Tax Telephone Seminars - Training Resources

Sales and Use Tax Determination Headaches ...tax professionals are faced with the legal and practical challenges of learning as many as 50 different state sales and use tax laws and regulations. No one could possibly learn all of the different state requirements and yet our jobs demand it! The purpose of this teleconference is to reveal the secrets to working in a multistate environment. You will learn about the four different types of  more...

Understanding the Apportionment Rules for Service-Based Businesses ...tax purposes is 'where the rubber meets the road.' That is to say, the complex and varied rules for determining a taxpayer's state income tax apportionment percentage can provide opportunities - with careful planning - for state tax minimization or create traps - without such planning - that lead to multiple taxation. Service-based businesses face particular difficulties in identifying and  more...

Structuring and Drafting Conservation Easements BenefitsCreating a conservation easement can be complicated and the failure to consider the effects of possible pitfalls can be devastating. This teleconference will provide you with the legalities of creating a conservation easement and establish what the priorities are when it comes to structuring and drafting them. You will gain an appreciation for the complexities of crafting a form of  more...

Form 990 and Unrelated Business Income BenefitsThis teleconference will involve a detailed discussion of the 2008 Form 990 and any changes for 2009, including tips and traps. If you are involved with 990s, you know the effort it takes to complete the form accurately. With renewed emphasis on the filing due to congressional attention and IRS audit activity, this teleconference will go through the respective parts of the form in detail,  more...

Partnerships and Section 704(c) ...tax professionals and investors in partnerships, LLCs and other entities that are treated as partnerships struggle with the concepts and the operating rules that apply to Section 704(c). These rules potentially apply whenever property is contributed to such an entity or are distributed from such an entity. The regulations under Section 704(c) provide a very flexible but very complicated set of  more...

Estate Planning for the Final Years of Life BenefitsEmpirical evidence and directed studies indicate that the majority of Americans fail to plan for their final years of life. Ironically, this is the time when many people are confronted with their greatest challenges and most stressful experiences. This teleconference will cover why people need to plan, what they need to plan for and how to apply proven strategies for dealing with the final  more...

IRS Guidelines for Good Governance and the Continued Tax Exemption of Section 501(c)(3) Organizations ...BenefitsGiven continued congressional scrutiny of whether tax exemption is a worthy federal subsidy for any type of tax-exempt organization, proper governance and accountability to the local community are key factors that may distinguish the tax-exempt sector from the taxable sector. The Internal Revenue Service, the press and others have linked the need for good governance to the quest for  more...

IRC Section 41: Credit for Increasing Research Activities Update ...anagers has collectively worked on more than 500 research tax credit studies during our careers. Learn from some of the top technicians in the industry on what can and can't be considered research and development under IRS guidelines. Several topics that will be discussed include understanding the broad range of companies in many industries that can qualify for the research credit, potential  more...

Recent Trends in CPA Technology BenefitsTechnology has totally transformed the way CPA's do business. In this teleconference, we will highlight recent trends in the technologies that play an important role in how we do business today. Whether you practice in public, private, education, government or in any other role, this program will give you some insight as to where technology is at and where it will be tomorrow. This  more...

Current Work Product Issues in Taxation: Preservation, Waiver and Tax Accrual Work Papers ...tion prepared by counsel. The documents at issue, such as tax accrual workpapers, litigation analyses and internal investigation materials, are often roadmaps for the companies adversaries. Challenges to work product protection come from many directions, including private litigants, prosecutors and regulators and, as the recent U.S. v. Textron litigation and related cases have shown, the IRS.  more...

Cost Segregation: Applications for a Valuable Tax Planning Strategy ...tax planning strategy used by real estate owners and tenants to accelerate significant depreciation deductions associated with buildings and improvements of all types and sizes. Although cost segregation has become quite popular in recent years, many tax advisors and real estate owners are still missing significant opportunities because they are unfamiliar with the many applications. This  more...

A Primer on International Estate Planning ...subject clients to the competing property, succession and tax laws of multiple jurisdictions. This teleconference will help you serve your international clients by identifying and planning for common issues that can arise for this class of individuals. This teleconference specifically reviews basic transfer tax issues for U.S. citizens, noncitizen residents and nonresident aliens; the treatment  more...

IRS Form 1099 Reporting Update BenefitsThis innovative teleconference will provide the required knowledge to prepare the mandatory reporting of various Form 1099s. By following the practices discussed within this teleconference you and your client's business entities will be provided with the knowledge that will avoid costly penalties assessed by the Internal Revenue Service had you previously chosen to ignore the proper  more...

Economic Nexus Standards in State Taxation ...taxes on a multi-state business is limited by 'nexus' standards rooted in the U.S. Constitution. In 1992, the U.S. Supreme Court reaffirmed its longstanding rule and held in Quill Corp. v. North Dakota that nexus requires some form of physical presence in the taxing state. In today's economy, however, states are continuing to push nexus limits farther than ever before and have begun to reach  more...

Curing Title Exceptions BenefitsTitles are often subject to outstanding interests and claims, some genuine but others unsubstantial or baseless. What types of defects, liens and encumbrances impair the title to real estate? When, as the result of tangible matters revealed by a search and examination of the title, is the title unmarketable? Learn what to look for when reviewing the title commitment, and what endorsements  more...

