Focus
Showing 209–224 of 393 results
-
Section 125 cafeteria plans – Take note of recent IRS changes
April / May 2015
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 438
Abstract: Those who offer employees health care coverage under a Section 125 cafeteria plan should be aware that the IRS has made some recent changes. New rules now expand an employee’s ability to revoke coverage during the plan year. The rules are intended to make it easier for them to adjust coverage to better meet their needs. This article delves into the changes.
-
Close to retirement? Then you need an exit strategy
April / May 2015
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 638
Abstract: A business owner’s most valuable asset is likely his or her closely held interest in that company. And those nearing retirement need an exit strategy. The good news is that there are many options to consider. This article provides a few of those options.
-
How to keep your spouse in the loop, financially
April / May 2015
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 602
Abstract: It’s critical to ensure that a spouse remains in solid financial shape should he or she outlive the other. To make this happen, there are a variety of important areas to consider, such as Social Security, pensions, beneficiary designations and dual participation. This article offers information on all those options.
-
Watch out! FATCA requires disclosures of foreign accounts
April / May 2015
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 882
Abstract: Those who hold assets such as bank and other financial accounts or securities from companies outside the United States may need to report them to the IRS. FATCA requires some U.S. taxpayers who have interests in “specified foreign financial assets,” or SFFAs, to provide information on them to the IRS via Form 8938, “Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets.” Among the assets the IRS considers SFFAs are foreign financial accounts and instruments, as well as foreign stocks and securities held for investment rather than for use in a business. This article provides critical information to avoid running afoul of foreign accounts.
-
Watch out! There are new rules regarding excepted benefits
February / March 2015
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 416
Abstract: Companies that offer dental, vision, long-term care or employee assistance plans need to pay attention to new regulations jointly issued by the IRS, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Health and Human Services. The new rules should make these plans more attractive to both employers and employees. The regs address limited excepted benefits, which are separate from employers’ group health plans. This article explains the significance.
-
Are you classifying your employees correctly?
February / March 2015
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 650
Abstract: How does one tell if they’re correctly classifying employees as exempt or hourly? Breaking through the confusion and getting this responsibility right is critical, because incorrect employee classifications can expose a company to significant fines, legal action and negative publicity. This article provides a review of FLSA rules regarding exempt vs. nonexempt employees.
-
Oops … My family business chose the wrong successor
February / March 2015
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 619
Abstract: If a family business realizes it has chosen the wrong successor, there are several options that might be available. The process begins with getting others’ opinions and then working with the successor to determine where the problem lies. It might not necessarily lie with the successor — but, if the decision is made to pick someone else, this article describes steps to take.
-
Miscellaneous itemized deductions – What you can — and can’t — deduct
February / March 2015
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 891
Abstract: Most taxpayers are very familiar with itemized deductions related to home ownership, medical expenses and charitable donations. But many are less familiar with miscellaneous itemized deductions. These are divided into two broad categories: those that can be deducted to the extent the total exceeds 2% of adjusted gross income, and those that aren’t subject to the 2% floor. This article explains miscellaneous expenses that are deductible, and those that aren’t. And a sidebar notes that miscellaneous itemized deductions aren’t always useful for taxpayers who owe the alternative minimum tax.
-
Mission impossible? How to manage the millennial generation
Year End 2014
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 435
Abstract: With millennials composing an increasing share of the workforce, effectively managing them is critical. It helps to examine their work habits and attitudes, separating fact from fiction. This article looks at several surveys’ findings about what millennials value in their careers.
-
Don’t let excess liabilities rain down on you – An umbrella insurance policy can provide shelter
Year End 2014
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 710
Abstract: There are many reasons to consider an umbrella insurance policy. Just the word “umbrella” indicates that the policy’s reach goes beyond standard homeowners and auto insurance, protecting you from excess liabilities. But many consumers don’t understand just how valuable umbrella coverage can be. This article examines what such policies cover (and don’t cover) and how to determine an appropriate level of coverage.
-
Tax breaks you can get from Uncle Sam when caring for a parent
Year End 2014
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 590
Abstract: Providing care for a parent, grandparent or other older relatives can be rewarding. But it can also be expensive. Fortunately, some federal tax breaks can help ease the financial strain. In particular, this article takes a look at claiming a parent or other older relative as a dependent and describes deductions for medical expenses and dependent care.
-
What could be simpler? SIMPLEs make it easier for small employers to offer a retirement plan
Year End 2014
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 853
Abstract: Providing an employee retirement plan can be challenging, especially for smaller companies. But SIMPLEs — Savings Incentive Match Plans for Employees — are, as their name suggests, simpler to set up, contribute to and maintain than many other plans. This article discusses eligibility criteria and decisions that must be made regarding choosing a trustee and the manner of contributing to employees’ accounts. But a sidebar mentions a few drawbacks of SIMPLEs.
-
The ins and outs of reverse mortgages – Be sure to run the numbers
October / November 2014
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 410
Abstract: Reverse mortgages have been both touted as a solution for older homeowners who are struggling financially and criticized for the fees associated with them. Both observations carry some truth. But reverse mortgages can play a role in the financial plans of seniors who are relatively well off. This article explains the basics and why they can be a sensible option for some homeowners. But they are complicated financial instruments that require close consideration.
-
Putting the brakes on employee fraud
October / November 2014
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 668
Abstract: The average business loses about 5% of its annual revenue to fraudulent actions by employees, according to estimates provided by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). The median loss? A hefty $145,000. And companies with fewer than 100 employees tend to suffer disproportionately. This article offers six tips for avoiding fraud.
-
Long-term care insurance: Good or bad?
October / November 2014
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 664
Abstract: Long-term care (LTC) insurance policies help pay for the cost of long-term nursing care or assistance with activities of daily living — but the cost of premiums can run several thousand dollars annually. This article discusses whether it might be better to purchase such a policy earlier vs. later and explains some of the legal terms that are commonly used in LTC policies.
-
It’s time to go SHOPping – How to navigate Small Business Health Options Program Marketplaces
October / November 2014
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 876
Abstract: Small companies have another option for providing workers with health insurance: the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace. This article explains the levels of plans that are available and the criteria that employers must meet to qualify. A sidebar notes that the Department of Health and Human Services has allowed some states to delay implementation of “employee choice” in their SHOP Marketplaces until 2016.