12.26.17

How Will the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Affect Your Not-For-Profit?
Caitlin G. Gibbs

As you are likely aware, Congress recently passed sweeping tax reform. While individual and corporate tax cuts are not something you immediately think about when budgeting for your not-for-profit organization, some of the new changes could potentially have an impact on donor giving. After much debate, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was passed by […]

12.19.17

2017 Year-End Individual Income Tax Planning in Consideration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

On Tuesday, December 19, 2017, the House of Representatives voted to pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). The Senate was expected to vote on the bill shortly thereafter. The TCJA combines the House and Senate versions of the proposed tax reform. If the bill is enacted, it will be the most comprehensive tax […]

12.15.17

Environmental Due Diligence Can Preempt Costly Liability

If you buy property with environmental issues, you may be liable, even if you were not responsible for the presence of contaminants. To best protect yourself, be sure to include environmental review as part of your due diligence. Why Conduct Environmental Due Diligence The most obvious reason investors conduct environmental due diligence is to know […]

12.14.17

When Should you Buy or Lease Office Space?

Like many businesses, law firms often face the quandary of deciding to purchase or lease office space. While property ownership comes with several potential financial and tax benefits, it also frequently brings hassles and headaches that you can avoid by leasing space. The correct choice will depend on your firm’s current financial, competitive and geographic […]

12.12.17

Smart Factories and Blockchain: Stay on the Cutting Edge of Technology
Kenneth Tornheim

Most manufacturers have already applied classic business management concepts, such as just-in-time production and continuous improvement initiatives, in order to enhance cash flow and efficiency. However, these efforts might not be enough to stay competitive in a technology-driven marketplace. Smart factories and blockchain technologies are expected to revolutionize the manufacturing industry in the 21st century. […]

12.11.17

All Eyes on Performance: How to Make Data Analytics Work for You
Kelly H. Buchheit

Your not-for-profit organization is accountable to many constituents, including donors, volunteers and the people you serve. A surefire way to demonstrate your effectiveness is through the use of data analytics. With facts at your fingertips, your organization can show the world how you are meeting your goals in community outreach, program activities, fundraising and more. […]

12.06.17

Five Ways OmniChannel Retail Influences Your Accounting Processes

Strategies to use to ensure seamless accounting processes with an omnichannel retail experience. When “omnichannel” was first mentioned, Marketers everywhere were dubbing it as the next buzzword marketing term. Yet, as the years have gone by, its prevalence has increased considerably throughout publications. In fact, recent stats suggest that today’s consumers use an average of almost six touch-points across […]

11.27.17

Sugar Tax Set to End While Federal Tax Reform Looms
Christopher Georgiou

Cook County Sweetened Beverage Tax Ordinance This past summer, the Cook County Sweetened Beverage Tax Ordinance went into effect after challenges and attempts to halt the tax’s implementation. The tax impacted retail sales of sweetened beverages by charging a rate of $0.01 per ounce on such purchases. However, the tax lasted only a few months […]

11.21.17

New Landscape for Real Estate Investment Trusts
Justin L. Sylvan

The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act made substantial changes to certain areas of the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) rules. Many of the provisions provide REITs with additional flexibility regarding the nature of their assets and income, which make REITs an appealing investment vehicle for foreign taxpayers (see Sidebar). Prohibited Transaction Safe Harbors […]

11.21.17

Financial Evolution of a Start-Up

From checking it twice to predicting your future, these are the five stages of a start-up’s finances: Stage One: The Lone Wolf Transaction In the beginning of the evolution of a start-up, it is likely that the founder is in a lone wolf scenario. He or she is grinding away to get the business off […]