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Showing 1–16 of 19 results

  • NQDC plans offer important benefits — and some notable risks

    January / February 2020
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 854

    Abstract: Nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plans allow participants to set aside large amounts of tax-deferred compensation. They also enable participants to schedule distributions to align with personal financial goals. However, NQDC plans pose substantial risks. This article compares the pros and cons. A sidebar warns about noncompliance with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A.

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  • Active or passive? What makes website operators directly liable for copyright infringement

    October / November 2019
    Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 854

    Abstract: As many copyright holders have learned the hard way, the Internet opened a whole new frontier in the world of infringement, particularly when it comes to pinning liability on the appropriate parties. This article discusses a recent case involving the unauthorized use of thousands of copyrighted photographs, where the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit laid out the types of behaviors that will — and won’t — make a website operator directly liable for copyright infringement on their sites. A short sidebar discusses the application of the fair use defense. VHT, Inc. v. Zillow Group, Inc., No. 17-35587, March 15, 2019, Ninth Cir.

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  • QSBS offers remarkable tax breaks – But be sure to follow strict rules

    July / August 2019
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 854

    Abstract: An often-overlooked provision of the U.S. tax code — Section 1202 — offers investors a remarkable tax break: the ability to exclude up to 100% of the gain on the sale of qualified small business stock (QSBS). But as this article explains, the stock must meet certain requirements and investors should weigh the benefits against the potential tax costs and investment risks. A sidebar warns that QSBS can be disqualified if it’s redeemed within two years of issuance.

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  • Benefits of borrowing against a life insurance policy

    January / February 2019
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 854

    Abstract: As this article explains, life insurance policy loans typically offer significant advantages over credit cards and personal bank loans. These include lower interest rates, flexible repayment terms and a speedy approval process. But there are also several pitfalls borrowers need to be aware of. A sidebar talks about retirement plan loans.

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  • Mastermind groups: A lender’s secret weapon

    February / March 2018
    Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 854

    Abstract: A small business “mastermind group” brings together lenders, CPAs, entrepreneurs and executives from a variety of industries and companies in a supportive environment that encourages openly sharing information and best practices to promote accountability and business growth. This article offers some tips for creating a successful group, including establishing ground rules, using social media to connect the group and documenting lessons learned. The article suggests that a well-run mastermind group could prove valuable in developing long-term, mutually beneficial banking relationships. A sidebar offers six questions to help generate an active discussion.

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  • How to compete with alternative online lenders

    August / September 2017
    Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 854

    Abstract: Technology and willingness to use innovative techniques in the underwriting process have allowed online lenders to grab a small but growing percentage of the market for loans to small and medium-size entities (SMEs). Yet traditional banks have several advantages over online lenders. This article offers some guidance to help traditional lenders compete in a virtual marketplace, suggesting that lenders should, among other things, use data to develop predictive models and consider digitizing their application process. A sidebar lists some reasons borrowers are attracted to online lenders.

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  • Compliance matters – Is your dealership following these rules and regs?

    Spring 2017
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 854

    Abstract: Automobile dealerships must comply with a dizzying array of rules and regulations. Failure to follow them can result in substantial fines and, in the most severe cases, even prison terms for dealership owners. This article is an overview of some of the requirements in the areas of consumer credit, protection of consumer data, and advertising.

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  • Estate of Giustina – Tax Court slashes value of FLP interest

    January / February 2017
    Newsletter: Valuation & Litigation Briefing / Litigation & Valuation Report

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 854

    Abstract: Family limited partnerships (FLPs) can be effective estate planning tools. This article discusses a recent U.S. Tax Court case in which the value of a 41% FLP interest for estate tax purposes was reduced from approximately $27.5 million to just under $14 million on remand from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. A sidebar highlights a recent IRS proposal that threatens to limit (or possibly even eliminate) valuation discounts on FLPs and other family-controlled businesses. Estate of Giustina v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2016-114, June 13, 2016

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  • Making sense of FASB’s new accounting standard for nonprofits

    Winter 2017
    Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 854

    Abstract: The FASB recently released its first update to the financial reporting rules for nonprofits since 1993. The new Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-14, Not-for-Profit Entities (Topic 958): Presentation of Financial Statements of Not-for-Profit Entities, will affect the financial statements of most nonprofits when it takes effect. This article explains the standard’s new net asset classes, how liquidity and available resources reporting has changed, and the new requirements for reporting expenses and investment return. How to present operating cash flows is also briefly discussed. A sidebar outlines the FASB’s goals for the new standard.