Strategies in Representing Clients Before the IRS BenefitsThis teleconference is designed to summarize the important strategies to keep in mind when representing clients before the Internal Revenue Service. Tax exams are an every day occurrence. It is important to conduct them professionally and efficiently while at the same time presenting the taxpayer's position in the best possible way. Accountants, CPAs, attorneys, tax professionals, CFOs,  more...

Living With Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA) BenefitsAs of March 19, 2009, 29 states have adopted UPMIFA as law and the Uniform Act is presently pending in an additional 16 jurisdictions. By the end of 2009, in most of the United States, attorneys representing nonprofit institutions and those who donate to them and their endowment funds will be governed by new state law which replaces the Uniform Management of Institutional Funds, which had  more...

Probate and Estate Tax Return Preparation for Paralegals ...ou prepare United States estate (and generation skipping) tax returns (Form 706) for your clients or just gather the information for the preparer, this teleconference introduces you to the process and will teach what needs to be done and how to do it. This teleconference includes a practical checklist for gathering the necessary information and demonstrates the application of the work by  more...

Fraud and Embezzlement in Nonprofits: How It Happens and How to Prevent It! BenefitsIt's unfortunate, but the reality is that thinking your employees are honest isn't true! This fascinating and practical teleconference will walk you through actual fraud scenarios: discuss how the frauds occurred; and show profiles of embezzlers, why they did it, how they did it and what internal controls would have prevented them. Additionally, you will be provided a valuable handout to  more...

Protect and Collect - The Effective Use of Engagement Letters BenefitsToday's economy finds companies in every industry, including professional service firms, looking at best practices to keep revenues steady and to decrease liability. The collection process has become more burdensome as cash flow tightens across the country. With more and more lawsuits arising against professional service providers and their firms, law firms, accounting firms and even  more...

IRS Form 5471: Information Return for U.S. Persons With Respect to Certain Foreign Corporations BenefitsAs more U.S. companies view global markets as a necessity to survive and to grow, more U.S. companies own foreign subsidiaries to conduct foreign operations. Whether you are a growing multinational company with subsidiaries all over the globe, or a small, closely-held company that owns a Canadian subsidiary, you will have to file IRS Form 5471 for every foreign corporation that you own.  more...

Easement Valuations: Common Pitfalls and Principles ...the context of eminent domain takings and in voluntary or tax related preservation easements. The teleconference will also explain the method required for valuing a broad variety of easements in these settings. Failing to have a proper valuation of easements can represent a loss of thousands of dollars in awards. Learning Objectives - You will be able to discuss temporary construction  more...

Family Limited Partnerships in Estate Planning ... explain the various valuation issues for gift and estate tax purposes, and asset protection benefits with the use of these entities. Family limited partnerships and family limited liability companies have come under recent scrutiny and attack by the IRS. Failure to properly create or maintain these entities can result in significant tax losses. Failure to consider the use of these entities can  more...

Easement Valuations: Common Pitfalls and Principles ...the context of eminent domain takings and in voluntary or tax related preservation easements. The teleconference will also explain the method required for valuing a broad variety of easements in these settings. Failing to have a proper valuation of easements can represent a loss of thousands of dollars in awards. Learning Objectives - You will be able to discuss temporary construction  more...

Revised Federal Form 1065 ...rate in the form of limited liability companies and being taxed under the partnerships rules as a pass through entity. The preparation of a partnership income tax return is becoming increasingly more challenging as the IRS increases the level of transparency and reporting. The purpose of this teleconference is to highlight important areas for your attention and practical preparation tips as  more...

Taxation of Gifts, Prizes, Bonuses and Awards ...less employers and employees alike fail to understand the tax consequences and end up with an unintended and unwanted tax bill. This teleconference will explain the tax consequences of gifts, prizes and other awards to employees, as well the tax issues associated with making payments to employees, such as employer provided travel, educational and moving expenses, and other programs such as tool  more...

Getting Advice from the IRS: Letter Rulings, Pre-Filing Agreements, TAMS and GLAMs ...sMany times clients must have certainty as to the federal tax consequences of a proposed transaction - and while tax opinions are helpful, they do not provide the certainty of qualified advice from the IRS. This teleconference is designed to discuss how, when and why to seek qualified written advice from the IRS, normally in the form of a private letter ruling request, a review of the ruling  more...

Recognizing and Addressing COBRA ... have special COBRA privileges including eligibility of a tax subsidy of their COBRA premiums. Actually the employer fronts the money for the majority of the COBRA premium and receives a tax credit off of their payroll taxes. Important questions such as: Who is eligible for the tax subsidy? How does that money flow? What communications must be provided? What are the new election and notice time  more...

Private Foundation Requirements and Restrictions ... and corporate philanthropists, there are special federal tax rules that apply. Failure to fully understand these rules can subject the foundations and those involved with them to substantial excise taxes. This teleconference will review all of the rules associated with the establishment and operation of a private foundation, including the special excise taxes that apply to private foundations  more...

Sales and Use Taxation of Internet Sales: The Evolving Case Law ...ggressive positions in an attempt to impose sales and use tax obligations on interstate transactions. Internet sellers face a murky and sometimes ill-defined landscape with respect to sales and use taxes that are impacted by both state law and federal constitutional principles. This teleconference will help Internet businesses to better understand their sales and use tax obligations and ensure  more...

