2009

Showing 1–16 of 678 results

  • News for nonprofits – Family foundations to fill funding gap?

    Year End 2009
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 432

    Abstract: This month’s “News for Nonprofits” looks at how family foundations can help make up for recent decreases in donations, and why a nonprofit that has authority over — or is the signer on — a bank or financial account in a foreign country at any time during the calendar year will likely need to file a Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) report.

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  • Reasons mount for a conflict-of-interest policy

    Year End 2009
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 483

    Abstract: Questions on the new Form 990 are the latest reasons to have a conflict-of-interest policy in place. The new form, now in use for 2008 returns, directly asks if a tax-exempt nonprofit has a written conflict-of-interest policy. The IRS doesn’t require charities to adopt such a policy (or other policies). But lacking one could prompt the agency to take a closer look at an organization’s tax returns. Having a conflict-of-interest policy also is important for obtaining tax-exempt status. This article looks at specific issues a policy should address, while a short sidebar discusses the importance of putting it in writing.

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  • Navigating trouble spots on revised Form 990

    Year End 2009
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 617

    Abstract: Many nonprofits, having filed extensions for more time to prepare the revised Form 990 for 2008, are now wrestling with some of the form’s questions. The form asks whether a nonprofit has certain written policies relating to organization governance, such as conflict-of-interest and whistleblower policies, and about the independence of board members. (The form’s instructions are exact about the three-part test to be used to determine whether a board member is independent.) It will also be necessary to answer questions pertaining to controlled entities and to related organizations. This article shows where to find answers to some questions that nonprofits might have.

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  • Put your best foot forward – Giving donors and funders the financial information they need

    Year End 2009
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 868

    Abstract: Donors and grant-making organizations are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their scrutiny of potential donees. They’re particularly interested in benchmarking ratios involving program spending, fundraising efficiency and management and general expenses. Some may perform a trend analysis of revenues and expenses, or examine the accumulation of unrestricted net assets. In today’s highly competitive charitable giving climate, it’s critical that a nonprofit put its best foot forward and provide potential donors as much useful information as possible.

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  • Ask the Advisor – Q. Should my company consider a “virtual merger”?

    Year End 2009
    Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 467

    Abstract: Even when the potential benefits of a merger are enticing, it may not be feasible because of poor economic conditions, lack of financing or regulatory issues. So some companies are opting for a “virtual merger” in which two businesses combine assets or operations yet retain at least some financial and managerial autonomy. A virtual merger can set the stage for a future merger by beginning the integration process now.

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  • Prepare for the worst with a MAC

    Year End 2009
    Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 576

    Abstract: In a business acquisition, a material adverse change (MAC) clause can provide a buyer with an escape hatch if an extraordinary event adversely affects the seller’s projected performance. Although MACs don’t guarantee that exits from bad deals will be without penalties, they can be a useful tool in desperate situations. And MACs can serve as a negotiating tool; the buyer and seller can discuss what events constitute an adverse change as a way to allocate risk between both parties.

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  • Tough call: Deciding to write off goodwill

    Year End 2009
    Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 424

    Abstract: During economic downturns, a company may face some major goodwill impairment. For those thinking about selling, such impairment could affect an M&A deal’s value. Companies in this position must decide whether to write off goodwill — which has both pros and cons. Companies that write off goodwill usually reason that it’s a better alternative to having to adjust their company’s overall book value downward. But prospective buyers may oppose it for potential regulatory or legal issues. More often, buyers prefer that their target write off goodwill before negotiating a sale price.

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  • Good financial projections can help seal your deal

    Year End 2009
    Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 956

    Abstract: Accurately projecting future earnings for a prospective buyer is critical if a business seller hopes to close an M&A deal successfully. This article discusses three of the most common financial projections used, and lists several data points that might bear special scrutiny. While no forecast will be perfect, an enterprise resource projection system can improve accuracy, and communications with the buyer can help keep the deal alive. A sidebar shows how financial projections can also help a company evaluate its health and reverse unwanted trends.

