explains what plan sponsors need to know.
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Ownership compensation – Beware of IRS scrutiny
September / October 2015
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: Dealership owners who believe that deciding how much the company’s owners should be paid — in salaries and benefits or stock dividends — is a fairly simple profit-driven decision should think again. Many factors need to be considered when making compensation decisions so that, among other things, they’ll hold up to IRS scrutiny in case of an audit. This article explores several of the most important factors, including possible ramifications for C and S corporations if salaries or dividends are set too high.
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3 key factors in succession planning
Winter 2015
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: Succession planning is an important activity for every business owner. Moreover, it’s never too early to start thinking about the general concepts involved. This article describes three key succession planning factors to consider: the family, the buyer and the market.
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Prevailing wages remain a sticking point on public jobs
Summer 2013
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: Spending on government jobs seems to have moderated a bit, but the work is still out there for contractors with the skill and service sets to suit the projects available. One of the biggest sticking points in taking on a public job, however, is complying with prevailing wage requirements. Is it better to pay fringe benefits in cash or apply fringe benefit credits for contributions to “bona fide” benefit plans? What are the administrative duties? What are the penalties for noncompliance? This article addresses these issues.
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Look harder – The shadowy world of hidden assets
Summer 2013
Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: Whether intentionally or not, the “lower value” side of divorce, shareholder or other conflicts may obscure or ignore certain assets to bolster its case. To establish a fully rounded value estimate, financial experts have to look harder. They must enter the shadowy world of hidden assets. This article explains the kinds of financial data experts look for and how they detect hidden assets.
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Have you considered lean construction lately?
July / August 2013
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: The term “lean construction” was coined back in the early 1990s to describe an adaptation of certain manufacturing principles to building. In today’s technology-driven world of making everything as efficient as possible, the concept is worth considering (or reconsidering). This article explains how lean construction is designed to improve total project performance by emphasizing teamwork from concept through delivery.
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Is now the time to rethink associate compensation?
Spring 2012
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: Law firms that still compensate associates the way they always have — using a lockstep model of regular, across-the-board annual pay increases — may be harming profitability and their competitive profile. One alternative is a performance-based system that rewards attainment of specified key competencies. However, if poorly implemented, a performance-based system could squelch associates’ motivation and lead to frustration, resentment and attrition. This article describes three best practices.
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Be careful not to overvalue your target’s customers
April / May 2012
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: When access to a company’s customer base is the primary motivation for an acquisition, buyers need to ensure those customers really are as valuable as they seem. If not, the purchase could be a very expensive mistake. This article advises buyers to perform thorough financial due diligence, talk directly with customers and examine the target company’s management practices.
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Survive an IRS audit
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: Receiving an audit letter from the IRS may seem ominous. But, as this article explains, by working with their CPA and cooperating fully with the IRS, a law firm can survive an audit. Knowing the types of firms and activities that raise IRS red flags can help law firms minimize their chances of being audited. For those who do receive a notice, the article describes the audit process.