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Showing all 15 results
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Approaching age 65? Watch out for Medicare pitfalls
Fall 2023
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 889
Abstract: Americans who plan to work beyond the traditional retirement age of 65 need to begin planning for Medicare early to avoid costly pitfalls. Planning is particularly critical if their employers offer Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). This article explains the basics of how Medicare works and lists several issues to be aware of, including late enrollment penalties and loss of HSA deductions. A sidebar discusses the potential pitfalls of the six-month lookback period.
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Approaching age 65? Watch out for Medicare pitfalls
October / November 2023
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 889
Abstract: Americans who plan to work beyond the traditional retirement age of 65 need to begin planning for Medicare early to avoid costly pitfalls. Planning is particularly critical if their employers offer Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). This article explains the basics of how Medicare works and lists several issues to be aware of, including late enrollment penalties and loss of HSA deductions. A sidebar discusses the potential pitfalls of the six-month lookback period.
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Undervaluing assets comes back to bite estate
November / December 2021
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 889
Abstract: Valuation matters are critical in gift and estate planning. This article summarizes two recent cases where the U.S. Tax Court addressed value-related issues. The court sided with the IRS in one case (Estate of Morrissette) and the estate in the other (Estate of Jackson). In both cases, the court’s decision came down to whether the expert applied reasonable analysis to the facts of the case. Estate of Clara M. Morrissette v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2021-60 (Tax Ct. May 13, 2021). Estate of Michael J. Jackson v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2021-48 (Tax Ct. May 3, 2021).
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Demystifying plan audits – Proactive risk management can ease the process
June / July 2020
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 889
Abstract: Generally, the odds of receiving notice from the IRS or Department of Labor (DOL) that they plan to audit a retirement plan are slim. But considering the consequences of an audit, knowing what’s involved can enable sponsors to stay on top of legal and regulatory obligations and help them make it through an audit. This article reviews the differences between an IRS and DOL audit, and common errors that can attract agency attention. A short sidebar discusses the benefits of conducting self-audits on a regular basis.
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Reversing direction – The benefits of “upstream” estate planning
November / December 2019
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 889
Abstract: Traditional estate-planning techniques often focus on transferring wealth to the next generation in a tax-efficient manner. But shifting wealth to the older generation (commonly described as “upstream” planning) can also be an effective strategy. This article discusses the benefits of transferring appreciated assets to parents. A sidebar answers the question, “Should you buy your parents’ home?”
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Risk management – Could a captive insurance company suit you?
Spring 2019
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 889
Abstract: A captive insurance company is an insurer established to provide coverage to the company or companies that own and control it. Contractors looking for an ambitious way to control insurance costs and customize coverage should explore the concept. This article explains the workings and benefits of captive insurance while noting its risks. A sidebar looks at the notable tax savings of “microcaptives.”
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Sec. 6166 – Estate tax relief for family businesses
September / October 2018
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 889
Abstract: Now that the gift, estate and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax exemptions have more than doubled to an inflation-adjusted $11.18 million for 2018, fewer people are subject to transfer taxes than ever before. But these taxes continue to place a burden on families with significant amounts of wealth tied up in illiquid closely held businesses. This article explains how Internal Revenue Code Section 6166 can provide relief. A sidebar discusses whether Sec. 6166 can be used with real estate businesses.
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Construction accounting – Learn the ABCs of activity-based costing
Summer 2018
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 889
Abstract: A project may seem to be running right on budget, but how can a contractor know for sure whether it’s boosting profits or hurting the bottom line? One way to address such uncertainty is through an accounting process called activity-based costing (ABC). This article explains how ABC works and why it can both provide a clearer picture of job progress and help improve future estimates. A sidebar provides the four steps to create an ABC code.
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Deduct now, donate later – Donor-advised funds offer significant benefits
May / June 2016
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 889
Abstract: Taxpayers who are planning on making significant charitable donations should consider a donor-advised fund (DAF). These funds offer many of the tax and estate planning benefits of private foundations, but at just a fraction of the cost. This article explains how a DAF works and its benefits, such as the ability to deduct DAF contributions immediately but make gifts to charities later. A sidebar discusses how private foundations can offer important advantages for those who can afford them.
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Discounted cash flow: Handle with care
March / April 2016
Newsletter: Valuation & Litigation Briefing / Litigation & Valuation Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 889
Abstract: The discounted cash flow (DCF) method is commonly used to determine business value or calculate lost profits damages. DCF is a powerful tool, but it incorporates some subjective assumptions — which is why courts tend to scrutinize DCF calculations and demand that valuation experts demonstrate that they’re based on market-derived evidence. This article explains how valuators demonstrate that their analysis aligns with a company’s particular facts and circumstances. A sidebar looks at the cost of capital.
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5 last-minute tax-planning ideas
November / December 2015
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 889
Abstract: As 2015 winds down, there are certain tax planning ideas that taxpayers might want to check out, such as deferring income and accelerating deductions. This article describes these and other strategies, including harvesting investment losses, avoiding estimated tax penalties, donating to charity and being mindful of deduction limitations. A sidebar offers some tips on year end tax strategies for business owners.
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Care to take a drive down M&A Avenue? 4 ways to avoid trouble
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 889
Abstract: Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) are an ambitious way to gain traction in today’s competitive construction marketplace. With so many baby boomers approaching retirement age, market analysts expect that there will be plenty of bargains for small to midsize businesses in the coming years. But M&As can be fraught with peril. Deals go bad, new co-workers don’t get along, goodwill evaporates and profits suffer. This article offers four ways to steer clear of trouble, while a sidebar describes a variety of resources to consult when considering an M&A.
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Is your estate plan bulletproof? Techniques for avoiding litigation over your estate
August / September 2013
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 889
Abstract: An inherent problem with wills and other estate planning documents such as trusts is that, when the time comes to put them into action, they can be objects of dispute. Fortunately, there are strategies a person can implement during life to minimize the risk of a fight over his or her estate after death. This article takes a look at some of them, while a sidebar explains how to successfully implement a no-contest clause, which disinherits an heir or beneficiary who unsuccessfully challenges a will or trust.
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A different animal – Federal projects bring a variety of challenges
Winter 2011
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 889
Abstract: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the “stimulus act”) appropriated billions of dollars in construction spending. Only now, however, are many of these projects finally arriving. But federal contracting warrants some careful preparation. These jobs are a far different animal from their privately funded counterparts. This article explains the types of competitors involved, the bidding process, and the tax ramifications. A sidebar points out that there are also ethical requirements involved.
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Age discrimination case involves stolen property
May / June 2010
Newsletter: Employment Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 889
Abstract: A company fired a tool crib attendant after an internal investigation produced evidence that he’d stolen company property for his own financial gain. The 56-year-old plaintiff commenced an age-discrimination lawsuit. He established that the company had made the charge over a year after the firing, and that a number of younger employees weren’t fired — despite their alleged complicity in the theft. The court permitted a trial on the age discrimination claim. A sidebar discusses another age-discrimination case involving an employee who’d complained about a salary freeze.