Spring
Showing 145–160 of 759 results
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Rental real estate – Determining if a property is a business or an investment
Spring 2020
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 865
Abstract: If you own rental real estate, its classification as a trade or business rather than an investment can have a big impact on your tax bill. The distinction is even more important now considering the 20% qualified business income (QBI) deduction for certain sole proprietors and pass-through entity owners. This article provides a brief overview of the deduction and rental real estate guidance related to it. A sidebar spotlights the IRS definition of “real estate professional” as it relates to this tax matter.
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Work Opportunity Tax Credit extended through 2020
Spring 2020
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 447
Abstract: 2020 may be a good year for hiring, especially after the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act extended the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) through 2020. This federal income tax credit is available to businesses that hire members of certain “targeted” groups. This brief article examines how the credit can benefit manufacturing businesses.
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Why manufacturers can’t afford to ignore cybersecurity
Spring 2020
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 549
Abstract: Many manufacturers have a false sense of calm when it comes to cybersecurity. They incorrectly assume their risk of a cyberattack is low because they don’t sell products on the Internet or gather credit card information and other sensitive data from customers. In recent years, hackers looking for the next big score have found that manufacturers are an attractive target. This article looks at why it’s a good idea to conduct a risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities and take steps to shore up defenses.
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Independent contractor vs. employee – Beware: Worker classification is an IRS hot button
Spring 2020
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 638
Abstract: Treating a worker as an independent contractor (IC) rather than an employee can provide a business with important advantages. But simply labeling someone an IC doesn’t make it so. Whether a worker is properly classified as an IC or employee depends on several factors targeting the level of control the employer exerts over the worker. This article discusses the benefits of ICs, the IRS’s preference and the control factors that are considered when determining whether a worker is an IC or an employee.
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Four strategies for closing the skills gap
Spring 2020
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 862
Abstract: As technology continues to advance at a dizzying pace, manufacturers are facing a growing skills gap. The increasing role of automation, robotics, machine learning, artificial intelligence and other innovations is rendering many traditional manufacturing jobs obsolete. At the same time, manufacturers are finding that the skilled workers they need to operate a modern facility are in short supply. The situation is exacerbated by a tight labor market and millions of retiring Baby Boomers. This article examines four strategies for manufacturers who are faced with a skills gap. A brief sidebar discusses the deferral of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), from 2020 to 2021 for certain companies.
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Floor plan lending – The importance of remaining in trust
Spring 2020
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 348
Abstract: Remaining in good standing with floor plan lenders is critical to financial success for most dealerships. This article discusses how lenders monitor trust compliance in varied ways.
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How large should your sales staff be?
Spring 2020
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 600
Abstract: Based on current and projected sales in a dealership’s part of the country, how does a dealer know the ideal size for its sales staff? This article describes steps a dealer can take, including considering monthly gross profits, to determine a store’s optimal sales staff level.
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Prepare your dealership for a disaster
Spring 2020
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 691
Abstract: Your disaster recovery plan should account for how your dealership will respond to a wide range of both natural and manmade disasters. This article discusses cornerstones of a plan, such as how you’ll reopen quickly, stay financially viable and assess your insurance coverage.
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3 ways to boost fixed operations’ profits
Spring 2020
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 827
Abstract: New vehicle sales reportedly generate 26% of a dealership’s gross profit and used vehicle sales generate 25% of gross profit. Parts and service generate 49% of gross profit! In other words, parts and service (commonly referred to as “fixed operations”) generally account for about the same percentage of a dealership’s gross profit as new and used vehicle sales combined. This article suggests three ways to boost profits in your fixed operations. A sidebar, “Focus on KPIs,” offers several KPIs related to the service department, along with some useful industry benchmarks.
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LEED isn’t the only green-building game in town
Spring 2020
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 440
Abstract: Mention “green building” and most contractors think of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. LEED may be the front-runner in green building rating systems, but it’s not the only game in town. This brief article runs down alternatives that construction companies may encounter when working with project owners.
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Industry trends: Megaprojects are on the rise
Spring 2020
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 534
Abstract: They’re big, and they’re big business. Megaprojects, large-scale and often high-profile construction projects that cost $1 billion or more, are taking the industry by storm. This article provides some stunning statistics on the trend and suggests questions a contractor should ask before submitting a bid.
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Reviewing the finer points of the Section 199A tax deduction
Spring 2020
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 666
Abstract: It’s been over a year since the IRS issued final regulations regarding Internal Revenue Code Section 199A. This Code Section created a tax deduction enabling owners of sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies and S corporations to write off up to 20% of their qualified business income. This article reviews the limits and construction specifics of the tax break.
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A surgical approach – Sharpen your project accounting with activity-based costing
Spring 2020
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 934
Abstract: Activity-based costing is an accounting methodology that identifies activities and assigns a “cost driver” to each one based on resources consumed. This article explains how this approach can be applied to various jobsite activities. A sidebar points out that, once proper formulas are established, cost-driver calculations can often be applied for a long time.
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Study highlights the threat of ALSPs
Spring 2019
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 472
Abstract: A new report from the Center on Ethics and the Legal Profession at Georgetown University Law School and Thomson Reuters Legal Executive Institute (LEI) could cause some soul searching among law firms. The 2019 Report on the State of the Legal Market reveals that the traditional law firm business model is crumbling due to new market realities — including the expanding availability of alternative legal service providers (ALSPs). The article briefly highlights what firms should take away from the report.
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The call’s coming from inside – Fighting fraud in your firm
Spring 2019
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 608
Abstract: Law firms usually are stocked to the rafters with intelligent people, but they’re not immune to fraud. In fact, these businesses generally may share characteristics that can make them particularly vulnerable. That’s why this article discusses what law firms need to know, what to look for and how to protect themselves from schemes perpetrated by attorneys, managers or support staff.
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How to handle collections — and boost cash flow
Spring 2019
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 643
Abstract: For most law firms, it’s a familiar pattern: While some clients remit promptly, others drag their feet, and regrettably, some may not pay at all. Because attorneys generally can’t withdraw representation based solely on a client’s failure to timely pay an invoice, firms must have a system in place that improves collections. This article highlights why doing so will have a positive effect on the firm’s cash flow.