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Showing all 14 results

  • Steering clear of landmines – 7 areas of IRS Form 990 audit scrutiny

    August / September 2023
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 823

    Abstract: The IRS can initiate an audit of a nonprofit organization for any number of reasons. But perhaps the most common is a red flag sent up by an organization’s annual filing of Form 990, “Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax.” This article looks at the potential trouble areas and how nonprofits can reduce their audit risk. A short sidebar explains the difference between correspondence and field audits.

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  • Lending to crowdfunded businesses

    Year End 2018
    Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 823

    Abstract: Even an entrepreneur who completes a successful crowdfunding campaign will likely experience short-term cash crunches from time to time. This article suggests some ways for lenders to evaluate the application of a crowdfunded company applying for a short-term loan or line of credit, such as asking applicants with earlier crowdfunding rounds under their belt to provide a detailed accounting of how they used funds from previous campaigns. The article also suggests that lenders need to scrutinize the company’s financial projections, cost structure and revenue projections. A sidebar offers a guide to crowdfunding terminology.

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  • Saving for education expenses – The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changes some benefits

    June / July 2018
    Newsletter: Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 823

    Abstract: Those with children in private or religious elementary or secondary schools, or who are saving to send their kids to college, will want to be aware of tax-advantaged education-saving programs — including both Section 529 plans and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs). This article explains the ins and outs of these plans and accounts and how to use them to help cover some of these costs. The article notes that, while these plans can help save taxes, it’s important to keep in mind that money in the account that’s not used for qualified educational expenses may be subject to taxes and penalties. A sidebar looks at the current status of the student loan deduction.

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  • Keep your partnership agreement current – The importance of reviewing key provisions

    Spring 2018
    Newsletter: Law Firm Management

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 823

    Abstract: In today’s rapidly evolving legal industry, regular review of a partnership agreement is essential to ensure that appropriate amendments are made to address new partner entry, existing partner exit, leadership transitions, equity adjustments and similar issues. Even if a firm doesn’t undergo such changes, it should periodically review its agreement to confirm it still aligns with the firm’s long-term strategic objectives. This article highlights key provisions that every firm should review, while a short sidebar covers valuation methods for law firms to use in their partnership agreement.

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  • Handling vehicle recalls – Or how to win friends and influence customers

    March / April 2016
    Newsletter: Dealer Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 823

    Abstract: Recalls can be a double-edged sword for dealerships. On the negative side, they can bring an avalanche of work crashing down on a dealership’s service department and irk car owners. On the positive, recalls can present a tremendous opportunity to attract new customers who aren’t currently having their vehicles serviced at the dealership. This article offers suggestions for turning lemons into lemonade. A sidebar notes that vehicle recalls can even improve CSI scores.

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  • Filing for Social Security: What distribution strategy will work for you?

    Fall 2015
    Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 823

    Abstract: If you’re nearing retirement age, you have a lot of decisions to make about your retirement finances. You can start claiming Social Security benefits as early as your 62nd birthday or as late as your 70th birthday. Many factors go into choosing the right Social Security distribution strategy; this article discusses some of the key considerations. A sidebar looks at receiving distributions before reaching full retirement age but while still working.

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  • Taking the right steps when using an FLP or LLC

    September / October 2015
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 823

    Abstract: If one wishes to transfer large amounts of wealth to his or her family at discounted values for gift tax purposes, it might be advisable to form a family limited partnership (FLP) or a limited liability company (LLC). But a pitfall to be aware of when using an FLP or LLC is the step transaction doctrine. This article explains the ins and outs of using either vehicle.

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  • Employees seek more security, yet take more responsibility — Highlights of MetLife’s benefits trends study

    October / November 2012
    Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 823

    Abstract: MetLife has released its 10th Annual Study of Employee Benefits Trends. The study is a compilation of the results of surveys of employers and employees about issues facing the U.S. benefits industry today. This article reviews some of the study’s highlights.

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  • Copyright infringement damages – The lowdown on a complicated calculation

    September / October 2008
    Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 823

    Abstract: This article summarizes the methods CPAs use when calculating copyright infringement damages. Under the Copyright Act, copyright holders are generally entitled to recover actual damages suffered as a result of infringement. Experts must calculate lost sales from the infringer’s sales, copyright holder’s projections, diverted sales or product mix relationships and consider deductions such as the lost interest or earnings on the lost sales. (Updated 8/31/12)

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  • Employee fraud – Many scams start in the finance department

    Spring 2008
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 823

    Abstract: Employee fraud — sadly, it can strike any kind of business, including auto dealerships, and it costs consumers and business owners millions of dollars each year. You can protect against fraud and, in the process, protect your dealership’s reputation and your industry’s. But you’ve got to know how to recognize the beast before you can hunt it. (Updated 4/30/12)

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  • What do shareholders want? — Latest ISS survey offers some answers

    February / March 2012
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 823

    Abstract: Management teams at public companies may not always understand or adequately address shareholder concerns — but they need to try. One valuable tool for learning what shareholders want is the annual survey conducted by Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS). This article summarizes results from its recent survey. For example, public companies and institutional investors agree on many critical corporate governance topics, including compensation and board member qualifications. But they differ on other certain key issues, including “say-on-pay.”

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  • How to sell your startup — and avoid making rookie mistakes

    August / September 2011
    Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 823

    Abstract: It may sound counterintuitive, but startup companies can be in a strong position to sell. From a larger buyer’s perspective, they’re often inexpensive relative to the strategic advantages they offer. But buyers hoping to sell need to capture buyer interest — as well as avoid making rookie mistakes that could knock down the selling price. This article examines what buyers are looking for, along with several pitfalls for sellers to avoid. A sidebar lists factors involved in estimating an offering price for a company with little historical performance.

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  • Tax-advantaged health care payment options: HSAs and HRAs

    August / September 2011
    Newsletter: Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 823

    Abstract: Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) are growing in popularity because they’re seen as cost-effective ways to fund health care expenses. HSAs are tax-exempt accounts set up with a qualified trustee to pay for or reimburse qualified medical expenses. HRAs are employer-sponsored programs that reimburse employees. This article looks at the details for each. A sidebar discusses the pros and cons of a third option, the Flexible Spending Account.

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  • Doctor’s orders – Company disputes physician’s assessment of pregnant welder

    January / February 2011
    Newsletter: Employment Law Briefing

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 823

    Abstract: Did one employer engage in discrimination when it disallowed a pregnant employee from resuming her work as a welder — even though a physician had cleared her to do so? This article shows how the court considered whether, instead of objectively evaluating the plaintiff’s ability to perform her job while pregnant, the employer subjectively determined that her pregnancy made her unable to weld. Spees v. James Marine, Inc., No. 09-5839, August 10, 2010 (6th Cir.)

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