Federal Tax Classification of Series LLCs ... may be the solution to many issues that confront federal tax practitioners on a daily basis. For example, the series LLC is very useful in situations where long and expensive regulatory processes are involved with a new state law entity. The series LLC also can be used in asset backed securitizations in place of business trusts in those states that treat single member LLCs as disregarded  more...

Utilizing Spendthrift Trusts in Estate Plans BenefitsA spendthrift trust is an invaluable tool in protecting assets for the beneficiary. This teleconference will introduce you to the use and purpose of spendthrift trusts. Additionally, this program will provide specific guidance of drafting an effective spendthrift trust and highlight drafting pitfalls. Attorneys, estate planners, accountants, presidents, vice presidents, CFOs, controllers,  more...

Legal Overview of Financial Records: Obtaining and Understanding the Information ...ntations of income such as the income stated on an income tax return for determining the available funds for child support and maintenance. In many cases, this may be sufficient, such as that of a W-2 wage earner. However, in those cases where a client's spouse owns their own business eliciting the true available funds for child support and maintenance can be more complicated. This  more...

LEED Tax Incentives and Credits for Green Buildings ...ciency by appropriately utilizing business incentives and tax credits. This teleconference is based on publicly available information concerning the LEED rating and certification system, and is not specifically endorsed or approved by the U.S. Green Building Council. Learning Objectives: - You will be able to list federal, state and utility incentives and rebates. - You will be able to  more...

The Fundamentals of Estate Planning for Pets BenefitsPets are an important part of the lives of many individuals. People own pets for a variety of reasons - they love animals, they enjoy the companionship and they enjoy receiving unconditional love. On many occasions, pets have supplanted children in people's lives. Planning for these companions requires a comprehensive look at the various opportunities and techniques which are available to  more...

Direct Cost Accounting and Indirect Cost Allocation for Not-For-Profit Organizations BenefitsThis teleconference will help you deepen your understanding of direct cost accounting and indirect allocation rules, risks and best practices to achieve compliance with accounting requirements and maximize cost reimbursement. Accountants, attorneys, executive directors, officers, controllers, CFOs, tax managers and enrolled agents  more...

Payroll Tax Pitfalls: Preventing IRS Penalties and Personal Liability for Late Payments ... ongoing requirement to timely withhold and remit payroll taxes to the federal government. People responsible for fulfilling a company's payroll tax obligations often do not realize the substantial penalties that can be imposed by the IRS against the company when payroll taxes are not timely deposited or paid at all. Additionally, in certain situations, officers and employees can be held  more...

FAS 117-1: Endowments of Not-for-Profit Organizations BenefitsIn response to the enactment of the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act in most of the United States, the Financial Accounting Standards Board last year promulgated FASB Staff Position No. FAS 117-1. FSP FAS 117-1 provides guidance for nonprofits as to the proper classification of endowment funds when UPMIFA has been enacted and expands the required disclosure about  more...

Revenue Recognition Standards and Policies BenefitsThe teleconference is intended to accomplish two things: 1. To review current accounting guidance for revenue recognition with an emphasis on, in my experience, two contentious revenue recognition issues - multiple element arrangements and accounting for sales incentives; and 2. An introduction to two new standards on revenue recognition that will affect the accounting for multiple element  more...

Matrimonial Considerations in Estate and Trust Planning BenefitsThis teleconference will review matrimonial implications to estate and trust planning. It will focus on the use of trusts and other estate planning techniques before marriage and during, after and before remarriage, to protect assets from matrimonial claims. Practical planning concepts; drafting considerations; income, gift and estate tax implications; and ancillary considerations will be  more...

When HOA's and the IRS Compete for Lien Property: Lien Priorities, Perfections and Foreclosure Rights ...uld have priority over a subsequently recorded IRS income tax lien; but does it? When the IRS records an income tax lien, lien priority determinations under state law may be complicated by governed federal laws. This teleconference will discuss HOA lien priority according to state statutes, which may be preempted by the federal tax code. We will also discuss when the federal tax lien does not  more...

Understanding the Basics of Lean Accounting BenefitsAs mid level manufacturing firms migrate to advanced manufacturing processes, they have become uncertain about the ability of traditional cost accounting tools to provide meaningful and accurate measurements. This teleconference outlines a hands-on view of the process needed to evaluate, establish and maintain lean accounting in a mid-level manufacturing environment. While lean accounting  more...

Using Investment Policy Statements as an Investment Tool: It's an Art, Not a Science BenefitsThis teleconference will bring together a panel with differing perspectives on the use and creation of investment policy statements, including outside legal counsel to address perceived problems arising from nonconforming activities; inside legal counsel to discuss techniques for ensuring that the instrument clearly and fully reflects the investor's expectations and the firm's  more...

Legal Traps of Internet Activities for Nonprofits ...e will focus on the legal traps of Internet activity: the tax impact of web-based advertising and related activities, the potential issues involved in fundraising through the Internet and the risks of utilizing emerging social media to further your organization's mission. Join two of the nation's leading nonprofit attorneys as they navigate the top online legal issues for nonprofits - and what  more...

Unclaimed Property Compliance: Are you Ready for the Upcoming Reporting Deadline? BenefitsIs your company ready to file your unclaimed property report by the November 1 deadline? Who within your company is responsible for ensuring compliance with the various state unclaimed property laws? Is your company currently undergoing an unclaimed property audit? If you are struggling to find the answer to any one of these important compliance questions, this teleconference is for you!  more...

