2014
Showing 33–48 of 740 results
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What could be simpler? SIMPLEs make it easier for small employers to offer a retirement plan
Year End 2014
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 853
Abstract: Providing an employee retirement plan can be challenging, especially for smaller companies. But SIMPLEs — Savings Incentive Match Plans for Employees — are, as their name suggests, simpler to set up, contribute to and maintain than many other plans. This article discusses eligibility criteria and decisions that must be made regarding choosing a trustee and the manner of contributing to employees’ accounts. But a sidebar mentions a few drawbacks of SIMPLEs.
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In the News – Pros and cons of corporate inversions
Year End 2014
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 420
Abstract: Establishing a tax domicile abroad — also known as a corporate inversion or expatriation — is a tax strategy that’s gotten a lot of media attention this year. But corporate inversions are nothing new. More than 50 large companies have expatriated over the last three decades. This article discusses the pros and cons, noting a Reuters study that failed to find a reliable correlation between tax savings from corporate inversions and shareholder returns.
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Teach borrowers to build higher business credit scores
Year End 2014
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 634
Abstract: Many private business owners underestimate the importance of establishing strong business credit early on — and are surprised when they don’t qualify for affordable financing when they eventually need it. Lenders are often the bearers of this bad news. This article can help you explain to borrowers why it’s important to gradually establish business credit and how they can improve their ratings.
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5 ways to speed up collections
Year End 2014
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 689
Abstract: Borrowers often pledge receivables as loan collateral. But recent studies show that many companies aren’t collecting receivables as fast as they did before the Great Recession. This article provides five simple steps to turn receivables into cash faster. Tighter collection procedures can expedite service debt and reduce working capital needs and bad debt write-offs.
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Due diligence tips – Are you paying enough attention to related-party transactions
Year End 2014
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 822
Abstract: Related-party transactions played a major role in accounting scandals that happened at Enron and Tyco International. But such scandals aren’t unique to large public companies that engage in complex business transactions. In fact, unaudited private firms may be at even greater risk. Lenders typically act as gatekeepers for small borrowers and scrutinize their related-party transactions as part of their regular due diligence procedures. This article describes common related-party transactions and suggests ways to unearth undisclosed related-party relationships and unusual transactions. A sidebar encourages lenders to monitor performance-based executive compensation for financial misstatement risks, too.
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UNICAP rules and exemptions
December 2014
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 279
Abstract: A set of tax rules known as the uniform capitalization (UNICAP) rules require certain business costs that are normally expensed as they’re incurred to instead be capitalized as part of the cost of inventory held for resale or noninventory items produced by a taxpayer for use in its trade or business. The rules are far from new, but a recent Tax Court decision is a reminder that they can be a trap for the unwary. Such was the case, this article explains, for a homebuilder who failed to capitalize a whole host of generally indirect costs that the IRS and the Court found to be related to completing the homes.
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Supersizing your charitable contribution deductions
December 2014
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 451
Abstract: This article considers three charitable giving strategies that can help boost one’s 2014 charitable contribution deduction: using a credit card, donating a life insurance policy, and taking advantage of a donor-advised fund.
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Seniors age 70½+: Take your required retirement distributions
December 2014
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 145
Abstract: The tax laws generally require individuals with retirement accounts to take annual withdrawals based on the size of their account and their age beginning with the year they reach age 70½, or face a hefty penalty. Those turning age 70½ in 2014 can delay their 2014 required distribution to 2015 — but this brief article explains whether or not it may make sense to do so.
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Retaining key employees
December 2014
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 292
Abstract: Strategies to identify, retain and reward key employees are a must — and the most effective incentives are usually monetary. Generally, they are offered in the form of nonqualified plans, which are much more flexible than qualified plans concerning benefits, contributions, and participation requirements, and so can be tailored to a particular person’s situation. This article discusses three types: restricted stock, incentive stock options, and nonqualified stock options.
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Home office expenses of employees
December 2014
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 531
Abstract: One requirement that must be met to qualify for a home office deduction is the “employer convenience test,” which is hard to satisfy unless the employer doesn’t provide the employee with an appropriate space in which to get their work done. This was the situation in a recent court case. This article looks at the case, in which the court ruled that an employee whose home was treated as her company’s “branch office” did indeed qualify for a partial deduction.
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Disability insurance for business owners and professionals
December 2014
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 187
Abstract: Disability might not only remove a source of family income; it may also increase family expenditures. This brief article mentions a few factors to consider when choosing disability insurance coverage.
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Check your partnership and S corporation stock basis before year end
December 2014
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 107
Abstract: This paragraph explains what a person should do if they own an interest in a partnership or S corporation, but expect it to generate a loss this year and there’s not sufficient basis to claim a full deduction.
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What is the external auditor’s responsibility for cybersecurity?
October / November 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 434
Abstract: Earlier this year, the Center for Audit Quality issued an alert regarding the external auditor’s responsibilities with respect to cybersecurity matters. The alert points out that, “given the focus on a narrower slice of a company’s overall IT platform,” a financial statement and the internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) audit in accordance with professional standards likely wouldn’t include areas addressing a cybersecurity breach. This article concludes that, as cyber threats become increasingly common, it’s critical for public companies to understand the scope of the external auditor’s responsibilities in this area and to develop a cybersecurity program that fills in the gaps.
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Testing the waters with a CMPO
October / November 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 588
Abstract: For public companies looking to raise capital, a confidentially marketed public offering (CMPO) provides several advantages over traditional public offerings. CMPOs can be completed quickly, often within a week or two. And because they’re marketed confidentially, they enable a business to test the waters and even abandon the offering without a significant impact on its stock. This article explains how a CMPO works. Completing the necessary activities in an abbreviated time frame can be difficult, but, for companies that are up to the challenge, the benefits can be substantial.
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Reverse due diligence enhances M&A value
October / November 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 679
Abstract: A business that’s preparing itself for sale can increase the likelihood of a successful transaction by investing in reverse due diligence — also known as “sell-side” due diligence. It involves taking a hard look at the company through a prospective buyer’s eyes. This article describes some of the many benefits to be gained, including maximizing value, correcting problems and determining the most efficient tax structure. While it’s possible to conduct reverse due diligence with one’s own resources, using a CPA or other professional lends credibility to the process and helps build trust with prospective buyers.
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Get ready for the new revenue recognition standard
October / November 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 856
Abstract: Currently, revenue recognition rules are scattered over disparate sections of the Accounting Standards Codification. Many of these rules apply to specific industries or transaction types, creating inconsistent accounting treatments for economically similar transactions. But the Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued a new standard that replaces these rules with a single, principle-based revenue recognition framework. This article discusses the five steps necessary for entities to put the “core principle” of revenue recognition into action. It also discusses identification of performance obligations and the timing of revenue recognition. A sidebar lists five steps an entity needs to take to determine when revenue should be recognized under the new standard.