October / November
Showing 1–16 of 469 results
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Estate Planning Pitfall – You haven’t recently updated your powers of attorney
October / November 2023
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 337
Abstract: Health care and financial powers of attorney are critical components of an effective estate plan. Indeed, while much of a person’s estate plan focuses on actions that take place after death, it’s equally important to have a plan for making critical financial or medical decisions if one is unable to make them for his or herself. This brief article explains why it’s important to frequently update powers of attorney documents.
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The long view of long-term care insurance
October / November 2023
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 596
Abstract: According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, roughly 70% of Americans aged 65 or over will require some form of long-term care. A practical solution to pay for these services is to purchase a long-term care (LTC) insurance policy. With LTC insurance, a person can reduce the possibility that his or her lifetime of savings will be drained by long-term care costs. This article examines what an LTC insurance policy covers and provides three areas to consider before purchasing a policy.
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Planning is essential if you’re inheriting assets
October / November 2023
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 778
Abstract: For those in line to receive a significant inheritance, their feelings may range from exhilaration to relief, not to mention a great deal of sadness for the loved ones who have passed. Indeed, a large infusion of cash or assets can be overwhelming. This article explains why it’s important to take time to reflect on the significance of the inheritance on one’s financial situation and to form a plan to address the newfound wealth.
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Should you place your home in a QPRT?
October / November 2023
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 785
Abstract: If a person owns his or her principal residence, it may be more beneficial to transfer ownership of the home to a qualified personal residence trust (QPRT). Using a QPRT, the homeowner can avoid potential estate tax pitfalls without making drastic changes during his or her lifetime. Notably, the homeowner can continue to live in the home for the duration of the trust’s term. When the term ends, the remainder interest passes to designated beneficiaries. This article details the ins and outs of using a QPRT. A brief sidebar explains that using a QPRT may disqualify a person from the home sale exclusion.
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News for Nonprofits – Do you know the value of your volunteers?
October / November 2023
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 420
Abstract: This issue’s News for Nonprofits covers the value of volunteers, a new AI solution for nonprofits from Microsoft, and a research tool that can help nonprofit organizations find grants faster.
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How to increase your board’s financial literacy – Make balance sheets and income statements understandable
October / November 2023
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: A nonprofit organization’s board of directors might include accountants, bankers or investment managers. It also might include business or community leaders with expertise in the nonprofit’s niche or in fundraising, marketing and publicity. How can organizations best share their organization’s financial results with the board members who aren’t necessarily financial experts? This article reviews how to effectively present financial numbers — whether it’s through a bar graph, ratio or some other means — to nonfinancial board members.
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SECURE 2.0: What it means for 403(b) plans
October / November 2023
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 563
Abstract: In late 2022, President Biden signed into law the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) 2.0 Act. Following 2019’s bipartisan SECURE Act, the latest legislation is intended to encourage more robust retirement savings. It includes several provisions affecting the 403(b) plans typically offered by nonprofit organizations. This article summarizes some of the changes that may require plan amendments and updates to a nonprofit organization’s systems and procedures.
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5 reasons you should have your financial statements audited
October / November 2023
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 808
Abstract: Many nonprofit organizations are under no legal obligation to have annual, or even regular, financial statement audits. But organizations might want to consider going through the process anyway. It offers numerous benefits that can pay off. This article discusses the financial audit process and the benefits of having financial statements audited. A short sidebar covers affordable alternatives to a full financial audit, including a financial review and a financial compilation.
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Too many cooks in the kitchen: Who’s an inventor?
October / November 2023
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 458
Abstract: Identifying an inventor on a patent application can be a complex analysis. This short article highlights a recent ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit that sheds light on the degree of contribution required to qualify as an inventor. HIP, Inc. v. Hormel Foods Corp., No. 22-1696 (Fed. Cir. May 2, 2023).
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Barking up the wrong tree – Supreme Court limits trademark parodies
October / November 2023
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 596
Abstract: In a unanimous decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has for the first time considered the so-called Rogers test regarding the use of trademarks in “expressive works” — in this case, a dog toy mocking a famous whiskey brand. This article explains how the Court’s ruling in Jack Daniel’s Properties, Inc. v. VIP Products LLC, makes clear that liability for both trademark infringement and trademark dilution is heavily dependent on just how a defendant uses another’s mark. Jack Daniel’s Properties, Inc. v. VIP Products LLC, No. 22-148 (U.S. June 8, 2023).
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Supreme Court finds trademark owners can’t sue for foreign infringement
October / November 2023
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 569
Abstract: The U.S. Supreme Court has limited the reach of the Lanham Act, the federal trademark law, beyond American borders. The Court’s ruling in Abitron Austria GmbH v. Hetronic Int’l, Inc. could make trademark owners more vulnerable to global piracy of their goods. This article reviews the Court’s finding, the result being that U.S. trademark owners may be inadequately protected in a global marketplace. Abitron Austria GmbH v. Hetronic Int’l, Inc., No. 21-1043 (U.S. June 29, 2023).
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SCOTUS rejects fair use defense in Warhol copyright case
October / November 2023
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 862
Abstract: The U.S. Supreme Court has issued its much-anticipated ruling in a case that drew attention partly because it involved two widely renowned artists: the musician Prince and the visual artist Andy Warhol. More importantly, though, the high court weighed in on some of the limits of the fair use defense to copyright infringement. This article covers the fair use doctrine and its application in the case, notably that the original photo and the copying use shared substantially the same purpose. A short sidebar discusses other Warhol works that make an artistic commentary on consumerism, and thus had a different purpose from the original image. Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. v. Goldsmith, No. 21-869 (U.S. May 18, 2023).
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Substantiating business expenses: A primer
October / November 2023
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 473
Abstract: Businesses can generally deduct their “ordinary and necessary” business expenses. But even a legitimate expense isn’t deductible unless it’s adequately substantiated. This article explains that, typically, substantiation requires proof of payment and evidence showing the character and deductibility of the expenditure. It notes, though, that if a business is unable to fully substantiate an expense, the courts have some leeway to approximate deduction amounts, provided the business presents sufficient evidence to support an estimate.
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Are college scholarships and grants taxable?
October / November 2023
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 617
Abstract: With students headed back to campus, college finances are on the minds of many parents. This includes parents of students who have received scholarships and grants. Obviously, these funds help relieve some of the burden of paying for college. But many parents might be wondering whether they’re taxable. This article highlights a number of different factors that may determine the answer to that question, including whether the scholarship or grant funds are being used to pay for qualified education expenses or for optional expenses.
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Revenue strategies – How to maintain cash flow in a volatile economy
October / November 2023
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 710
Abstract: Most business owners know that sustaining a steady cash flow through the ups and downs of economic cycles is key to a business’s long-term success. But when they’re coping with an unpredictable economy and the many complexities of running a business, it’s easy for business owners to forget — or diminish — the importance of maintaining strong cash flow. This article reviews the cash flow cycles, including sales and disbursements, and notes the importance of incorporating data-tracking software into businesses’ accounting systems.
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Approaching age 65? Watch out for Medicare pitfalls
October / November 2023
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 889
Abstract: Americans who plan to work beyond the traditional retirement age of 65 need to begin planning for Medicare early to avoid costly pitfalls. Planning is particularly critical if their employers offer Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). This article explains the basics of how Medicare works and lists several issues to be aware of, including late enrollment penalties and loss of HSA deductions. A sidebar discusses the potential pitfalls of the six-month lookback period.