October / November
Showing 273–288 of 469 results
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Supreme Court rejects equitable recovery by ERISA plan sponsor
October / November 2013
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 367
Abstract: The U.S. Supreme Court decision in U.S. Airways v. McCutchen will affect all qualified plan sponsors. This brief article discusses why the Supreme Court reversed both of the lower court decisions when deciding whether a medical plan under ERISA could acquire reimbursement for its payments to an injured participant after he received damages from a third party.
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403(b) plans – IRS establishes preapproved plan program
October / November 2013
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 434
Abstract: A 403(b) plan is a retirement plan for employees of public schools and certain tax-exempt organizations. The IRS issued final 403(b) regulations in 2007, but until earlier this year it didn’t have a program for plan sponsors to obtain opinion and advisory letters determining whether a plan satisfies the regulations. This article summarizes IRS Revenue Procedure 2013-22, establishing a new program for preapproved 403(b) plans.
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Strategies to boost 401(k) plan participation
October / November 2013
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 797
Abstract: According to the Department of Labor, about one-third of eligible employees don’t participate in their employer’s 401(k) plan. But 401(k) plan participation benefits both employees and employers. This article looks at why participation matters and strategies to help increase participation numbers.
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Avoid the negative consequences of plan disqualification – Correct any missteps before it’s too late
October / November 2013
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 870
Abstract: A retirement plan sponsor has a fiduciary duty to ensure that the plan complies with all federal and state rules and regulations, such as the Internal Revenue Code and ERISA, and must follow the plan’s provisions without deviating unless amending the plan. Not following the provisions can lead to plan disqualification. This article reviews the consequences of disqualification and ways for plan sponsors to correct any mistakes that may lead to disqualification. Yarish v. Commissioner, 139 T.C. 11
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Back to Basics – Are your borrowers protected against cybercrime?
October / November 2013
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 436
Abstract: As the Internet grows as a retail channel, so too grows the risk of Internet fraud. Lenders should be aware of the latest scams that could affect their customers and impair debt service. This article discusses common online fraud tactics and how to identify high-risk activities.
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Q&A: “Percentage of completion”
October / November 2013
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 593
Abstract: Revenues from projects that span more than one calendar year are typically recorded under the percentage of completion method, according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. This article discusses what lenders need to know about this accounting method to better evaluate their borrowers’ performance. It answers questions about who uses this method, how it works, and how it’s different from the revenue recognition principle.
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Lenders can help with a changing of the guard
October / November 2013
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 639
Abstract: At some point every business outgrows its first-generation entrepreneurs. In order to recognize when it’s time to upgrade management, lenders need to visit the borrower’s premises to get acquainted with the people behind the numbers. Should a family member take over the reins, or would the company be better off with someone else — an internal person, or someone from the outside? As this article explains, lenders and accountants can introduce borrowers to their networks of business contacts and render sound advice.
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Don’t forget repairs and maintenance – Skimping on routine upkeep ultimately costs more
October / November 2013
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 865
Abstract: Fixed assets are often pledged as loan collateral. So lenders have a vested interest in making sure they’re adequately maintained. This article discusses how to get a closer look at how clients keep house, starting with the fixed asset register and moving on to the formal repairs and maintenance schedule. It also looks at due diligence and benchmarking, while a sidebar discusses when it’s smarter to replace a broken or worn asset, rather than to repair or maintain it.
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Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family – Giving thanks for family financial planning
October / November 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 442
Abstract: In this issue, “Practical Perspectives” looks at a couple who were looking forward to their Thanksgiving dinner, with their large extended family present. Their financial advisor noted that this would present an opportunity to look at the older and younger generations gathered at the table and think about their financial needs in the coming years.
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Moneylines: News briefs for businesses
October / November 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 288
Abstract: This issue’s “Moneylines” discusses a survey predicting that health care costs will see lower growth in 2014. It also discusses a court case in which a company was found guilty of violating minimum wage laws when it failed to pay interns, and cites a survey which found that many small-business owners aren’t financially ready for retirement.
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Business structure: The choice is yours
October / November 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 662
Abstract: As year end nears, business owners have a variety of specific tax issues to consider. But it might be well to consider some big-picture matters as well — such as business structure. Three popular entity types — the C corporation, the S corporation and the limited liability company (LLC) — all limit their owners’ exposure to personal liability for company debts and obligations. But, as this article explains, there are some noteworthy differences between them.
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Is it time to streamline? New financial statement framework could be for you
October / November 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1033
Abstract: When it comes to reporting financial results, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) aren’t the only game in town. This past summer, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) released a new type of special purpose framework to ease financial reporting for smaller, privately held, owner-managed companies not required to follow GAAP. This article explains how this framework delivers data in a much more streamlined, less costly format, and discusses the ideal candidates for it. But a sidebar notes that the road to widespread acceptance will probably be slow.
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Lease accounting proposals likely to affect most companies
October / November 2013
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 322
Abstract: The Financial Accounting Standards Board and the International Accounting Standards Board are reviewing comments on their joint proposal to overhaul the lease accounting standards. If adopted, the new standards would affect virtually every company involved in lease transactions. This article examines the details.
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Fair disclosure in the Internet age – Using social media for corporate announcements
October / November 2013
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 744
Abstract: Public companies are increasingly using social media outlets, such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, to make important announcements. But these relatively new communication channels raise questions about compliance with Regulation FD, the SEC’s “fair disclosure” regulation. This article discusses SEC guidance to address these questions.
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Targeting financial fraud – A look at the SEC’s newest weapon
October / November 2013
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 520
Abstract: After focusing on financial-crisis-related cases for several years, the SEC is once again turning its attention to accounting fraud and other financial-disclosure issues. The Commission is developing software that sifts through the numbers and language in financial reports for warning signs that earnings have been manipulated or results misstated. This article explains how language — ranging from a higher word count to fewer colons and present tense verbs — could signal potential fraud.
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Insider trading – How a 10b5-1 plan may help reduce risk
October / November 2013
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 838
Abstract: “Insider trading” is a highly charged term, but it’s not necessarily illegal for corporate insiders to buy and sell stock or other securities. Nevertheless, even well-intentioned trades by insiders can cause trouble for public companies. One of the most effective defenses against liability for illegal insider trading is a 10b5-1 trading plan that’s independently administered by a broker or other third party. This article explains how a 10b5-1 plan should be designed and describes best practices to follow even with such a plan. A sidebar discusses legal vs. illegal activities.