928
Showing all 9 results
-
Estate planning in a socially distanced environment
September / October 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 928
Abstract: As people continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and much of the economy reopens, the “new normal” demands continued social distancing in many areas of life. What does this mean for estate planning? Clearly, estate planning is as important today — or arguably more important — than ever. But how does one plan an estate and execute critical documents without face-to-face meetings or if he or she is required to self-quarantine? This article examines ways to plan an estate and execute critical documents in a socially distanced environment. A sidebar explains the pitfalls of do-it-yourself estate plans.
-
The R&D credit: Are you leaving tax dollars on the table?
November / December 2019
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 928
Abstract: Federal and state research credits (often referred to as the “research and development,” “R&D” or “research and experimentation” credit) are among the most valuable tax incentives available today. But many businesses overlook these tax breaks because they mistakenly believe that they don’t qualify or wouldn’t benefit. In recent years, federal legislation has expanded the availability of the credit for many businesses. This article details the R&D credit and explains which companies are eligible for it. A sidebar explores how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changed research and development expensing.
-
Is it time for a change? Tax reform has expanded availability of accounting methods
Fall 2018
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 928
Abstract: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has made more construction companies eligible to use the cash and completed contract accounting methods. This article provides a brief introduction to the tax accounting options available to contractors and reviews some of the factors to consider in determining whether to switch methods. A sidebar looks at the AMT impact of an accounting method change.
-
How the new tax law affects divorce settlements and business valuations
July / August 2018
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 928
Abstract: Business valuation experts often help formulate settlement offers in divorce cases. This article highlights provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that could affect divorce settlements, including elimination of the deduction for alimony payments, restricted deductions for state and local taxes, expanded uses of Section 529 education plans and reductions in business tax rates. A sidebar defines alimony under the tax rules that will apply through 2018.
-
Estate planning for personal property – Why you should sweat the small stuff
April / May 2015
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 928
Abstract: When planning their estates, most people focus on major assets, such as business interests, real estate, investments and retirement plans. But it’s also important to “sweat the small stuff” — tangible personal property. This article discusses strategies on how to best distribute tangible personal property.
-
Target date funds and fiduciary duty – Examine your TDFs’ glide paths to ensure suitability
October / November 2014
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 928
Abstract: Retirement plan fiduciaries generally are absolved from liability with respect to plan participants’ selection of investments in plans that offer multiple investment choices with various levels of risk. This includes target date funds (TDFs). Fiduciaries’ duties with respect to TDFs were fine-tuned under the Pension Protection Act. This article discusses TDF basics and why fiduciaries must still act prudently in selecting them. A sidebar cites a study showing that a disappointingly high number of plan participants – especially among baby boomers – are not managing their accounts, either by themselves or through third parties.
-
Till death do us part – Settling a spouse’s financial affairs
May / June 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 928
Abstract: Because the days or weeks immediately following the death of a partner are an emotionally charged time, new widows and widowers usually should avoid making any major financial decisions during that period. Eventually, however, the surviving spouse will need to get on with the job of settling the other spouse’s financial affairs. This article takes a look at collecting the necessary documents; claiming insurance, employee or government benefits; and updating account registrations and property titles. Then, as a sidebar explains, it’s time to update one’s own financial plan.
-
Managing payroll taxes: Not easy, but important
Spring 2012
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 928
Abstract: This past February, Congress extended the reduction of the employee portion of the Social Security tax on earned income. The cut does apply to employees, not employers. But, for construction company owners, using the development as inspiration to review payroll tax management is still a good idea. This article examines which workers are taxable employees (vs. independent contractors) and what kinds of compensation are subject to payroll taxes. It also discusses creating or formalizing an “accountable” tool-reimbursement plan to help manage taxes. A sidebar lists the four major taxes that fall under the generic term “payroll tax.”
-
When company policies go wrong – Nursing home’s practice leads to Title VII case
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Employment Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 928
Abstract: If some nursing home residents don’t want to be served by employees of different races, can the home accommodate those requests? One employee who worked in such a home, and suffered racially tinged comments and epithets from co-workers, filed a complaint alleging the existence of a racially motivated hostile work environment. The court agreed, explaining that a company’s desire to cater to the perceived racial preferences of its customers wasn’t a defense under Title VII. A sidebar to this article looks at a gender-focused case that had a different result. Chaney v. Plainfield Healthcare Center, No. 09-3661, July 20, 2010 (7th Cir.) Veleanu v. Beth Isr. Med. Ctr., LEXIS 13948, 2000 (U.S. Dist. S.D.N.Y.)