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  • Accelerating depreciation deductions – A cost segregation study may reduce taxes

    September / October 2016
    Newsletter: Tax Impact

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 854

    Abstract: Businesses that acquire, construct or substantially improve a building may want to consider a cost segregation study. These studies combine accounting and engineering techniques to identify building costs that are properly allocable to tangible personal property rather than real property. The result may allow businesses to accelerate depreciation deductions, thus reducing taxes and boosting cash flow. This article details how a cost segregation study works and includes a sidebar on how the PATH Act enhanced it.

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  • Year end gifts: Valuing a business for transfer tax purposes

    November / December 2015
    Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 854

    Abstract: The end of the year is a time for gift giving. Over time, annual gifts of closely held business interests add up and can substantially lower the amount of taxes that a business owner’s estate will eventually owe. This article explains how estate planning tools can be used to lower estate tax costs and why it’s important to obtain a qualified appraisal from a qualified appraiser to support fair market value estimates. A sidebar discusses how the IRS may limit valuation discounts on transfers of closely held business interests in the future.

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  • Are you ready for the next step? The ins and outs of Stage 2 meaningful use

    Spring 2015
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 854

    Abstract: The federal government’s initiative to encourage the deployment of meaningful use (MU) among health care providers has moved on to Stage 2. The bar has been raised for what’s demanded of physician practices. There are more core measures, new menu measures and higher reporting thresholds. In Stage 2, MU focuses on care coordination and patient engagement. This article explains that practices must deploy a patient portal, which is mandatory under both Stage 1 and Stage 2. A sidebar lists features of an upgraded EHR system.

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  • Is an ESOP a good fit for your construction company?

    March/April 2015
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 854

    Abstract: One approach to succession planning that has received quite a bit of attention for some time is the employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). But do these arrangements fit the distinctive aspects and challenges of a construction business? This article explains how ESOPs work and their considerable tax advantages. But there are also disadvantages — and, as a sidebar explains, ESOPs can affect bonding capacity in both positive and negative ways.

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  • Year end tax planning – 3 big-picture questions for business owners

    Fall 2013
    Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 854

    Abstract: Business owners need to consider many specifics every year end when it’s time to plan for their tax filings. But, every so often, it’s a good idea to take a step back and ask some big-picture questions. This article offers three to consider: whether to choose a calendar or fiscal year filing; a cash- or accrual-basis accounting method; and acceleration or deceleration of income. A sidebar looks at whether now might be a good time to buy business assets, in light of the extended higher Section 179 expensing limit and 50% bonus depreciation.

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  • Where’s my crew? Readying your business for the impending labor shortage

    May / June 2013
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 854

    Abstract: It’s estimated that, by 2016, about 50% more workers will be needed in the U.S. than are on the job or otherwise available today. But there are a variety of ways contractors can prepare now to attract and retain tomorrow’s best construction workers. This article looks at benchmarking and at creating job opportunities that meet the needs of the millennial generation. A sidebar discusses the recent extension of the Work Opportunity tax credit.

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  • Getting the most value out of your IP

    February / March 2011
    Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 854

    Abstract: In an M&A marketplace currently dominated by strategic buyers, intellectual property (IP) can be a seller’s most valuable asset. It’s critical that potential sellers assess the value of their IP and ensure that they — and not employees or contractors — own it. Also, they should prepare a marketing plan for their IP that matches their buyer’s objectives. This article explains how to catalog IP and put a price on it. A sidebar discusses the importance of verifying IP ownership.

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