Working Capital Management: Effective Policies and Techniques BenefitsLiquidity is top of mind for executives and they are looking at all sources of incremental free cash flow within their organizations. One area that is on everyone's list of sources is working capital, but most companies fail to reap the full opportunity that is available to them. What are leading companies doing to effectively drive cash flow from working capital? This teleconference will  more...

Preparing an Accurate Form 1041 ... is becoming more important than ever. Properly computing taxable income and correctly allocating taxable income between the entity and its beneficiaries can avoid not only challenges by the IRS but also disgruntled beneficiaries. This teleconference will help you understand the main rules on how to properly prepare Form 1041 for probate estates and simple and complex trusts. Learn what is  more...

Wellness Programs: Legal Developments, Requirements and Risks ...quirements of wellness programs, including the design and taxation of incentives, laws that prohibit discrimination based on health factors, and exceptions for certain wellness and supplemental plans. Employers that link incentives or penalties to wellness initiatives face a number of risks, from ADA claims to tax penalties for failing to properly report and withhold income and employment  more...

Final Regulations on Shareholder and S Corporation Debt ...rs to S corporations can be an effective way of producing tax basis that supports the ability of shareholders to deduct losses. The regulations now limit that ability with respect to open-account debt. We will discuss how the regulations impact S corporations and their shareholders. Methods of mitigating this impact will be explored. Accountants, CPAs, CEOs, presidents, vice presidents, CFOs,  more...

Financial Planning After Retirement: Coordinating the Retirement Plan with the Estate Plan ...iary of retirement benefits can cost the owner decades of tax deferral as well as 50 percent excise tax penalties. Learn how to provide the best asset protection and estate planning benefits for large retirement plans so that the valuable 'stretch out' does not become a 'blow out.' Most trusts are inadequately drafted to handle retirement plans, especially in light of the recent changes of the  more...

Independent Contractor Reporting ...stand how independent contractor status is determined for tax, EEO state law and other purposes, including in PEO and other multiparty situations; the advantages and disadvantages of independent contractor status for both the company and the worker; and how to handle disputes over independent contractor status when they arise. Getting independent contractor status wrong can be very expensive,  more...

Developing, Managing and Analyzing a Budget: Understand and Implement an Effective Budget for Better Management and Financial De BenefitsThis teleconference will show how proper planning and budgeting are the keys to success, and operating without a plan or budget is an invitation to fail. This concept holds for businesses - no matter how large or small - nonprofits and governments. Budgeting is a dynamic process, not a static one. By knowing the types of budgets and processes that have worked for others, one can create an  more...

Gift Acceptance Policies for Public Charities and Tax-Exempt Organizations BenefitsFundraising is hard enough without running into the legal, accounting and practical pitfalls inherent in some types of gifts! A comprehensive gift acceptance policy can help an organization avoid these pitfalls, enhance its donor relationships and run a more successful development program. This teleconference will address the issues that should be covered in a basic gift acceptance policy  more...

Tax Treatment of Charitable Fundraising BenefitsFundraising for charitable organizations has become a complex business. Charities no longer hold out a tin cup and ask for donations. They engage in sophisticated activities to generate revenue for their mission and the activities have tax consequences. This teleconference will review the federal tax consequences of fundraising activities and provide specific guidance on how to avoid tax  more...

Tax Practice and Procedure Blunders That Can and Should Be Avoided ...This teleconference will describe common mistakes made by tax practice and procedures practitioners which can and should be avoided. Discussion on inadvertent privilege waiver, failure to control the flow of information at an audit, missing critical deadlines, failure to provide appropriate and adequate refund claims when necessary, and other key procedural mistakes will be addressed.  more...

Taxation Issues Related to Debt Restructuring, Modifications and Bankruptcies ...fications, repurchases and bankruptcy can have a profound tax impact on borrowers and lenders alike. In this teleconference, we will discuss a myriad of issues, including rules that treat debt modifications as taxable transfers, the taxation of cancellation of indebtedness income and exceptions thereto, and the stimulus package rules that allow for a deferral of tax on the cancellation of  more...

Fundamentals of Form W-2 Processing BenefitsThe main priority for the payroll department is getting the pay checks to associates acutely and timely to employees. But a critical function for the payroll department is to pull all the payroll information together and produce a Form W-2 for all employees. This produces a great challenge to payroll departments to ensure that all elements of the W-2 are complete and accurate along with  more...

Funding Trusts in Estate Planning ...ributing property to revocable trusts, and the timing and tax consequences of funding testamentary and irrevocable trusts. It will be a helpful introduction to those who will be assisting clients with funding trusts, and a solid refresher course for professionals who advise clients on tax issues of contributing property to trusts. The speaker will focus on issues common to most states, and will  more...

Sale-Leaseback Transactions Today: Monetizing Real Estate Assets BenefitsA troubled economy and a chilly borrowing environment require a re-thinking of how capital and debt are used in your business. Monetizing real estate assets by sale-leaseback transactions may free up needed capital to invest in your business, particularly if the real estate is undervalued. This teleconference will help you understand when and where sale-leaseback transactions on real  more...

Tax Treatment of Gift Card and Certificate Sales ... retailers raise a variety of interesting and complicated tax issues. The IRS has announced that certain gift card issues are Tier II issues; some of which must be raised during an examination and some of which should be raised during an examination. The IRS announced, in several industry director directives, that it plans to focus on several specific issues in this area. Despite this emphasis  more...

