June / July
Showing 321–336 of 477 results
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Cost segregation studies — New Tax Court ruling rewards early birds
June / July 2012
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 775
Abstract: It may seem premature to conduct a cost segregation study before agreeing to an M&A deal structured at least in part as an asset sale. But it’s important to complete this task as early as feasible, as indicated by a recent U.S. Tax Court decision that effectively prevents either buyers or sellers from modifying purchase price allocations after they’ve been agreed upon. This article discusses the case and explains why, during deal negotiations, buyers and sellers should try to find some common ground that yields mutually beneficial tax consequences.
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M&A today: Where opportunity meets competition
June / July 2012
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 882
Abstract: After several years of an M&A market slump, merger activity is picking up in 2012, with proposed and completed deals up substantially in some sectors. As this article explains, cash-rich U.S. companies and private equity investors are showing increasing interest in buying. But the number of sellers is also growing, spurred by retiring baby boomers and soon-to-expire tax breaks, so there’s considerable competition for the best deals. A sidebar offers tips to help sellers stand out in the crowd.
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Too abstract — Court invalidates patent of automated auto loan service
June / July 2012
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 597
Abstract: A company held two patents for a computer-aided method for processing credit applications over electronic networks. After it filed an infringement lawsuit against several parties, the defendants moved to dismiss the case, asserting that the computer-aided method wasn’t eligible for a patent. In finding for the defendants, the Federal Circuit made one thing certain: Merely appending the phrase “computer-aided” to a would-be patent won’t cut it. Citation: Dealertrack, Inc. v. Huber, Nos. 2009-1566, -1588, Jan. 20, 2012 (Fed. Cir.); Bilski et al v. Kappos, No. 08-964, June 28, 2010 (Supreme Court)
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Psychic didn’t see trademark loss coming
June / July 2012
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 518
Abstract: In 1995, a popular psychic and astrologer entered into a contract for the production and distribution of materials featuring his services. Under the agreement, he granted the company the right to use his name as a trademark. In 2006, a legal dispute arose when he ceased providing services, and the company ceased to pay him. A jury found that he had violated the agreement. After he was later enjoined from using his name as a trademark, he appealed. This article explains why the subtleties of contract language resulted in the rejection of his claim. Citation: Mercado-Salinas v. Bart Enterprises Int’l, Ltd., No. 10–2359, Dec. 20, 2011 (1st Cir.)
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Federal Circuit clarifies “co-inventor” test
June / July 2012
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 702
Abstract: What defines a “co-inventor”? It’s a critical question, since a co-inventor has the right to exploit an invention without the permission of the other inventors, as well as to license or sell that right without permission or sharing the proceeds. This article examines the case of a researcher who developed a synthesis protocol for making a novel genus of chemical compounds. Later, another researcher synthesized a compound using the first researcher’s protocol. When the latter was not named as an inventor, he sued, and the court found in his favor. Citation: Falana v. Kent State University, No. 2011-1198, Jan. 23, 2012 (Fed. Cir.)
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Copy that — or not — Congress can restore copyrights to public domain works
June / July 2012
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1041
Abstract: One might think that, once a copyrighted work enters the public domain, it’s unconditionally available for use from there on out. But the U.S. Supreme Court has held that Congress can restore copyright protection to works that had been in the public domain. This article looks at the legal challenge posed by those who had previously enjoyed free access to such works, and why the Court rejected their arguments. A sidebar discusses the majority opinion’s rejection of the dissent’s concerns about “orphan works” — older and more obscure works that have copyright owners who are difficult or impossible to track down. Citation: Golan v. Holder, No. 10-545, Jan. 18, 2012 (Supreme Court)
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Estate Planning Pitfall — You’re donating real estate to charity
June / July 2012
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 374
Abstract: In the current real estate market, donating a property to charity may be an attractive alternative to selling it. But this brief article lists five potential tax traps to look out for, including failure to properly substantiate a donation and the ramifications of donating to a private foundation rather than a public charity.
