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Showing 9105–9120 of 10245 results
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Don’t let family matters interfere with business matters
October / November 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 670
Abstract: Even though knowing family members are watching the shop can be reassuring, the requirements of running a business can strain even the strongest family ties. The stresses can become further exacerbated when sibling rivalry exists or when one’s spouse is involved. But there are ways to address these issues, including treating siblings equally and dividing responsibilities between spouses.
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Now is the time – Take advantage of today’s low interest rates to transfer more wealth tax free
October / November 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 741
Abstract: To help jumpstart a struggling economy, the federal government began lowering key interest rates last year, and they remain at their lowest level in several years. This is good news for those looking to transfer wealth out of their estate. Lifetime giving strategies are particularly effective when interest rates are low because the probability of outperforming the hurdle rate — and, therefore, transferring wealth tax free — is high. This article explains what hurdle rates are, and details such giving strategies as family loans, grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs) and charitable lead annuity trusts (CLATs).
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Preparing for any business scenario – A buy-sell agreement can steady a company through uncertain times
October / November 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 867
Abstract: Smart business owners work to control the risks they can — such as if an owner leaves the company. To guard against the negative consequences that might arise from such a predicament, it’s important to be proactive and establish a buy-sell agreement. This article looks at some of the details of a buy-sell agreement, which is a contract among a business’s owners that sets guidelines for the transfer of their ownership interests. It discusses using life insurance to fund an agreement, while a sidebar explains the difference between fair market value and investment value when determining how to value a business.
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Is your equipment operating at peak effectiveness?
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 278
Abstract: These days, when many manufacturers are seeing less work coming in and less room for mechanical error, a manufacturing operation has to be in top shape. The key to avoiding costly downtime starts with measuring overall equipment effectiveness, or OEE. This short article describes what it is and how to improve it.
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Selling your manufacturing company is possible — even in a down economy
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 604
Abstract: “We’re just going to wait it out.” In an uncertain economy, this seems to be a business owner’s mantra for everything from hiring freezes to putting off large expenditures. Prudence may be preferable when it comes to some business decisions, but if a manufacturing company owner is considering selling the business, he or she doesn’t have to wait until things pick up. Although some flexibility is necessary, an acceptable price is within reach if one is perceived as a discerning and prepared seller. This article describes the steps to make it possible.
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How to deal with customer bankruptcy
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 781
Abstract: If a company has a customer who’s hovering on the brink of bankruptcy — or even wallowing through it — it needs to take certain steps to protect itself. This involves knowing about the different types of bankruptcy and the immediate steps to take when learning of one, including deciding whether to pursue repayment or write off the debt. If the former course is chosen, it will be important to participate in the court proceedings and follow certain procedures. Beyond all this, there are preventive measures a company can take to avoid being stung by customer bankruptcy in the first place.
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Private activity bonds – Act soon to add more to your manufacturing facility for less
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 751
Abstract: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, commonly referred to as the Stimulus act, has sweetened tax-exempt private activity bonds, which are available to finance “manufacturing facilities.” This definition now includes facilities used in the creation or production of intangible property, such as computer software or intellectual property. Traditional manufacturers may also benefit by using the money from a private activity bond to finance the development of on-site facilities. The act also lessens alternative minimum tax risk. But these and other tax breaks (described in a sidebar) may not be around for long, so it’s important to act fast.
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For What It’s Worth: Valuation in the Courts – Attorney-client privilege not guaranteed
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 413
Abstract: Attorney-client privilege is a cornerstone of our legal system. Yet, in a recent minority shareholder suit for fraud and breach of fiduciary duty, the New York Supreme Court ruled that attorney-client privilege doesn’t generally extend to communications between a valuation expert and attorney. Thus, before sharing information with a financial professional or committing a conversation to writing, business owners and their attorneys need to consider how opposing counsel might use it in the case at hand.
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Research shows bankruptcy drives financial statement fraud
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 435
Abstract: The rough economy is pushing an increasing number of businesses into bankruptcy. And, according to recent research, financial state¬ment fraud may be more prevalent in companies that file for bankruptcy. A couple of recent studies take a look at where the fraud is coming from and whether Sarbanes-Oxley controls are proving effective.
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The value of a workforce – Appraisal of human capital often necessary, complex
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 639
Abstract: The rough economy has brought an uptick in the number of layoffs and furloughs. And when such events occur, the estimated value of the affected workforce can change. Thus, appraisals of this nature are becoming more and more prevalent. There are a variety of specific reasons to obtain a workforce appraisal, including when pricing and structuring a business sale or merger or for determining income and property taxes. And there are three basic valuation approaches that might be used.
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Splitting charitable remainder trusts in divorce – What are the tax consequences?
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 955
Abstract: While the division of some marital assets in divorce can seem straightforward, questions have arisen about making a pro rata, 50-50 division of a charitable remainder trust (CRT) into two trusts for the spouses. In response, the IRS issued Revenue Ruling 2008-41, which addresses the tax consequences of such a division. Specifically, this article addresses excise taxes in regard to self-dealing, taxable expenditures, and asset transfers between private foundations, while a sidebar looks at whether a CRT can be divided into separate trusts for multiple — but nonmarried — income recipients without triggering adverse tax consequences.
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Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family – Restaurateurs learn basics of wealth management
October / November 2009
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 581
Abstract: This article looks at the case of Tim and Roberta, who run a popular restaurant/catering service in a well-to-do suburban area. Recently, the couple has started worrying about whether they’re doing enough to manage and protect the assets they’ve worked so hard to build up over the years. Their advisor lists four specific steps they should take in cooking up a sound, comprehensive wealth management plan.
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Moneylines: News Briefs for Businesses
October / November 2009
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 445
Abstract: This issue’s “Moneylines” looks at tax breaks available only in 2009; how companies with defined-benefit plans are suspending 401(k) matches; the prevalence of intentional and unintentional software piracy within companies; and why it may be helpful to check with one’s banker about the coming year’s credit market and what one can do to maintain their own good standing.
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Time to review your business structure options
October / November 2009
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1057
Abstract: As business owners gather their tax-related information and documentation, one major issue they may want to review is whether their business structure still best suits their company’s needs and situation. Many smaller businesses start life as a sole proprietorship or partnership, so the prospect of a business structure change often occurs when a company’s ownership decides to incorporate. This could involve a switch to a C corporation or an S corporation — or, to strike a balance between partnership and incorporation, a limited liability company (LLC). This article looks at the tax and liability ramifications of these various options, while a sidebar lists the considerations involved in the choice between a C and an S corporation structure.
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Be the early bird – Thinking about taxes now can pay off later
October / November 2009
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 733
Abstract: Many people don’t start thinking about taxes until well after the first of the year. But thinking about taxes now, before time pressure may result in poor decisions, can really pay off. By working with a tax advisor to project income, deductions and tax liabilities for 2009 and 2010 — and beyond, if possible — it may be possible to shift income and deductions between tax years to minimize one’s overall tax burden, or at least to defer taxes. But there are pros and cons with particular strategies.
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Spouse vs. estate vs. retirement plan beneficiary forms
October / November 2009
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 290
Abstract: Just how important are those beneficiary forms that participants fill out when entering a retirement plan? Very! This article summarizes a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that a plan’s beneficiary form took precedence over a divorce decree.