Form 709: Gift Tax Fundamentals ...taxes are imposed on the gratuitous transfer of property. When property is transferred during lifetime, a gift tax may be imposed. While the most ignored tax, failure to properly comply with the gift tax laws during life may cause estate tax problems at death. During this teleconference, you will learn when a gift tax return should be filed, what type of gifts need to be reported, what type of  more...

Private Foundation Grant Agreements: Basics and Beyond BenefitsGrant making is the raison d'etre of most foundations. It is what you do! Therefore, a solid foundation grant agreement ought to be the legal backbone for much of a foundation's operations. Surprisingly however, for many private foundations the grant agreement is merely a form document that has been given little thought - if it exists at all. This teleconference will cover some of the  more...

Cash Is King: Effective Cash Flow Management BenefitsA balance sheet is often described as a snapshot of your financial situation at a single point in time. (Think of it as the balance in your personal checking account.) An income statement summarizes revenue, expenses and net income for the entire year or other period of time. Both of these financial statements are important tools to measure the success of your business but do little to  more...

Taxation Issues When Conducting Business With Native American Tribes ...ng expanded authority for American Indian tribes to issue tax-exempt bonds for projects on American Indian lands and a $500 million investment of funds for infrastructure, renewable energy, tribal detention facilities and other such projects. As the stimulus measures give rise to specific development projects in American Indian country and as Native American tribes continue to diversify their  more...

Current Issues in Attributional and Agency Nexus ...taxes on a multistate business is limited by nexus standards rooted in the U.S. Constitution. In 1992, the U.S. Supreme Court reaffirmed its longstanding rule and held in Quill Corp. v. North Dakota that nexus requires some form of physical presence in the taxing state. However, physical presence is not limited only to direct presence. It may also be established indirectly through relationships  more...

Withholding of Taxes on Payments to Foreign Persons and Entities ...of items of income are unknowingly subject to withholding tax obligations for payments to foreign individuals and entities. Understanding the rules for withholding on these payments can reduce liability to the IRS. After this teleconference, you will be able to identify when income is subject to withholding, evaluate the proper procedures to withhold and comply with the proper documentation.  more...

Pitfalls of Participant Loans in Retirement Plans ... benefit plans need to be aware of many pitfalls to avoid tax consequences. Even worse than tax consequences is the possibility of the entire plan losing its preferred tax status. This teleconference will explain the regulations of participant loans in a plan, help you avoid the associated pitfalls and ensure the plan complies with the regulations regarding participant loans. Human resource  more...

Understanding Business Valuations From Purpose to Product BenefitsThe business valuation field is widely fragmented with a variety of specialized services, appraiser credentials, business valuation standards and business valuation deliverables. For this reason, the business valuation methods employed, products delivered and prices charged can vary widely depending on the purpose of the business valuation and the appraiser or firm engaged. Therefore, it  more...

Using Green Strategies for Your Business to Increase Your Profits BenefitsEven though times are tough, companies with green products and services are weathering the storm better, and are better positioned for the future. CEO's of many of the largest corporations say sustainability is just as relevant during this economic crisis, if not more so (source: World Business Council on Sustainable Development). Obama's Stimulus Plan is focused on green jobs and  more...

When Worlds Collide - Bankruptcy and Probate BenefitsUntil the U. S. Supreme Court's 2006 decision in Marshall v. Marshall, 547 U.S. 293 (2006), there was a common belief among many bankruptcy and probate practitioners that the so-called probate exception to federal jurisdiction served to prevent bankruptcy courts from adjudicating any matters that were related, even only slightly, to a probate estate. In giving a very narrow interpretation  more...

Buying and Selling Partnerships, LLCs and Other Similar Entities ...ies have distinctly different frameworks for defining the tax, economic and management rights and obligations of their equity owners. But oftentimes business people and their advisors structure and negotiate purchases and sales of equity interests in alternative entities using concepts from the corporate model. Failing to account for the differences between the corporate model and the  more...

Valuation and Reporting of Gifts and Service Donations BenefitsAs not-for-profits continue to face challenges related to raising money, they are becoming more creative in soliciting donations, resulting in more donations of noncash assets and greater restrictions on contributions received. This is occurring at the same time that there is a higher focus on the definition of fair value. Contributions of gifts and services should be measured at the fair  more...

Achieving Clarity and Value From Nonprofit Financial Reporting, Ratio Analysis and Benchmarking BenefitsYou will learn the strategies necessary and appropriate for improving financial reporting and ratio analysis. You will be able to develop an action plan for your organization to improve the clarity and substance of its financial reporting. Using ratio analysis, unit cost and benchmarking techniques, you will improve the clarity and understanding of your financial reports. You will learn  more...

Business Combinations and Goodwill: What Is the Latest With Fair Value? BenefitsThe Financial Accounting Standards Board recently issued a Statement on Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157) which clarifies the concept of fair value in financial reporting. Along with the FASB's proposed revision of its Statement on Business Combinations (SFAS 141R), fair value measurements may change the way acquiring companies report the acquisition on its financial statements. These  more...

Understanding the New Penalties for Tax Preparers nSignificant changes have been made to the preparer penalty of IRC §6694 since 2007. The standard of care needed to avoid the penalty has been raised, the penalty is greater and the reach of the penalty is broader. In addition, there are various other penalties and rules of conduct you must be aware of and new guidance has been issued in several of these areas in the past year. It is imperative  more...

