2018
Showing 49–64 of 630 results
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Federal Circuit revives soda trademark battle over “ZERO”
Year End 2018
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 886
Abstract: When most people hear the word “generic,” it brings to mind a consumer product without a brand name. But its meaning is much more significant in the trademark world, where a term deemed generic isn’t eligible for trademark protection. This article summarizes a recent opinion by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit that clarified the test for so-called genericness. A brief sidebar discusses when and how a descriptive mark may acquire distinctiveness. Royal Crown Co., Inc. v. The Coca-Cola Co., No. 16-2375, June 20, 2018, Fed. Cir.
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Raising financially responsible kids
Year End 2018
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 451
Abstract: Helping kids understand money when they’re young will help them develop sound financial habits that pay off when they’re adults. Discussions about money can start early, but need to be tailored to the child’s age. This article offers several tips on coaching children by maintaining an open dialogue about finances and modeling sound money management — at every age.
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Understand the ins and outs of estate planning under the TCJA
Year End 2018
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 801
Abstract: Although the recent Tax Cuts and Jobs Act doesn’t get rid of the federal estate tax, it does contain several provisions that may significantly affect gift and estate tax planning. So individuals need to be proactive — and plan accordingly. This article discusses exemption changes and suggests several moves that may be helpful for estate planners. The article also explains the expansion of 529 plan tax benefits, which families can use to grow money tax-free for their children’s higher education, and notes some “kiddie tax” rate changes.
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New limit on interest expense deductions – Will it affect your business?
Year End 2018
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 682
Abstract: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act introduced a variety of tax benefits for businesses. At the same time, the act placed limits on several tax breaks, including the amount of interest expense a business may deduct. This article takes a closer look at the business interest limit and possible exemptions for small businesses, and notes that some real property businesses may elect not to apply the business interest limit, but must pay some penalties for that election. The article suggests that business owners should be aware that the IRS is expected to issue future guidance on these matters in the coming months.
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How your employees can save with payroll deduction IRAs
Year End 2018
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 815
Abstract: Employers who’d like to offer employees a way to save for retirement without launching and operating a 401(k) or other employee benefit plan may want to consider payroll deduction IRAs. This article notes that these are relatively easy to establish and cost little to start and operate. And businesses of any size — as well as self-employed individuals — can take advantage of them. In addition, they can complement an existing retirement plan. A brief sidebar offers some pros and cons of setting up payroll deduction IRAs.
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Your contractor’s license: Don’t leave home without it
Fall 2018
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 447
Abstract: The notion of starting work on a project without a license may seem unthinkable. But many contractors have run afoul of licensing issues. This article explains how it can happen, including a summary of an actual court case related to construction licensing. Snider v. Dickinson Elks Building, LLC, 907 N.W.2d 397 (ND 2018)
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Don’t put off creating a well-crafted buy-sell agreement
Fall 2018
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 683
Abstract: The thought of creating a buy-sell agreement may strike a certain amount of trepidation into the hearts of some contractors. But putting off the creation of a well-crafted buy-sell can put a construction company at risk if unexpected circumstances arise. This article explains the purpose, as well as some of the ins and outs, of these important, legally binding documents.
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Business interruption insurance can help mitigate disaster
Fall 2018
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 583
Abstract: A natural disaster could stop any construction company in its tracks or even put it out of business. For this reason, it’s a good idea for contractors to at least consider business interruption insurance. This article discusses how the coverage works and suggests some good questions to ask when shopping for a policy.
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Is it time for a change? Tax reform has expanded availability of accounting methods
Fall 2018
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 928
Abstract: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has made more construction companies eligible to use the cash and completed contract accounting methods. This article provides a brief introduction to the tax accounting options available to contractors and reviews some of the factors to consider in determining whether to switch methods. A sidebar looks at the AMT impact of an accounting method change.
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Year-end tax strategies for accrual-basis businesses
November 2018
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 264
Abstract: The last month or so of the year offers accrual-basis businesses an opportunity to make some timely moves that might enable them to save money on their 2018 tax bills. This brief article offers a variety of timely tips to consider.
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Getting caught up with the latest catch-up contributions
November 2018
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 391
Abstract: Taxpayers age 50 or older on December 31 of any given year can start making “catch-up” contributions to their employer-sponsored retirement plans by that date. These are additional contributions to certain retirement accounts beyond the regular annual limits. This article serves up reminders regarding the contribution limits for 401(k)s, SIMPLEs and self-employed plans.
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Is now the time for some life insurance?
November 2018
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 477
Abstract: Many people reach a point in life when buying some life insurance is highly advisable. Once they determine that they need it, the next step is calculating how much they should get and what kind. This article discusses both points.
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Taxable vs. tax-advantaged: Where to hold investments
November 2018
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 564
Abstract: When investing for retirement or other long-term goals, people usually prefer tax-advantaged accounts. But traditional taxable accounts may still make more sense for certain investments. This article discusses the difference between “taxable” and “tax-advantaged” and which vehicles tend to work the best where. A sidebar looks at the categories of rules for dividends.
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How to create a fair wage structure for your medical practice
Fall 2018
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 467
Abstract: Apparent wage inequities can create resentment among staff. A practice can generally handle this, though, via a smart wage structure and policy. This article suggests that developing a fair wage structure requires adequate research and detailed job descriptions. It notes that it’s also important to consider the value of benefits, such as health insurance, paid time off and holidays, flexible scheduling, and continuing education opportunities.
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The ins and outs of health insurance – Handling high-deductible plans
Fall 2018
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 533
Abstract: Low-deductible health plans tend to have extremely expensive monthly premiums. As a result, an increasing number of patients are coming into physicians’ offices with high-deductible plans. This article explains that, while for routine care this is unlikely to be a big problem, for expensive procedures many patients may be unaware of just how much of the procedure fee they’ll have to cover themselves. The article notes that medical practices need to make it as easy as possible for patients to pay their bills — and obtain high-quality health care at the same time.
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The art and science of patient scheduling
Fall 2018
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 616
Abstract: How do physicians determine the right amount of time to devote to each patient while limiting wait time? Obviously, efficiency is a goal — but not at the expense of caring for patients. Physicians commonly use one method, or a combination of a few different ones, when setting up patient scheduling in their offices. This article discusses several of these methods and points out that it won’t hurt for physicians to revisit their scheduling method from time to time to help maintain the optimal approach.