Focus
Showing 369–384 of 393 results
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Reduce your environmental footprint and kick up your bottom line
October / November 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 503
Abstract: With growing concerns over pollution, global warming and wasteful consumption of nonrenewable resources, businesses are under pressure to reduce their environmental “footprint.” This article explains how making environmental responsibility a priority will enable you to help preserve the planet, and it also may help you save money and improve your business’s profitability.
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Don’t let multistate taxation multiply your taxes
October / November 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 499
Abstract: Technological advances have made it much easier to do business across the country and around the world. But these new opportunities come at a price: If you do business across state lines, it’s important to analyze your activities in each state to avoid triggering unwanted taxes. This article explains the issue of “nexus,” and how and when another state can apply its income, franchise or sales and use taxes to your business. It also shows you how to use multistate taxation to your advantage.
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Is your company protected? The independent contractor vs. employee dilemma
October / November 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 946
Abstract: The IRS has been working hard defining worker classification. What’s at stake for your company? Depending on its size, if you misclassify an employee as an independent contractor, you’ll likely face substantial financial consequences. This article describes the steps you can take to protect yourself. An informative sidebar gives the rundown on what the IRS looks at when classifying workers.
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Enhance your estate planning with a joint purchase
October / November 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 343
Abstract: Estate planning tools can range from simple to mind-numbingly complex. While a sophisticated strategy is often the best way to accomplish your objectives, in some cases the simplest technique can be powerfully effective. This brief article discusses the joint purchase of a home, a relatively simple estate planning tool that can help you achieve significant tax savings.
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Saving for college: Study your options and plan ahead
October / November 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 752
Abstract: Costs for college tuition and related expenses continue to soar. In fact, tuition and fees rose an average 2.9% after inflation for private four-year colleges, and 4.4% for public four-year institutions annually during the past decade, according to a 2007 College Board report. Such reports should light a fire under parents who are dragging their feet when it comes to saving for college. This article looks at some options that may help you reach your goals — financially and academically.
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Is your tax “house” in order?
August / September 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 351
Abstract: If you use household employees — such as nannies, gardeners, housekeepers, cooks or health care workers — it’s important to understand your tax obligations. If you fail to pay employment taxes, you risk substantial back taxes, penalties and interest. This brief article asks these key questions: “Are you a household employer?” “What are your tax responsibilities?” and “When do you pay the taxes?” And then it provides the answers so you can better understand your tax responsibilities in regard to household employees.
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Surviving divorce: Vow to protect your financial interests
August / September 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 754
Abstract: It’s hard to ignore the facts: More than half of all married couples will get divorced. For those who are among the unlucky-in-love, the last thing they need is unnecessary financial suffering on top of the emotional trauma. This article explores some ways married couples can protect themselves financially before and during marriage, as well as during and after divorce proceedings.
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How to sow seeds of business innovation
August / September 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 439
Abstract: To innovate means to continually work at applying new ideas for growing a business and developing, targeting and delivering better products and services. This article discusses the “seeds” of innovation, including vision, collaboration and motivation. By planting the seeds of innovation and establishing a formal program, you can help ensure a bountiful harvest of new business ideas. (Updated 1/4/12)
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Section 1244 stock offers small business investors a big advantage
August / September 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 518
Abstract: Investing in a small business — especially a startup venture — can be risky. But, investing in these companies can have its rewards. Internal Revenue Code Section 1244 provides tax-advantaged treatment for investors in “qualified small business corporations.” This article takes a look at how Sec. 1244 stock can work for you.
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3 depreciation tips you’ll appreciate
August / September 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 974
Abstract: To encourage business investment, the tax code provides opportunities for companies to deduct the cost of depreciable assets more quickly or even “expense” them — that is, deduct the full cost in the year they’re purchased. This article offers three tips for making the most of these opportunities. A sidebar discusses provisions in the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 that enhance depreciation deductions.
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3 ways to keep inventory under control
June / July 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 330
Abstract: Excessive or obsolete inventory can be a big drain on your cash flow. In addition to the cost of purchasing or manufacturing it, there’s a significant cost just to keep it on your shelves. The more inventory you have, the greater your expenses for transportation, storage, handling, insurance and financing. In some states, inventory is even subject to personal property tax. This article describes three ways to keep inventory (and your costs) under control. (Updated 4/4/12)
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Be the top dog: Use search engine optimization
June / July 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 488
Abstract: In today’s plugged-in business world, your customers have a plethora of Internet-based information search tools—commonly known as search engines—at their fingertips to quickly locate products and services. The return on investment in your company’s Web site depends largely on how quickly prospects can locate your site when using these tools. This article offers some tips on how to get your URL listed higher on search engine result pages.
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Managing your credit history
June / July 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 569
Abstract: Like most people, you’re probably well aware of the importance of managing your credit history to protect your standing among current and future lenders. What you may not know, however, is how to go about doing it. This article gives you the lowdown on how to obtain your credit reports (free of charge), what to look for on those reports and how to defend your position if you detect fraudulent activity.
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Let’s be reasonable – Setting salaries for S corporation owners
June / July 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 834
Abstract: If your business is an S corporation, the way you characterize payments to owners who work in the business can have a significant tax impact. For instance, failure to pay reasonable salaries to these shareholder-employees raises a red flag for the IRS. And if the agency reclassifies distributions of corporate profits as wages, you may be hit with a hefty bill for back payroll taxes, penalties and interest. This article offers tips on how to ensure salaries are reasonable. A sidebar illustrates how costly not doing so can be.
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How can you make the most of Social Security?
June / July 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 680
Abstract: As life expectancies grow, planning for retirement is more important than ever. For some people, Social Security will be a significant source of income. For others, it will make up a relatively small portion of their retirement funds. Either way, it pays to maximize the benefits. This article gives some guidelines to help you determine when you should start collecting benefits. For example, you’ll need to consider your life expectancy, other sources of income and your career plans. (Updated 1/3/12)
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Why your company needs a travel policy
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 572
Abstract: If your employees travel regularly for business, it’s important to develop a written travel policy. A well-designed policy has many benefits: It provides employees with guidance on appropriate business spending, helps you control your travel costs, and ensures that you have the documentation needed to support income tax deductions and withholding and payroll tax exclusions. This article explains how to develop a travel policy for your employees. A sidebar delves into the subject of per diems. (Updated 4/4/12)