2024

Showing 97–112 of 147 results

  • Making distinctions may create tax savings for owners of rental real estate

    February / March 2024
    Newsletter: Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 655

    Abstract: The 20% qualified business income (QBI) deduction is available for income from an eligible trade or business, but it isn’t available if that same property is classified as an investment. This article points out that it’s worth considering whether an owned rental property meets the definition of a trade or business under IRS requirements. It also explains that determining whether rental real estate activities qualify for the QBI deduction is a complicated undertaking and is likely to require the services of a tax professional.

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  • How to manage cloud costs

    February / March 2024
    Newsletter: Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 668

    Abstract: Many businesses are surprised by the bills they receive for their cloud usage. This article suggests some steps a business can take to help its organization control its cloud spending and get a handle on cloud operations, costs and value — including setting a budget for and tracking cloud usage, and applying procurement controls. The article notes that regularly fine-tuning cloud management efforts will help a business use its cloud resources efficiently and effectively.

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  • Will you vote for tax savings? Tax return elections that can save you money

    February / March 2024
    Newsletter: Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 991

    Abstract: Individuals and small business owners need to make several important “elections” on their 2023 tax returns. This article looks at some potentially beneficial tax decisions, including whether to itemize and whether to deduct investment interest income. It suggests that many of these moves may lead to tax savings if found to be applicable to a taxpayer’s specific circumstances. A sidebar discusses the ins and outs of using SALT deductions.

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  • Bank Wire – Regulators focusing on liquidity risk management

    Winter 2024
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 440

    Abstract: This brief summary of recent developments in banking lists eight critical elements of sound liquidity risk management from the 2010 “Interagency Policy Statement on Funding and Liquidity Risk Management (SR 10-06).” It also notes that some federal regulatory agencies are cracking down on “junk fees” charged by some banks and businesses. Finally, it raises an alarm about a recent virtual currency investment scam known as “pig butchering.”

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  • What can visual analytics do for your bank?

    Winter 2024
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 546

    Abstract: Criminals are continuously looking for ways to use rapidly advancing technology for their own nefarious purposes. This is an ongoing issue for many community banks as they try to prevent money laundering and other crimes from happening within their operations. This article explains that banks need to protect themselves from criminal infiltration and ensure they remain in compliance with Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering (BSA/AML) laws and regulations. It suggests that using data visualization software to help detect possible crimes before they can take hold can be helpful in that effort.

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  • 7 ways AI is transforming the banking industry

    Winter 2024
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 588

    Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is impacting businesses in virtually every industry today, and banking is no exception. This article notes that banks of all sizes increasingly recognize AI’s potential to help them improve efficiency, reduce costs, enhance the customer experience and combat fraud. It offers seven examples of how banks are using AI, including in customer service, fraud prevention and underwriting decisions.

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  • Learn from past mistakes – “Postmortems” on failed institutions are instructive for community banks

    Winter 2024
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 869

    Abstract: In the aftermath of three notable bank failures in 2023, federal banking regulators issued comprehensive reports detailing the underlying causes of those failures. The reports point out management shortcomings that led to the bank failures — as well as regulators’ plans to become more proactive in addressing bank risks. This article showcases some highlights of the three reports. It also suggests that banks should expect greater regulatory scrutiny in the future, particularly with respect to capital, liquidity risk and interest rate risk. A sidebar addresses the role of social media in liquidity risk.

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  • Tax Tips – IRS delays Roth catch-up requirement for two years

    January / February 2024
    Newsletter: Tax Impact

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 300

    Abstract: These brief tips explain a tax rule change regarding Roth account catch-up requirements; detail why taxpayers should still file a tax return even if they’re unable to pay the tax due; and explore whether individuals can deduct online sports betting losses.

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  • Saving made easy – Set aside funds for your children with custodial accounts

    January / February 2024
    Newsletter: Tax Impact

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 479

    Abstract: A custodial account may be the answer for parents who are seeking a tax-efficient way to help their minor-aged child save for college or other expenses. This article examines two types of custodial accounts and details their pros and cons.

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  • Spotlight on transfer pricing rules

    January / February 2024
    Newsletter: Tax Impact

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 688

    Abstract: If a business expands its geographical footprint beyond state or U.S. borders, it’s important to understand the transfer pricing rules. In a nutshell, transfer pricing refers to cross-border pricing arrangements for transactions between related companies (including parent and subsidiary or brother-sister companies with a common parent) in different jurisdictions. This article explains why these rules matter and how they’re regulated.

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  • Are you liable for net investment income tax? Learn strategies to reduce the risk

    January / February 2024
    Newsletter: Tax Impact

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1031

    Abstract: During the last several years, the 3.8% net investment income tax (NIIT) has ensnared a steadily increasing number of taxpayers. Why? Because when the tax was enacted 11 years ago it applied to “high earners” — defined as single filers with modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) over $200,000 and joint filers with MAGI over $250,000. Those thresholds have never been adjusted for inflation. As a result, the number of taxpayers liable for NIIT has more than doubled during that time. This article explains how the NIIT works and provides strategies to reduce it. A sidebar explores whether a Roth IRA conversion might reduce NIIT liability.

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  • Estate Planning Red Flag – You’ve left specific assets to specific heirs

    January / February 2024
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 329

    Abstract: When creating an estate plan, it may be tempting to leave specific assets to specific loved ones. Perhaps a person wants to give a child the family home or a stock that has sentimental and financial value. Unfortunately, by doing so the person risks inadvertently disinheriting other family members, even if he or she had gone out of the way to ensure that they’re treated fairly. This brief article explains the pitfalls of leaving specific assets to specific family members.

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  • Your beneficiary designations may be obsolete: Review and update as needed

    January / February 2024
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 609

    Abstract: For most people, a substantial amount of wealth is transferred to loved ones through beneficiary designations. Indeed, making beneficiary designations is an excellent tool for transferring assets that aren’t subject to probate, including IRAs and certain employer-sponsored retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and some bank or brokerage accounts. This article stresses the importance of reviewing and updating beneficiary designations after major life changes.

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  • Beware of tax traps when estate planning for non-U.S. citizens

    January / February 2024
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 678

    Abstract: For non-U.S. citizens, estate planning can be more complicated than for those who are citizens. The reason is that noncitizens must follow different gift and estate tax laws. This article explores how the tax laws differ for U.S. and non-U.S. citizens and notes potential tax traps.

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  • Married couples: Joint or separate trusts?

    January / February 2024
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 928

    Abstract: For married couples, one important decision is whether to use a joint trust or separate trusts. The right choice depends on their financial and family circumstances, applicable state law and other factors, so couples should discuss their options with their advisor. This article examines several factors to consider when deciding whether to use a joint or separate trusts. A sidebar discusses the cost of using an irrevocable trust.

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  • Buyback provision bites law firm partners

    January / February 2024
    Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 431

    Abstract: When crafting shareholders’ agreements, it’s important to incorporate the appropriate valuation language to ensure equitable shareholder buyouts. This article discusses a recent case in which two law firm shareholders were left in the cold after their firm merged. A New York trial court found they were owed only $100 each for their shares in the old firm. Laurilliard v. McNamee Lochner, P.C., No. 904245-22 (N.Y. Supr. Ct. June 29, 2023).

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