July 2010

TAX / PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING

Closing Up Shop: How to Successfully Shut Down a Private Foundation

With the economic struggles of the past few years, many private foundations have gotten out of the philanthropy business. As they cease to exist, however, they must observe correct procedures under the Tax Code and Treasury regulations or risk losing still more of their assets to penalties and interest.

TAX / PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING

Charitable Planning: CRTs, CLTs and the Increasing Payment CLAT

Charitable trusts can help your clients fulfill their philanthropic desires while planning for tax-efficient treatment of personal wealth. Here’s how to assess the suitability of the various types of charitable trusts, including a relatively novel one.

AUDITING / FORENSIC ACCOUNTING

Common Question-Evasion Tactics

Learn to identify common evasion tactics and methods to get the specific answers you need in an interview.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Developing Your Personal Brand Equity

For career longevity, every CPA should know how to build a reputation and book of practice in the accounting profession. Personal brand equity development can help distinguish you from the crowd.

TAX / PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING

Valuing Art for Tax Purposes

Whether as noncash charitable contributions or as part of a taxable estate or gift, works of art require valuations that taxpayers can successfully defend if challenged by the IRS.

TAX / BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

Turning Business Losses Into Tax Refunds

Recent legislation has expanded carryback allowances for net operating losses. Here are some practical suggestions for the quickest and most efficient way to parlay them into cash for a struggling business.