General & Family Business
Showing 129–144 of 1042 results
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Budgeting for baby
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 583
Abstract: According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the cost of raising a baby to age 18 can top $230,000, after factoring in generally higher housing costs, health care and other expenses — but before including college costs. In light of these facts, this article suggests several steps that will help bolster a family’s financial stability, including obtaining the right kinds of insurance and reviewing tax breaks for dependent care.
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Timing is everything – Take advantage of temporary rule changes in your year-end tax planning
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 450
Abstract: It’s the time of year when businesses often consider income-tax-minimizing strategies such as deferring revenue and accelerating expenses. But the COVID-19 pandemic, the resulting economic downturn and the upcoming election put a different spin on this year’s tax planning. This article offers some tactics worth considering now, such as writing off bad debt. In addition, the article notes that the CARES Act extends additional tax relief that could reduce liability.
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What are the pros and cons of the new QIP depreciation breaks?
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 760
Abstract: One tax benefit of the CARES Act is that it allows real property owners to depreciate real estate qualified improvement property (QIP) faster than before. This article points out that the rule change was made in response to an earlier drafting error in the 2017 TCJA. Under the CARES Act, QIP is now included in the Internal Revenue Code’s definition of 15-year property, so it can be depreciated over 15 years for federal income tax purposes. The article explains the possible benefits and drawbacks of the new QIP depreciation tax breaks.
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Year-end tax planning tips for individuals – 2020 presents challenges and opportunities
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 908
Abstract: COVID-19’s impact is being felt across the financial spectrum, from lower interest rates, slashed dividends and reduced incomes to unpredictable stock market swings. At this volatile time, it’s important for individuals to be aware of some potential strategies for reducing their income tax liability before the end of the year. These include charitable giving and converting pretax traditional IRAs to after-tax Roth IRAs. A sidebar discusses strategies related to gift and estate taxes.
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Double-edged sword – Don’t become a victim of credit card fraud
August / September 2020
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 456
Abstract: Taking a few simple steps can help cut the risk that credit cards will be used without permission and lessen the likelihood of liability for any charges unauthorized users make. This article discusses situations in which individuals might be held liable for fraudulent use of their cards and lists five ways they can lower their risk. It also points out that it’s important not to be lulled into a false sense of security by the ease and convenience of credit and debit cards, because there’s always risk of theft and fraud.
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CARES Act provides relief from TCJA loss limitation rules
August / September 2020
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 677
Abstract: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act undid, at least temporarily, several provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that were unfavorable to taxpayers. These include changes to the rules for claiming certain business losses. This article explains that the act includes beneficial changes to the rules for deducting net operating losses (NOLs), such as easing the taxable income limitation on deducting NOLs. It also notes that the act temporarily removes the excess business loss disallowance rule for losses arising in tax years from 2018 through 2020.
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A buy-sell agreement can help reduce risk for your business
August / September 2020
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 731
Abstract: In these uncertain economic times, business owners may want to consider implementing any available strategies that will help reduce risk going forward. One such strategy is a buy-sell agreement, which can protect businesses and maintain stability in the event that ownership interests need to be transferred. This article explains how having a buy-sell agreement in place can stabilize a business during any potential transitions of ownership.
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Take advantage of CARES Act changes to retirement accounts
August / September 2020
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 835
Abstract: In this time of financial uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals may be more concerned than ever about protecting their retirement accounts — or they might need to tap these funds now even though they haven’t yet reached retirement. This article explains several provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that may provide some assistance. It also suggests that it’s important for individuals to get professional advice to help determine the best course of action for their particular situations, and factor in the tax consequences. A sidebar discusses tax-advantaged distributions under the CARES Act.
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How the SECURE Act could affect retirement planning
Summer 2020
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 668
Abstract: In late 2019, landmark legislation was signed into law that will impact retirement planning for millions of Americans. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act will make it easier to save money for a financially secure retirement. This article discusses the Act’s beneficial provisions as well as one provision that isn’t helpful: the elimination of “stretch” IRAs.
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Business strategies – Stay steady in a troubled economy
Summer 2020
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 528
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has done severe economic damage to many U.S. businesses, and it will likely take considerable time to recover. Here are some tried-and-true suggestions to help keep a business on track and come out strong on the other side.
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CARES Act increases charitable donation deduction opportunities
Summer 2020
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 865
Abstract: One way the CARES Act is trying to help during the COVID-19 crisis is by increasing available tax deductions this year for individuals and businesses contributing to charity. This article explains the basics of donation deductions and describes how the Act makes four significant liberalizations to the charitable deduction rules. A sidebar highlights retirement plan distributions that may be affected by the legislation.
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Businesses can now enjoy faster depreciation of real estate qualified improvement property
Summer 2020
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 443
Abstract: A technical correction in the CARES Act, signed into law in late March, retroactively allows real property owners to depreciate qualified improvement property faster than before. The change could lower some tax bills for 2018 and beyond. This article describes the drafting error and explains the impact of the correction, including the possible benefit of filing amended tax returns and receiving a refund.
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Changes to Form W-4: What employers need to know
June / July 2020
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 433
Abstract: The 2020 version of Form W-4 (the Employee Withholding Certificate) is designed both to be more accurate and reflect changes from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). For instance, the new form eliminated the line where employees enter the number of allowances because it was tied to personal exemptions, which the TCJA suspended. This article explains what employers should know about these changes to help smooth the way for their employees.
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CARES Act relief provisions benefitting individuals
June / July 2020
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 647
Abstract: Many Americans are familiar with the “Economic Impact Payments” for individuals provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. But they may be less familiar with other provisions of the CARES Act intended to provide much-needed financial relief. This article highlights several provisions of the act that are potentially useful to individuals.
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Saving for retirement gets a boost from the SECURE Act
June / July 2020
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 888
Abstract: The 2019 SECURE — short for Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement — Act makes it easier for many people to save for retirement. This article provides an overview of some of the provisions that could affect individuals’ retirement planning in beneficial ways, such as pushing back the age at which individuals must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their retirement plans and mandating employers to allow part-time employees to enroll in their 401(k) plans, with certain restrictions. A sidebar explains provisions of the act that focus on educational savings accounts and student loans.
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What can the CARES Act’s tax provisions do for your business?
June / July 2020
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 700
Abstract: Tax breaks, including many provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, are one set of tools that can help businesses rebuild their financial health after the economic downturn resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This article looks at several provisions designed to aid businesses, including a new refundable credit against payroll tax and increased business interest deductions.