July / August
Showing 401–416 of 616 results
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All’s fair… or not – Understand the various standards of value
July / August 2008
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 958
Abstract: The need for business valuations arises in myriad types of litigation, but valuation is seldom as simple as it might seem. The final appraisal estimate is influenced by a variety of factors, including the standard of value. This article outlines the various value standards — fair market, fair, investment and intrinsic — how they differ from one another and how professional valuators decide when to apply each. (Updated 8/31/12)
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Up close and impersonal – Expert interviewers get face-to-face with financial fraud
July / August 2008
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 701
Abstract: The key to uncovering or confirming financial fraud often lies in one-on-one interviews. As this article explains, skilled interviewers trained in fraud detection know how to spot fraud warning signs, detect deception and pin down suspicions when talking with suspects and their co-workers. Attorneys and their clients may only get one chance for an initial employee interview, so it’s essential they make sure it’s effective. (Updated 8/31/12)
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Can public stocks be used to value private firms?
July / August 2008
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1090
Abstract: Public and private businesses often differ significantly in terms of access to capital, product breadth and market reach. Still, many valuation professionals, along with the IRS and some courts, believe that the guideline public company method can work — under the right circumstances. But it takes an experienced valuator to know when and how to apply this method. This article explains the benefits and pitfalls of using the method and how to determine when it’s appropriate. (Updated 7/31/12)
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Are taxes lowering your investment returns?
July / August 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1053
Abstract: When it comes to investments, it’s after-tax returns that really count, not what’s earned before taxes. This is an even more critical issue for higher-income taxpayers, now that they face higher income tax rates (up to 39.6% on interest and short-term capital gains and 20% on qualified dividends and long-term capital gains) plus the 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on net investment income to the extent their modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds certain levels. This article takes a look at a few strategies to boost posttax results: contributing to tax-advantaged accounts, investing in municipal bond funds or in tax-efficient (as opposed to tax-free) investments, and considering timing when selling an investment. It also includes a chart showing how the 2014 tax increases are triggered based on varying factors.
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Estate Planning Red Flag — You and your spouse have a joint revocable trust
July / August 2012
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 425
Abstract: In both community and non-community-property states, joint trusts offer many of the same benefits as separate trusts — including probate avoidance, guardianship avoidance, privacy, and asset management in the event of a spouse’s incapacity. But they don’t provide the same level of creditor protection as separate trusts. As this article explains, those living in a community property state should weigh the asset protection benefits offered by separate trusts against a joint trust’s tax benefits. And those living in a non-community-property state also need to consider the potential tax pitfalls of a joint trust.
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No time like the present — With favorable estate tax and real estate environments, use a QPRT to give away your home
July / August 2012
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 732
Abstract: A qualified personal residence trust (QPRT) can be an effective tool for transferring a home to children or other family members at the lowest possible tax cost — while continuing to live in it. And given the current favorable estate tax environment and depressed real estate market, now may be the ideal time to establish one. This article explains the benefits of QPRTs and lists several factors that have created a favorable environment for them.
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Owning life insurance can make estate planning complicated
July / August 2012
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 585
Abstract: A life insurance policy can be an important part of an estate plan. The policy can provide a source of wealth for one’s family income-tax-free, and it can supply funds to pay estate taxes and other expenses. However, those who own their policy, rather than having, for example, an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) own it, will have to take extra steps to keep the policy’s proceeds out of their taxable estate. As this article explains, an irrevocable grantor trust can be one way of doing that.
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Is your estate plan flexible? — Estate tax law uncertainty requires options
July / August 2012
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1180
Abstract: Absent congressional intervention, on Jan. 1, 2013, exemptions will greatly decrease and tax rates greatly increase. Many people are taking advantage of the current generous gift tax exemption by shifting as much wealth as possible to their heirs this year. But it’s also important to build flexibility into an estate plan so that it can be quickly adapted to future changes in the law. This article discusses two options in particular: the qualified disclaimer and the credit shelter trust. A sidebar explains why, when using the latter tool, it’s important to carefully draft formula clauses to ensure that they account for every possible contingency.
