2014
Showing 417–432 of 740 results
-
Dealer Digest – Is the future of dealer reserve auto financing at risk?
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 433
Abstract: In this issue, “Dealer Digest” takes a look at the uncertain future of dealer reserve auto financing. It also discusses why, at least in the near term, driverless driving will not likely be the main benefit of driverless cars, and why, with more young buyers entering the automobile market, it might be time for dealerships to overhaul their showrooms — and the way they sell vehicles.
-
Applying the latest regs on repairs and maintenance
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 623
Abstract: There has long been confusion among dealerships about the tax treatment of tangible property improvements on things such as buildings, machinery, equipment and vehicles. Specifically, should these costs be capitalized and depreciated, or can they be deducted immediately? The IRS recently issued final regulations addressing repairs and maintenance and providing guidance to help dealerships make this determination.
-
A badge of honor – Monitor online sites to defend your dealership’s reputation
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 645
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.
-
What’s the current state of the dealership M&A market?
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 786
Abstract: After several slow years in the aftermath of the financial crisis, auto dealership merger and acquisition (M&A) activity picked up substantially in the United States in 2013 — and one industry source indicates that dealerships are currently priced at all-time highs. This article lists a number of factors driving this trend and discusses the different types of buyers and their motivations. While this is currently an opportune time for sellers, a sidebar points out that, in today’s low-yield investment environment, many automotive dealership buyers see acquisitions as an opportunity for high return on investment.
-
Tax Tips – Business owners: Hire your kids to save taxes
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 426
Abstract: This issue’s “Tax Tips” offers pointers about hiring one’s own kids to save taxes; rolling over amounts within certain employer-sponsored retirement plans — such as 401(k)s — from a traditional account into a designated Roth account; a Tax Court case that allows a gift’s value for gift tax purposes to be reduced if the recipient agrees to assume the donor’s potential estate tax liability; and meal and entertainment expenses that are 100% deductible.
-
Undisclosed foreign accounts: Handle with care
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 420
Abstract: It’s critical that anyone who owns or controls any foreign financial accounts — such as bank accounts, brokerage accounts, mutual funds or trusts — understand their reporting obligations. This article discusses specific requirements, along with penalties for noncompliance. It also explains how those who have undisclosed foreign accounts can reduce their penalties by entering the IRS’s Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Initiative (OVDI).
-
How defined-value gifts can help limit your tax exposure
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 703
Abstract: Making large gifts can be a challenge if they consist of illiquid, difficult-to-value assets, such as interests in a business or family limited partnership (FLP). 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 a “defined-value gift” protects against unexpected taxes down the road. This article looks at how a defined-value clause works and how it can withstand an IRS challenge.
-
Capturing the benefits of captive insurance
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1014
Abstract: A captive insurance company is a private insurer owned and controlled by the business or businesses (or the owners of such entities) it insures. For years, large corporations have used captive insurance companies to control insurance costs. Today, even small, closely held businesses are taking advantage of the many financial, tax and estate planning benefits captives have to offer. This article takes a look at these benefits, but a sidebar notes that, to achieve them, a captive must qualify as an “insurance arrangement,” which involves elements of risk shifting and risk distribution.
-
Construction Success Story – New security system brings peace of mind
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 438
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” looks at the case of a family roofing company that had been in one place for over 50 years but hadn’t upgraded its security as the local crime rate increased. That changed when the owner arrived one day to find that a van had been broken into and tools stolen. Hoping to prevent even more serious theft, the owner consulted his financial advisor. Together, they formulated a budget and solicited bids for a new security system, eventually finding just the right one for the construction company.
-
Build your competitive intelligence with benchmarking
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 645
Abstract: Competitive intelligence is not “corporate espionage,” but a process of legally and ethically gathering relevant data on competitors. And construction companies can go about doing so in a variety of ways. This article explains how to start with benchmarking, the kinds of metrics that can be tracked and how to analyze the results.
-
LEED: Redefined
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 515
Abstract: The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recently released the fourth generation of its renowned energy efficient building design. The updated framework dramatically expands the types of structures that may qualify for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and includes a comprehensive suite of Web-enabled project management and assessment tools for contractors. This article takes a closer look at “LEED v4.”
-
Nonqualified deferred compensation plans – Is your arrangement due for an update?
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 939
Abstract: Nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plans can help lure or retain a top-producing manager, but also put a substantial strain on a construction company’s finances. Furthermore, they can have an impact on a company’s long-term business strategy and succession plan. This article discusses four different categories of NQDC plans and the tax and cash flow implications of funded vs. unfunded plans. NQDC plans are complicated and the slightest of errors can have big consequences, so a sidebar discusses what the IRS looks for when performing an NQDC plan audit.
-
Ask the Advisor – How should I report rental income?
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 433
Abstract: Reporting income from rental properties may seem straightforward, but that’s not always the case. The IRS’s definition of rental income, for example, might be broader than property owners realize. Such misunderstandings could prove costly if uncovered by an IRS audit. This article describes several different types of rental income and whether security deposits fall into this category.
-
Keep your eyes wide open – Donating historic preservation easements
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 527
Abstract: The Internal Revenue Code allows taxpayers to take a charitable deduction for the donation of historic preservation easements on property they own. But some donors may have unrealistic expectations about the amount of the deduction they’ll qualify for. With the IRS aggressively challenging these donations in costly court battles, it’s important to understand what it looks at when evaluating easement deductions. This article explains why a “qualified appraisal” by an appraiser is required to substantiate the deduction.
-
Why you should consider the tax ramifications of SMLLCs
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 681
Abstract: A “single-member limited liability company” (SMLLC) holds properties in order to distance the investors from various liabilities. It can also avoid double taxation. But this article discusses why, before setting up such an entity, it’s important to consider the tax ramifications. For example, when using an SMLLC to own a partnership interest, there may be negative tax repercussions that wouldn’t necessarily be the same if one owned the partnership interest as an individual.
-
IRS final regs on tangible property – Safe harbors opened and expanded
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 912
Abstract: The IRS has released its final regulations on the proper tax treatment of expenditures related to tangible property, including buildings. The regs explain how property owners can distinguish between expenses (which are immediately deductible against current income) and capital expenditures (which must be recovered over time through depreciation). As this article explains, they retain many of the earlier regs’ provisions but modify several sections and create and expand some notable safe harbors. And a sidebar notes that the final regs provide some relief for certain taxpayers that don’t have their financial statements audited.