2011
Showing 81–96 of 649 results
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3 reasons contractors should consider cloud computing
Fall 2011
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 427
Abstract: Today, there are a variety of reasons for contractors to consider “cloud computing” — whereby they access part or all of their servers, networks and, most notably, software applications via an Internet-based service, as opposed to buying and hosting them themselves. This article offers three of the most compelling reasons to look into cloud computing — and one caveat.
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Directing your attention to indirect costs – Their profitability impact is considerable
Fall 2011
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 916
Abstract: The potential impact of indirect costs is considerable. If contractors don’t stay on top of them, they can creep up over time and drag down profitability. This article lists examples of indirect costs, and how their treatment for tax purposes depends on the nature of a contract and the company’s accounting method. It also offers suggestions for reducing indirect costs. A sidebar discusses two depreciation-related tax breaks that are particularly valuable right now — and scheduled to expire at year end.
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Giving USA survey – Donors increasing support of nonprofits
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 412
Abstract: Although the U.S. economy isn’t out of the woods yet, the philanthropic picture is improving. This article summarizes the findings of a report, prepared by Giving USA Foundation and The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, showing improvement in giving in the 2008–2010 period. The report’s findings can help organizations set fiscal objectives and target their fundraising efforts.
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Give your board members a break — and your nonprofit a boost
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 506
Abstract: A nonprofit’s board members lead busy lives, so it’s essential to organize periodic retreats that bring everyone together in a relaxed setting. But good planning is necessary for a retreat to avoid wasting time and money and to be successful. This includes getting participant buy-in, creating a detailed agenda and making a postretreat plan.
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ERM: How to adopt this effective risk management tool
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 801
Abstract: Greater regulatory oversight, tighter budgets, and increased scrutiny by donors and charity watchdog groups all mean that nonprofits are implementing fiscal and risk management practices that have been used in the for-profit world. While not foolproof, enterprise risk management (ERM) is one of the best. Instead of focusing on department- or project-level risks, it regards risk as an interrelated whole. This article explains how, implemented carefully, ERM can be useful to nonprofits.
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Is your nonprofit vulnerable to fraud?
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 765
Abstract: Nonprofits experience lower rates of occupational fraud than their corporate counterparts, but that’s cold comfort to the organizations that fall victim. This article offers advice regarding background checks and supervision; internal controls; motivation for fraud; and periodic audits. A sidebar discusses the extra precautions that are necessary when hosting special events.
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News for Nonprofits – When is website activity UBI?
October / November 2011
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 403
Abstract: This issue’s “News for Nonprofits” notes that, while the Internet is a significant communication tool, it also can create unrelated business income (UBI) and the tax liability that comes with it. The article describes the activities to watch out for. It also explains how the proposed Protection of Charitable Assets Act (PCAA) is designed to safeguard the role of the states in protecting charitable assets by further clarifying the role of the state attorney general.
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Regaining tax-exempt status
October / November 2011
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 562
Abstract: Nearly 275,000 not-for-profits lost their tax-exempt status this year because they’d failed to file required annual reports for three consecutive years. This article tells what a nonprofit needs to know if it’s on the revocation list and seeks to re-attain its exempt status. It describes the tax forms and other items it must file and explains that small organizations may be eligible for transitional relief.
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The audit dance – Nonprofit and auditor roles are distinct but complementary
October / November 2011
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 516
Abstract: A nonprofit and its external auditor are somewhat like dance partners performing a well-choreographed routine. To execute the dance properly, each dancer must complete specific moves and coordinate timing with his or her partner. Likewise, a not-for-profit and its audit firm each have particular duties in the audit process but share the same end goal: a set of financial statements that fairly present the organization’s financial condition and operating results. This article defines the responsibilities of each party and shows how the board can be used as a resource.
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Board financial responsibilities – Put best practices in motion
October / November 2011
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1023
Abstract: Even if new board members are enthusiastic, wise or skillful, they may not fully understand their fiduciary responsibility to be good stewards of the public’s money, have a working knowledge of finances — or even be good with numbers. This article shows how a board can assure fiscal responsibility by having strong operating procedures, the right committee structures and appropriate training. A sidebar describes some of the metrics a board should know.
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Stay on the lookout – 3 major types of employee fraud threaten most companies
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 439
Abstract: More employees may be using the difficult economy to rationalize committing fraud against their employers. This article looks at three categories of crime that employers should watch out for: asset misappropriation, corruption, and fraudulent financial statements.
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Keeping up with your life insurance needs
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 429
Abstract: The appropriate life insurance coverage tends to change throughout one’s lifetime. What’s suitable for a young adult will likely not provide adequate protection later on. So it’s important to keep up on the amount and type of coverage that’s necessary. This article examines the kinds of coverage that are appropriate in different situations, and explains the difference between term and permanent life insurance.
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Not fade away: Rolling over a 401(k) plan
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 661
Abstract: Rolling over a previously established 401(k) can simplify and consolidate the management of retirement accounts, and a number of different paths are available. It may be advantageous to roll the funds into a new 401(k) or an IRA, either directly or indirectly. Or, if one is facing a medical or financial emergency, it’s possible to cash out a 401(k) instead of rolling it over — but doing so is risky. This article explains the pros and cons of the various options.
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Year end tax planning – Depreciation-related tax breaks still beckon businesses
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 905
Abstract: The tax code has long offered businesses the opportunity to lower their tax bills by claiming depreciation-related breaks, and accelerating asset purchases into the current tax year can accelerate the tax savings. But time is running out on a couple of these breaks in their current form (though Congress might extend them). This article discusses current rules regarding the Section 179 expense deduction, along with this year’s accelerated depreciation and 100% bonus depreciation. A sidebar examines whether vehicle purchases are eligible for these breaks.
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Strategies for shrinking your conveyor’s lifetime cost
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 304
Abstract: A conveyor is one of the most vital pieces of manufacturing equipment — and one of the most expensive. But the cost goes well beyond its initial price tag, because installation, maintenance and energy usage also chip away at the bottom line. This article explains how a manufacturer can buy a conveyor that meets its needs, and why maintaining it properly can extend the system’s life and save money. It also describes current tax deductions that can shave additional dollars off a conveyor’s cost.
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Reaping the benefits of an employee retirement plan
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 559
Abstract: For manufacturers, establishing a retirement plan makes their company more attractive to potential hires and translates into tax benefits. And the IRS has provided several recent initiatives to encourage participation among employers and employees. This article discusses the features of defined-benefit plans and defined-contribution plans and how to maintain a plan once it’s in place.