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Showing all 16 results

  • How an energy-efficient building tax deduction could pay off for nonprofits

    Summer 2023
    Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 818

    Abstract: Much of the Inflation Reduction Act signed into law in late 2022 contains provisions intended to combat climate change, largely through tax incentives. Such tax breaks aren’t usually relevant to the work of nonprofits. But for organizations constructing new facilities or adding improvements, the Act’s changes to one tax deduction could benefit them. This article reviews the benefits available under the Act. In addition, a short sidebar covers how the Act allows eligible organizations to receive certain tax credits — which otherwise would be of little use to nonprofits that pay no income tax — as direct payments from the IRS.

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  • AI rises to the forefront in law firm operations

    March / April 2020
    Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 818

    Abstract: The American Bar Association has explicitly recognized the growing role for artificial intelligence (AI) in the practice of law. This article explains the importance of staying atop of these technologies and the ethical requirements, along with highlighting ways that attorneys can use AI to boost productivity and improve service. A sidebar explains how to apply AI at a law firm.

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  • Tax Cuts and Jobs Act – New law increases holding period for carried interests

    September / October 2018
    Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 818

    Abstract: On the campaign trail, President Trump pledged that tax reform under his leadership would target carried interests — more widely known in the real estate industry as the “promote” in partnership agreements or operating agreements for limited liability companies that are treated as partnerships for tax purposes. In the end, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) only modifies the rules for carried interests, largely preserving their favorable tax treatment, rather than eliminating that treatment. This article reviews what’s new and what’s left unanswered under the TCJA. A sidebar explains why deciding whether to convert to a C corporation is a complex matter.

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  • Getting the most from your social media use

    Summer 2018
    Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 818

    Abstract: Hard to believe in today’s hyper-connected world, but some nonprofits still don’t engage on social media. And, among those that do, many could do it better. This article discusses incorporating social media efforts into an overall organizational plan, weighing quality vs. quantity, and using resources wisely. A sidebar looks at picking a social media platform that reaches the most appropriate audience.

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  • 6 estate planning techniques for blended families

    Year End 2016
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 818

    Abstract: A “blended family” is more than just a staple of TV sitcoms. Today, it’s not unusual for a household to include children and even grandchildren from prior marriages, as well as adopted family members or same-sex couples. These various family arrangements can create estate planning complications that could lead to challenges in the courts. This article examines six techniques that can reduce the chances of family squabbles and preserve wealth for heirs. A sidebar notes the importance of updating plan and policy beneficiaries, since beneficiary designations generally trump conflicting provisions of a will.

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  • Ensuring your firm has adequate capital

    Summer 2016
    Newsletter: Law Firm Management

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 818

    Abstract: The nature of law firm billing, collections and expenses can create gaps in cash flow that capital must fill, so it’s not surprising that firms increasingly are requiring larger capital contributions from partners. This article discusses common financial pressures, ways to determine how much capital a firm needs and how much partners should be required to contribute. A sidebar explains why a line of credit isn’t always the best source of capital.

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  • How to avoid risky engagements – The client selection process is critical

    Fall 2015
    Newsletter: Law Firm Management

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 818

    Abstract: Focusing on bringing in high revenue clients doesn’t guarantee they’ll be high quality clients. As this article explains, to improve profitability, reduce stress and avoid malpractice suits, firms should review current clients and drop the uncooperative and less lucrative ones. Firms are also urged to develop a client intake form that helps identify possible conflicts of interest. A sidebar lists signs of potentially troublesome clients.

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  • Surprise audits can stop fraud in its tracks

    May / June 2015
    Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 818

    Abstract: No organization can afford the risks of employee theft, corruption and financial misstatement. One of the best ways to tackle these risks head-on is to conduct surprise fraud audits. This article explains how surprise audits differ from scheduled financial audits — and how the surprise element is critical to catching thieves. It also provides data supporting the effectiveness of such audits. A sidebar looks at who commits fraud on the job.