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Tax Tips
July / August 2012
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 478
Abstract: This set of news briefs looks at tax traps that can quickly wipe out the potential benefits of an alternative-asset IRA; the often-overlooked manufacturers’ deduction; and whether frequent flyer miles are taxable. Citation: Taproot Administrative Services, Inc. v. Commissioner, No. 10-70892 (9th Cir. 3/21/2012).
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Consider the tax issues when buying or selling a business
July / August 2012
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 585
Abstract: Those who are buying or selling a closely held business need to consider a wide range of business, legal and financial issues. Although a sale’s terms should never be driven by tax considerations alone, taxes can have a significant impact. This article looks at a couple of important questions: If the business being sold is a corporation, should the parties structure the deal as a stock sale or an asset sale? And how should the purchase price be allocated among various assets? By understanding how taxes affect the economics of a deal, the parties can adjust the purchase price or terms accordingly.
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Tried-and-true tax strategies for tough economic times
July / August 2012
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 587
Abstract: This article discusses three tax planning strategies for tough economic times: converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA; selling poor-performing investments to “harvest” the losses to offset net gains; and gifting assets or making intrafamily loans. But no strategy is right for everyone, so it’s important to work with a tax advisor to maximize opportunities while avoiding pitfalls.
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Estate tax uncertainty — Why you need to act soon
July / August 2012
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1133
Abstract: It’s essential to review one’s estate plan as soon as possible, because many federal gift, estate and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax-saving strategies may no longer be available next year. This article discusses scheduled changes to exemption amounts and tax rates and the elimination of exemption portability, along with the possibility of reduced or even eliminated benefits associated with short-term grantor retained annuity trusts, intentionally defective grantor trusts and family limited partnerships (FLPs). But taxpayers can take steps to build flexibility into their plans, regardless of what Congress may or may not pass. A sidebar lists the president’s estate tax proposals.
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Ask the Advisor — Should I challenge my property tax assessment?
July / August 2012
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 485
Abstract: There are a number of factors that can indicate that a property’s assessed value may be too high: dropping property values, increased assessor workloads, overly long assessment cycles, or overly broad assessment techniques. This article discusses whether it might be advisable to proceed with an appeal for a downward adjustment in a property tax assessment.
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Sec. 1031 exchanges — The ins and outs of depreciating MACRS property
July / August 2012
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 866
Abstract: Section 1031 – or like-kind – exchanges in the commercial real estate arena often include property subject to the modified accelerated cost recovery system (MACRS). Those who receive MACRS property in such an exchange must comply with complex tax regulations for determining the amount of annual depreciation allowed. Under the regs, the basis of MACRS replacement property comprises both a depreciable exchanged basis and a depreciable excess basis. This article explains what each is and which depreciation rules apply to each. A sidebar lists types of property that qualify for bonus depreciation.
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It’s time to invest in infrastructure
July / August 2012
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 662
Abstract: Recent natural disasters and a mounting backlog of deferred repairs and maintenance point to the need for significant infrastructure upgrades in the United States and elsewhere. With many governments still strapped for cash, the door is wide open for private investors to get involved in financing infrastructure construction and repair. Infrastructure funds can help investors do just that. This article shows that infrastructure funds may offer a safer, more dependable income stream than some other types of investment options. But these opportunities are accompanied by unique challenges. Exchange traded funds may be one answer.
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What’s recoverable when a deal falls apart
July / August 2012
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 614
Abstract: Recently, some breach of contract defendants have argued that poor market conditions subsequent to the alleged breach undermine plaintiffs’ claims for lost profits. This article looks at one lost-profits case in which the court didn’t agree, noting that lost profits damages are measured at the time of the breach. Citation: CR-RSC Tower I, LLC v. RSC Tower I, LCC, Nos. 280, 2535, Oct. 26, 2011 (Md. App.)