February / March
Showing 161–176 of 486 results
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How to limit risk when personally guaranteeing a business loan
February / March 2017
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 449
Abstract: What happens when a business requires money, but the financial institution requires a personal guarantee before it will lend any? Signing a personal guarantee isn’t a step to take lightly — it may allow the lender to go after personal assets if the business goes south. This article looks at some steps owners can take to mitigate the risk, including negotiating a guarantee that’s for some percentage of the loan amount and asking that the amount guaranteed drop as timely repayments are made.
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An IRS audit isn’t the end of the world
February / March 2017
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 638
Abstract: Most Americans dread getting word that the IRS intends to audit their tax returns. Though it’s unlikely most of us ever will, it’s good to be aware of steps to take to reduce the difficulties and make the process go more smoothly, such as gathering the information needed to respond appropriately, including invoices, canceled checks and receipts (as well as the tax return for the year(s) in question), and making duplicates of any documents you’ll need to provide the IRS.
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Get the lowdown on Roth 401(k) plans
February / March 2017
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 633
Abstract: A Roth 401(k) plan shares features with both traditional 401(k) plans and Roth IRAs. This article looks at some of the plan’s specific features and how such a plan can benefit some employees, especially if they’re high-income earners and if they’re concerned that their tax rate may be higher in retirement. While the ability to contribute to a Roth IRA is reduced or even eliminated if a taxpayer’s income exceeds certain amounts, no such limits apply to Roth 401(k)s.
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Simplify, simplify, simplify – Increase in the de minimis safe harbor for tangible property helps small businesses
February / March 2017
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 855
Abstract: In late 2015, IRS Notice 2015-82 increased the de minimis safe harbor for deducting (rather than capitalizing) the amounts paid to acquire, produce or improve tangible property. The increase is from $500 to $2,500 per item for small businesses that don’t have “applicable financial statements.” This article explains the new notice’s benefits and requirements, suggesting that businesses that don’t have applicable financial statements will want to revisit their policies for capitalizing purchases of tangible property, in light of the new rule. A sidebar notes that, for businesses with applicable financial statements, the safe harbor remains unchanged.
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COMPLIANCE ALERT
February / March 2017
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 168
Abstract: This feature lists a few key tax reporting deadlines for February through April.
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2016 vs. 2017 retirement plan limits
February / March 2017
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 96
Abstract: This chart contains updated retirement plan limits for 2017.
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Hardship withdrawal programs require strict administration
February / March 2017
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 810
Abstract: While not required, most 401(k) plans offer a hardship withdrawal option. The IRS recently updated its guidance on how plan sponsors can remedy errors in the administration of hardship withdrawals. This article highlights the basics of hardship withdrawals and how to correct mistakes when administering a hardship withdrawal program.
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Who’s to blame? Court equitably apportions fiduciary misdeeds
February / March 2017
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 490
Abstract: When a fiduciary breach occurs, some fiduciaries may be more culpable than others. And when that’s the case, the court can order those parties to indemnify other fiduciaries who were, despite their technical status as fiduciaries, without blame. This article summarizes a recent case of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit where the court equitably apportioned relief in a fiduciary duty setting.
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Get your fiduciary house in order – DOL’s newest regulations require plan sponsor action
February / March 2017
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 874
Abstract: The majority of the U.S. Department of Labor’s complex regulations mandating fiduciary status for individuals dealing with retirement investment decision-making involve investment advisors. But the regulations, which are scheduled to take effect on April 10, 2017, also require plan sponsors to take certain steps. Remember, plan sponsors are always the fiduciary, and the regulations expand the definition of fiduciary status. A sidebar discusses the distinction between investment education and investment recommendations or advice.
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3 ways to minimize risk when lending to seasonal businesses
February / March 2017
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 372
Abstract: Some borrowers, such as landscapers, hotels and toy manufacturers, experience significant seasonal fluctuations in their financial performance. But seasonal businesses still require working capital throughout the year, and often turn to banks for support during the off season. This article discusses three approaches that can help lenders assess and manage the credit risk associated with lending to seasonal businesses.
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Trust but verify: Evaluate financial restatements carefully
February / March 2017
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 641
Abstract: Misinterpretation of accounting standards or mistakes may cause businesses to reissue their financial statements. But financial restatements also can be a sign of incompetence or fraud. This article explains that lenders need to closely examine financial restatements to accurately evaluate their borrowers’ situations. The article looks at the most common reasons for financial restatements, pointing out that lenders need to dig deeper to determine whether restatements are simply correcting mistakes or potentially fraudulent.
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Timing is everything – How to measure liquidity using the cash conversion cycle
February / March 2017
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 582
Abstract: To measure liquidity, lenders traditionally look to the balance sheet and compute the current or quick ratio. This article discusses another, lesser-known metric called the cash conversion cycle (CCC), using an example to illustrate how the CCC metric functions. The article notes that using the CCC and other liquidity benchmarks together with other tools, such as leverage, growth and profitability metrics, can help a lender gain a comprehensive risk assessment.
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Is your borrower worth the risk? SWOT analysis provides answers
February / March 2017
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 815
Abstract: An analysis of a prospective borrower’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) can reveal whether the company is vulnerable to competitors or potential threats. This article offers some guidance to help lenders decide whether to continue to work with a troubled borrower to fix problem areas. A brief sidebar notes the importance of determining whether the borrower is willing, or unwilling, to remedy any issues revealed by the SWOT analysis.
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Cyber threats loom large – How COSO’s new framework helps mitigate risk
February / March 2016
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 416
Abstract: Data breaches and other cyber threats are among the biggest risks companies face today. To help companies address these risks, the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) released a research report in 2015 that provides guidance on how to evaluate and manage cyber risks. For example, COSO offers five internal control components such as controlling the environment, using risk assessments and developing control activities.
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The NYSE expands material news and trading halt policies
February / March 2016
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 703
Abstract: Recently, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) amended its Listed Company Manual to expand the hours during which listed companies must provide advance notice to the NYSE before disseminating “material news.” Material news generally is understood to mean news that’s likely to cause stock price volatility. The updated manual provides guidance on the release of material news after trading closes, and methods for releasing material news. This article covers pretrading material news, and the circumstances under which the NYSE has the authority to halt trading and when, among other items.
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Putting a different spin on mandatory auditor rotation
February / March 2016
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 572
Abstract: U.S. accounting regulators and standard-setters have considered implementing mandatory auditor rotation for public companies. The rationale for such a rule is that term limits would help prevent auditors from developing long-term relationships with their clients that, proponents of rotation believe, inhibit professional skepticism. However, a recent study suggests that the opposite is true: Auditors are less likely to question their clients’ accounting decisions if they’re required to rotate periodically. This article discusses the role of professional skepticism, the impact of auditor rotation and why it’s important to evaluate the pros and cons.