Basics of Trust Administration ...stration; and concepts in fiduciary accounting and income tax reporting. The materials and the speaker will focus on general concepts and principles shared by the laws in most U.S. states with an emphasis on the considerable deviations that written trust instruments can make from state law. The materials will provide citations to the Uniform Trust Code and to the laws of two non-UTC states (New  more...

Statement on Auditing Standards No. 104 - No. 111 Risk Assessment Standards nThis teleconference will provide experienced and inexperienced auditors a concise summary of the risk assessment standards. In addition, this will provide auditors recommendations on how to become more efficient and effective in their application of these standards leading to less time required to implement the standards and a greater realization on audits. Since the majority of auditors may be  more...

Construction Contract Accounting: A Three-Dimensional Look at the Numbers ...rence will discuss three types of accounting - financial, tax and internal/management. Learn how to combine the different methods to get a three-dimensional view of your construction business and improve your financial condition. n nLearning Objectives n- You will be able to identify 3P and 3D. n- You will be able to generate accurate accounting to third-parties. n- You will be able to identify  more...

Understanding the Role and Powers of the Trust Protector ...an we anticipate what changes lie ahead of us from both a tax and nontax perspective? Is the movement towards multigenerational trusts pushing the planning horizon many years past the point most estate planners were trained to envision? This teleconference will identify those unintended consequences and discuss how designing a trust with a trust protector, or an equivalent role and function,  more...

Tax Implications of Generation-Skipping Techniques - Planning to Minimize the Generation-Skipping Transfer (GST) Tax ...is teleconference, you will learn key elements of the GST tax rules, including the rules for automatic allocation of GST tax exemption. Benefits and differences between different types of basic GST tax planning techniques, including various lifetime planning and post-mortem planning along with the implications of leveraging GST tax planning with discounted assets will also be discussed. Insight  more...

Preventing Workers' Compensation Abuse ... of dollars each year. It is sometimes called "The Hidden Tax" because each of us absorbs these monies in the costs of goods and services each year. This teleconference will give you a better understanding of workers' compensation abuse, keys to a successful investigation and how to avoid claim pitfalls. This teleconference also explains how workers' compensation fraud cases are prosecuted, why  more...

Successfully Maneuvering the Tax Maze of Amortization Rules ...nce provides a framework for identifying and applying the tax rules for the acquisition and creation of intangible assets, as well as costs to facilitate such transactions. Special expensing rules, identifying and fixing accounting method errors, and the treatment of business acquisition costs and start-up expenditures will also be covered. Recent developments as well as expected guidance and  more...

Drafting Trusts in Estate Planning ...tax laws keep changing. Did you know that even though the estate tax exemption is predicted to stay at $3.5 million the lifetime gift tax exemption will stay at $1 million, leaving the door open to reduce the estate tax exemption back down to $1 million when Congress tries to balance the budget in a few years? In addition to estate taxes, clients' families need protection from probate, bad  more...

Supplemental Wage Payments: Common Withholding Guidelines ...ference will assist you in evaluating your current income tax withholding practices to facilitate compliance with IRS regulatory changes and will offer practical tips to help ease administrative burdens. The program will educate you with respect to the issues involved in determining when wage payments should be classified as supplemental wages or regular wages, and the applicable withholding  more...

FIN 48 - Uncertainty in Income Taxes ...practices companies are using to analyze and report their tax positions, the Financial Accounting Standards Board recently enacted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. It is effective for all U.S. GAAP financial reporting enterprises, including pass-through and not-for-profit entities, for tax years beginning after December 15, 2006, and for private companies  more...

SAS 70 Requirements, Obligations, and Audit Survival Best Practices nToday's regulatory requirements are forcing corporate customers to become more aware of their vendors' internal controls and security than ever before. Maintaining an up-to-date SAS 70 report based on an audit of the effectiveness your organization's control objectives and activities can help satisfy these customers' concerns. To successfully navigate the SAS 70 audit process, it is important to  more...

IRS Form 1040 - Schedule D Update ...taxpayers are experiencing many challenges in our current economic environment that will have major effects on their tax returns. The collapse of the housing market, home foreclosures and worthless securities has affected most taxpayers. Preparing the 1040 Schedule D is challenging for even the most efficient tax professional. By attending this teleconference, you will be reminded of the proper  more...

Valuation for Gift and Estate Tax Purposes in a Troubled Economy nWhether we are in a recession or depression, the values of assets are not what they once were. If you are contemplating whether to consider gift and estate tax planning or executing a plan, what will the impact of this troubled economy be on your tax valuations? This teleconference provides up-to-date guidance on current market conditions, and evolving valuation industry practices and techniques  more...

Creating Investment Policies For Your Nonprofit: Risk Tolerance, Reserve Funds and Portfolio Management Capacity nEstablishing and maintaining investment policies that fall in line with the needs, risk tolerance and portfolio management capacity of your organization are critical to its success. At this teleconference we will take a strategic look at the components that contribute to creating strong investment policies. Included will be discussions on understanding the needs of your organization, spending  more...

Tax Law Research Best Practices ...tax issues involves an understanding of a complex system of legislation, regulations, and administrative document and decisions. Each of these elements of tax law has a different precedential value to the practitioner. Moreover, tax law is an area that changes constantly. Congress and the states regularly amend tax laws, and the Internal Revenue Service adds or amends its regulations to changes  more...

