2011
Showing 625–640 of 649 results
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Prevailing at procurement – Tips for succeeding in federal government contracting
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 905
Abstract: The passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 allocated $787 billion for infrastructure (and other) projects. Winning bidders of federal jobs typically enjoy substantive contracts, steady work and assured compensation, making the arduous procurement process worthwhile. This article is designed to help contractors with no experience in this area determine whether federal construction opportunities would be attractive. It lists websites that are helpful in negotiating the process, while a sidebar offers three sources to make contact with organizations whose members have experienced government contracting.
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Tax Tips – No more paper payroll tax deposits – Defined value gifts limit tax exposure – Check out charities before you donate
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 404
Abstract: This issue’s “Tax Tips” section addresses the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), and why businesses using paper coupons to submit federal payroll tax deposits must now switch to it. It also shows how defined value gifts can limit tax exposure, and states the importance of donors being sure that charities are in good standing with the IRS.
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SBJA creates tax-planning opportunities
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 374
Abstract: On Sept. 27, President Obama signed the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (SBJA), which created $30 billion in funding for small business loans. It also provided several tax incentives for businesses — both large and small. In light of these incentives, this article lists three actions to consider in 2011, including getting rid of “built-in gain” property and reviewing business credits.
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The home-office deduction: What you need to know
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: According to the IRS, a workspace must meet certain tests to qualify for the home-office deduction. This article lists those tests, shows which expenses are deductible, and explains how to account for the deduction when declaring taxes.
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Congress delivers tax relief in the nick of time
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1347
Abstract: After weeks of heated debate and controversy, President Obama signed the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 on Dec. 17. This article examines how the new act affects businesses and individuals. It discusses such topics as income tax rates, payroll taxes, capital gains and dividends rates, and estate and gift tax changes. A sidebar lists other breaks that have been extended or expanded.
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Contractor’s Toolbox – Getting to the job: Transportation or commuting?
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 410
Abstract: Few areas of tax law are more confusing than the distinction between deductible transportation expenses and nondeductible commuting expenses. This issue is important for contractors and construction workers, who often travel from home to one or more temporary job sites or who use a home office as a base. This article shows how the IRS sees it.
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Structural engineering – How separate entities can strengthen your firm
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 598
Abstract: Each form of business — whether it’s a sole proprietorship, C or S corporation, limited liability company (LLC), or partnership — offers different advantages and disadvantages for a contractor. But there can be potential advantages to operating segments of a business through separate legal entities. This article shows how such a practice can reduce risk, offer tax advantages, help with succession and estate planning, and increase bonding capacity.
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Don’t let profit fade wipe out your bottom line
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 687
Abstract: Many construction projects fall prey to what’s known as “profit fade.” In many cases, this costly problem comes into play when a job goes awry, taking with it the expected profit margin. This article shows how doing one’s homework, expecting the unexpected, and writing clear, specific contracts can help prevent profit fade from wiping out the bottom line — and make a surety more confident in one’s ability to make a profit.
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A blueprint for strong cash flow
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 820
Abstract: Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, but it’s particularly critical for construction companies. It’s essential to lay a solid foundation for healthy cash flow, starting with the contract. In many cases, it’s possible to negotiate contract terms that can accelerate the flow of cash. This article looks at such terms, including payment terms, retainage provisions, change order procedures and requisitions. A sidebar offers nine cash-flow management tips.
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Understanding liquidation value: Are you in the know?
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 356
Abstract: Today’s faltering economy has meant that some businesses’ liquidation values exceed their going-concern values. This brief article notes the difference between going-concern value and liquidation value and explains the ins and outs of estimating liquidation value. It also mentions some of the factors valuators consider when going-concern value is no longer the best option.
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Valuators cover the gamut from A to Z
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 625
Abstract: A credible valuation that can withstand professional scrutiny requires diligent research and analysis of both the business interest itself and relevant valuation data, documented in an explanatory report. This article notes that valuation services can be helpful in numerous situations, including transaction planning, financial restructuring, litigation support and succession planning, pointing out that a valuator’s real skill is transforming assembled information into a meaningful valuation analysis.
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Re-evaluating discount rates in a distressed economy
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 712
Abstract: Investors require a certain return for taking on the risk of investing in a business. Valuators measure risk using discount (and capitalization) rates and measure return using future income streams. Estimating discount rates is a complex task, even in the best of times. But the volatile economy has forced valuators to re-evaluate traditional methods of quantifying discount rates. This article discusses some of the issues facing valuators as they estimate discount rates in the current business climate.
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Risk assessment — The added value of benchmarking
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1116
Abstract: All else being equal, the higher a business’s risk, the lower its value. Benchmarking a business against its competitors — or itself over time — is one way that valuators assess risk. This article looks at the components of a comprehensive benchmarking study and how various factors, including size, growth, liquidity and profitability, affect risk. The article points out that owners and managers can use a comprehensive benchmarking study as a strategic management tool and to help identify a business’s strengths, weaknesses and trends.
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BANK Wire – Federal Reserve sets rule on appraiser independence
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 387
Abstract: This issue’s “BANK Wire” discusses a Federal Reserve Board interim final rule on appraiser independence that expands on the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. It also explains why community banks seeking new sources of capital should consider applying to the Small Business Lending Fund.
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Small business lending – Watch out for inflated receivables
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 573
Abstract: In desperate attempts to secure loans in today’s conservative lending environment, some small businesses are artificially inflating their receivables on financial statements by postponing bad debt write-offs, stretching out revenue recognition cutoffs or even recording bogus sales. In other instances, small business staffs are stretched so thin that inadvertent errors in recording receivables are being made. Fortunately, bankers who conduct extra due diligence on receivables can sort fiction from fact and errors from accuracy. This article offers tips on how to do so.
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How does your bank gauge loan quality?
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 429
Abstract: The real estate and financial crisis highlights the need for lender quality control (QC) programs. Recognizing this risk, Fannie Mae recently beefed up its QC policies, and Freddie Mac may follow suit. Banks that sell loans to the secondary market are required to have a QC program. But even those that don’t should consider following Fannie Mae’s guidelines to help ensure the quality of their loans. This article looks at the new requirements.