January / February
Showing 177–192 of 623 results
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Tax Tips – File early, but not too early
January / February 2018
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 476
Abstract: These brief tips explain the benefits of filing an income tax return early if the taxpayer is expecting a refund, discuss why it’s important to file a tax return even if the taxpayer doesn’t have the funds to pay for the tax bill, and note the 2017 IRA contribution deadline.
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Higher education is expensive! Begin saving the tax-smart way with a Section 529 plan
January / February 2018
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 689
Abstract: When it comes to saving for college, parents and grandparents often turn to one of the most popular sections of the tax code: Section 529 college savings plans. Of all the vehicles available for college savings, 529 plans are perhaps the most versatile in some ways. This article details the ins and outs (and the estate planning benefits) of 529 plans.
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Tax planning for investors: Income vs. growth
January / February 2018
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 577
Abstract: Whether one invests for income (dividends and interest), growth (price appreciation) or total return (a combination of income and growth), it’s important to assess the impact of taxes on his or her portfolio. This article examines various tax issues to consider.
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Are bad business debts deductible?
January / February 2018
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 866
Abstract: If a business owner holds a business-related debt that’s become worthless or uncollectible, a “bad debt” deduction may allow him or her to cut their losses. But don’t assume a debt is deductible just because the odds of collecting are slim. This article explains the differences between a business and nonbusiness debt. A sidebar details how to prove a debt is “worthless.”
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Understanding the ins and outs of defeasance
January / February 2018
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 471
Abstract: Prices for commercial real estate are trending up in many parts of the country, and interest rates may soon follow, although at a slower pace. In such an environment, some property owners are starting to think about exiting their loans early through defeasance. This article explains the basics of defeasance.
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Time to get “real” – Qualifying for the real estate professional exception to the PAL rules
January / February 2018
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 552
Abstract: Passive activity loss rules can prevent a taxpayer from claiming passive losses from real estate if the taxpayer’s only other income is nonpassive. Exceptions exist, though, including the real estate professional exception. This article reviews a recent case addressing whether a mortgage broker/lender could take advantage of the exception. It provides a useful refresher on what it takes to qualify as a real estate pro. Hickam v. Commissioner, U.S. Tax Ct., Summary Opinion 2017-66, Aug. 17, 2017
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When an LLC doesn’t protect personal assets
January / February 2018
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 667
Abstract: Limited liability companies (LLCs) are a common way for real estate owners and developers to hold title to property. Their popularity is due, in part, to the fact that LLCs limit members’ personal liability. However, this doesn’t mean personal liability never exists for the LLC’s debts and liabilities. This article highlights some of the exceptions that may jeopardize an owner’s or developer’s personal finances.
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Are you ready for the new revenue recognition rules?
January / February 2018
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 874
Abstract: New rules are poised to take effect that could fundamentally change how many in the real estate industry will account for their revenue. Public companies must apply Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in 2018, while compliance for private companies that follow U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) begins in 2019. This article summarizes guidance covering the five steps a company must follow to determine when to properly recognize revenue on its financial statements. A sidebar provides some helpful examples of how developers can assess whether a performance obligation is satisfied at a point in time or over a period of time.
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Don’t get taxed twice on nondeductible IRA contributions
January / February 2018
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 425
Abstract: Taxpayers who make nondeductible contributions to a traditional IRA need to understand the tax treatment of distributions to ensure they’re not taxed twice on the same income. This article explains the risk and how to mitigate it.
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3 questions can help you tune up your investment portfolio
January / February 2018
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 522
Abstract: Investors need to periodically re-evaluate their investment portfolio by asking three questions: 1) Has my portfolio changed? 2) have my investments changed? and 3) has my personal situation changed? As this article argues, answering these questions can help put investors on a better financial footing.
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Cradle to college – How to give your children a solid financial education
January / February 2018
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 706
Abstract: Parents who want their children to become responsible adults should start their fiscal education early. This article provides suggestions for financial education lessons by age group, from nursery to grade school to high school. By the time they head to college, kids should be able to make most of their own day-to-day financial decisions.
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Start the year right: Review withholding and estimate tax payments
January / February 2018
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 857
Abstract: To help prevent the possibility that they’ll owe the IRS at income tax time, taxpayers should regularly review their withholding and submit quarterly payments when necessary. This article explains how, including two strategies to prevent penalties. A sidebar urges individuals to be careful with income that isn’t subject to employer withholding, such as self-employment and investment income.
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Estate Planning Red Flag – You’re transferring a vehicle to your revocable trust
January / February 2018
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 260
Abstract: A living trust isn’t effective unless it’s funded. Trust owners transfer ownership of assets to the trust and designate it as beneficiary of retirement accounts or insurance policies. But can owners transfer ownership of automobiles or other vehicles to the trust? This brief article examines the pitfalls of doing so.
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International estate planning – If you’re a non-U.S. citizen, the rules are different
January / February 2018
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 615
Abstract: Traditional estate planning strategies generally are based on the assumption that all family members involved are U.S. citizens. However, if a family member is a noncitizen, special rules apply that require additional planning. This article examines the estate tax rules applicable for families that include non-U.S. citizens.
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Estate planning when time is short
January / February 2018
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 734
Abstract: No one wants to contemplate their own mortality or that of a loved one. It’s one of the reasons people tend to procrastinate when it comes to estate planning. And for people whose life expectancies are short — because they’re terminally ill or advanced in age — planning can be even more difficult. This article details planning steps to take that can offer a family financial peace of mind.
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Buy-sell agreements: Handle with care
January / February 2018
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 999
Abstract: If a person owns an interest in a family-owned or other closely held business, a buy-sell agreement should be a key component of his or her estate plan. These agreements specify whether — and under what circumstances — owners’ interests may be transferred, ensuring that the business stays in the family and meeting other important estate and succession planning goals. This article details the advantages and tax implications of a buy-sell agreement. It also includes a sidebar that explains the differences between a shareholder agreement and a buy-sell agreement.