July / August
Showing 353–368 of 616 results
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A primer on the timing of RMDs
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 357
Abstract: A key aspect of any retirement plan is knowing when to begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from employer-sponsored defined contribution plans and traditional IRAs. This article discusses how to determine the minimum distribution amount that can be taken from an account each year, along with the tax implications, which vary according to the age at which withdrawals begin.
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How liable are you for fraudulent credit card charges? Limit losses by being proactive
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 674
Abstract: The theft of millions of customers’ credit and debit card data last holiday season was a wake-up call for consumers who underestimated their vulnerability to credit and debit card fraud. And experts believe massive data breaches are likely to continue happening. Fortunately, federal laws can help limit individuals’ potential liability stemming from unauthorized charges. This article explains those laws but also shows how consumers can help themselves by closely monitoring their accounts. A sidebar notes the even greater danger posed by identity theft.
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Exemption portability vs. a credit shelter trust – One offers simplicity, the other provides additional benefits
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 719
Abstract: A major advantage of current federal tax law is that estate tax exemption “portability” is now permanent. This means that married couples can maximize the benefits of their combined exemptions without the need for sophisticated estate planning involving multiple trusts. However, for many people, particularly the affluent, more-sophisticated strategies – such as a credit shelter trust – might still be more beneficial. This article offers a number of reasons why.
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Floating-rate bond funds offer an alternative yield source
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 759
Abstract: When interest rates rise, bond funds can suffer. Certain fixed-income investment strategies may help investors manage the risk. Floating-rate bond funds — also known as bank loan funds or senior loan funds — are one option to consider. These funds invest in floating-rate bank loans, which are short-term debt instruments with a variable interest rate. These funds offer reduced interest-rate risk, but carry additional risks that should be carefully considered before investing. This article examines the benefits and the trade-offs.
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Tax issues may make dividing a CRT difficult
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 397
Abstract: When dividing assets in divorce, charitable remainder trusts (CRTs) usually are split 50-50 into two separate trusts. Tax issues, however, can make such divisions trickier than they might first appear. This article explains the tax implications of two types of “split-interest” trusts: charitable remainder annuity trusts (CRATs) and charitable remainder unitrusts (CRUTs). It also discusses whether divorcing spouses might be disqualified persons with respect to their original trust.
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Standards of value: A cheat sheet
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 593
Abstract: Attorneys aren’t expected to be valuation experts, but a basic understanding of the various standards of value enables them to work more effectively with their appraisers — and better serve their clients. This article describes four kinds of value: “fair,” “fair market,” “investment” and “intrinsic.”
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Following the paper trail – How financial statements reveal corporate fraud
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 622
Abstract: Corporate fraud often is concealed when a company intentionally misrepresents material information in its financial reports. This article discusses different types of misrepresentations that can result from the misapplication of accounting principles, overly aggressive estimates of figures and material omissions. It also covers how CPAs can uncover manipulation that might not be apparent to the untrained eye.
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When is a Daubert challenge justified? Court strikes testimony in patent case
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 955
Abstract: The percentage of successful Daubert challenges to damages in patent cases might be small, but this article looks at one case in which the challenge was deemed appropriate because the patent expert’s reasonable royalty testimony was neither reliable nor tied to the facts. A sidebar discusses a case which demonstrated the limits of district courts’ “gatekeeper” role in admitting and evaluating the reliability of expert testimony.
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Valuation in the courts – Do discounts apply to real estate holding corporations?
July / August 2013
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 453
Abstract: Discounts for lack of marketability (DLOM) aren’t unusual when a business or real estate is valued. But what about when a business that holds real estate is valued? Can DLOMs be applied to both the real estate and the corporation? Yes, according to one New York court — and that discount should account for built-in gains. This article summarizes the case.
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Your financial expert’s role in employment litigation
July / August 2013
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 690
Abstract: Financial experts play a critical role in wrongful termination cases and other types of employment litigation — particularly in estimating lost earnings. Such calculations tend to be complicated because experts must account for everything from earnings to retirement plan benefits to group insurance rates. This article describes how an expert determines an employee’s base earnings and then factors in benefits and perks.
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Artificial intelligence gives fraud detection a boost
July / August 2013
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 439
Abstract: This article examines one of the hottest new fraud-detection tools: the use of artificial intelligence to complement investigators’ efforts. It discusses the technology’s flexibility and adaptability, highlighting three types of artificial intelligence that have been used to detect fraud: neural networks, genetic algorithms and fuzzy logic.
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Owner compensation: Deciding what’s reasonable
July / August 2013
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 939
Abstract: If the IRS deems a shareholder’s compensation unreasonably high for the services rendered, the excessive compensation could be treated as a constructive dividend. So the compensation would be disallowed as a salary deduction. However, as a recent Tax Court decision shows, the “reasonable compensation” evaluation isn’t always as straightforward as it might seem. This article discusses the case, noting the factors that determine reasonable compensation. A sidebar discusses other issues the case addressed.
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Help! When to call an appraiser
July / August 2013
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 297
Abstract: Attorneys may wonder when during the litigation process to contact an expert witness. Some may even hope to achieve an out-of-court settlement without calling in outside expertise. But delaying an appraisal may prove more costly in the long run. Most valuators agree that it’s never too early to contact them if there’s a chance litigants will disagree about the value of a business interest. This brief article explains why contacting an appraiser early and often will benefit a case’s outcome.
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Guideline public company method: Pros and cons
July / August 2013
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 600
Abstract: In determining the value of a private business, valuators often look at other companies, whether they are privately owned or public. This article discusses how the guideline public company method, a variation of the market approach, can be useful — as long as its drawbacks are understood. The article notes that, if used appropriately, the guideline public company method can provide valuable insight into the factors driving a particular industry’s market value.
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Why levels of value matter – Defining the appropriate basis is key
July / August 2013
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 618
Abstract: A business may have more than one value, depending on the purpose of the appraisal and the characteristics of the ownership interest. Confusion over levels of value may lead to misinformed business decisions. This article lists some different levels of value, such as control, minority marketable value and minority nonmarketable value. The article points out the importance of discussing all the options and making an informed decision under the guidance of an experienced valuation professional.
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Too good to be true? Some courts are allowing multitiered valuation discounts
July / August 2013
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 794
Abstract: The Tax Court has upheld the concept of tiered valuation discounts in several high-profile recent cases, including Astleford v. Commissioner and Gow v. Commissioner. This article outlines some key points a valuator considers when supporting valuation discounts in a multitiered entity. The article describes how tiered discounts work, using recent cases to illustrate. It then notes that, to qualify for a discount and withstand Tax Court scrutiny, each tier must be reasonable and well documented and have a bona fide business purpose. Astleford v. Commissioner (T.C. Memo 2008-128); Gow v. Commissioner (T.C. Memo 2000-93); Estate of O’Connell v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo 1978-191, aff’d on this point, rev’d on other issues 640 F.2d 249 (9th Cir.1981).