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Showing 1–16 of 17 results
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Is your company eligible for these “small business” tax breaks?
Summer 2021
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 834
Abstract: Taxpayers who own small businesses may qualify for a variety of tax breaks that can slash their tax bills and reduce their administrative costs. And thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, “small” is a lot bigger than it used to be. This article explains the new threshold for the small designation and describes business advantages. A sidebar covers the disqualification of tax shelters from the “small business” category.
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2020 case roundup – How the IRS challenges conservation easement charitable contributions
May / June 2021
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 834
Abstract: Conservation easements can provide a useful vehicle for achieving both tax planning and charitable goals. But it’s not unusual for the IRS to question the validity of charitable contribution deductions based on the easements. In three 2020 cases, the IRS argued that deductions weren’t permissible because the easement deeds didn’t protect the conservation purposes in perpetuity, as required by federal tax law. This article summarizes the results. And a brief sidebar reviews the Tax Court evaluation of facade easements.
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Auto parts’ aesthetic appeal doesn’t invalidate design patents
February / March 2020
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 834
Abstract: Holders of design patents received some welcome news recently from a case in which some auto parts distributors sought declaratory judgment for invalidity of design patents to sell parts that were covered by a major vehicle manufacturer’s designs. This article reviews a case from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit that sheds some valuable light on the type of functionality that can render a design patent invalid — and the type that won’t — as well as the importance of design patents. A short sidebar reviews the exhaustion and repair doctrines’ roles in the case. Automotive Body Parts Ass’n v. Ford Global Techs., LLC, No. 18-1613, July 11, 2019, Fed. Cir.
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Real estate activities vs. investments: Why it matters
November / December 2018
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 834
Abstract: The characterization of a real estate entity’s activities as a business or an investment makes a big difference to the bottom line when it comes to taxation. In Conner v. Commissioner, a developer whose plans were derailed by the Great Recession recently learned this lesson the hard way. This article summarizes the legal case and the importance of holding property as either an investment or in the course of business. Conner v. Comm’r, No. 2018-6 (Tax Ct. Jan. 22, 2018)
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The pros and cons of a Roth IRA conversion
October / November 2018
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 834
Abstract: Roth IRAs offer some important tax advantages over traditional IRAs. For example, qualified Roth IRA withdrawals are tax-free for federal purposes. And, unlike with traditional IRAs, you don’t have to start taking required minimum distributions from Roth IRAs after reaching age 70½, so the assets can grow tax-free indefinitely. This article explains that the quickest way to get a significant sum into a Roth IRA is by converting a traditional IRA to Roth status — but a conversion won’t be beneficial for every taxpayer. It also notes that a Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provision could make Roth IRA conversions riskier from a tax perspective.
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Can licenses limit competitors’ use? Copyright ruling hits third-party software support providers
August / September 2018
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 834
Abstract: Purchasers of software know that it’s not just the license that can take a bite out of their wallets — it’s also the costly maintenance contracts. Third-party providers have begun offering licensees cheaper maintenance and support alternatives. But as this article shows, one software company has struck back, and the favorable ruling it obtained in its copyright infringement lawsuit against a third-party provider may make it harder for such businesses to compete. A short sidebar looks at the defense of copyright misuse and why it failed in this case. Oracle USA, Inc. v. Rimini Street, Inc., No. 16-16832, -16905, Jan. 8, 2018, 9th Cir.
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Gift giving made easy – Annual exclusion reduces your taxable estate
October / November 2016
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 834
Abstract: How can a person reduce the size of his or her taxable estate? There are many ways to accomplish this objective, including the use of irrevocable trusts and other sophisticated estate planning techniques. But one of the most effective methods is also the simplest: leveraging the $14,000 per person annual gift tax exclusion. This article explains the strategy and a sidebar details the benefits of year-end gift giving using the annual exclusion.
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Good touch, bad touch – Employers must be sensitive to same-sex harassment
July / August 2016
Newsletter: Employment Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 834
Abstract: All claims of sexual harassment — including those involving same-sex employees — need to be taken seriously by employers. That’s the conclusion this article draws. It summarizes a Sixth Circuit case in which an employee alleged that his employer, in violation of Title VII, had failed to take prompt and corrective action when he was sexually harassed by a male co-worker. Smith v. Rock-Tenn Services, Inc., No. 15-5534, Feb. 10, 2016 (6th Cir.)
