2013
Showing 577–592 of 735 results
-
Construction Success Story – Contractor electrifies efficiency with accounting software upgrade
March / April 2013
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 439
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” looks at the case of a midsize construction company owner who was getting frustrated with her aging proprietary software system, which was incurring high maintenance and training costs. Worse yet, it wasn’t integrating well with her company’s other software. Her CPA advised her that a newer system could help her improve cash flow and do a better job of tracking labor and managing vehicles and other equipment. But he also counseled her on the process of choosing the right technology.
-
Wrestling with the idea of a captive insurance program
March / April 2013
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 697
Abstract: Although eliminating the expense of insurance coverage isn’t a realistic option, contractors may be able to better control it by establishing a captive insurance program. This article explains how captive insurance works and the benefits — including tax advantages — that it can provide to some companies.
-
How to execute fast-track projects with flying colors
March / April 2013
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 536
Abstract: Compressed timelines and tight margins are no strangers to many construction markets. This article offers ways to not just survive a fast-track job, but execute it with flying colors. They include assembling the right team, choosing the right accounting and project management software, and negotiating the right contract.
-
Goodbye expensing, hello depreciation – Final IRS “repair regs” to arrive this year
March / April 2013
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 855
Abstract: In 2011, the IRS released its long-awaited “repair regulations” for businesses that acquire, produce or improve tangible property. These rules cover everything from overhauling plumbing and electrical systems to fixing ventilation systems, cracked foundations and leaky roofs. The regs are expected to be finalized this year. In the meantime, the temporary rules are optional until 2014, though subject to minor revision. This article looks at the rules as they stand, particularly in regard to expensing vs. depreciation. A sidebar discusses safe harbors.
-
Easterbrook confirms the “gold standard” of valuation
March / April 2013
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 537
Abstract: Many legal issues revolve around business valuation, including damages calculations in commercial litigation. In one recent case, Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals Chief Judge Frank Easterbrook turned to what he called the “gold standard of valuation” to help determine damages for plaintiffs who were deprived of their stakes in a business. This article explains what the judge, vacating the district court’s judgment, found wrong with that court’s opinion.
-
What gives? Tax Court allows gift tax exclusion for FLP interests
March / April 2013
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 496
Abstract: Reversing its own recent trend, the U.S. Tax Court in a recent case held that gifts of interests in a family limited partnership (FLP) qualified for the federal annual gift tax exclusion. In three previous cases, the same court held that the exclusion didn’t apply to gifts of limited partnership interests. This article looks at the court’s reasoning.
-
Brink of bankruptcy – Your client needs a financial expert now more than ever
March / April 2013
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 667
Abstract: Business bankruptcies are finally on the decline after several consecutive years of high and rising rates, but that doesn’t mean much to the thousands of companies still in financial peril. This article explains how financial professionals can help assess the severity of a financial crisis, determine whether liquidation or reorganization makes sense, and provide guidance on everything from selling assets to shareholder disputes.
-
Occupational fraud – To catch a thief
March / April 2013
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 843
Abstract: In its 2012 Report to the Nations on Occupational Fraud and Abuse, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) estimates that the typical organization loses 5% of its revenues to occupational fraud every year. This is just one of many numbers that are alarming, as are some of the ACFE’s other findings — such as those related to fraud perpetrators. This article examines who commits fraud, what motivates them, and how to stop them. A sidebar lists several red flags to watch for.
-
Direct IRA contribution provision extended
March 2013
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 259
Abstract: The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 extended the IRA rules that allow taxpayers age 70½ or older, who have one or more IRAs and a desire to make charitable contributions, to receive tax-free treatment of distributions when they’re donated to charity. This brief article explains the details.
-
Business provisions of the new tax act
March 2013
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 543
Abstract: The 2012 American Taxpayer Relief Act includes a wide-ranging assortment of tax changes affecting both individuals and businesses. On the business side, two of the most significant changes provide incentives to invest in machinery and equipment by allowing for faster cost recovery of business property. This article looks at the legislation as it pertains to enhanced small business expensing (Section 179 expensing) and an extension of additional first-year depreciation.
-
New Roth IRA conversion option
March 2013
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 151
Abstract: A provision in the recently enacted 2012 American Taxpayer Relief Act permits an individual to convert any portion of their balance in an employer-sponsored tax-deferred retirement plan account into a Roth IRA account under that plan. But this brief article notes some caveats.
-
American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012
March 2013
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 784
Abstract: The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 provides relief for most taxpayers, but will increase the tax bill for high-income folks. The Act includes, among other items, permanent extension of the Bush-era tax cuts for most taxpayers; revised tax rates on ordinary and capital gains income for high-income individuals; modification of the estate tax; a permanent fix of the AMT for individual taxpayers; limits on deductions and exemptions of high-income individuals; and numerous retroactively reinstated and extended tax breaks for individuals and businesses. This article discusses several of the Act’s provisions impacting individual taxpayers.
-
Sec. 529 prepaid tuition vs. savings plans
Spring 2013
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 238
Abstract: When it comes to funding a child’s college education, Section 529 plans offer parents a way to contribute regardless of income level. Contribution limits are high and tax benefits are enticing. This brief article discusses the two types: prepaid tuition plans and savings plans.
-
Consider business continuity before disaster strikes
Spring 2013
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 539
Abstract: Although most natural and manmade disasters are unavoidable, companies should take steps to protect employees, minimize loss of data and recover costs. A business continuity plan can reduce financial losses and facilitate a faster recovery, whether the disaster is a fire, earthquake, power outage or even a flu epidemic. This article summarizes the elements of a good continuity plan — including IT access and appropriate insurance coverage.
-
Everybody does it … How to stop employees from padding expenses
Spring 2013
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 420
Abstract: Padding expense account reports is something everyone knows is wrong, but many do anyway. And these “minor” transgressions can add up to losses few businesses can afford. This article discusses methods of cheating and how fraud experts can not only uncover them, but can also help develop policies and processes to prevent expense fraud.
-
It’s 2013: Do you have a new tax strategy?
Spring 2013
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 605
Abstract: Congress’s Jan. 1 tax deal saved the country from falling off the “fiscal cliff,” but it also introduced many new — and potentially confusing — changes to the tax code. This article looks at how the American Tax Relief Act of 2012 affects personal and business taxes. It discusses income and capital gains taxes, along with bonus depreciation and Section 179 expensing. A sidebar notes the increased exemption for the alternative minimum tax.