2009
Showing 177–192 of 678 results
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Construction Success Story – Contractor goes paperless with IWA system
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 437
Abstract: This month’s Construction Success Story tells of one contractor who had been pondering the idea of going paperless but hadn’t found the right tool to help her do so. When she asked her CPA for ideas, he mentioned imaging and workflow automation (IWA) systems. He explained that many business owners, including contractors, have been using IWA systems to streamline their invoice and accounts payable processes.
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On-the-job training provides lasting returns
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 477
Abstract: A contractor will benefit clients, employees and itself by providing on-the-job training at every level. Sure, it takes time and money, but not as much as one might think — and the results can mean a more efficient company and bigger profits. Knowledgeable employees work faster and better; in the end, they’ll make the company more money. Plus, an employee who feels valued is more likely to stick around, helping to decrease turnover. But many managers get promoted to leadership positions because they are hard workers and great at their jobs, not because they’re natural or skilled leaders. So it’s important to ease the transition and the learning curve by creating opportunities for new managers to learn from experienced leaders within the company.
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The inside scoop on the manufacturers’ deduction
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 492
Abstract: Many contractors have been taking advantage of a useful break with a somewhat misleading name: the manufacturers’ deduction, which provides a tax break for many businesses besides manufacturers — including contractors. Certain kinds of construction activities qualify for the deduction, which will be increasing in 2010.
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Employee benefits – Self-funded health insurance may be a healthy option
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1009
Abstract: Because of rapidly rising health insurance premiums and shrinking budgets, some contractors are choosing to forgo offering health care benefits to their employees as a way to save money in a down economy. But a number of alternatives can reduce their financial burden while still giving their employees access to the health care services they need. One such route is the self-funded health insurance plan. This article discusses how it differs from commercial insurance, the risks and rewards, and the obligations involved. A sidebar discusses what to look for when choosing a third-party administrator for a plan.
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Tax Tips – job search expenses – cost segregation studies – social security numbers
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 394
Abstract: This article briefly looks at deducting job-search expenses, cost segregation studies and Social Security Numbers.
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Married with children? – A QTIP trust can help you achieve your estate planning goals
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 690
Abstract: As a spouse and parent, you have the difficult challenge of ensuring your spouse is provided for after your death while making certain there are assets left for your children’s inheritances. Trying to meet both objectives while minimizing estate taxes is no small feat. This article looks at how a qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) trust can help.
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Be reasonable! – Court weighs in on executive compensation
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 613
Abstract: The Internal Revenue Code allows a business to deduct a “reasonable allowance for salaries or other compensation” it pays to executives and other employees. When an executive is also a shareholder of a C corporation, the IRS may challenge compensation it believes is unreasonably high, arguing that the excess is really a disguised dividend. Dividends aren’t deductible, so by characterizing payments as deductible compensation, the company reduces its tax bill. This article reviews a recent case, Menard, Inc. v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue (March 10, 2009), and the potential impact on businesses.
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Year end tax planning in uncertain times
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 981
Abstract: In today’s uncertain economic times, with potential tax law changes on the horizon, tax planning can be a challenge. Between now and year end, it’s important to monitor your financial situation closely, keep an eye on Congressional developments and work with your tax advisor to devise a tax plan based on your best guess as to what the future holds. With that in mind, this article explores strategies that may work for your financial situation.
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Finding the appropriate valuation standard
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 916
Abstract: Valuation isn’t static and can change depending on the purpose of the valuation. This article looks at the three most common standards of value: fair market, investment and fair. It briefly defines each standard and discusses the circumstances in which one standard may be more appropriate than another. The article points out that identifying the appropriate valuation standard up front can minimize confusion down the road. The goal is to arrive at a reasonable and supportable value conclusion in light of all the surrounding facts and circumstances.
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Shortcuts can be embarrassing — and costly
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 561
Abstract: This brief article warns that novice valuators who sidestep valuation procedures to save money — as well as clients who misrepresent the facts to skew valuation results — may be in for a rude awakening. Courts are becoming increasingly sophisticated in appraisal matters. When a valuator skips steps or fails to understand a company’s operations, the court is likely to discount — or even reject — the expert’s opinion. The article uses the recent case Burr v. Burr to illustrate this point. Case citation: Burr v. Burr (2008 WL 4906271, Mass. App. Nov. 18, 2008).
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Avoid M&A pitfalls with targeted due diligence
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 765
Abstract: Anyone buying, selling or merging with a business needs to “kick the tires” before signing on the dotted line. This article explains that a financial professional can conduct due diligence procedures that target high-risk areas for any industry. The article lists seller — and buyer — M&A concerns. It also notes that do-it-yourself M&As can lead to disastrous outcomes and unexpected surprises, pointing out that engaging financial and legal professionals early in the process can save money and stress over the long run.
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How valuators assess the rising risk of fraud
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 758
Abstract: The current economic downturn has produced an upswing in incidents of occupational fraud, so it’s imperative for businesses to step up efforts to deter and detect it. An important part of the valuation process is identifying potential risks and gauging whether management has taken appropriate action to mitigate those risks. This article explains how valuators evaluate internal controls and corporate culture, tailoring their analyses of fraud risks based on the subject company’s size, complexity, industry and goals. The article has an accompanying pie graph chart that shows business fraud scheme type and prevalence over the past few years.
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User-created data: Handle with care
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 457
Abstract: Production of electronically stored information (ESI) has become a routine part of discovery. But the primary target of an ESI request often is user-created data — a type of information that’s constantly evolving and can prove elusive. A qualified expert can help extract all the user-created data needed.
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Broke… or dishonest? Uncovering alter ego companies
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 672
Abstract: Most companies filing for bankruptcy accurately represent their assets. But a small percentage of filers that claim to have little or nothing to offer creditors aren’t being honest. Instead, they’ve diverted resources to an alter ego company or are hiding their connection to a much healthier corporate parent. Uncovering and proving this type of fraud can be difficult, but there are a variety of red flags that enable forensic accounting experts to expose such schemes. Conversely, forensic experts can help defendants prove that any alter ego accusations are unfounded.
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Pellom v. Pellom – When little things mean a lot
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 745
Abstract: When one couple decided to divorce, the husband wasn’t happy when the court accepted his wife’s expert’s valuation of his share in an anesthesiology practice at $1.2 million. His own expert had arrived at a figure of $183,000. On appeal, the husband raised several technical objections, which were ultimately rejected. It appears the primary reason for the discrepancy between the two experts’ valuations was the husband’s expert’s failure to account for the practice’s goodwill.
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By the book – How fraud investigations are conducted
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 866
Abstract: When a company suffers fraud, it needs the assistance of a fraud expert to find the perpetrator and collect evidence. A recent guide, published jointly by several industry associations, outlines the approach a qualified expert will take to execute a fraud investigation. After determining the appropriate process for the matter at hand, the expert will move the investigation through three stages: interviews, evidence collection, and evidence analysis. This article also describes corrective steps that can be taken before or after an investigation is complete, while a sidebar discusses factors that may influence a specific investigation’s plan.