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Transfer business ownership or remain boss? — Nonvoting stock lets you share the wealth without losing control
June / July 2012
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 484
Abstract: For family business owners, estate planning can be a challenge. Often, most if not all of their wealth is tied up in the business, which creates a conflict between the desire to transfer ownership to the next generation and the desire to stay in control. One potential solution is to recapitalize the business into voting and nonvoting shares. This allows the separation of ownership succession from management succession, and can avoid conflict between children who are involved in the business and those who aren’t. As this article notes, 2012 might be an especially good time to transfer ownership.
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Keep family harmony when transferring a vacation home
June / July 2012
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 709
Abstract: When deciding to transfer a vacation home, simply dividing it equally among children or other family members may seem like the fairest solution, but it can end up being an invitation to conflict and hurt feelings. Some family members may care more about keeping the home in the family than about any financial benefits it might provide. Others may prefer to sell the home and use the proceeds for other needs. This article discusses ways to resolve this conundrum, along with estate planning strategies available for those who don’t wish to give up ownership immediately.
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Conditions favorable for gifts — High exemption amount and low tax rate make 2012 the year to transfer significant wealth
June / July 2012
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1233
Abstract: Gift, estate and generation-skipping transfer tax exemption amounts stand at a record-high $5.12 million. And the top rate for all three taxes is 35%, the lowest it’s been in many years. So, with these set to expire at the end of the year, now may be the time to transfer substantial amounts of wealth to family members tax-free. This article discusses several strategies to do so, including trusts, life insurance and family limited partnerships. But a sidebar warns of the possibility of a “clawback” — in which the IRS attempts to impose estate tax on previous gifts to the extent they exceed the date-of-death exemption amount.
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Moving day — Don’t forget to pack a tax planning checklist
June / July 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 342
Abstract: Amid all the tumult of moving to a new home, it can be easy to forget about taxes. But there can be both pluses and minuses to a move. This short article lists five tax items that people who are moving should consider.
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Tax-related identity theft — Protect yourself and your tax return
June / July 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 787
Abstract: One form of identity theft that’s grown over the past few years is fraud involving an individual’s tax records. While the number is still just a tiny fraction of the 144 million individual returns filed, the impact on taxpayers directly involved can be significant. This article discusses the consequences to victims and offers tips showing how to avoid being scammed, along with what to do if it happens.
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Class is in session: A primer on 401(k) plans
June / July 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 741
Abstract: Offering a 401(k) continues to be a popular way to help employees build up their nest eggs. The most common version is the traditional one, which allows employees to save for retirement on a pretax basis and the employer to match all or a percentage of employee contributions. But this article explores other 401(k) options, such as the Safe Harbor, the Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE), and the Roth. Depending on a company’s size, its compensation goals, and employee and employer resources, one of these options may be more suitable.
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Barter for business — How to exchange services while growing your company
June / July 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 909
Abstract: According to the International Reciprocal Trade Association, in 2011 some 400,000 businesses around the world traded about $12 billion worth of goods and services on barter exchanges. This article explains how they work and how they can save money and grow a business’s customer base. It also discusses tax reporting issues, while a sidebar looks at community barter networks that neighborhoods around the country have formed.
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Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family — New homeowners ponder tax impact of their mortgage
June / July 2012
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 543
Abstract: This issue’s “Practical Perspectives” discusses the case of Bradley and Melissa, who recently bought a house. With the closing behind them, the couple sat down with their financial advisor to discuss the tax impact of their mortgage. Their advisor began by noting that they had picked a good time to buy a house — at least from one tax perspective. The advisor explained the distinction between asset debt and equity debt, and pointed out that the IRS has come to be more lenient regarding the deductibility of the latter. This could be helpful if Bradley and Melissa decided to refinance in the future.
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Moneylines: News briefs for businesses
June / July 2012
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 302
Abstract: In this issue, “Moneylines” notes increased optimism among small-business owners about their projected revenue heading into the year; the risk of “overadvertising”; and increased expectations regarding the number of businesses moving to cloud computing.