Tax and Practical Aspects of Business Succession Planning ...y business as it is passes from generation to generation. Tax considerations are one part of that plan, but should not take priority over sound business or family considerations. This teleconference will examine the elements of an effective succession plan, some of the reasons for failure of the plan and common solutions that may be implemented to help the plan succeed. The teleconference will  more...

IRS Form 941 Reporting Update ...RS collects hundreds of billions of dollars of employment taxes each year - more than any other source of revenue. Form 941 and related forms lie at the heart of the IRS's employment tax collection system. Much of the administrative burden under that system falls on employers. An employer's failure to understand and comply with its obligations can result in IRS assessments, audits and  more...

Preparing for the International Financial Reporting Standard nOn November 14, 2008, the SEC released its proposed road map for the adoption of IFRS in the United States. At about the same time, leaders from the G20 countries at a financial summit in the United States issued a statement which, among other things, confirmed the leaders' support for developing a single set of high-quality global accounting standards. n nBoth of these events represent progress  more...

Doing Business in Texas? An Overview of the Texas Margin Tax ...Tax remained virtually unchanged. Once equipped with the knowledge that Texas limited partnerships were not taxable, many companies saw little need to delve further into the details of the tax. Beginning with reports due in 2008 all this has changed with the revised Texas Franchise Tax, known as the Texas Margin Tax by everyone but the Texas Comptroller's Office. The Texas Margin Tax raises a  more...

FASB Statement 157 - Fair Value Update on Corporate Asset Valuation nOver the past 12 months we've seen unprecedented turmoil in the financial services industry, capital markets and global economy. Perhaps an overused term, but "perfect storm" seems like an apt descriptor for the economic events of 2008. While implementing changes mandated by FASB 157 could be challenging for companies - and has been in some cases - the rule aims to make it easier to communicate  more...

IRS Form W-9 and W-8 Series: Payee Identification and Tax Determination nForm W-9 is used to obtain a valid TIN number from a payee. This teleconference will cover the requirements and compliance of form W-9. Payers of various types need to file information returns with the IRS regarding payments to individuals and other types of business entities. The most common are the 1099 series used to report payments to contractors, dividends, interest, real estate  more...

Unrelated Business Income Tax - Tax Information for Charities and Other Nonprofits ...ll aspects of this important and very diverse sector. The tax-exempt community is under a microscope. Problems that a few years ago might have gone unnoticed now get picked up and widely broadcast. Recent IRS compliance initiatives in governance, transparency, abusive tax avoidance transactions, executive compensation, tax-exempt hospitals and community benefit, and the current ongoing  more...

Form 706: Estate Tax Return Fundamentals ...ate to amass significant wealth, the government imposes a tax when the person transfers their wealth at death. In 2009, if a person's gross estate plus adjusted taxable gifts equals or exceeds $3.5 million in value, a Form 706 must be filed. In the teleconference, you will learn the rules applicable to properly preparing and filing Form 706. The program will cover which assets are subject to  more...

Effective Fundraising Techniques for Nonprofit Organizations nNonprofit organizations always need to diversify their revenue from earned income, government grants with philanthropic fundraising. Now, in tough economic times, you must determine how to maximize the effectiveness of your fundraising program. This teleconference will cover the basic elements of a complete fundraising program for annual operating support as well as ways every organization can  more...

Tax and Estate Planning for Clients Relocating to Florida ...tax impact of a client relocating to Florida. Certainly the appeal of Florida's great weather can be too much to resist for some, but the move has consequences. Tax laws in Florida are generally much more favorable than the laws of the state the client is departing. Similarly, the laws impacting asset protection planning are generally more protective of the client's assets. In addition,  more...

Green Leases: Negotiating Renewals and Direct Leases Under Sustainability Mandates ... operating expenses, the allocation of carbon credits and tax credits, and the responsibility for capital costs for the retrofitting of buildings. Such negotiations will challenge the representatives of the parties - this teleconference will assist you in meeting this challenge. n nDisclaimer: This teleconference is based on publicly available information concerning the LEED® rating and  more...

Uniform Division of Income for Tax Purposes (UDIPTA): Business vs. Nonbusiness Income Tax ...tax on multistate business under the principles contained in the Uniform Division of Income for Tax Purposes Act, state courts and taxing authorities have interpreted that set of relatively uniform laws differently, especially with regard to the definition of business income. The differing interpretations of business income have increased significance to multistate businesses that are in the  more...

Estate Planning Opportunities in an Uncertain Environment ...tant client; freeze the estate value to reduce the estate tax load. How many of us have clients waiting on the sidelines to decide what to do after experiencing 2008? The uncertain times and uncertain market have actually created the perfect time to use some of the advanced planning tools in the estate planner's arsenal. Depressed values for good assets open up the opportunity to leverage our  more...

Retirement Benefit Solutions For Nonprofit Organizations and Government Entities nNonprofit organizations face many of the same issues regarding use of retirement benefits to attract and retain employees and executives as for-profit companies, but the tools available to them are often more limited. This teleconference will explore both broad-based retirement programs and executive deferred compensation available to nonprofit organizations. It will highlight new rules for  more...

