2015
Showing 609–624 of 732 results
-
Are you classifying your employees correctly?
February / March 2015
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 650
Abstract: How does one tell if they’re correctly classifying employees as exempt or hourly? Breaking through the confusion and getting this responsibility right is critical, because incorrect employee classifications can expose a company to significant fines, legal action and negative publicity. This article provides a review of FLSA rules regarding exempt vs. nonexempt employees.
-
Oops … My family business chose the wrong successor
February / March 2015
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 619
Abstract: If a family business realizes it has chosen the wrong successor, there are several options that might be available. The process begins with getting others’ opinions and then working with the successor to determine where the problem lies. It might not necessarily lie with the successor — but, if the decision is made to pick someone else, this article describes steps to take.
-
Miscellaneous itemized deductions – What you can — and can’t — deduct
February / March 2015
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 891
Abstract: Most taxpayers are very familiar with itemized deductions related to home ownership, medical expenses and charitable donations. But many are less familiar with miscellaneous itemized deductions. These are divided into two broad categories: those that can be deducted to the extent the total exceeds 2% of adjusted gross income, and those that aren’t subject to the 2% floor. This article explains miscellaneous expenses that are deductible, and those that aren’t. And a sidebar notes that miscellaneous itemized deductions aren’t always useful for taxpayers who owe the alternative minimum tax.
-
Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (TIPA)
March 2015
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 605
Abstract: The Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (TIPA) was signed into law on December 19, 2014. It retroactively extends most of the federal income tax breaks that would have affected many individuals and businesses through 2014. This article discusses some of the extended provisions impacting individual taxpayers, such as the qualified tuition deduction, the mortgage insurance premium deduction, and more.
-
Tax breaks for businesses extended through 2014
March 2015
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 618
Abstract: This article describes a variety of business tax breaks that were extended through 2014. They include extended cost recovery provisions, along with certain business credits, a deduction for energy-efficient commercial buildings, and more.
-
National Taxpayer Advocate delivers annual report to Congress
March 2015
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 174
Abstract: This article discusses National Taxpayer Advocate Nina E. Olson’s concern that taxpayers this year are likely to receive the worst levels of taxpayer service since at least 2001. She offers several corrective measures.
-
4 good reasons to direct deposit your refund
March 2015
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 180
Abstract: Using direct deposit for a tax refund offers convenience and security, among other advantages. This article explains why.
-
ABLE accounts for disabled individuals
March 2015
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 410
Abstract: The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) of 2014 establishes a new type of tax-advantaged account for disabled individuals, allowing them to save money for future needs while remaining eligible for government benefit programs. This article discusses details of the act, including who is eligible and contribution limits.
-
In the News – A new twist on cost segregation studies
February / March 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 424
Abstract: Now that the economy is picking up, many borrowers are reporting profits. While that’s good news, some borrowers might not have set aside enough cash to pay their 2014 tax bill — or they may want to lower taxes in 2015. Cost segregation studies are a proven strategy to defer taxes and improve cash flow. But today’s studies are slightly different from turn-of-the-century ones. This article explains how.
-
Family business planning – Handing the torch to the next generation
February / March 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 634
Abstract: Every family business must transition control to the next generation someday. But will the next leader be another family member — or is there a better choice outside the family circle? Successful succession plans don’t happen overnight. They take years (or even decades) of preparation, mentoring and training. This article addresses such issues as determining a successor, dividing up control and assets, and assembling an advisory team.
-
Uncertainty in financial reporting – Pay close attention to management estimates
February / March 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 572
Abstract: Some financial statement items are relatively cut-and-dried, but others can’t be measured precisely. As a result, the use of management estimates and judgments comes into play on borrowers’ financial statements. But this can lead to unintentional errors or, worse, intentional misstatement. While the PCAOB is currently considering ways to improve how public company auditors test and inquire about the use of estimates, this article explains how lenders can play a role in testing accounting estimates.
-
Can you bank on your borrower’s inventory counts?
February / March 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 859
Abstract: Cash is the asset most coveted by employees who resort to fraud. But inventory is another popular choice, especially for more-sophisticated thieves and particularly in certain industries. This article discusses some of the more common scams and how to prevent and detect them. A sidebar lists eight questions to ask to determine which borrowers are most at risk for inventory theft and misstatement.
-
5 things you can do to improve client relationships
Winter 2015
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 403
Abstract: For most lawyers, building and strengthening relationships with clients is an ongoing project. Even the most personable and conscientious attorney experiences the occasional misunderstanding with a client — or even loses one for good. But there are several simple things attorneys can do immediately to build trust and promote client satisfaction. This article offers several suggestions, including writing a comprehensive engagement letter.
-
Why your firm needs malpractice insurance
Winter 2015
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 587
Abstract: Because the cost of fighting a malpractice claim is generally higher than the cost of malpractice insurance premiums, many law firms buy coverage. Unfortunately, firms also typically set their policies aside to gather dust. This can spell financial disaster when a claim arises and coverage is inadequate. So it’s critical not only to buy the right policy but also to periodically update it. This article looks at two types of malpractice insurance policies and how to choose the best provider.
-
Estimating taxes for law firm partners
Winter 2015
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 676
Abstract: Law firm partners need to estimate their tax liabilities as accurately as possible — particulary since, as members of a “pass-through” entity, they’ll personally owe tax on their pro rata share of the firm’s taxable income. If they underpay, they’ll be subject to penalties. If they overpay, they’re essentially making an interest-free loan to the IRS. This article explains how to achieve the right balance when calculating and paying taxes.
-
Won’t you stay? Keeping retiring partners in the fold
Winter 2015
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 792
Abstract: When senior partners retire, it’s important to capture their knowledge and extend the relationships they’ve formed with clients. But this demands a formal retirement process to capitalize on their assets and ease their retirement transition. Much depends on the degree of involvement a retiring partner wishes to maintain. This article discusses a number of different roles they can play, along with compensation arrangements. A sidebar offers tips for grooming the next generation of leaders.