July / August
Showing 1–16 of 616 results
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Should you sell (or even refuse) inherited assets?
July / August 2023
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 395
Abstract: An inheritance can provide a welcome windfall, especially for people nearing retirement. But in many cases, disposing of inherited assets — or even turning down an inheritance — may make more financial sense. This article suggests questions new heirs might want to ask before accepting assets.
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What you should know about the active vs. passive fund debate
July / August 2023
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 550
Abstract: In most years, passively managed funds that mimic market indexes tend to do better than their actively managed counterparts. Does this mean investors should only invest in index funds? Not exactly. This article explains how active and passive funds are managed and how they can both fit into a diversified portfolio.
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Financial planning is critical for unmarried couples
July / August 2023
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 694
Abstract: When it comes to financial planning, married couples enjoy certain legal advantages over unmarried couples. Therefore, unmarried couples need to anticipate and plan for multiple issues. This article discusses tax-planning opportunities, breakup protection, estate planning and health-care directives.
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SECURE Act 2.0 – New law makes saving for retirement easier
July / August 2023
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 882
Abstract: The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 is making it easier for many people to save for retirement in a tax-advantaged manner. This article reviews the law’s provisions, including those related to required minimum distributions (RMDs) from IRAs, catch-up and matching contributions to 401(k) plans, and Section 529 plans. A sidebar explains the tax breaks available by making qualified charitable distributions. As an extra bonus, these distributions count toward any RMDs for the year.
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Is your expert independent?
July / August 2023
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 418
Abstract: Even the appearance of bias can be detrimental to an expert witness’s credibility. In today’s legal environment, it’s common to discredit an expert based on his or her relationship with counsel, the client or the judge. This article examines three common red flags that indicate an expert may lack independence.
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Brooks v. Commissioner – “Gross” overvaluation of easement donation leads to 40% tax penalty
July / August 2023
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 552
Abstract: It’s generally not a good sign when the U.S. Tax Court describes your expert’s value conclusion as “incredible as a practical matter.” Recently, taxpayers who claimed charitable contribution deductions for donating a conservation easement learned that lesson the hard way. Not only did the court reject the value provided by the taxpayers’ expert, but it also assessed a 40% penalty for a “gross valuation misstatement.” This article summarizes this recent case. Brooks v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2022-122, Dec. 19, 2022.
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How to investigate fraud claims
July / August 2023
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 608
Abstract: When it comes to uncovering the truth about fraud suspicions, the job is best left to experienced forensic accountants. They’re trained to follow the footprints criminals may leave behind and help build a defensible case. This article discusses best practices that forensic accountants use to conduct interviews and gather evidence.
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Expert testimony – Defense’s challenges go to weight — not admissibility
July / August 2023
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 927
Abstract: The resolution of a federal Rule 702 and Daubert motion in an ongoing complex litigation shows how a federal judge views the admissibility of expert testimony versus weight. This article summarizes why the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas ruled that several arguments against admissibility amounted to issues of weight that should be left to the jury. A sidebar highlights four factors that are considered in Daubert challenges and potential upcoming changes to Federal Rule of Evidence 702. VeroBlue Farms U.S., Inc. v. Wulf, et al., Civil Action 3:19-CV-0764-X (N.D. Tex. Mar. 13, 2023). Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 509 U.S. 579 (1993).
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Tax Tips – Avoid capital gains tax with QSBS
July / August 2023
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 425
Abstract: These brief tips explain how qualified small business stock can help avoid capital gains tax; detail a U.S. Tax Court case that involves splitting assets among more than one charity; and warn taxpayers of scams involving offers in compromise.
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Should married couples ever file separate tax returns?
July / August 2023
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 521
Abstract: Most married couples assume they should file joint income tax returns, and usually, that’s the right choice. But under certain circumstances, there may be benefits to filing separate returns. This article explores a couple of situations where it may be advantageous to file separately rather than jointly.
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Complementary documents – An estate plan benefits from a living trust and a pour-over will
July / August 2023
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 594
Abstract: A primary reason people want to keep their assets out of probate is because it’s a public process. It can also be time consuming and costly. A living trust is a popular document in a comprehensive estate plan because assets transferred to it don’t have to pass through probate. But what about the assets that weren’t transferred to a living trust during a person’s life? This article explains the benefits of pairing a living trust with a pour-over will.
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SECURE 2.0 can help businesses attract and retain workers
July / August 2023
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 953
Abstract: The SECURE 2.0 Act has been getting a lot of attention for its many provisions that make it easier for people to save for retirement. However, the law can also have an impact on employers. Not only does it expand tax incentives for employers that set up new retirement plans, but it also helps employers boost participation in their plans. Plus, it provides opportunities to adopt plan enhancements that can help attract and retain workers. This article explores how SECURE 2.0 can benefit employers. A sidebar explains whether the law requires employers to amend their plans.
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Flying high with a drone while staying grounded about the risks
July / August 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 453
Abstract: Many people enjoy using drones for taking cool videos and scoring points on social media. Contractors, however, have many actual and viable business uses for these high-flying tech devices. This article offers a bird’s-eye view of the current state of drone usage in the construction industry, including the potential benefits and risks.
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5 tips for a smoother surety experience
July / August 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 548
Abstract: For construction businesses, sometimes winning a bid isn’t enough. On some projects, publicly funded ones in particular, contractors need to obtain a surety bond to do the work. Dealing with a surety is an experience unto itself. This article offers five tips to help ensure that the relationship goes as smoothly as possible.
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Crossing state lines? Brush up on sales and use taxes
July / August 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 666
Abstract: Construction companies tend to be highly mobile. When a construction business gets so mobile that it crosses state lines, the leadership of that company needs to know what they’re getting into when it comes to sales and use taxes. Different states handle them in different ways. This article reviews some of the basic concepts involved.
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Labor burden rate – Ensure bids account for this critical metric
July / August 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 876
Abstract: The construction industry may be transforming itself technologically, but projects still depend on boots on the ground to get the job done. That’s why contractors need to maintain a constant awareness of how much they’re paying for labor and what effect that has on profitability. This article discusses how to calculate labor burden rate, a key indirect cost. A sidebar looks at another type of burden rate that tracks inventory costs.