2014
Showing 177–192 of 740 results
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Family meetings help ensure estate planning success
September / October 2014
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 617
Abstract: Unless an estate plan — and the principles behind it — is communicated to one’s family and to executors, trustees, guardians and agents, the plan is at risk. Holding family meetings can help ensure that representatives understand and accept their responsibilities and that loved ones understand the reasons that the donor is distributing the wealth in his or her chosen manner. This article describes whom to invite to such a meeting and what to discuss.
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Could an exchange help cover LTC insurance costs?
September / October 2014
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 747
Abstract: Long-term care insurance policies can be expensive — particularly if bought at retirement age. But this article explains that using a total or partial tax-free exchange of an existing life insurance policy or annuity contract can help deal with the expense. A tax-free exchange allows one to defer taxable gain and, to the extent the gain is absorbed by LTC insurance premiums, eliminate it permanently.
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The true cost of giving – Charitable donations in a no-estate-tax environment
September / October 2014
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 867
Abstract: As higher exemptions result in fewer people being subject to estate taxes, some might be concerned that this will hurt charities. Reduce the tax bite, the theory goes, and charitable giving will decline. In fact, the opposite is usually true. People who are charitably inclined generally don’t consider the cost of giving. It’s more common to determine the after-tax amount they wish their heirs to receive and leave the excess, if any, to charity. Accordingly, lower gift and estate taxes may increase interest in charitable remainder trusts (CRTs). This article looks at the details, while a sidebar discusses the flexibility that a nonqualified CRT can offer.
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Construction Success Story – Stunned contractor battles business identity theft
September / October 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 439
Abstract: Identity theft doesn’t affect only individuals; it can also strike businesses — including those in the construction industry. This issue’s “Construction Success Story” offers an example in which a construction company receives bills for debts it hadn’t incurred. Their accountant traces the evidence back to a former manager who had stolen company information to file a fake tax return and obtain credit cards in the business’s name. She recommends that they review the Small Business Administration’s five best practices for preventing small-business identity theft.
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Simplifying the financial reporting of leasing arrangements
September / October 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 524
Abstract: Many construction companies create separate, but related, business entities to buy vehicles, equipment or facilities and then lease these assets back to the parent company. They may now be able to avail themselves of a simpler way to handle the financial reporting of these arrangements. New Financial Accounting Standards Board guidance allows private companies following Generally Accepted Accounting Principles to, in some circumstances, elect not to consolidate the financial reporting from such entities that lease property to them. This article offers examples of how it works and who may qualify.
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Joint ventures: Look before you leap
September / October 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 677
Abstract: Joint ventures are a leap of faith. One never quite knows how they’ll turn out until a job is well underway. But they can still pay off, providing that one looks carefully before taking the leap. This article explains the benefits a joint venture offers, different ways of structuring one, and what to include in a joint venture agreement.
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Could you fall over the edge? Reviewing your workforce in a post-ACA world
September / October 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 862
Abstract: There was a time when contractors could generally maintain relatively streamlined workforces and then expand them as necessary when work picked up. But, with the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), “large employers” are at risk for penalties if they don’t offer “minimum essential” health care coverage or coverage that isn’t “affordable” or of “minimum value” as defined by the ACA. This article describes what constitutes a “large employer” and the penalties they face, along with IRS final regulations that delay penalties for smaller “large employers.” A sidebar adds that the final regulations for the ACA’s “play or pay” provisions also affect independent contractors and staffing agencies.
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Demystifying LTL freight classification
Fall 2014
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 438
Abstract: The National Motor Freight Classification® (NMFC®) system can be overwhelming. But manufacturers that understand how carriers classify freight can find creative ways to lower their costs for less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments. This article describes the factors that affect freight rates and offers ways to qualify for lower, less expensive freight classes.
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Look who tops the 2014 fraud list
Fall 2014
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 634
Abstract: Manufacturing is among the top three sectors that reported fraud cases in the latest biennial study by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). The median fraud loss was $250,000, and manufacturers are particularly susceptible to schemes involving billing, corruption and noncash theft. But this article lists the top 10 of what the study deems to be the most effective control measures to prevent fraud.
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Workplace violence – Proactive efforts foster safe, productive work environments
Fall 2014
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 607
Abstract: No one thinks their factory or warehouse will be the setting for a work-related homicide — until it’s too late. But much more common than well-publicized workplace shootings are threats, bullying, emotional abuse, intimidation and assaults. If left unchecked, these less severe violent behaviors can escalate into more serious situations. This article looks at the different types of workplace violence and steps that companies can take to minimize the opportunities for violence to occur.
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The question every manufacturer wants answered – What’s the value of my business?
Fall 2014
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 877
Abstract: The scene is set for a stunning M&A display for the rest of 2014 and beyond. Sellers in some industry segments may wind up in a bidding war that drives up their values. But some buyers are still trolling for bargains, so it’s important to not take the first offer without obtaining a formal appraisal first. This article discusses three valuation approaches — cost, market and income — that appraisers use to value manufacturers, while a sidebar cautions against using industry “rules of thumb” as the sole method of valuation.
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Methodologies on trial – Keys to surviving a Daubert challenge
September / October 2014
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 433
Abstract: Valuators often serve as expert witnesses if the parties to a lawsuit can’t agree on the value of a private business interest or economic losses that have been incurred. Before valuators take the stand, they should be prepared to defend their valuation methodologies from what’s commonly referred to as a Daubert challenge (named after a landmark Supreme Court case). This article describes four factors related to the expert’s methodology that judges consider, along with the professional qualifications of the expert.
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How do private and public companies differ?
September / October 2014
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 680
Abstract: Private company appraisals are often derived from public stock data, because it’s more relevant and plentiful. But private and public companies can markedly differ in terms of risk, expected return and liquidity. Appraisals that fail to account for these differences could be making “apples-to-oranges” comparisons. This article lists some of these key differences between private and public companies.
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Recycle paper and plastic, not appraisal reports
September / October 2014
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 551
Abstract: It may seem economical and time-effective to reuse an old business appraisal for a new purpose. But recycling an appraisal without a valuator’s approval could prove costly over the long run. This article points out that there can be several definitions of value; a company’s value can change over time; and valuators face different considerations depending on why a business is being appraised.
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Questions IRS wants answered about marketability discounts
September / October 2014
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 888
Abstract: The Discount for Lack of Marketability Job Aid for IRS Valuation Professionals helps IRS field agents better understand the theory underlying this complicated discount. But the relevance of the job aid extends beyond discounts applied in a federal tax context. Anyone who relies on an appraisal that includes a discount for lack of marketability (DLOM) may benefit from reviewing this job aid, which summarizes questions valuators address when selecting a DLOM for a subject interest. This article looks at several of those questions, while a sidebar notes two of the most common DLOM approaches: restricted stock studies and pre-IPO studies.
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Carter v. Clements Walker – The dangers of speculation
September / October 2014
Newsletter: Valuation & Litigation Briefing / Litigation & Valuation Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 441
Abstract: Speculative damages calculations usually are insufficient to support a damages award — even if presented by an expert. In a recent case, Carter v. Clements Walker, the plaintiff learned this lesson the hard way when the North Carolina Superior Court threw out his $33 million claim on a motion for summary judgment. This brief article goes over the main points of the case, noting the importance of working with a valuator to ensure damages conclusions are based on solid evidence rather than speculation. Carter v. Clements Walker, No. 08 CVS 4333 (N.C. Superior Ct. 1/10/14)