2013
Showing 529–544 of 735 results
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Financial checkups – “Wellness visits” pay off
April / May 2013
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 557
Abstract: Giving a borrower a routine checkup can help detect problems before distress symptoms appear on one’s year end financial statements. This article explains what to look for on a site visit and lists several warning signs of financial distress.
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Lean, mean borrowing machines – Encourage borrowers to cut the fat from working capital
April / May 2013
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 809
Abstract: Working capital — current assets minus current liabilities — is traditionally a measure of liquidity. High liquidity generally equates with low risk, but excessive amounts of cash tied up in working capital detract from other spending options, such as expanding to new markets, buying equipment and paying down debt. This article discusses five best practices for reducing working capital. A sidebar cites a study showing that top performers have significantly lower working capital on hand than do mediocre companies.
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Contractor’s Toolbox – Solid internal controls can help fight fraud
Spring 2013
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 411
Abstract: Employee fraud, theft and embezzlement are costly problems for all businesses. According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ 2012 Report to the Nations on Occupational Fraud and Abuse, the typical organization loses 5% of its revenue to fraud each year. And construction companies are among the hardest hit, with a median loss of $300,000. This article lists ways that contractors can tighten their internal controls.
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Overlooking the R&D credit is like leaving money on the table
Spring 2013
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 738
Abstract: The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA) extended the research tax credit — commonly known as the research and development or “R&D” credit — through Dec. 31, 2013. Contractors who have invested time and money in developing new construction techniques, improving business processes or innovating in other ways may find that such expenditures are eligible for the credit. This article describes what the credit provides and the requirements for qualifying. A sidebar mentions other tax breaks extended by ATRA.
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Is that independent contractor really an employee? How to steer clear of worker classification woes
Spring 2013
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 724
Abstract: Contractors beware: The IRS continues to be hot on the trail of any employer that, in its eyes, erroneously treats a bona fide employee as an independent contractor. This article explains the three categories of evidence the IRS uses to determine worker status, along with best practices that contractors can employ to avoid misclassifying workers. Those who have already misclassified workers may be able to reduce back pay and penalties through the Voluntary Classification Settlement Program (VCSP).
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Don’t fear the future – Cloud computing offers significant benefits
Spring 2013
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 676
Abstract: Few industries are as mobile as construction. With operations scattered among multiple job sites and satellite offices, contractors stand to gain significant benefits from what many have heralded as the future of data storage and access: cloud-based technology. This article discusses its benefits from the standpoint of cost and efficiency, while allaying security concerns that some contractors may still have.
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BANK Wire – CFPB issues mortgage ability-to-repay rule
Spring 2013
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 411
Abstract: This issue’s “BANK Wire” discusses the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s final rule amending Regulation Z, requiring mortgage lenders to make a reasonable, good-faith determination of a borrower’s ability to repay the loan. It also looks at the OCC’s warning that banks’ efforts to increase profitability may lead to inappropriate risk-taking, and at an FDIC study that addresses structural change, the geography of community banking, comparative financial performance, balance sheet strategies and capital formation.
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Borrowers are not created equal – Use financial statement reconciliations to compare diverse customers
Spring 2013
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 619
Abstract: “Normalizing” reconciliations to the income statement and balance sheet is necessary when comparing diverse borrowers. A thorough knowledge of accounting helps lenders prepare dissimilar customers’ financial statements for apples-to-apples comparisons and to aid in underwriting decisions. This article offers a basic explanation of this accounting tactic, taking into account varied accounting methods, one-time events and related-party transactions.
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Suspicious activity reports: Are you using “key terms”?
Spring 2013
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 582
Abstract: One detail that banks often overlook when filing suspicious activity reports is FinCEN’s list of key terms to include in the narrative section. Using these terms helps law enforcement officials detect fraud and money laundering more quickly, which, in turn, helps protect bank customers. This article describes a few examples of these terms.
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Take the stress out of stress testing
Spring 2013
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 857
Abstract: Stress testing can be a powerful tool for evaluating the impact of adverse external events on a bank’s earnings, capital adequacy and other performance measures. It also can guide an institution’s risk management and capital planning efforts. But until recently, there’s been some confusion about regulators’ expectations for stress testing by community banks. This article discusses new OCC supervisory guidance on this topic, looking at a variety of stress testing methods. A sidebar notes the circumstances under which institutions are expected to employ enhanced risk management techniques, including stress testing.
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Are you ready for the green revolution? How to evolve as fuel efficiencies improve
Spring 2013
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 276
Abstract: Automakers are working toward ever-higher fuel-efficiency goals, and this “green revolution” will likely continue. This brief article offers ways for dealers to evolve as fuel efficiencies improve: training service department personnel on the latest fuel-efficient technologies; integrating fuel-efficient parts into inventory; and helping customers further enhance fuel efficiency.
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Plan your estate now, save taxes later
Spring 2013
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 652
Abstract: The estate tax provisions of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA), combined with dealership values that continue to be relatively low, provide significant tax-saving opportunities for dealers in 2013. This article looks at the higher lifetime gift and estate tax exemption and rate and notes that it’s important to start estate planning early to maximize tax-free transfers of dealership assets before they appreciate. It also discusses dealership valuation, family limited partnerships and grantor retained annuity trusts.
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Keeping an eye on dealer review sites
Spring 2013
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 681
Abstract: For dealers who don’t know what’s being said about them on online dealership review sites — or don’t have a strategy in place to quickly combat unfair reviews or appease disgruntled customers who have a legitimate beef — this article should serve as a wake-up call. It explains the threat from negative reviews, whether fair or unfair, and how a dealership should respond.
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Extended depreciation-related deductions are good news
Spring 2013
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 856
Abstract: The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA) has extended both expanded Section 179 expensing and 50% bonus depreciation through 2013. This article details the benefits of each tax reduction tool and explains how they can benefit dealers both as buyers and as retailers. But it also notes that ATRA might result in higher taxes for some dealership owners.
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New simplified home office deduction
April 2013
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 251
Abstract: Beginning in 2013, a simplified option is available that many owners of home-based businesses and some home-based workers may use to figure their deductions for the business use of their homes. This article discusses which requirements have been relaxed and which are still in effect.
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Residency issues for retirees
April 2013
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 572
Abstract: With 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 each day, some may decide to move to another state for a variety of reasons. If the retiree’s move is intended to be permanent, it is important that legal domicile be established in the new state. If not, the retiree may be subject to income tax as a resident of both the old and new states, and both states may claim jurisdiction over the retiree’s estate. This article lists the steps that tend to establish domicile in a new state.