July / August
Showing 337–352 of 616 results
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Estate Planning Red Flag – Your spouse’s estate didn’t make the portability election
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 334
Abstract: Portability allows a surviving spouse to take advantage of a deceased spouse’s unused estate tax exemption. But portability isn’t automatic: It’s available only if the deceased spouse’s estate makes a portability election on a timely filed estate tax return. But this article notes that the IRS now permits estates to make a late portability election under certain circumstances. The rule change is of particular interest to same-sex married couples who were ineligible for portability and couldn’t have made the election before the law was changed late last year.
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Wealth preserver – Use an ILIT to shield life insurance proceeds from estate tax
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 617
Abstract: Life insurance can provide peace of mind, but it’s important to not own the policy at death. Why? The policy’s proceeds will be included in the taxable estate and may be subject to estate taxes. To avoid this result, a common estate planning strategy is to set up an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) to hold the policy. This article describes the tax benefits of an ILIT, along with some drawbacks.
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Estate planning for the young and affluent – How to hedge your bets
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 660
Abstract: How can young, affluent people plan their estates when the tax landscape may look dramatically different 20, 30 or 40 years from now? Today, the current gift and estate tax exemption is high and the estate tax rate slightly higher than the income tax rate — but that could change in the future, requiring a shift in strategy. The answer for young people is to take a flexible approach that allows them to hedge their bets. This article explains how a carefully designed trust can achieve this purpose.
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Net gain for taxpayers – Tax Court approves net gift strategy
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 874
Abstract: A net gift is a technique that potentially allows reduction of the effective gift tax rate by requiring the donee to agree to pay the gift tax as a condition of receiving the gift. This reduces the gift’s value for gift tax purposes. Recently, the U.S. Tax Court approved a strategy that can reduce a gift’s value even further: In addition to paying the gift tax, the donee can agree to assume the potential estate tax liability that would result if the donor dies within three years after making the gift. This article offers an example of how net gifts work, while a sidebar explains how gifts can reduce transfer taxes.
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What happened in Vegas: An FMLA case
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Employment Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 573
Abstract: When an ill woman approaching the end of her life expressed a desire to visit Las Vegas, her daughter requested unpaid leave from her employer so that she could accompany her mother on the trip. During their time together, she continued to serve as her mother’s primary caregiver while the two participated in tourist activities. Later, her employer terminated her for the unauthorized absences that accumulated during the trip. She sued, claiming violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This article looks at whether her assistance to her mother was covered by the definition of “care” for FMLA purposes. Ballard v. Chicago Park District, No. 13-1445, Jan. 28, 2014 (7th Cir.)
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Unpacking USERRA’s equal treatment standard
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Employment Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 814
Abstract: The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) was designed to protect the employment rights of on-duty military personnel. This article describes a case involving a plaintiff who alleged that that his company had violated USERRA by firing him while he was deployed. Specifically, he argued that it had violated the law by not placing his name on an exhibit, listing current employees, that it provided to a new owner — thus denying him a benefit not determined by seniority. Dorris v. TXD Services, No. 12-3096, Feb. 27, 2014 (8th Cir.)
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From ADA to ADAAA – Disability case demonstrates broadened definition of “disability”
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Employment Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 609
Abstract: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has evolved over the years. For example, in September 2008, Congress significantly broadened the definition of “disability” by enacting the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA). This article looks at a recent case that demonstrates the impact of this important change. At issue was whether or not a “temporary condition” constituted a “disability” under the ADA. Summers v. Altarum Institute, No. 13-1645, Jan. 23, 2014 (4th Cir.)
