Construction & Real Estate
Showing 977–992 of 1263 results
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A different animal – Federal projects bring a variety of challenges
Winter 2011
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 889
Abstract: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the “stimulus act”) appropriated billions of dollars in construction spending. Only now, however, are many of these projects finally arriving. But federal contracting warrants some careful preparation. These jobs are a far different animal from their privately funded counterparts. This article explains the types of competitors involved, the bidding process, and the tax ramifications. A sidebar points out that there are also ethical requirements involved.
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3 areas of fraud-proofing to focus on
Winter 2011
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 429
Abstract: As the economy continues to challenge everyone, the motivation for some employees to steal isn’t hard to understand. One way to divide and potentially conquer fraudsters is to focus on the three primary areas where fraud typically can occur: in the office, during banking transactions, and on the job site. This article offers tips.
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Construction Success Story – Competitive contractor looks to labor burden costs
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 413
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” discusses a midsize excavation specialist who, facing a request for proposal for a potentially lucrative project, wanted some input on where he should focus his attention to stay within his means but still be competitive. The first thing the advisor suggested was to look at the labor burden cost per production hour — a stat that measures the costs of labor beyond compensation. Putting a hard number to this concept could help the contractor determine his true costs and prepare a feasible bid.
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Get your employees involved in accident prevention
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 437
Abstract: Accidents and injuries lead not only to detrimental medical and morale consequences, but also to financial and, often, legal ones. Naturally, there are a variety of ways to encourage safety. But few of them are likely to be effective without one key ingredient: the participation of employees. This article discusses how to train and supervise employees and to make sure subcontractors are on board.
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Are you mishandling your independent contractors? The IRS is watching more closely than ever
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 658
Abstract: For many years now, the IRS has been monitoring, in some cases challenging, employers’ handling of independent contractors. At issue: the agency’s contention that some companies are misclassifying employees as independent contractors. And construction companies are particularly in danger of running into classification troubles. This article explains how to distinguish between the two categories, and what to do if cases of misclassification are found.
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Prevailing at procurement – Tips for succeeding in federal government contracting
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 905
Abstract: The passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 allocated $787 billion for infrastructure (and other) projects. Winning bidders of federal jobs typically enjoy substantive contracts, steady work and assured compensation, making the arduous procurement process worthwhile. This article is designed to help contractors with no experience in this area determine whether federal construction opportunities would be attractive. It lists websites that are helpful in negotiating the process, while a sidebar offers three sources to make contact with organizations whose members have experienced government contracting.
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Contractor’s Toolbox – Getting to the job: Transportation or commuting?
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 410
Abstract: Few areas of tax law are more confusing than the distinction between deductible transportation expenses and nondeductible commuting expenses. This issue is important for contractors and construction workers, who often travel from home to one or more temporary job sites or who use a home office as a base. This article shows how the IRS sees it.
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Structural engineering – How separate entities can strengthen your firm
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 598
Abstract: Each form of business — whether it’s a sole proprietorship, C or S corporation, limited liability company (LLC), or partnership — offers different advantages and disadvantages for a contractor. But there can be potential advantages to operating segments of a business through separate legal entities. This article shows how such a practice can reduce risk, offer tax advantages, help with succession and estate planning, and increase bonding capacity.
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Don’t let profit fade wipe out your bottom line
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 687
Abstract: Many construction projects fall prey to what’s known as “profit fade.” In many cases, this costly problem comes into play when a job goes awry, taking with it the expected profit margin. This article shows how doing one’s homework, expecting the unexpected, and writing clear, specific contracts can help prevent profit fade from wiping out the bottom line — and make a surety more confident in one’s ability to make a profit.
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A blueprint for strong cash flow
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 820
Abstract: Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, but it’s particularly critical for construction companies. It’s essential to lay a solid foundation for healthy cash flow, starting with the contract. In many cases, it’s possible to negotiate contract terms that can accelerate the flow of cash. This article looks at such terms, including payment terms, retainage provisions, change order procedures and requisitions. A sidebar offers nine cash-flow management tips.
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Ask the Advisor – How are reportable income and deductions determined?
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 414
Abstract: Determining rental income and deductions for federal tax purposes isn’t always as straightforward as it might seem. Sources of taxable rental income can be overlooked and deductions can be overstated. If such mistakes are uncovered in an IRS audit, they could prove costly. This article looks at the variety of sources that can constitute rental income, along with deductions that will and will not be allowed.
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Minimizing the bite of property taxes
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 644
Abstract: With many states and municipalities coming up against budget shortfalls, real estate owners and investors will likely see property tax hikes in the near future. But this article explains that there are three ways to minimize the pain: Watch out for double dipping, understand how cap rates affect property tax assessments, and take available tax credits.
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Be prepared: New accounting standards are fast approaching
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 549
Abstract: Since 2008, the United States has been slowly moving closer to adopting International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Transitioning to IFRS from U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), seen by most experts as inevitable, could have significant consequences. This article discusses the differences between GAAP and IFRS and explains how they pertain to real estate companies.
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Need financing for a new project? Let tax credits come to the rescue
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 994
Abstract: When launching a new project, it might be difficult for a developer with high loan-to-value ratios to secure financing from lenders. But on the right project, some tax credits may generate the equity needed to bridge the gap. This article looks at low-income housing tax credits, rehabilitation tax credits, and the new markets tax credit. A sidebar discusses a new grant program under which the Treasury Department makes payments for “specified energy property” in lieu of certain tax credits.
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Construction Success Story – Contractor gets specific with his accounting software
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 426
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” looks at the case of an excavation business owner who found himself constantly battling with his accounting system to get the information he needed. He visited his CPA to determine whether it was finally time to move to a construction-specific accounting application. The advisor discussed the benefits of available software programs, along with some disadvantages involved in implementing one.
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Construction fraud: How does it happen?
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 671
Abstract: There are many ways contractors could lose hard-earned money, and employees — even trusted, long-term ones — may be more prone to committing fraud during these difficult economic times. This article looks at payroll and accounts receivable scams, shell companies and kickback schemes.