12.05.19

Section 529 versus Roth IRA Plans: Choosing a College Savings Tool
Christopher Georgiou

Many people assume that a Section 529 plan is the ideal college savings tool. But the Roth IRA can also help parents save for college expenses. This article reviews the strengths of each. For example, Sec. 529 plans allow participants to make substantial non-deductible contributions. Owners of Roth IRAs can withdraw contributions anytime, tax and penalty-free, for any purpose.

11.25.19

Making “Made in the USA” Work
Seamus M. Donoghue

“Made in the USA” is a hot marketing trend that can help manufacturers differentiate products in the marketplace. If manufacturers can obtain goods domestically faster and at lower costs than foreign suppliers can offer, it seems like a win. But, when “homegrown” products are more expensive than foreign-sourced products, purchasers may balk at the higher price tag.

11.22.19

The Benefits of Client Satisfaction Surveys
Joy A. Long

As the year winds down and 2020 comes into focus, law firms should think now about sending year-end client satisfaction surveys to their clients. Surveys are a great tool for gathering valuable information about a firm’s performance and for getting a read on clients’ satisfaction levels. They also help identify new opportunities for service expansion, as well as crucial areas for service improvement. This article discusses survey methods and key information law firms should be gathering from their clients, because it’s easier and less expensive to obtain new work from current clients than to prospect and win new clients.

11.21.19

Functional Expense Schedule Best Practices for Not-for-Profits
AICPA

For some not-for-profit entities (NFPs), a separate statement of functional expenses will be the most efficient and effective way of presenting the analysis of expenses by function and nature that is required under FASB Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-14, Not-for-Profit Entities (Topic 958): Presentation of Financial Statements of Not-for-Profit Entities. Voluntary health and welfare organizations were previously required to present a statement of functional expenses; other NFPs were not required but could choose to present one if desired. However, many NFPs are preparing this statement, or a similar schedule in the notes to the financial statements, for the first time. With that in mind, here are some best practices for organizations to keep in mind as they prepare these schedules.

11.20.19

Patient No-Shows? No Problem
Kevin Omahen

Working around patients that do not show up for appointments is a constant battle that all medical practices face. This article dives into various strategies to help tackle this issue.

11.18.19

How Tax-Advantaged Health Plans Contribute to Your Financial Well-Being
Jacqueline N. Janczewski

You have likely heard of these common tax-advantaged health care plans: Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs), Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). But do you know what they offer and, given your specific health and financial concerns, which one might be the best fit for you?

11.14.19

New Exempt Status Salary Threshold Could Impact 401(k) Plan Costs
James Quaid

If your 401(k) plan employer contribution formula for hourly employees includes overtime pay, your plan costs may increase next year — along with your overtime pay outlays. That is because the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final ruling that increases the salary threshold for overtime pay eligibility.

11.13.19

Eminent Domain and the “Project Influence” Rule in Property Valuation

Eminent domain refers to the power of the government to take private property for public use. Under the Fifth Amendment, the government exercising this power must provide the property owner “just compensation,” which is generally the property’s fair market value (FMV). However, the valuation of the property may be influenced by the government’s plans for the acquisition, which can increase or decrease the FMV of the property. This is where the project influence rule comes into play.

11.07.19

Holding an Auction? Be Sure to Comply
Barbara Miller

So you are having an auction. Rev up the team to solicit those baskets of goodies, spa visits, vacations and game tickets, but do not forget about complying with tax laws. There are several steps your not-for-profit organization must take to fulfill your tax obligations and help your auction buyers fulfill theirs.

11.06.19

Chicago’s New Fair Workweek Ordinance: Get Ready for Predictive Scheduling
Brian R. Israel

Recently, Chicago joined the growing ranks of cities that have enacted “fair workweek” ordinances. These ordinances are designed to ensure more predictable work shifts for employees in certain industries, including restaurants, allowing employees to maximize their income while maintaining a work-life balance. Chicago’s ordinance — which is expected to effect July 1, 2020 — strives to accomplish this goal by requiring employers to provide employees with at least 10 days’ advance notice of their work schedules and to compensate them for last-minute changes.