2011

Showing 17–32 of 649 results

  • Estate Planning Pitfall – You own assets jointly with others

    Year End 2011
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 329

    Abstract: There’s a common misconception that owning a home or another asset jointly with your spouse or child is an effective way to transfer the asset. But joint ownership can have significant tax disadvantages. As this article notes, it can waste one spouse’s estate tax exemption. Or, if the property is owned jointly with a child, he or she could have control over the property, which exposes it to claims by the child’s creditors. Income taxes can also be a concern with joint ownership.

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  • Semantics matter – When using ascertainable standards, precise language is a must

    Year End 2011
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 651

    Abstract: If a trust includes the use of ascertainable standards (which limit distributions to amounts needed for a beneficiary’s health, education, support and maintenance), how the standards are drafted is critical to its success. As this article explains, ascertainable standards are objective, so they limit the trustee’s discretion and allow a court to determine whether distributions are appropriate or should be compelled. But precision of language is important to head off disputes.

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  • Leveraging the $5 million exemption – An installment sale to a defective trust is a powerful strategy

    Year End 2011
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 627

    Abstract: With the currently high gift and estate tax exemptions set to go down to $1 million after 2012, now is a good time to explore strategies for making the most of the present opportunity. One strategy to consider is a combination of two effective estate planning vehicles: the installment sale and the intentionally defective grantor trust (IDGT). An installment sale to an IDGT has the potential to transfer substantial value at little or no tax cost. This article explains how it works and how to design one.

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  • Home economics: A QPRT can help you save taxes

    Year End 2011
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 976

    Abstract: From a gift and estate tax perspective, costs are lower when an asset is transferred to beneficiaries sooner rather than later. But this creates a problem for those who want to continue living in their home indefinitely. An effective solution is a qualified personal residence trust (QPRT). When a home is transferred to a QPRT, its value for gift tax purposes is heavily discounted and any future appreciation is removed from one’s taxable estate. Plus, the transferor retains the right to stay in the home for many years. This article looks at the pros and cons of a QPRT, while a sidebar shows why it’s important to get the terms in writing.

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  • Wedding bells require special tax planning

    Year End 2011
    Newsletter: Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 309

    Abstract: A couple that gets married in 2011 — even as late as Dec. 31 —is married the entire year for income-tax purposes. For better or for worse, this may have a major impact on their tax liability that they should consider before year end. This brief article discusses tax planning issues related to the “marriage penalty” and to filing jointly vs. separately.

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  • Avoid the “second class citizen” syndrome: Embrace collaboration

    Year End 2011
    Newsletter: Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 626

    Abstract: At one point or another, nonfamily employees may feel like second-class citizens. To make sure everyone feels like part of the team, it may be beneficial to create a collaborative management environment. This article explains why collaboration is important and how to successfully implement it within the company.

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  • Act now to protect your loved ones – Drafting these essential estate planning documents is key

    Year End 2011
    Newsletter: Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 674

    Abstract: Neglecting to prepare a will or other estate planning documents can cause serious problems for loved ones. This article lists six estate planning documents and how they can help ensure that the author’s wishes are carried out in regard to such matters as asset distribution and end-of-life issues.

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  • How to keep business ethics front and center

    Year End 2011
    Newsletter: Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 899

    Abstract: Acting in a less-than-honorable fashion not only can expose a business to possible criminal charges, but also can encourage employees and business partners to also act unethically. Fostering an ethical workplace requires management to value honesty and integrity, and hire employees whose values match the company’s. This article discusses the importance of management setting the tone at the top and of instituting formal policies — including strong internal controls — to ensure ethical behavior. A sidebar notes a survey showing that smaller businesses are particularly vulnerable to fraud.

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  • Moneylines: News briefs for businesses

    Year End 2011
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 329

    Abstract: This issue’s “Moneylines” takes a look at recent Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulation changes that heighten employers’ risk; a survey showing that many CFOs aren’t confident in the work of their employees and others who provide IT support; and a survey showing a recent drop in the numbers of employees experiencing financial stress.

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  • Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family – Soon-to-be retirees ponder downsizing their home

    Year End 2011
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 503

    Abstract: In this issue, “Practical Perspectives” looks at the case of Gail and Allen, who visit their financial advisor to discuss the notion of buying a smaller home soon after they retire in the near future. Their advisor points out some of the factors they should consider, such as whether they have enough cash for a down payment, whether they can afford home ownership during retirement when their income is lower, and the potential difficulty of getting a mortgage for the smaller home.

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  • The when and what of charitable donations

    Year End 2011
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 708

    Abstract:   With one year ending and another beginning, many are considering donating to qualified charities. But there are tax ramifications involved. This article examines the “when” and “what” of charitable giving. It discusses the timing of gifts and the use of charitable remainder trusts, along with the kinds of gifts that might be the most tax advantageous.

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  • M&A today – It could happen to you

    Year End 2011
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1207

    Abstract: Whether their company is struggling or leading, it behooves every savvy business owner to stay up on the fundamentals of mergers and acquisitions. This article discusses some of the questions that a prospective buyer or seller should ask before deciding to proceed. It looks at the timing of a transaction, along with strategic considerations, due diligence, taxes and sale structure. A sidebar stresses the importance of having an integration plan already in place when the sale occurs.

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  • COMPLIANCE ALERT – Upcoming compliance deadlines:

    Year End 2011
    Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 78

    Abstract: A brief list of key tax reporting deadlines for December and January.

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  • Be on time with your electronic federal tax deposits

    Year End 2011
    Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 333

    Abstract: As of Jan. 1, 2011, the IRS no longer accepts federal tax deposit coupons and it requires taxpayers to submit the deposits electronically. This affects many qualified retirement plans. This brief article explains how to enroll in the electronic program and the importance of making timely deposits.

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  • Automatic enrollment – The quickest way to boost retirement plan participation

    Year End 2011
    Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 454

    Abstract: Statistics show that automatic enrollment dramatically improves participation. Why? Because even though employees can opt out if they choose, they rarely do. This article discusses the two types of automatic enrollment plans and how to set one up.

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  • Correcting errors before they cost you

    Year End 2011
    Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 611

    Abstract: The Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program (VFCP) was created by the Department of Labor (DOL) to encourage correction of plan operational errors. If a plan official satisfies the VFCP terms, the DOL will issue a “no action” letter and won’t impose any further sanctions. This article reviews what transactions may be corrected and the steps to take.

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