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  • Estate Planning Pitfall – You’re keeping your trust a secret

    Year End 2009
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 310

    Abstract: Many like to keep their trusts secret because they’re worried that, otherwise, the beneficiaries might spend recklessly or neglect educational or career pursuits. But the law in many states requires trustees to disclose certain information to beneficiaries. One way to avoid the disclosure requirements is by not naming children as beneficiaries and, instead, granting someone else a power of appointment over the trust; however, the power holder is under no legal obligation to provide for the children. So it’s important that those wishing to keep a trust secret be sure to consult an attorney about the law in their state in order to explore alternative strategies.

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  • Land, sweet land – Preserve it (and reap tax benefits) with a conservation easement

    Year End 2009
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 597

    Abstract: Those who have the opportunity to buy or inherit a pristine piece of land sometimes want future generations to have the opportunity to enjoy it. They can accomplish this through a conservation easement, which is an agreement to permanently restrict some or all of the development rights associated with the land. One grants the easement to a qualified conservation organization and records it so it’s binding on future owners. Not only does a conservation easement preserve the land, but it offers the donor important income and estate tax savings.

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  • A formula for estate planning success?

    Year End 2009
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 637

    Abstract: An important goal of many estate plans is to optimize use of the unlimited marital deduction, which allows one to leave any amount of assets to a U.S.-citizen spouse estate-tax free. In many cases, however, leaving too much can cause one to overpay estate taxes. To achieve the best tax result regardless of what the future holds, many people incorporate a marital deduction formula into their estate plans. But formulas aren’t right for every situation, and their impact can change over time, such as when net worth or tax laws change. This article takes a look at the distinction between pecuniary and fractional formulas, and whether it’s necessary to use any formula at all.

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  • Home in on tax savings with an RPM trust

    Year End 2009
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1251

    Abstract: For those wishing to transfer a personal residence to the next generation at a low tax cost, a remainder purchase marital (RPM) trust is worth a look. Although a qualified personal residence trust (QPRT) is a more common vehicle for transferring a home, an RPM trust offers several advantages. This article looks at the pros and cons of QPRTs, and how RPM trusts can offer a better alternative. (A sidebar gives an example.) On the downside, RPM trusts can cost more than QPRTs, and they aren’t officially sanctioned by the Internal Revenue Code. But by eliminating mortality risk and providing more flexibility, they may well be worth it.

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  • Tax tips to consider before 2009 ends

    Year End 2009
    Newsletter: Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 452

    Abstract: This short article looks at a number of ways to save money in regard to maximizing retirement account distributions, deciding whether to sell investments that have incurred a loss, and purchasing a car or computer.

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  • Structure your company around the right business structure

    Year End 2009
    Newsletter: Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 744

    Abstract: Many businesses that start out as sole proprietorships find that such a business structure leaves them ill-prepared to cope with increased tax, liability and administrative burdens as the business grows larger and more complex. But there are other structures available, including general and limited partnerships, S and C corporations, and limited liability companies. To avoid choosing the wrong business structure, it’s important to become educated on the advantages and disadvantages of each.

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  • Left a job? Pay heed to your 401(k) plan

    Year End 2009
    Newsletter: Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1023

    Abstract: After leaving a job (whether voluntarily or involuntarily), some may wish for greater flexibility in how their retirement money is invested than a 401(k) allows. One option is to roll over the money into an IRA, either directly or indirectly. This article looks at the distinction and examines the tax implications, while a sidebar discusses the temptation to cash out a retirement fund during an economic crisis.

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  • All hands on deck – Collaborative management can boost a family business’s profitability and its nonfamily employees’ sense of self-worth

    Year End 2009
    Newsletter: Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 632

    Abstract: A management issue that’s unique to family businesses is keeping nonfamily employees from feeling undervalued on company endeavors simply because they aren’t family members. To keep nonfamily employees informed and motivated, it may be best to replace a traditional, top-down management style with a collaborative management approach. A strong leader who clearly communicates the company vision, a performance measurement system that emphasizes and rewards teamwork, and networking with other family businesses can help establish a collaborative management style.

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