All Articles
Showing 8689–8704 of 10245 results
-
Going green? Get credit – Tax credits for energy improvements
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 629
Abstract: Going green is not only the hot trend for both individuals and business — it can also reduce taxes. This year, boosting the energy efficiency of a home or car may qualify taxpayers for certain tax credits. Many of these are a result of provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. One can receive a credit of 30% of the cost of eligible energy-efficient “appliances” such as heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment, insulation and nonsolar water heaters. And certain plug-in electric vehicles may be eligible for a credit. A sidebar to this article discusses the credits available to those who put in a geothermal heat pump, small wind turbine, solar water heater or solar energy system.
-
Fact finding mission – Assessing customers’ creditworthiness
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 843
Abstract: Business bankruptcies are up, and many companies that escaped bankruptcy are struggling. But most businesses need to extend credit to attract and keep customers. The key is to take steps to limit the risk that they won’t be paid. A first step is to ask new customers to complete a credit application. Next up is contacting the potential customer’s trade and bank references, and to study third-party evaluations such as newspaper articles and reports from credit rating agencies. A sidebar to this article offers suggestions for collecting from slow-paying customers.
-
Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family – Retirement investor revisits his old friend the bond
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 532
Abstract: When Harold, a working professional, started his portfolio, he made sure it was well balanced with a variety of stocks and bonds. But, when the economy swelled some years ago, he moved away from bonds into more aggressive stocks. It was a decision he lived to regret. In talking to his financial advisor, Harold was able to get a better idea of how to integrate bonds back into his portfolio. He learned about the benefits and drawbacks of U.S. government savings bonds, Treasury bills and notes, and state, municipal and corporate bonds.
-
Moneylines: News Briefs for Businesses
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 337
Abstract: This issue’s “Moneylines” takes a look at how the new health care bill will affect companies’ medical benefits; a survey showing that corporate accounting accuracy has improved; and a sharp increase in the number of companies that are getting into social networking.
-
How’s your buy-sell agreement doing?
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 806
Abstract: Many ownership transition issues can be resolved with a buy-sell agreement, which is a contract among business owners that sets parameters for the transfer of interests in the business. The contract determines the value of the business, or defines the valuation method to be used, and outlines when and to whom the interests can be sold. A buy-sell agreement can preserve or transition the management and control of a company in times of change, and can offset potential conflicts among owners and family members. It can also create a market for a withdrawing owner’s business interest and establish a succession plan. There are two kinds of buy-sell agreements: cross-purchase and redemption.
-
Midyear tax planning – Grappling with tax law uncertainties
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1006
Abstract: A substantial number of the tax cuts introduced under the last presidential administration are heading toward expiration at year end. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to expire — Congress could extend them. So, though it may seem early in the year to start thinking about tax planning, it’s an important time to do so. This article discusses potential changes to marginal income tax rates and capital gains rates, as well as gift, estate and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax rates. A sidebar discusses how the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act can benefit some businesses.
-
COMPLIANCE ALERT – Upcoming compliance deadlines:
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 35
Abstract: A brief list of key tax reporting deadlines for July.
-
Keeping up with your employee contributions
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 323
Abstract: After many years of confusion, the DOL issued final regulations providing a safe harbor rule for determining the timeliness of depositing employee deferrals of retirement and welfare benefit plans. The regulation became effective in January 2010. This brief article discusses the new regulation.
-
Do as I write, not as I say – Avoid mishaps with written ERISA benefits
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 662
Abstract: Qualified retirement plan sponsors must ensure that information provided to plan participants is accurate and reliable and follows the plan document provisions. As pointed out by one recent court case, Ladouceur v. Credit Lyonnais, poor communication or misinformation has the potential to cause significant problems for a plan sponsor if participants attempt to use incorrect information. This article provides a lesson on what employers may or may not communicate orally to employees about ERISA benefits as compared to what they must put in writing.
-
IRS updates – Are your plan distribution and benefit accrual reduction notices up to date?
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 773
Abstract: A distribution from a retirement plan should be a fairly simple process. Unfortunately, many participants equate such distributions as a withdrawal from the local ATM machine. Strict rules and guidance control the circumstances under which a participant can take a distribution and the procedures that sponsors must follow. This article summarizes two notable changes to such notices and their implications.
-
Know your plan limits – Taking the confusion out of differing plan limits
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 787
Abstract: Defined contribution plans are subject to numerous annual limits, all of which employers and plan administrators must keep straight. At times these limits can appear to be at odds with each other, leaving many plan sponsors to ask, “How do we know which limit applies?” This article reviews several relevant limits and their relationship to each other.
-
Market Niche Insider – Plastic makes perfect – Plastic molders with discipline beat the odds
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 399
Abstract: There’s no margin for error in plastics production. Productivity is higher than ever, but a variety of factors continue to threaten profits. Strong manufacturers not only exercise discipline in their approach to pricing, but have a formal long-term survival strategy. It may be necessary to steer borrowers who lack discipline and focus to an outside professional for a wake-up call.
-
Risk checklist – 7 liabilities worth uncovering
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 395
Abstract: Unearthing not-so-obvious risk and liabilities is multilayered: Lenders should perform industry risk analyses, interview management, request additional documentation and pay attention to business community word-of-mouth. This article poses seven questions meant to help lenders uncover some of the potential risks and liabilities that can compromise debt service.
-
Down economy invites fraud – Lender due diligence is a deterrent
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 681
Abstract: Instances of fraud rise during down economies, making fraud awareness and detection critical — not only for business owners, but also for lenders. They need to look out for the “fraud triangle,” a set of conditions that invite malfeasance, along with signs indicating that fraud may already be underway. And lower-level employees shouldn’t be the only object of scrutiny — C-level fraud, in which owners and managers have the authority to override internal controls, is trickier and more costly.
-
Appreciate the art, science of valuation
June / July 2010
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 956
Abstract: Lenders often have a stake in private company mergers and acquisitions, so it’s important that they know whether the target’s price is reasonable. Procuring a professional appraisal upfront can mean the difference between a long-term lending relationship and default. To help make informed lending decisions, lenders should know the standards of value used by appraisers, along with their valuation methodologies. A sidebar to this article points out the dangers of relying on generic valuation formulas.
-
Ask the Advisor – How can I hold on to overleveraged properties until the market picks up?
May / June 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 429
Abstract: Many owners and investors are juggling unprofitable projects and properties that are saddled with debt that exceeds their value. They may want to hold on to the real estate because of its potential long-term value but find that refinancing isn’t a realistic option. Other options, however, are available. These include restructuring debt, raising capital and partnering with one’s lender. In some instances, immediate foreclosure and bankruptcy might be the best option.