2010

Showing 625–640 of 657 results

  • Meeting FLSA overtime requirements – 7 factors to keep in mind

    January / February 2010
    Newsletter: Dealer Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 728

    Abstract: While making decisions about overtime, it’s important that dealerships comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). There are seven factors to keep in mind, involving such considerations as salary thresholds and the different employee categories. A sidebar to this article lists several overtime errors that employers commonly make.

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  • Keeping up with online leads

    January / February 2010
    Newsletter: Dealer Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 733

    Abstract: One aspect of the industry that’s moving forward at a rapid pace is the purchase of online leads. Dealerships are in something of an experimental stage right now as the pay-per-lead model of purchasing gains momentum. At the same time, third-party lead providers are stepping up the competition. And customers are more vigorously exploring their online options. Typically, Internet leads have been sold via a subscription model, in which Internet lead providers sell leads in bulk. But visitors to Kelley Blue Book’s new site are able to select search criteria and get “best match” results.

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  • Construction Success Story – Contractor rolls out new technology the right way

    January / February 2010
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 428

    Abstract: In the midst of a flush of stimulus-related public projects, a small subcontractor was finding his old accounting system too slow and cumbersome. So, with little time to spare, he headed to the software market and chose a new system. Upon introducing the technology to his managers, however, the contractor found that everyone had a gripe. Frustrated, the contractor mentioned the dilemma to his financial advisor, who suggested he return the product and begin again with a collaborative, team-based approach to choosing new software.

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  • Discover the secret to your success with bid-hit ratios

    January / February 2010
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 421

    Abstract: Some contractors equate success with the number of bids they win or perhaps simply with the number of jobs on which they’re bidding at any given time. But a more accurate and useful gauge lies in their bid-hit ratio — the rate at which they successfully bid on projects. A low bid-hit ratio can help contractors identify project types where they consistently fall short, and decide whether to allocate more resources to them or to bid more on other project types. But even the best bid ratio doesn’t guarantee profitability, so it’s important to track that measure as well.

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  • Care to trade? Trying your hand at a Sec. 1031 exchange

    January / February 2010
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 684

    Abstract: A “Section 1031 exchange,” or “like-kind exchange,” refers to the swapping of two properties, potentially resulting in a significant tax advantage — deferring gain until the replacement property is sold. But, under Sec. 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), one may swap more than just real estate. This article looks at the basic rules of such an exchange and the timeframes involved, but also shows how non-like-kind property can be included.

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  • Preparing for battle – Strategic risk management for contractors

    January / February 2010
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 922

    Abstract: The construction business is replete with risks. Bumps in the supply chain can stall deliveries, weather can wreak havoc on project schedules and owners can go bankrupt. These realities, compounded by recent natural disasters, heavier pressure to finish projects faster and more efficiently, and a steep rise in global competition, have prompted contractors to turn to strategic risk management (SRM). Having an SRM plan can reduce the chances of unexpected risks destabilizing a business, and allow owners to gain a better perspective on what risks could actually be beneficial to their construction business. This article discusses how to set up an SRM plan, while a sidebar discusses the importance of insurance as one component.

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  • Tax Tips – Year of the Roth – Watch out for shareholder loans – Can you deduct job search expenses?

    January / February 2010
    Newsletter: Tax Impact

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 441

    Abstract: In this article, we briefly look at Roth IRA conversions, shareholder loans and the deductibility of certain job expenses.

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  • Until death … Postmortem strategies to reduce estate taxes

    January / February 2010
    Newsletter: Tax Impact

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1099

    Abstract: Many people worry about not having an estate plan or having one that isn’t meeting all of their objectives. With ever-changing estate tax laws and the possibility that other unexpected situations may arise, it’s not unusual to be concerned about the strength of one’s estate plan. But one shouldn’t worry too much. This article offers a number of strategies a surviving spouse, executor or beneficiaries can implement after a loved one’s death.

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  • Extra credit – Do your homework on the Work Opportunity tax credit

    January / February 2010
    Newsletter: Tax Impact

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 643

    Abstract: In today’s tough economy, every dollar counts. But many businesses lose out on thousands of dollars in tax savings every year by failing to claim tax credits to which they’re entitled. One such overlooked credit is the Work Opportunity tax credit (WOTC). This article explains what the credit entails, which employees are eligible and more.

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  • Contractor’s Toolbox – Is your immigration program up to date?

    Winter 2010
    Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 431

    Abstract: In recent years, the U.S. government has shifted its focus from employees working in the United States illegally to the employers who hire them. To protect one’s company and its management against civil fines and possible criminal charges, it’s important to have an immigration compliance program that’s up to date. This article provides answers to four important questions employers should be asking themselves.

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  • Long before you’re ready to retire … Take time to build a solid succession plan

    Winter 2010
    Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 605

    Abstract: The earlier succession planning begins, the better. Developing and grooming a successor will take time, as will preparing employees and managers to adjust to a new ownership structure. It’s also necessary to bring together a team of experts to help create a workable succession plan that provides for a sound management structure and includes a buy-sell agreement. Or it may be better to sell the company to an outside party, or to employees through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). All options require planning well in advance of an owner’s retirement.

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  • 6 tips for boosting profitability

    Winter 2010
    Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 655

    Abstract: The construction business is risky not only from a safety perspective, but from a financial perspective as well — thin profit margins, unpredictable site conditions, volatile costs, change orders and the use of multiple subcontractors. There are six ways a contractor can improve profitability, including evaluating one’s estimating procedures, knowing indirect costs, and building sufficient profit into the bid.

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  • Accounting for long-term contracts – Understanding look-back is in your best interest

    Winter 2010
    Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 869

    Abstract: When the percentage-of-completion method (PCM) is used to account for long-term contracts, income might end up being understated or overstated. Either way, it’s important for tax reporting purposes to understand the look-back rules, in which one “looks back” at the income or loss reported for the job for each tax year during which the contract was performed. This article takes a look at the procedures involved, and instances in which the look-back rules don’t apply. A sidebar discusses the simplified marginal impact method (SMIM) that non-closely-held pass-through entities are required to use.

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  • Standardized patient-feedback surveys extend their reach

    Winter 2010
    Newsletter: Vital Signs

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 649

    Abstract: A public-private initiative, called the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) program, has developed standardized surveys for patients to evaluate their health care experiences. Given current trends, it would not be surprising if payments for physicians eventually become linked to participation. But participation can also help identify a practice’s strengths and weaknesses involving its communication and service to patients.

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  • Paging Dr. Right — How HCOs can best target their physician hires

    Winter 2010
    Newsletter: Vital Signs

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 884

    Abstract: Before a health care organization (HCO) begins employing physicians and physician extenders, questions need to be answered. What does the HCO want from the physician? What does the physician want from the organization? This article looks at two scenarios: hiring to fill an HCO’s community need vs. hiring to suit an individual physician’s desire to join the HCO in question.

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  • Incentivizing the CMS quality health care reporting measures

    Winter 2010
    Newsletter: Vital Signs

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 515

    Abstract: There have been marked improvements to the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). The CMS Web site provides program guides on topics such as eligibility, measures and reporting mechanisms in understandable terms. Now is the time to start reviewing the information for the 2010 program year. There are four specific steps a practice can take to get started.

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