March / April
Showing 401–416 of 616 results
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Estate Planning Red Flag — You haven’t chosen the right executor or trustee
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 365
Abstract: No matter how much effort is put into planning an estate, the plan won’t work smoothly if the wrong executor is chosen — or, if a living trust, the wrong trustee. This article discusses four common mistakes people make when choosing an executor or trustee.
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Protecting trust assets when a beneficiary is also a trustee
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 645
Abstract: From an asset protection standpoint, generally it’s best to appoint an independent, professional trustee. But in some cases it’s desirable to name the trust’s primary beneficiary as trustee. This article explains why, but then goes on to describe ways to maximize a trust’s creditor protection, in order to help protect assets from a beneficiary’s potential mismanagement of the trust.
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HSAs — Dual benefits in one saving strategy
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 640
Abstract: In addition to being a viable option to reduce health care costs, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can positively affect estate plans because they grow on a tax-deferred basis. This article describes how an HSA works and the benefits it provides. It also compares HSAs with IRAs in regard to estate planning.
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Watch your step! — Step transaction doctrine can increase tax on FLP and LLC gifts
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1165
Abstract: Family limited partnerships (FLPs) and limited liability companies (LLCs) can allow the transfer of substantial amounts of wealth to loved ones at discounted values for gift tax purposes. But the entity must be treated as a legitimate, independent business, observing all business formalities. Otherwise, the IRS may conclude that the entity is a sham. It might then invoke the step transaction doctrine to collapse a series of transactions into a single transaction for gift tax purposes, dramatically altering the tax outcome. This article explains the doctrine, while a sidebar discusses the importance of filing proper documentation for an FLP or LLC.
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Tax Tips
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 489
Abstract: This issue’s “Tax Tips” discusses why the IRS is narrowing its definition of a limited partnership for passive activity loss purposes; how the VOW to Hire Heroes Act enhances the Work Opportunity tax credit for employers that hire unemployed military veterans through the end of 2012; and how to preserve tax deductions when mixing business with pleasure.
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Tax planning in litigation — How to ensure optimal tax treatment
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 452
Abstract: For those who are a party to a lawsuit or other legal proceeding, the taxability or deductibility of damages can have a big impact on the financial outcome. But, as this article explains, a little tax planning can help ensure the desired tax treatment. Much depends on the nature of the underlying claim: that is, whether compensatory damages are received as a result of personal physical injuries or physical sickness, injury to property, or illegal discrimination.
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Exploring the ins and outs of NOLs
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 642
Abstract: A net operating loss, or NOL, occurs when a business’s operating expenses and other deductions for the year exceed its revenues. And, although the name would seem to indicate that operating in a “loss” situation is negative, some benefit actually can come from a year in which there’s an NOL: a tax deduction. This article shows how an NOL can be carried back or forward and discusses the benefits that either method provides, depending on one’s particular situation.
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Family businesses — Now’s the time for estate planning
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1089
Abstract: The combination of historically low gift tax rates, historically high exemption amounts and favorable interest rates makes it an ideal time for family business owners to share the wealth. This article shows how a grantor retained annuity trust (GRAT) and a sale to an intentionally defective grantor trust (IDGT) can separate ownership succession from management succession and thus help owners transfer business ownership without giving up control, while also funding retirement. A sidebar discusses additional options for transferring family business interests to the younger generation.
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Ask the Advisor — How can I build a better loan request package?
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 492
Abstract: With financing difficult to obtain, a borrower might have only one shot with a lender. But loan request packages that lack information or are difficult to sort through will likely end up behind the more complete and organized ones. So the most effective way of increasing the odds is to submit a solid package. This article provides a list of documents that a lender is likely to request.
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SMLLCs: The good, the bad and the ugly
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 976
Abstract: Real estate investors are increasingly forming single-member limited liability companies (SMLLCs) to hold properties — or interests in partnerships that hold properties — and protect themselves from certain liabilities. Part of the attraction lies in the fact that SMLLCs can be classified by the IRS as “disregarded entities,” meaning they’re ignored for income tax purposes. But investors should bear in mind that these entities can produce undesirable tax consequences if they hold partnership interests. This article examines the federal tax implications, while a sidebar looks at other taxes that may be involved.
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A loan primer — It pays to know the rules
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 720
Abstract: To help secure a construction loan, it pays to understand the lender’s mindset. This article offers a primer on how to get the job done. It explains the loan process and discusses four ratios that lenders use to scrutinize a loan request: loan-to-value (LTV), loan-to-cost (LTC), debt-service-coverage, and net-worth-to-loan-size.
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Protecting your income with business interruption insurance
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 628
Abstract: Business interruption (BI) insurance can help commercial real estate owners augment their income stream for the period that tenants can’t fully use their space or business can’t be fully conducted. This type of coverage typically isn’t sold as a standalone policy, but is instead added on to one’s property or comprehensive business insurance policy. It’s especially important for those who count on rental income to service their debts. This article explains how BI insurance works and how lost income is computed.
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Rules to give by — When making charitable gifts, follow substantiation requirements
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 373
Abstract: Those who fail to follow the substantiation rules when making charitable gifts may end up losing tax deductions. The requirements aren’t difficult to meet, but it’s necessary to pay attention to the details before filing one’s income tax return. This article lists the requirements for cash and noncash gifts of various denominations.
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Turn rental real estate activity losses into tax benefits — But you must qualify as a “real estate professional”
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 873
Abstract: This article discusses the hypothetical case of “Pat,” who’s losing money on his rental properties. He would like to deduct his losses, but the passive activity loss rules are restrictive. However, if he falls under the IRS definition of a “real estate professional,” he can enjoy tax benefits by converting passive losses into nonpassive losses. The article discusses what constitutes “passive” activity and what it takes to qualify as a real estate professional.
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Is market volatility keeping you up at night?
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 750
Abstract: The stock market volatility during the past year has left even seasoned investors feeling queasy. But there are strategies to better shield an investment portfolio from it. This article explains how to interpret the Volatility Index (VIX) and lists four steps to help fortify an investment portfolio against volatility. A sidebar lists three facts about the VIX and volatility.
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USERRA case addresses commission-based employees
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Employment Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 802
Abstract: A successful financial advisor went on leave when he was activated for military duty, but, upon his return, he was offered accounts that would generate virtually no commissions. He successfully sued under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). This article explains some of the requirements of that act. Citation: Serricchio v. Wachovia Securities, No. 10-1590-cv, Sept. 13, 2011 (2nd Cir.)