October / November
Showing 49–64 of 469 results
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Estate Planning Pitfall – You haven’t updated your estate plan after a move
October / November 2021
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 256
Abstract: There are several reasons a person might pick up and move to another state, such as a change in jobs, a desire for a better climate, an opportunity to downsize or to be closer to loved ones. This brief article explains why it’s critical to update estate planning documents after making the move.
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Behold the 21st century will: the e-will!
October / November 2021
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 609
Abstract: A will is commonly drafted in a lawyer’s office in the presence of witnesses and a notary public. However, this scene is slowly changing with the rising popularity of electronic wills (e-wills). This article discusses the Uniform Electronic Wills Act and lists the advantages and disadvantages of e-wills.
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Protecting business wealth from creditors
October / November 2021
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 791
Abstract: Business owners likely have worked long and hard to achieve their goals. It would be a shame if creditors were able to reach their assets before they’ve transferred wealth to the younger generation. This article examines several asset protection strategies business owners can employ with the goal of holding on to more of their wealth to pass on to loved ones.
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The return of RMDs – COVID-19-related suspension of RMDs is a thing of the past
October / November 2021
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 881
Abstract: The temporary reprieve is over. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress suspended the rules for required minimum distributions (RMDs) in 2020, including inherited accounts. But the rules have been restored for the 2021 tax year. Essentially, participants in qualified plans and IRAs who’ve reached their required beginning date must take distributions this year or potentially pay a hefty penalty. This article explains RMD rules and details what an individual must do before year end. A sidebar details the RMD options an individual has if he or has multiple accounts.
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Budgeting for baby
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 583
Abstract: According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the cost of raising a baby to age 18 can top $230,000, after factoring in generally higher housing costs, health care and other expenses — but before including college costs. In light of these facts, this article suggests several steps that will help bolster a family’s financial stability, including obtaining the right kinds of insurance and reviewing tax breaks for dependent care.
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Timing is everything – Take advantage of temporary rule changes in your year-end tax planning
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 450
Abstract: It’s the time of year when businesses often consider income-tax-minimizing strategies such as deferring revenue and accelerating expenses. But the COVID-19 pandemic, the resulting economic downturn and the upcoming election put a different spin on this year’s tax planning. This article offers some tactics worth considering now, such as writing off bad debt. In addition, the article notes that the CARES Act extends additional tax relief that could reduce liability.
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What are the pros and cons of the new QIP depreciation breaks?
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 760
Abstract: One tax benefit of the CARES Act is that it allows real property owners to depreciate real estate qualified improvement property (QIP) faster than before. This article points out that the rule change was made in response to an earlier drafting error in the 2017 TCJA. Under the CARES Act, QIP is now included in the Internal Revenue Code’s definition of 15-year property, so it can be depreciated over 15 years for federal income tax purposes. The article explains the possible benefits and drawbacks of the new QIP depreciation tax breaks.
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Year-end tax planning tips for individuals – 2020 presents challenges and opportunities
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 908
Abstract: COVID-19’s impact is being felt across the financial spectrum, from lower interest rates, slashed dividends and reduced incomes to unpredictable stock market swings. At this volatile time, it’s important for individuals to be aware of some potential strategies for reducing their income tax liability before the end of the year. These include charitable giving and converting pretax traditional IRAs to after-tax Roth IRAs. A sidebar discusses strategies related to gift and estate taxes.
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COMPLIANCE ALERT
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 146
Abstract: This feature lists a few key tax reporting deadlines for October and November.
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IRS issues additional CARES Act guidance
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 434
Abstract: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act eliminates penalties and provides opportunities for tax minimization for participants who take preretirement distributions and plan loans to alleviate financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This brief article reviews some of the guidance issued by the IRS to help plan sponsors properly handle these plan distributions and loans. Source: IRS Notice 2020-50
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Understanding private equity investments in defined-contribution plans
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 602
Abstract: A recent “information letter” from the Department of Labor (DOL) is likely to open the doors to private equity investments by 401(k) plan participants. The DOL was responding to an inquiry from a law firm on behalf of a pair of private equity management companies exploring potential new sources of investment dollars. This article examines the letter and its implications.
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New electronic plan document disclosure rules in effect
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: Long-awaited updated Department of Labor (DOL) regulations governing electronic delivery of plan documents took effect on July 27, 2020. They supplement safe harbor e-disclosure regulations issued in 2002, and expand plan sponsors’ options for streamlining the dissemination of required documents to plan participants. This article looks at how the rules should help participants stay up to date on their qualified retirement plans.
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Should you establish a retirement plan governance committee?
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 954
Abstract: Retirement plan governance is the system through which key decisions are made about strategy and operations — including plan design, administration and investment choices. Typically, at the core of plan governance is an official plan committee. Although the Department of Labor (DOL) and IRS don’t require a plan governance committee, it’s widely considered a best practice. This article reviews what plan sponsors should know about setting up and maintaining a plan committee, while a short sidebar highlights ERISA’s “procedural prudence” standard.
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News for Nonprofits – Majority of charities worldwide report donation decline
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 421
Abstract: This issue’s “News for Nonprofits” highlights the worldwide decline of charitable donations due to COVID-19, the increased incentive for nonprofit employees to unionize, and proposed legislation that would expand the charitable-giving deduction.
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Should you buy or lease your headquarters?
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 630
Abstract: Current economic challenges are leading many nonprofits to take a close look at their expenses. Their facilities costs may be overlooked during a cost-cutting process because they seem unavoidable. But the choice between renting and buying property to house the organization can have substantial cost implications. This article evaluates the pros and cons of each option.
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Board of directors – Teach them well: Financial literacy is key
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 611
Abstract: Not every board member arrives at a nonprofit organization with a financial background. This article offers some suggestions for relaying vital financial information that board members need to know to make sound decisions. It discusses the balance sheet and income statements and tells a story through ratios.