January / February
Showing 401–416 of 623 results
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IRS ruling may make it easier to deduct bonus accruals
January / February 2013
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 999
Abstract: Many contractors may distribute safety and performance bonuses for the previous year’s work after year end. Until recently, they could deduct these “bonus accruals” on their tax return for the “performance year” (rather than the “payment year”) only if by the end of the performance year they specified exactly how much each eligible employee would receive. Now, under IRS Revenue Ruling 2011-29, bonus accruals may be more easily deductible in the year accrued. This may be beneficial because it allows contractors to accelerate the deduction, deferring tax. This article discusses details of the ruling, including rules that must be met to claim the deduction. A sidebar looks at some exceptions to the Revenue Ruling.
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Visual analytics puts fraud detection in its sights
January / February 2013
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 489
Abstract: The amount of data available to sift through for signs of fraud can be overwhelming. Fortunately, the latest data visualization tools can help fraud experts find the proverbial needle in the ever-growing haystack of potential evidence. Visual analytics has been employed by fraud experts to detect everything from money laundering and bribery schemes to financial statement, purchasing, insurance and e-commerce fraud. This article explains how experts uncover such schemes by using specialized software.
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Daubert in the courts – Despite challenge, shareholder damages expert prevails
January / February 2013
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 604
Abstract: Although the Daubert standard for expert testimony has been around for about 20 years now, many in the legal community don’t seem to understand it very well — at least that’s what a recent district court ruling in a shareholder lawsuit suggests. When the defendant company challenged the qualifications of the shareholder’s valuator on the basis of what they regarded as his deficient legal knowledge and past methodological errors, the Delaware Supreme Court said they were missing the point. This article summarizes the court’s decision
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The ultimate intangible – Valuing a trained and assembled workforce
January / February 2013
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 712
Abstract: Intangible assets — including a trained and assembled workforce — increasingly represent a significant piece of many companies’ total value. Companies may need to know the value of their human capital for financial reporting, merger, litigation and workforce reduction purposes. This article talks about how appraisers value an assembled workforce.
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Trolling for trouble – How patent aggregators complicate infringement damages
January / February 2013
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 950
Abstract: Many experts attribute the jump in patent infringement lawsuits to patent aggregators – also known as “patent trolls.” Patent aggregators differ from traditional patent holders in several important ways, and these differences can affect how patent infringement damages are calculated. This article examines the “reasonable royalties” method that patent aggregators prefer as a remedy for infringement, while a sidebar discusses proposed legislation to protect technology companies from frivolous lawsuits by aggregators.
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E-mail evidence: Handle with care
January / February 2008
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 620
Abstract: E-mail has assumed a prominent evidentiary role in all types of litigation. Proper handling of e-mail evidence is critical — the consequences of improper handling can range from sanctions to adverse jury instructions to devastating damages awards. To avoid these consequences, readers are encouraged to engage a forensic accounting expert who knows where to find hidden evidence and protect it from tampering. (Updated 3/31/12)
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Capitalizing vs. discounting — Which appraisal method is appropriate, when?
January / February 2008
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1057
Abstract: Under the income valuation method, value is a function of a company’s expected economic benefits and its risk relative to other investment types. The two most common income approaches are capitalization of earnings and discounted future earnings. This article discusses the distinctions of and differences between the two as well as the possible complexities that may arise in the use of the income approach (Updated 2/29/12)
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Third time’s a charm — An additional opinion can help resolve disputes
January / February 2008
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 971
Abstract: Even two unbiased, equally qualified valuation professionals applying sound appraisal practices are unlikely to arrive at exactly the same number. In fact, valuation differences of 10% or more are common — even under ideal circumstances. In litigation, when neither valuator will concede an objective third expert can help settle the dispute. This article discusses third expert selection and uses a hypothetical case to illustrate the important role a third expert can play. (Updated 2/29/12)
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Power of three – Court endorses triangular valuation approach
January / February 2012
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 648
Abstract: This article discusses a recent Tax Court case. After a company announced a recapitalization agreement, a shareholder filed suit, alleging that the agreement significantly undervalued the company and therefore improperly transferred wealth and voting power from its minority shareholders to its primary debt holder. The plaintiff’s expert arrived at an exceptionally high value using only the discounted cash flow method. But the court rejected this approach, placing greater credence on the defense’s use of multiple valuation techniques.
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Do your clients know the facts about fraud?
January / February 2012
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 671
Abstract: This article summarizes findings of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ (ACFE’s) 2014 survey of fraud experts, including the amount of losses and types of fraud that present the biggest challenges to specific kinds of businesses. It encourages attorneys to share the facts about fraud with their clients.
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Estate Planning Red Flag — You and your spouse have similar trusts
January / February 2012
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 404
Abstract: If a couple have similar irrevocable trusts for each other’s benefit, they could be subject to the “reciprocal trust” doctrine. It prohibits tax avoidance through trusts that 1) are interrelated, and 2) place both grantors in the same economic position as if they’d each created trusts naming themselves as life beneficiaries. This article explains that reciprocal trusts can be undone by the IRS; to avoid this, it’s important to vary factors related to each trust, such as the trust assets or terms, trustees, beneficiaries, or creation dates.
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Prenups and estate plans: Make sure they work together
January / February 2012
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 650
Abstract: If a prospective couple plan to sign a prenuptial agreement, it’s a good idea to design the agreement with their estate plan in mind. A well-planned prenup can provide several estate planning benefits; a poorly planned one can trigger unintended tax consequences or hinder achievement of estate planning goals. As this article discusses, benefits include protection from liability for one spouse’s separate debts and implementation of estate planning strategies. But there are traps, as well, involving premarital transfers, the estate tax exemption, and the disposition of the family home.
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Making a difficult decision — When is it appropriate to have your elderly parent declared incapacitated?
January / February 2012
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 627
Abstract: When an elderly parent gradually loses control of their faculties, it can be difficult for children to determine whether having their parent declared incapacitated is the right thing to do. This article explains the legal criteria for incapacitation, and shows what’s involved when that decision is made. It discusses the role of a court-appointed guardian/conservator, along with other possible options.
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A fresh look at charitable remainder trusts
January / February 2012
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1068
Abstract: Those who are charitably inclined but concerned about having sufficient income to meet their needs may find that a charitable remainder trust (CRT) is the answer. A CRT allows donors to support a favorite charity while potentially boosting their cash flow, shrinking the size of their taxable estate, and reducing or deferring income taxes. This article explains the basics of a CRT and the investment advantages. A sidebar shows how a CRT provides the ability to control the income flow to suit the donor’s needs, which can be helpful in retirement planning.
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Tax Tips
January / February 2012
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 467
Abstract: This issue’s “Tax Tips” clarifies ambiguous regulatory language that has created confusion about the early-withdrawal penalty for retirement plan distributions. It shows how a charitable remainder trust can be a powerful investment tool, and why, in this difficult economy, an installment sale might help buyers and sellers close a sale of a business. Citation: (Watson, TC Summ. Op. 2011-113)
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3 essential estate planning strategies not to be ignored
January / February 2012
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 574
Abstract: This article discusses three essential estate planning strategies: taking advantage of the annual gift tax exclusion; using an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) to buy and hold one’s life insurance policy; and placing assets in a credit shelter trust.