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Showing all 15 results
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Will you qualify for the home sale gain exclusion?
Fall 2022
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 880
Abstract: For most people, the home sale gain exclusion is the biggest tax break they’ll ever get. But the exclusion is subject to several complicated rules and limitations. This article notes that it’s important for individuals to plan carefully before they sell to shield as much of their profit from tax as possible. A sidebar discusses how a home office affects a home sale exclusion.
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On the road again – It’s time to review expense deduction rules
Winter 2022
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 880
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t over, but business travel is starting back up. So, it’s a good time to revisit the tax rules for deducting business travel expenses. This article reviews the deductibility of domestic travel expenses; special rules apply to foreign travel. It covers travel deduction basics, including meal deductions, and how to allocate deductions for travel that includes business and pleasure. A brief sidebar discusses the use of an accountable plan to reduce employees’ tax burden.
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SECURE Act 101 – New law changes plan policies, creates design options
April / May 2020
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 880
Abstract: Defined contribution plan sponsors have some important decisions to make and opportunities to consider in the wake of enactment of the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act at the end of last year. The act is intended to boost retirement financial security on several fronts. This article covers several topics from the act, including safe harbors for annuities, transfers to IRAs, and annual disclosures of projected income. A short sidebar looks at how the act affects part-time employees.
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Don’t be afraid of probate
Year End 2018
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 880
Abstract: Probate. The word itself is enough to strike fear into the hearts of elderly individuals and their loved ones. It conjures images of lengthy delays waiting for wealth to be transferred and bitter disputes among family members. Plus, probate is open to the public. This article explains why, with proper planning, probate can be avoided. A brief sidebar examines which assets don’t go through the probate process.
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Public projects – Leverage fringe benefits to reduce costs
Spring 2018
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 880
Abstract: Public construction projects are often subject to prevailing wage laws that govern how and how much contractors must pay their workers. One area that deserves close attention is fringe benefits. This article explains how contractors can leverage fringe benefits to reduce costs and make bids more competitive. But a sidebar warns of the severe consequences of failing to comply with prevailing wage laws.
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Second trip down the aisle? Update your estate plan to reflect your second marriage
March / April 2015
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 880
Abstract: For those in a second marriage, or planning another trip down the aisle, estate planning can be complicated. Besides both the current and the former spouse to consider, there may be children from both marriages. This article explains that one should start the estate planning process by taking an inventory of assets. Then, trusts can provide flexibility in determining how and when wealth will be shared with beneficiaries — but taxes also should be considered. Meanwhile, a sidebar points out that an irrevocable life insurance trust provides instant wealth for children while allowing other assets to be left to one’s spouse.
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Beyond revenues: A better way to compensate partners
Summer 2014
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 880
Abstract: As law firms move away from the traditional lockstep approach to compensation, alternative compensation methods are emerging. Some of these, however, are proving less effective because they emphasize revenues and other factors. A profit-based approach is more likely to help firms achieve their strategic goals. This article looks at several objective metrics that can be used in a profitability model, along with profit-based measures to incorporate into a compensation system. A sidebar lists steps that can help motivate partners to step up collections.
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Why law firms need internal controls
Winter 2014
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 880
Abstract: Most lawyers know how big a problem occupational fraud is in corporate America. Yet a “not at my firm” attitude persists. This article explains the unique risks that law firms face and offers a number of specific internal controls firms should have. It also discusses educating employees regarding preventing and deterring fraud. A sidebar notes the importance of top management leading by example.
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Power up, pay less – 3 strategies for managing your fuel costs
November / December 2013
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 880
Abstract: As the U.S. economy continues to improve overall, demand for gasoline and other energy sources is expected to increase. This could push up the price at the pump. The good news is that there are ways to manage fuel costs right now and going forward. This article offers three to consider: enrolling in a fleetwide fuel-purchasing program; using more sophisticated onboard GPS devices; and maintaining a strict vehicle maintenance regimen. A sidebar looks at different predictions of increased gas prices if proposed vehicle emission standards go into effect.
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7 questions to gauge marketability
September / October 2013
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 880
Abstract: Marketability is the ability to quickly convert a business interest into cash, with minimum costs and maximum certainty about the price it will fetch. The higher the costs and the lower the certainty, the less the interest is worth. A discount for lack of marketability (DLOM) gauges the relative ease of selling a business interest in the marketplace. This article lists seven questions covering the various factors an appraiser takes into account when quantifying a DLOM.
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Your CFO’s role in an M&A deal
June / July 2013
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 880
Abstract: No matter which side of an M&A deal a company is on, its chief financial officer plays a central role. Both the seller’s and buyer’s CFOs help ensure their companies get the best value for the transaction and are smoothly merged into one organization. This article describes the different roles of the CFOs and explains why their working relationship can determine whether the merged company gets off to a healthy start. A sidebar discusses why the first 100 days following a deal’s close are critical.
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Education funding today — 529 plans offer flexibility in uncertain times
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 880
Abstract: 529 plans provide a way to help fund a loved one’s college education. This article explains their two varieties — the college savings plan and the prepaid tuition plan — and the features that make them flexible investment tools. It also notes their tax benefits, but points out that some investment risk is involved, as well. A sidebar shows how 529 plans offer estate planning opportunities.
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A trust that keeps on giving – Create a dynasty to make the most of today’s exemptions
October / November 2011
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 880
Abstract: A dynasty trust can extend estate tax benefits for several generations, and perhaps indefinitely. It can protect wealth from gift, estate and generation-skipping transfer (GST) taxes and help leave a lasting legacy. And, with today’s higher lifetime gift and GST tax exemptions, a dynasty trust is all the more powerful. This article shows how a dynasty trust can be beneficial under particular scenarios, and how to enhance its benefits
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401(k) match suspensions – What does it mean to sponsors and plan participants?
June / July 2009
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 880
Abstract: Many companies have felt their budgets tightening in this economy. One way to shore up your firm’s budget is to suspend your 401(k) matching dollars. This article explores the implication this holds for plan sponsors and participants.
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Can you benefit from the R&D credit?
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 880
Abstract: The research and development (R&D) credit can help support manufacturers’ innovative efforts, but some companies are still approaching research gingerly. Given the credit’s history, that’s understandable, but the tax advantages mean manufacturers should take a second look. This article explains what the R&D credit is and its benefits.