2012
Showing 113–128 of 717 results
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Intellectual property requires careful estate planning
October / November 2012
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 787
Abstract: Intellectual property (IP), such as patents and copyrights, can have great value, but in many ways they’re treated differently from other property types. This article explains the differences between patents and copyrights. It then discusses valuing IP, and deciding whether to transfer the IP to family members, colleagues, charities or others through lifetime gifts or through bequests after death.
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Defined-value gifts — Give now, value later
October / November 2012
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 567
Abstract: Making large gifts can be a challenge if they consist of illiquid, difficult-to-value assets. They must be supported by a business valuation, and there’s a risk that the IRS will claim, years later, that a gift was undervalued for tax purposes. But, as this article explains, a defined-value gift — which is a gift of assets that equal a specific dollar amount, rather than a set number of FLP units or a fixed percentage of a business — protects against unexpected taxes down the road. With little time before this year’s record-high exemption amount expires, a defined-value gift can avoid the need for rushed valuations and unintended tax consequences.
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Considering an ILIT? Now’s the time
October / November 2012
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1159
Abstract: Life insurance proceeds generally are income-tax-free to beneficiaries, but may be subject to estate taxes. One of the best ways to keep life insurance out of one’s taxable estate is to place the policy in an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT). But those who are thinking about setting up an ILIT for an existing policy should consider doing so before the end of the year to take advantage of the record-high gift tax exemption. This article looks at the benefits of an ILIT, and shows how to deal with some significant limitations. A sidebar explains how a recent IRS ruling makes ILITs more attractive by permitting a grantor to build additional flexibility into the trust.
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The future is now — Aligning value-based reimbursement with physician compensation
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Healthcare Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 822
Abstract: Governmental and third-party payors are quickly moving to value-based reimbursement, leading to a shift from the traditional physician compensation model toward a new focus on quality outcomes. This article looks at a few of the value-based compensation models that have been gaining attention and describes three keys to successful implementation.
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If you build it, they will come — How hospitals can build brand loyalty
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Healthcare Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 843
Abstract: Brand loyalty isn’t just for cereals and electronic devices. It’s also an integral part of marketing health care services in a competitive marketplace. This article explains the strategic importance of branding. It involves a health care provider’s determining what it wants to say about itself and then determining target markets and the best ways to reach them. Branding efforts should be targeted internally, too, to create “brand ambassadors.” A sidebar lists some brand elements that hospitals have used to set themselves apart.
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How your board can ensure top-notch patient care
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Healthcare Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 763
Abstract: How does a governing board go about meeting its fiduciary responsibilities in ensuring top-notch care and patient safety? This article looks at some of the recommendations promulgated by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, which advocates setting specific measurable targets for reducing harm each year.
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EHR and your hospital — Are you ready to show “meaningful use”?
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Healthcare Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 902
Abstract: Back in 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) created new programs designed to encourage health care providers to use electronic health record (EHR) technology. The programs, known as the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs, provide payments to eligible hospitals that adopt and demonstrate “meaningful use” of certified EHR technology. This article explains the basics of the program, along with the various criteria for meaningful use. A sidebar lists the 14 core objectives hospitals must meet in order to qualify for incentive payments.
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Disaster can strike without warning — How to prepare your business for the worst
October / November 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 338
Abstract: This last decade has seen its fair share of natural and man-made disasters. An effective business continuity plan helps ensure that a company can restore mission-critical functions following all types of calamities, such as natural disasters and power failures. This short article offers tips for developing a plan.
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How should Social Security fit into your retirement planning?
October / November 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 741
Abstract: While no one should expect Social Security to be the cornerstone of their retirement income, it’s important to consider how it should fit into one’s overall retirement plan. This is not easy to do while Social Security’s future is so uncertain. Although Social Security probably won’t go away entirely, it does present some financial challenges. Since no one knows how and when Congress will resolve these challenges, this article explains how individuals should weigh Social Security and other savings methods, depending on such factors as current age and anticipated retirement date.
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Accounting standards for private companies move forward
October / November 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 849
Abstract: In theory, U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) should apply to businesses of all sizes. But, as many owners of privately held companies know, GAAP often doesn’t make sense for their situations. However, recent initiatives by the Financial Accounting Foundation and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants offer a structure for providing the information needed by most users of private companies’ financial reports without requiring the level of detail mandated of public companies. This article examines the proposals, while a sidebar discusses International Financial Reporting Standards for small and midsize enterprises.
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Digital mail offers convenience, less clutter
October / November 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 933
Abstract: Organizing household bills and financial statements can quickly become unwieldy and eat up valuable storage space. And the environmental impact of producing and mailing billions of bills and statements to consumers can also add up quickly. To date, however, there hasn’t been an easy way for consumers to make the switch to electronic bills and statements. But a handful of companies are set to offer a new type of electronic billing and payment solution that’s being referred to as “digital mail,” which allows clients to electronically receive, organize, act on and store bills and statements. This article discusses the pros and cons, while a sidebar lists four providers.
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The latest word on fraud detection
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 487
Abstract: The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) has released its 2012 Report to the Nations on Occupational Fraud and Abuse. In it, the ACFE estimates that occupational fraud costs the typical organization 5% of its revenue every year. This article discusses the report’s findings, including the most costly types of fraud, and offers suggestions for preventing it.
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Some businesses have risks all their own
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 684
Abstract: Companies of like size and purpose may possess similarities that are significant for valuation purposes. But, since virtually no published market data exists for the cost of capital or financial returns of privately held companies, an appraiser must use professional judgment in determining company-specific risk. This article looks at the techniques they use.
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Carrying on — Divorce case turns on often overlooked valuation discount
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 742
Abstract: Many business owners, investors and their attorneys may be familiar with reducing the value of an ownership interest for lack of marketability or lack of control. But these aren’t the only discounts a court may apply. This article looks at a divorce case in which the value of the spouses’ ownership interests in their real estate development companies was in dispute. The wife asserted that specific discounts applied to the value of the companies’ assets shouldn’t be applied again when valuing ownership interests in the companies. The court agreed in principle, but this article explains why she still lost the case. Citation: Barth v. Barth, No. WD73727, April 10, 2012 (Mo. App., Western Dist.)
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Are you for real? — M&A method provides compelling evidence of value
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 895
Abstract: Many believe there’s no better way to value a business than to compare it to similar, real-life companies involved in mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Doing so is popularly known as the M&A method, which falls under the wider “market approach” to valuation. But market data is far from perfect. The key to overcoming its challenges is thoughtful, methodical implementation. This article discusses six steps appraisers use when applying the M&A method. A sidebar shows when it’s reasonable to reject market data.
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Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family — Alarmed taxpayer gets AMT checkup
October / November 2012
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 519
Abstract: In this issue’s “Practical Perspectives,” we meet alarmed taxpayer Alan. After reading several articles about the challenges he and his fellow taxpayers may face when filing their 2012 returns, Alan noticed a particularly ominous take on the alternative minimum tax (AMT). Unless Congress passes another “patch” to raise the income level, more middle and upper-middle income earners will be subject to the AMT. Concerned, Alan visited his tax advisor to discuss the current law and defensive strategies.