2014
Showing 113–128 of 740 results
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Light the way – Boosting profitability through your financial statements
November / December 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 876
Abstract: When it comes to making sense of dollars and cents, contractors may often feel like they’re fumbling around in the dark. Fortunately, the information available in their financial statements can light the way beyond just getting by into the happy land of greater profitability. This article discusses the basics of financial statements and some key ratios that can provide enlightening insights. A sidebar looks at a few general categories of key performance indicators that may help construction company owners catch and improve misaligned and underperforming aspects of their businesses.
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In the News – Coming soon! Changes to the way borrowers report revenues
October / November 2014
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 432
Abstract: The new standard issued in Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, provides a unified set of principles for recognizing revenues — replacing the current mishmash of more than 80 industry-specific revenue-recognition rules. This update is part of a landmark global accounting convergence project that will change how borrowers report the top lines of their income statements. This article explains which borrowers will be most affected, how they will report revenues, and how borrowers and lenders can prepare for these changes.
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Teach small borrowers to think big
October / November 2014
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 629
Abstract: Small private businesses tend to be responsive, innovative, thrifty and focused on core operations. Nonetheless, banks often consider them to be high risk, especially if owners run their businesses like extensions of their personal finances. But, as this article explains, there are a number of healthy big-business practices that small borrowers can embrace — especially if their lenders provide encouragement. Practices discussed include systematic, formal planning, proactive branding, and leveraged operations.
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Typosquatting scams: Could your borrowers be victims?
October / November 2014
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 561
Abstract: A scam known as “typosquatting” involves the purchase of domain names in bad faith. It takes advantage of a tendency among Internet users to hit the wrong keys and enter misspelled trademarks or brands. Some of the worst fraudulent websites might feature phishing schemes or be used for corporate espionage. Revenues and business reputations are likely to suffer — making it harder to service debt. This article notes that it’s important for lenders to ask borrowers to disclose more about cyber threats, as well as any preventive measures, in their year end financial statements.
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Borrowers and occupational fraud – Who’s most vulnerable and how to assess risk
October / November 2014
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 926
Abstract: The most recent of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ biennial fraud studies indicates that the typical business continues to lose 5% of revenues to fraud — and financial institutions reported the most fraud cases. This article discusses the most fraud-prone industries and the kinds of fraud to which each is particularly susceptible. It also provides ten questions that lenders can ask to evaluate a company’s antifraud controls. A sidebar discusses how receivables, inventory and fixed assets can serve as red flags to warn lenders of fraud, which can impair the victim’s ability to service debt and can lower its collateral values.
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Stopping business identity theft
November / December 2014
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 544
Abstract: For many business owners, their identity and their company’s identity are virtually the same, and a crook’s hijacking of the latter can have crippling effects on their personal and professional lives. This article explains the risks of business identity fraud and provides tips for preventing it, including how to enlist employees’ help.
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Help ensure your solvency opinion holds up in court
November / December 2014
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 503
Abstract: The need for a solvency opinion can arise in a variety of litigation settings, including fraudulent conveyance, bankruptcy alter ego and due diligence actions. This article explains how such analysis questions management’s assumptions and projections and how experts apply three tests — balance sheet, cash flow and adequate capital — to determine solvency.
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Follow the money: How experts calculate lost earnings damages
November / December 2014
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 591
Abstract: When calculating lost earnings damages, financial experts consider several components, including base earnings, retirement benefits and fringe benefits. This article talks about the data that experts review as well as how they handle such contentious issues as variable compensation (commissions, overtime and performance bonuses).
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BIG deal – Tax Court rejects dollar-for-dollar discount, embraces NAV method
November / December 2014
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 806
Abstract: The debate over the appropriate valuation discount for the built-in gain (BIG) tax continues, with the U.S. Tax Court recently opposing a dollar-for-dollar discount. In Estate of Richmond, the Tax Court also explained that the net asset value (NAV) method is more appropriate than an income capitalization approach when valuing a marketable securities holding company. This article discusses the issues at stake. A sidebar explains why the estate was assessed a 20% penalty on its underpayment of tax.
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Taking advantage of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
November 2014
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 315
Abstract: An employee wishing to take advantage of an employer’s health care and/or dependent care FSA must specify, before year end, how much of his or her 2015 salary to convert into tax-free contributions to the plan. It’s then possible to take tax-free withdrawals next year as reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical and dental expenses and qualifying dependent care costs. But FSAs are “use-it-or-lose-it” accounts, so it’s important for employees to not set aside more than what they’ll likely have in qualifying expenses for the year. This article offers an example of how a couple with a high income and a low one can allocate their funds to an FSA in the most tax-efficient manner.
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Write off damaged or obsolete inventory items
November 2014
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 147
Abstract: Regardless of the valuation method used, the end-of-the-year inventory should be reviewed to detect obsolete or damaged items. This brief article discusses the procedure for writing down the carrying cost of any such items to their probable selling price (net of selling expenses).
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The tax benefits of selling rather than trading in business vehicles
November 2014
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 210
Abstract: Although a vehicle’s value typically drops fairly rapidly, the tax rules limit the amount of annual depreciation that can be claimed on most cars and light trucks. Thus, when it’s time to replace a vehicle used in a business, it’s not unusual for its tax basis to be higher than its value. This article explains how that can affect tax deductions.
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Does your business need a buy/sell agreement?
November 2014
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 285
Abstract: It is important that businesses with more than one owner have a written buy/sell agreement specifying what happens when an owner withdraws from the business. A buy/sell agreement is a contract between the owners (or the owners and the business entity itself) that establishes rules and restrictions applicable to changes in ownership. Not only can it avoid conflicts at a fragile time, but it can also offer estate planning benefits by establishing a value for the business prior to an owner’s death. This article notes three common methods for determining the purchase price under a buy/sell agreement.
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Eight tips for deducting charitable contributions
November 2014
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 370
Abstract: Giving to charity can be a “win-win” situation. It’s good for both the charity and the donor. This article lists eight things to know about deducting contributions to charity, including what qualifies for a deduction and the documentation that might be required.
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Individual year end tax planning ideas
November 2014
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 652
Abstract: As year end approaches, it’s again time to focus on last-minute moves to save taxes — both on the 2014 return and in future years. This article offers four methods: maximizing the benefit of the standard deduction, deferring income, securing a deduction for nearly worthless securities, and investing in tax-free securities
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Should your firm offer on-site child care?
Fall 2014
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 404
Abstract: Child-care issues are disproportionately responsible for late arrivals, unscheduled time off, distracted workers and high turnover. But does the cost of operating on-site child care outweigh the benefits? Not necessarily. This article explains that, in addition to savings related to reduced absenteeism and turnover, tax breaks may be available.