01.13.15

Smoothing the Ups and Downs — Help Protect Your Portfolio Against Market Volatility

Financial advisors warn inexperienced investors of the possibility of stock market volatility, yet when the going gets rough, some react irrationally and begin selling when it is not warranted. This blog explains how seasoned investors use such tools as the Volatility Index (VIX) to better understand risk and provides strategies designed to lessen the effects of volatility on an investment portfolio.

01.12.15

Tips for a Valid Accountable Plan

Principals of good financial management call for having a valid accountable plan for employee expense reimbursements for all businesses or organizations, whether for-profit or not-for-profit. The IRS lists three rules for a reimbursement or allowance arrangement which all must be met in order for the plan to qualify as an accountable plan. This blog offers tips on the design process.

01.07.15

Workplace Violence: Proactive Efforts Foster Safe, Productive Work Environments
Danielle M. Winkle

No one thinks their factory or warehouse will be the setting for work-related violence. Workplace shootings by disgruntled employees are continually in the news, especially if they result in a fatality. This violence, while serious, is relatively infrequent. This blog looks at the different types of workplace violence and steps that companies can take to minimize the opportunities for violence to occur.

01.07.15

What You Need to Know About ADP/ACP Discrimination Testing

Every year plan sponsors must test employee benefit plans to ensure that the contributions made by and for rank-and-file employees, also known as non-highly compensated employees (NHCEs), are reasonably proportional to contributions made for highly-compensated employees (HCEs), generally the company’s owners and managers. This blog examines what all employers should understand about these non-discrimination tests.

01.06.15

Five Ways to Improve Client Relationships
Steven Lewis

For most lawyers, building and strengthening relationships with clients is an ongoing activity. Even the most personable and conscientious attorney experiences the occasional misunderstanding with a client — or even loses one for good. But there are several simple things attorneys can do immediately to build trust and promote client satisfaction.

01.05.15

Pros and Cons of the For-Profit Subsidiary
Jeffrey Chiles

In the wake of a drop in public grants and private donations, for-profit endeavors can have a magnetic appeal as not-for-profit organizations look for new revenue streams. But there are a number of factors that a not-for-profit should consider before taking on the significant cost and responsibility of operating a for-profit company. This blog details some incentives and drawbacks of for-profit subsidiaries.

12.18.14

IRS Tackles Interaction of Gain Exclusion and PAL Treatment

It is not unusual for someone to convert a personal home into a rental property. But such conversions can raise some complex tax questions when the home is subsequently sold. This blog looks at a recent Chief Counsel Advice memo that makes it clear that the gain excluded under Internal Revenue Code Section 121 is not treated as passive gain.

12.17.14

Share the Holiday Beer, Spread the Holiday Cheer
Robert Swenson

As the season changes from fall to winter, snow begins to fall and brewers release their holiday beers. Sharing the latest seasonal brew at a holiday party this December helps spread the holiday joy. And, as you are celebrating the last month of the year, don’t forget to begin your year-end tax planning.

12.15.14

Do Your Part for Donors: IRS Substantiation Rules Apply to Contributors
Sarah G. Widlock

With donors gearing up for tax-filing season, it is not too late for not-for-profits to make sure they are following the IRS donation “substantiation rules.” This blog explains what the IRS requires to document various levels of gifts and offers a real-life example of the consequences of not closely adhering to the rules.

12.10.14

Floating-Rate Bond Funds Offer an Alternative Yield Source

When interest rates rise, bond funds can suffer. Certain fixed-income investment strategies may help investors manage the risk. Floating-rate bond funds — also known as bank loan funds or senior loan funds — are one option to consider. This blog examines the benefits and the trade-offs.