All Articles
Showing 65–80 of 10245 results
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Reviewing your options for a business structure
November / December 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 670
Abstract: Construction business owners know a thing or two about building a structure. But they also need to know the ins and outs of establishing a business structure or changing to a new one. This article reviews the four major choices, explaining the advantages and potential disadvantages of each.
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How about that new lease-reporting standard? New accounting rules call for constant vigilance
November / December 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 898
Abstract: Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) took effect for privately held businesses in 2022. This new lease-reporting standard sets forth rules that could markedly affect certain financial ratios for construction companies that lease property and equipment. This article reviews the old rules, describes the new rules and discusses how the new standard may impact some of those ratios. A sidebar notes that the new lease-reporting standard could impact a construction company’s tax liability.
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Beware of the corporate opportunity doctrine
November / December 2023
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 428
Abstract: Under the corporate opportunity doctrine, an agent of a corporation can’t divert or exploit for the agent’s own benefit an opportunity that’s the principal’s opportunity. This article summarizes a recent case in which a New York trial court found the majority owners of a successful sports bar misappropriated a “corporate opportunity” when they used lease buyout proceeds to relocate the bar and start a new corporation to run it. O’Mahony v. Whiston, No. 652621/2014. (N.Y. Cty., Feb. 15, 2023).
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How to reduce frauds from C-suite executives
November / December 2023
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 562
Abstract: The largest fraud losses typically come from people in positions with the highest authority — owners and executives. A recent study by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners reports that the median loss from these fraud schemes was $337,000, compared to $50,000 for rank-and-file workers. This article discusses ways to reduce executive-level fraud risks by focusing on the three critical elements of the fraud triangle: motive, opportunity and rationalization.
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FAQs about valuing human capital
November / December 2023
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 682
Abstract: The term “human capital” refers to a trained and assembled group of workers who know how to operate equipment, follow the company’s policies and procedures, innovate to build new products and services, and work together as a team to achieve the company’s strategic goals. Human capital is often an unreported — but valuable — asset that can be difficult to appraise. This article discusses the types of human capital assets, how to value them and when a valuation might be needed.
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Estate of MacElhenny v. Commissioner – Claims against decedent didn’t reduce the estate’s value
November / December 2023
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 862
Abstract: The U.S. Tax Court recently ruled that an estate couldn’t deduct the value of two consent judgments entered against the decedent. This article explains why the U.S. Tax Court sided with the IRS, ruling that the judgments didn’t qualify as “bona fide” claims against the estate. A sidebar highlights the Tax Court’s rejection of the estate’s argument that entry by a state court makes judgments bona fide claims. Estate of MacElhenny v. Commissioner, Nos. 12981-19, 12982-19 (Tax Ct. March 15, 2023).
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Tax Calendar
October 2023
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 293
Abstract: This calendar notes important tax deadlines for the fourth quarter of 2023.
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State taxes affect business sales, too
October 2023
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 306
Abstract: Business owners sometimes decide to put their companies on the market. When doing so, they may focus on the federal tax implications of a sale. But there will be state tax implications, too. This brief article touches on some key issues regarding state taxes.
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Don’t get carried away by a windfall
October 2023
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 372
Abstract: Receiving a sudden and sizable influx of cash may seem like a dream come true. It can be, but many people get carried away by a windfall and end up in worse financial shape. This article points out some of the pitfalls and how to avoid them, as well as what to expect in terms of taxes.
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The deductibility of medical expenses
October 2023
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 399
Abstract: Individual taxpayers may be able to claim medical expense deductions on their tax returns. However, the rules can be challenging, and it can be difficult to qualify. This article offers up five points to keep in mind about the deductibility of medical expenses.
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Do you run a business from home?
October 2023
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 531
Abstract: Many people who began working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic are still doing so, full or part-time. Business owners who moved their operations to a home office, or at least began performing some work functions there, may be able to claim home office expenses against their business income. This article describes how to qualify for home office deductions and the two methods owners can choose from to claim this tax break.
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Estate Planning Red Flag – You have a holographic will
November / December 2023
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 323
Abstract: Aretha Franklin died more than five years ago, but it wasn’t until this year that a Michigan jury gave her estate planning wishes some respect, holding that a handwritten document discovered under her couch cushions was a valid will. This case illustrates the dangers of so-called “holographic” wills. This brief article details the court case and explains the pitfalls of holographic wills.
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Form over substance – Documenting charitable donations is critical
November / December 2023
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 620
Abstract: Taxpayers who itemize deductions are entitled to deduct charitable donations, subject to certain requirements and limitations. One of the requirements is the need to substantiate charitable gifts with documentation that satisfies the tax code and IRS regulations. This is an area where the IRS takes a “form over substance” approach. This article details how to properly substantiate cash and noncash donations.
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Preserve wealth for future generations with a spendthrift trust
November / December 2023
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 614
Abstract: For some people, protecting their wealth after it’s been transferred to beneficiaries is just as important as reducing the tax liability on the transfers. Attaching spendthrift language to a trust can provide peace of mind that one’s hard-earned wealth won’t be frivolously spent by heirs or seized by their creditors. This article explains the ins and outs of a spendthrift trust.
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Basis points – How planning can minimize the impact of income taxes
November / December 2023
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 918
Abstract: Until recently, estate planning strategies generally focused on removing as much wealth as possible from one’s estate to avoid the bite of federal estate tax. Although there were income tax advantages to retaining assets in an estate, the estate tax costs usually eclipsed any potential income tax savings. But things have changed: Between 2001 and 2023, the federal gift and estate tax exemption soared from $675,000 to $12.92 million. The highest estate tax rate dropped from 55% to 40%. Today, only the wealthiest of families are exposed to estate tax liability, elevating the importance of income tax planning. This article details the differences between income and estate tax planning. A sidebar explains that, according to an IRS ruling, there’s no stepped-up basis when using an intentionally defective grantor trust.
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Are PPP funds includable in business income for valuation purposes?
November / December 2023
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 431
Abstract: The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was enacted during the pandemic to help struggling businesses cover operating costs incurred while they were temporarily forced to shut down. This article summarizes a recent divorce case in which the Vermont Supreme Court upheld a decision allowing PPP funds to be included in income for business valuation purposes. Griggs v. Griggs, No. 22-AP-186 (Vt. Sup. Ct. March 10, 2023).