Focus
Showing 161–176 of 393 results
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The ins and outs of W-2 phishing scams
April / May 2017
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 414
Abstract: In a traditional phishing scam, a criminal tricks someone into providing confidential information, and then uses it to steal money or the victim’s identity. The W-2 phishing scam is just one variation. This brief article describes how a W-2 phishing scam works and explains how businesses can take steps to reduce their risk. The article points out that education is key, so it’s important to inform all employees — particularly those in areas that handle sensitive data — of the scams.
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What are the tax implications of hiring household help?
April / May 2017
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 684
Abstract: When hiring household help, it’s important to stay on top of the relevant tax and reporting obligations to ensure things continue to run without a hitch. This article explains some of the basic tax-related responsibilities associated with household workers, such as the need to record employees’ names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and cash and noncash wages paid to them and the obligation to retain this information for at least four years after the due date of the tax return.
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Be prepared for long-term care
April / May 2017
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 774
Abstract: Although the need for long-term care (LTC) may be far in the future for many of us, it’s never too soon to plan for it. This article describes the benefits of LTC insurance and defines some common terminology, such as the “benefit trigger” and the “elimination period.” The article notes that the decision of whether to buy LTC insurance depends on a variety of factors, including net worth and estate planning goals.
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7 tactics for boosting your bottom line
April / May 2017
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 868
Abstract: Sales growth and expense control requires continual creative and critical thinking. Both management and employees need to question how things are done, look for ways to improve, and implement the changes likely to improve operations. Management needs to have a handle on the current sales breakdown between product lines and customer segments and the expenses making up the bulk of costs. This article provides seven strategies to help increase sales and decrease costs, including partnering with other sellers and leveraging social media. A sidebar notes that expanding the company’s product or service lines can bring in more revenue.
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How to limit risk when personally guaranteeing a business loan
February / March 2017
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 449
Abstract: What happens when a business requires money, but the financial institution requires a personal guarantee before it will lend any? Signing a personal guarantee isn’t a step to take lightly — it may allow the lender to go after personal assets if the business goes south. This article looks at some steps owners can take to mitigate the risk, including negotiating a guarantee that’s for some percentage of the loan amount and asking that the amount guaranteed drop as timely repayments are made.
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An IRS audit isn’t the end of the world
February / March 2017
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 638
Abstract: Most Americans dread getting word that the IRS intends to audit their tax returns. Though it’s unlikely most of us ever will, it’s good to be aware of steps to take to reduce the difficulties and make the process go more smoothly, such as gathering the information needed to respond appropriately, including invoices, canceled checks and receipts (as well as the tax return for the year(s) in question), and making duplicates of any documents you’ll need to provide the IRS.
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Get the lowdown on Roth 401(k) plans
February / March 2017
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 633
Abstract: A Roth 401(k) plan shares features with both traditional 401(k) plans and Roth IRAs. This article looks at some of the plan’s specific features and how such a plan can benefit some employees, especially if they’re high-income earners and if they’re concerned that their tax rate may be higher in retirement. While the ability to contribute to a Roth IRA is reduced or even eliminated if a taxpayer’s income exceeds certain amounts, no such limits apply to Roth 401(k)s.
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Simplify, simplify, simplify – Increase in the de minimis safe harbor for tangible property helps small businesses
February / March 2017
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 855
Abstract: In late 2015, IRS Notice 2015-82 increased the de minimis safe harbor for deducting (rather than capitalizing) the amounts paid to acquire, produce or improve tangible property. The increase is from $500 to $2,500 per item for small businesses that don’t have “applicable financial statements.” This article explains the new notice’s benefits and requirements, suggesting that businesses that don’t have applicable financial statements will want to revisit their policies for capitalizing purchases of tangible property, in light of the new rule. A sidebar notes that, for businesses with applicable financial statements, the safe harbor remains unchanged.
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How to manage a windfall
Year End 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 429
Abstract: Coming into a large sum of money, whether from an inheritance, a gift or a legal settlement, is a good thing, but it can also have its down sides. Managing a windfall responsibly — with discipline, thoughtfulness and planning — is critical. This article provides some guidelines to help ensure financial security and achieve goals in the long term.
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8 questions to ask before opening a second location
Year End 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 645
Abstract: Before opening a second location, it’s wise to ask some key questions to get a better sense of whether that new location will actually be successful. Issues to address include how well your current location is performing and how expansion might affect business at both locations. The article notes the importance of duplicating the people and processes that are keeping the current location running smoothly — and profitably.
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Do you know the tax impact of your collectibles?
Year End 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 634
Abstract: Many collectibles are more sought after, and more valuable, than ever. But that value has tax consequences when collectibles are sold at a profit, donated to charity or transferred to the next generation. This article explains those tax consequences and some of the applicable IRS rules.
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Choosing between a calendar year and a fiscal year
Year End 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 848
Abstract: Business owners typically use a calendar year as their company’s tax year. But for businesses whose primary operating season doesn’t fall neatly within a single calendar year, choosing a fiscal year end can make more sense. This article notes the tax implications of both a calendar and a fiscal year and discusses the reasons for choosing one over the other.
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Beware of fake charities
October / November 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 400
Abstract: This brief article offers some clues that a charitable organization might be fraudulent, including having a confusing name, providing little information about its mission, using high-pressure tactics and exploiting disasters. The article explains how to ensure charitable gifts are used by legitimate charities.
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Your loss can be your gain – Lowering tax liability in stock trading
October / November 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 550
Abstract: Investors can use capital losses to offset any capital gains they realize in that same tax year — even if one is short term and the other is long term. This article discusses some strategies that can be used to turn capital losses into opportunities and end the year on a high note.
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3 year-end tax-planning tips for business owners
October / November 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 705
Abstract: Before the end of the year, many business owners can take a few steps to ensure their businesses pay no more than their fair share of taxes. This article shares three tips that aren’t difficult to implement and could make a significant difference, including deferring income into next year or accelerating expenses into this year, and using the research credit.
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Preparing for the new overtime rules
October / November 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 926
Abstract: New regulations announced by the DOL in May 2016 will significantly change the minimum salary level for workers in white collar positions to be exempt from overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act. This article explains who will be covered and discusses the three tests executive, administrative and professional workers must pass before they’re exempt from overtime pay.