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Impact of growth rate on lost profits
September / October 2015
Newsletter: Valuation & Litigation Briefing / Litigation & Valuation Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 834
Abstract: When calculating lost profits, damages experts need to determine the growth rate carefully. Failure to properly analyze the factors that drive a company’s expected revenue growth may jeopardize the admissibility of an expert’s testimony in a Daubert challenge. This article uses several recent court cases to illustrate the importance of supporting the growth rate with reasonable assumptions and detailed analysis based on objective market evidence. Celebrity Cruises Inc. v. Essef Corp., 434 F. Supp.2d 169 (S.D.N.Y. 2006) Chemipal Ltd. v. Slim-Fast Nutritional Foods Int’l Inc., 350 F. Supp. 2d 582 (D. Del. 2004) Manpower Inc. v. Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, 732 F.3d 796, 799 (7th Cir., 2013)
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Writing your M&A playbook: A strategic exercise for sellers
August / September 2014
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 834
Abstract: Business owners thinking about selling should consider assembling an M&A “playbook.” As this article describes, a playbook is a critical self-assessment of the company’s key selling points and possible weaknesses. It should examine the company’s strengths, weaknesses and market position, so management can identify problems to be fixed and then develop a selling strategy. A sidebar talks about how sellers should also use their playbook to review and rank prospective suitors.
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The tax ins and outs of employee fringe benefits
January / February 2014
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 834
Abstract: So-called “fringe” benefits can actually be a significant component of compensation and a tool for attracting, motivating and retaining talented employees. But the tax treatment of fringe benefits is complex and often misunderstood. To avoid unpleasant tax surprises, it’s important for employers and employees alike to familiarize themselves with the rules. This article discusses the tax treatment of benefits for owner-employers, depending on their company’s business structure, and warns to look out for family attribution rules. A sidebar offers specific examples of tax-free fringe benefits.
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Employee stock purchase plans – An opportunity hiding in plain sight
July / August 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 834
Abstract: Conventional wisdom holds that it’s dangerous to tie too much personal wealth to the fortunes of one’s employer. When it comes to employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs), however, conventional wisdom about not putting too many eggs in one basket may be worth reconsidering. This article shows how an ESPP’s employee discount has the potential to provide an attractive return — though it’s not a risk-free strategy. A sidebar looks at ESPP tax considerations.
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What you need to know about professional liability insurance
Summer 2013
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 834
Abstract: Practicing law without professional liability insurance can be financial suicide. But attorneys have options when it comes to the amount and type of liability coverage; even the price may be flexible. This article discusses the basics of malpractice policies and how insurers set rates, while a sidebar offers advice for avoiding malpractice claims altogether.
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ATRA: Digging into the new tax law
May / June 2013
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 834
Abstract: The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA) not only has an effect on individual tax rates, but also can have a significant effect on the bottom lines of real estate developers and investors. This article looks at ATRA’s implications for depreciation, Section 179 expensing and energy-related incentives. A sidebar discusses tax credits available for hiring people from certain target groups that have faced significant barriers to employment.
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Status quo – How to keep your “public charity” designation
February / March 2011
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 834
Abstract: A public charity that wishes to retain its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in future years must take specific actions and avoid certain activities. Foremost, after the first five years of existence, it must demonstrate through Schedule A of Form 990 that it meets the support test qualifying it as a public charity. This article describes Schedule A requirements and lists five types of activities that can jeopardize exempt status. A sidebar shows how a new organization can obtain public charity status.
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3 postmortem strategies that add flexibility to your estate plan
February / March 2011
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 834
Abstract: In recent years, estate planning has been complicated by uncertainty over the future of the federal gift and estate tax regime. But even when estate tax rates and exemption amounts are predictable, changing family circumstances make planning a challenge. Fortunately, there are several postmortem strategies a family can use to ensure that the deceased’s wishes are carried out. This article takes a closer look at three such strategies: disclaimers, spousal right of election and QTIP trust.