2022
Showing 369–384 of 467 results
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Using ESOPs to transfer ownership
March / April 2022
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 838
Abstract: An employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) can facilitate the transfer of a business to the owner’s children or employees over a period of years in a tax-advantaged way. This article discusses how ESOPs differ from management buyouts, explains why a business valuation is essential and describes the potential costs. A sidebar explains why a federal district court recently rejected the government’s valuation of an engineering firm’s ESOP. Walsh v. Bowers, No. 18-00155 (D. Hawaii Sept.17, 2021).
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How to combat supply chain fraud
March / April 2022
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 604
Abstract: Supply chains in many industries have been under unprecedented stress over the last two years. When stress runs high, internal controls may fail to adapt to operational changes, leading to increased opportunities for fraud. This article explains how a strong system of internal controls, including routine risk assessments, can help companies fortify their defenses.
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Estate Planning Red Flag – You haven’t reviewed your life insurance needs recently
March / April 2022
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 301
Abstract: Life insurance is a powerful tool for providing for one’s family in the event of a person’s untimely death. The amount of life insurance that’s right for an individual depends on his or her personal circumstances. This brief article explains why it’s critical to review life insurance needs regularly in light of changing circumstances.
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Think twice before splitting charitable bequests
March / April 2022
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 531
Abstract: When an individual leaves property to charity in his or her will or revocable trust, it’s reasonable to assume that it won’t be subject to estate tax. After all, the charitable estate tax deduction excludes the value of donated property from the estate. This article explains that if one splits a charitable bequest of property among two or more charities, his or her heirs may be in for an unpleasant tax surprise.
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To file or not to file a gift tax return, that is the question
March / April 2022
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 749
Abstract: Those who made gifts last year may be wondering if they need to file a gift tax return. The short answer is that there are many situations in which it’s necessary (or desirable) to file Form 709 — “United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return” — even if one isn’t liable for gift taxes. This article details the situations where gifts are considered nontaxable and explains a few tax traps to be aware of.
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GST taxes – Plan carefully to avoid surprises
March / April 2022
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 966
Abstract: Designed to ensure that wealth is taxed at each generational level, the generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax is among the harshest and most complex in the tax code. It’s also among the most misunderstood. For example, while the gift and estate tax exemption automatically protects eligible transfers of wealth, the GST tax exemption must be allocated to a transfer to shelter it from tax. This article explains how the GST tax works, lists three types of transfers that trigger GST tax and details automatic allocation traps. A brief sidebar explores how to properly use the GST tax exclusion.
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Is ALSP outsourcing right for your firm?
Winter 2022
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 468
Abstract: To the chagrin of some law firms, alternative legal service providers (ALSPs) aren’t going anywhere. According to a recent report, nearly 80% of law firms and 71% of corporate legal departments have used ALSPs at one time or another, a strong sign they’re becoming a mainstream legal option. For firms that still view ALSPs as competitors, it may be time to reframe their perspective. This article looks at how collaborating with ALSPs, rather than competing, can pay off for all involved, including law firms and their clients.
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Save money by shifting credit card fees
Winter 2022
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 561
Abstract: The acceptance of digital forms of payment, including credit cards, has become ubiquitous across industries. But some law firms have yet to get on board — even though electronic payments often improve collections. The hesitation usually is due to a resistance to shouldering the processing costs. This article examines how in many states, law firms can have the best of both worlds — higher collections and minimal processing costs — by putting the responsibility for the fees on clients.
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Client intake – The importance of quality over quantity
Winter 2022
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 658
Abstract: Many law firms want to improve profitability, reduce stress, and preempt malpractice lawsuits and billing-related disputes. This article explains how to do this by dropping uncooperative or slow-paying clients and using a formal client selection process to avoid taking on new ones.
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AML for law firms: The risk is real
Winter 2022
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 826
Abstract: Law firms can unwittingly fall prey to money launderers. This article discusses why a risk-based approach may help firms reduce the odds. Reviewing legal activities that are particularly susceptible to money laundering and completing a comprehensive risk assessment including country or geographic risks as well as client and service risk factors can help law firms steer clear of trouble. A short sidebar highlights a “practical” approach to identifying and assessing money laundering risk for smaller firms and solo practitioners.
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Estate Planning Pitfall – You’re using the wrong type of living trust
February / March 2022
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 268
Abstract: Using a living trust makes sense for those looking to preserve assets for other family members without dire tax consequences or to avoid probate. But which trust type to choose? A “revocable” or “irrevocable” living trust? The answer can make a big difference. This brief article explains why the wrong type of trust can defeat a person’s main intentions.
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Create an eldercare plan for an elderly loved one
February / March 2022
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 662
Abstract: For families caring for an elderly family member, it’s critical to have an eldercare plan in place. If a parent or an in-law is experiencing difficulties caring for themselves, it’s time to call a family meeting to create an eldercare plan that addresses key issues and includes contingencies. This article explores topics to cover during the family meeting.
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COVID-19 and estate planning – Estate planning is possible in a socially distanced environment
February / March 2022
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 726
Abstract: In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, some people may be leery about visiting their advisor’s office to attend to estate planning documents. The good news is that for those who need to plan their estates or execute critical documents but don’t want to meet face-to-face, there are ways to do so in a socially distanced environment. This article explains options for meeting remotely and signing documents.
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Don’t count out the bypass trust
February / March 2022
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 847
Abstract: To paraphrase Mark Twain, the reported demise of the bypass trust may be greatly exaggerated. In fact, this estate planning technique is still a viable option for many individuals and may actually stage a “revival” in future years. This article details the estate tax law changes that slightly reduced the necessity of using a bypass trust and explains why future tax law changes may make it once again attractive. A sidebar provides a brief history of the gift and estate tax exemption.
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Pump up tax savings with the fuel credit
Winter 2022
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 445
Abstract: Construction companies that wish to reduce their tax bills or increase their refunds shouldn’t overlook the fuel tax credit. Many contractors likely qualify for it and it’s relatively easy to calculate. This article explores the potential savings and how to go about claiming this often-overlooked tax break.
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Combating the skilled labor shortage
Winter 2022
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 536
Abstract: Even before COVID-19, construction companies were facing a scarcity of skilled workers. The pandemic has only exacerbated the problem. This article suggests four ways to combat the skilled labor shortage, including leveraging technology and sprucing up one’s employer brand.