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Avoid the inappropriate – Supervisor’s dicey decisions drive harassment lawsuit
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Employment Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1066
Abstract: This article examines a sexual harassment and retaliation case that addresses whether the harassing conduct alleged was “sufficiently severe or pervasive” for the plaintiff to prevail. Although the answer in this case was no, a sidebar discusses a case with a different outcome. In any event, it’s critical that employers properly train and regularly remind supervisors to avoid inappropriate situations with subordinates. Those that fail to do so can lead an employer down a long road of litigation and attorneys’ fees. Ponte v. Steelcase, Inc., No. 13-2011, Jan. 31, 2014 (1st Cir.) Ayissi-Etoh v. Fannie Mae, No. 11-7127, April 5, 2013 (D.C. Cir.)
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Dealer Digest – GAAP alternative now available
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 420
Abstract: This issue’s “Dealer Digest” discusses new guidance that allows private dealerships following Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to elect not to consolidate the financial reporting from variable interest entities that lease property to them. It also notes two new taxes under the Affordable Care Act that affect high earners, and a prediction that worldwide new vehicle sales will stop increasing sometime within the next decade.
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7 ways to boost service area profits and efficiency
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 586
Abstract: With gross profits on new automobile sales declining for the first time in five years, many dealerships are looking for ways to recapture some of these lost profits. The service department is one of the first places to look. The technological sophistication of today’s new vehicles gives dealerships an added advantage in the service area, since many independent mechanics lack the skills or diagnostic equipment to work on them. But the department must run smoothly. This article offers seven ways to boost service department efficiency and profits.
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Internal controls – How can you deter fraud effectively?
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 668
Abstract: Dealers who have a strong internal control system in place might sleep more soundly. A strong system begins with detailed and accurate financial information and a systematic means of frequently monitoring such data. This article offers a number of tips to help dealers achieve this and nip fraud in the bud.
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Adapting to today’s Internet-savvy car buyers
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 787
Abstract: Thanks to the Internet, today’s car buyers are far more informed when they walk through the door than they once were. More preparatory online research has resulted in fewer dealership visits — while greater knowledge of a given car, including the cost to the dealership, creates reduced negotiating leverage for the dealer, who may find it harder to maintain the same profit levels as in the past. This article notes that adapting to these changes may result in changes to sales tactics, compensation models and marketing strategies. A sidebar offers a few statistics about today’s car buyer.
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Construction Success Story – Applying the latest technology to mobile project management
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 445
Abstract: In this issue’s “Construction Success Story,” a midsize telecommunications contractor has learned that the right mobile project management tools mean a lot more than increased convenience. The construction business bought tablets that used apps to replace multiple pieces of equipment such as laptops, clipboards and training manuals. It then used a connectivity app to install project management software companywide. These initiatives dramatically increased morale, along with growth. And, by working with its financial advisor to execute a careful purchase process, the company was able to preserve its cash flow and claim valuable tax breaks for the tablets.
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New government programs promote veteran hiring
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 513
Abstract: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the construction industry will add more than 1.6 million jobs in the decade leading up to 2022. This article looks at the U.S. Department of Labor’s centralized online resource specifically designed for business owners, including contractors, looking to hire veterans. It not only allows companies to post job openings, but also provides human resources managers with tools designed for veteran recruitment. The article also discusses tax credits for companies that hire veterans.
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Small tools, big deal: Accountable reimbursement plans
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 639
Abstract: Contractors typically consider creating an “accountable” plan for reimbursing employees for their small tools purchases. Although the dollar amounts of these items may be relatively miniscule, getting an accountable plan right is a big deal come tax time. This article discusses the criteria for establishing an accountable plan, along with recent IRS guidance.
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Care to take a drive down M&A Avenue? 4 ways to avoid trouble
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 889
Abstract: Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) are an ambitious way to gain traction in today’s competitive construction marketplace. With so many baby boomers approaching retirement age, market analysts expect that there will be plenty of bargains for small to midsize businesses in the coming years. But M&As can be fraught with peril. Deals go bad, new co-workers don’t get along, goodwill evaporates and profits suffer. This article offers four ways to steer clear of trouble, while a sidebar describes a variety of resources to consult when considering an M&A.