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  • How to communicate financial information to patients

    Spring 2015
    Newsletter: Healthcare Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 818

    Abstract: The wave of health care reform has led to a closer focus on the need for clear, consistent and transparent communication of patient financial information. Thus, the HFMA has developed “Patient Financial Communications Best Practices” for improving and standardizing how health care organizations should communicate with patients about their financial responsibilities. The guidance covers several areas of critical importance for community hospitals. A sidebar discusses the AHA’s “Principles for Price Transparency.”

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  • Replacement cost: When is it appropriate?

    Spring 2014
    Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 818

    Abstract: To estimate the fair market value of destroyed property, appraisers typically use the comparable sales approach. But this approach is inappropriate in some circumstances. That’s when replacement cost comes into play. This article looks at a case in which a defendant appealed the judgment awarded to an insurer — and shows why the insurer’s experts enabled it to prevail. A sidebar discusses why the appeals court decided that a multiplier used in determining the award was appropriate. Factory Mutual Insurance Co. v. Alon USA L.P., No. 11-11080, Jan. 23, 2013 (5th Cir.)

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  • Creativity not encouraged – Don’t take chances with revenue and expense recognition

    Summer 2013
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 818

    Abstract: Accounting is time-sensitive. The IRS and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) have established strict cutoffs for recording revenues and expenses. Dealers who are playing timing games to lower taxes or flatter results may find that their creative accounting can come back to haunt them. This article addresses how the rules apply to a variety of different recording situations, and the key role that auditors play in enforcing the rules.

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  • 2 rules make planning complicated if you already own life insurance

    August / September 2010
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 818

    Abstract: As of mid-2010, the estate tax is still scheduled to return, so it remains important to keep life insurance out of one’s estate. But the tax code’s “three-year rule” can pull policy proceeds back into a transferor’s estate if he or she doesn’t survive for at least three years after the transfer. And an exception to this rule can trigger the “transfer-for-value rule,” which can cause the transferee to be subject to ordinary income taxes. But this article shows how one might avoid both rules through use of an irrevocable grantor trust.

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  • Electronic dashboards – The latest gadget for measuring practice performance

    Fall 2009
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 818

    Abstract: There’s a new tool that many physicians are finding superior to traditional financial statements — the electronic dashboard. Why are dashboards important? They’re designed to make financial indicators more comprehensible to physicians. In fact, they can be effective tools for engaging all staff members in reducing overhead and increasing profits. This article describes how electronic dashboards work, how to get started employing one, and what features to include. A sidebar looks at the costs of implementing a dashboard, whether in-house or through a third party.

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  • “Waiving” bye-bye to 2009 RMDs

    June / July 2009
    Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 818

    Abstract: The economic downturn has impacted every facet of the American economic system, including retirement plans. At a time when account values are the lowest they’ve been in years, IRS rules force some participants to take a distribution under the required minimum distribution (RMD) rules. Many of those affected believe that, if the money were left in the account, it would have a chance to recover some of its lost value when the economy turns around and stocks make up some of their lost ground. With this in mind, late last year the Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act of 2008 became law. This article reviews what this means for your participants and what you need to know.

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  • How to survive the November election (and other impending challenges)

    Fall 2008
    Newsletter: Vital Signs

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 818

    Abstract: Whether you are a partner in a private practice model or an employed physician in a hospital-owned group practice model, it is vital that you provide leadership — especially in today’s uncertain times. And with the current state of the economy, the high price of fuel and goods, health insurance premium increases, reimbursement decreases, and a new president and Congress on the horizon, these times are definitely uncertain. This article looks at some strategies that health care providers can employ to mitigate the many economic “what ifs” they face.

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  • Are your plan documents ready for EGTRRA restatement?

    August / September 2008
    Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 818

    Abstract: It’s common for qualified retirement plans to use preapproved IRS plan documents. The IRS, however, has “restated” many of the prototype documents this year to comply with the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA), and plan sponsors will need to restate their plan documents to match those of the IRS by April 30, 2010. This article takes a look at what this means for plan sponsors.

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