Multistate Sales Tax Issues for Contractors ...in understanding who and what is subject to sales and use taxes, including who is responsible for collecting the sales tax or paying the use tax, e.g., who is the ultimate consumer, the differences between real and personal property, the taxation of repairs and repair services, and the taxation of intangibles such as warranties. Without an understanding of these concepts, a contractor may  more...

Updating and Maintaining Wills, Trusts and Estate Plans for the Evolving Client ...e changes to the federal and state estate and inheritance tax rules. This teleconference will benefit any attorney who drafts, prepares or reviews wills, trusts and estate plans, and it's an excellent refresher course for the experienced drafting attorney. You'll get information on how other drafting attorneys are addressing certain drafting issues. For an attorney who is beginning or who only  more...

Commercial Leases: A Discussion of Legal, Negotiating and Drafting Considerations For Build-Out, Operating Expense, Tax and Othe nBy attending this teleconference, you will learn the types of expenses commercial tenants should expect to incur and how to appropriately attempt to limit such expenses. By limiting expenses, you'll go a long way toward protecting the tenants you represent against unforeseen leasing costs. Such expenses include the cost of improving the premises, operating cost pass-throughs, real estate taxes,  more...

Share-Based Compensation - Impact of Recent Events on the Use of Equity Compensation nExecutive compensation continues to be a hot topic across many industries. Recent changes in share-based compensation rules, principally the changes to Financial Accounting Standards 123(R) [FAS 123(R)], and market uncertainty and declines have led to significant changes in how companies and executives view the role and the value of equity as part of an overall compensation package. Join our  more...

The Streamlined Sales Tax Project - How and Why It Affects Your Business ...Tax Project is an effort by state representatives to implement a national uniform, simplified system of sales and use tax compliance. After more than five years of their efforts, the Simplified Sales and Use Tax Agreement came into effect on October 1, 2005. The SSTP now includes 19 full member states and three associate member states. Although initially taking effect as a voluntary program for  more...

Managing Risk and Investments for Trustees and Other Fiduciaries nAlthough the investment decisions by fiduciaries supposedly are not to be judged with hindsight, and trustees are not deemed to be guarantors of the investment performance of trust assets under their management, as a practical matter, claims by beneficiaries for poor investment performance will only be raised when the trust has sustained losses. Further complicating the matter, such litigation  more...

Hot Topics for 501(c)(3) Organizations nThere has been a lot of talk about the revised Form 990 and it's finally here! Whether you love it or loathe it, you can't put it off any longer. We will spend a majority of the time talking about some of the hot-button issues that the new form raises both in terms of simple compliance and in communicating with and involving your board. But wait, there's more! After this teleconference, you'll  more...

Lease vs. Buy: Choosing the Best Option ...rom several perspectives, including legal, accounting and tax concerns, as well as practical issues. As our speakers have more than 60 years of combined experience in equipment finance, they will be able to present material based not only on their academic qualifications, but on their experience with all types of equipment - from sophisticated technology financings to over-the-road vehicles and  more...

Same-Gender Marriage Rulings: Impacts on Employee Benefit Plans Across the Nation nIn May 2008, the California Supreme Court ruled that the state cannot deny same-gender couples the right to marry. Same-gender couples - many of them, in fact - flocked to California and started getting legally married on June 17, 2008. But then in November 2008, California voters approved Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage going forward. Massachusetts and Canada also allow same-gender  more...

Estate Planning for Vacation Homes nSummer and holiday gatherings at the family vacation home have become important traditions for many families. Providing a place where family members can relax, reconnect and escape the busy pace of life is increasingly significant to many families. Parents want to perpetuate these cherished memories and experiences throughout the generations. To do so requires careful, thoughtful planning by both  more...

Restructuring: Changing Your Choice of Business Entity nEach business goes through various stages of its life cycle as it grows. The plans of its owners change, and management succession and exit strategies become more immediate concerns. As a result, initial tax and state law decisions need to be revisited, and when warranted, consideration of changes to a company's tax and legal structure may be advisable or necessary. This teleconference will  more...

Obtaining and Sustaining a Tax-Exempt Status ...tax-exempt organizations to comply with the tax rules is greater than ever. In this teleconference, you'll learn the difference between nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, how an organization qualifies for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, how to distinguish between private foundation and public charities, how to understand the benefits of public charity status and how to avoid activities that  more...

Real Estate Income Tax Issues ... techniques and recent developments concerning the income taxation of real estate, including issues applicable to partnerships and LLCs holding real property. You'll learn about capital gains strategies, like-kind exchanges, tenancies in common, how to structure transactions when some partners want cash and others want tax deferral, and recent regulations, all within the context of current real  more...

Grant Applications From Beginning to End nGrants are highly competitive. With the down turn in today's market they are becoming even more competitive as business and investors are looking at grants to leverage their position. Grants that are easy to find are the most competitive and most difficult to receive. Grant money is free money, in the sense that it does not have to be repaid like a loan. Getting grant funding takes skill,  more...

Advanced Records Management: The Intersection of Good Records Management and eDiscovery Preparedness nEffective records management can have an enormous impact on e-discovery preparedness and a corporation's bottom line. While many corporations have established policies related to paper records, many of those same corporations have failed to update those policies to account for their rapidly increasing volumes of electronically stored information. No form of ESI demonstrates these complex issues  more...

Tax Due Diligence in Acquisitions ... each. They often fail to consider potential undisclosed tax liabilities resulting from pre-closing operations, and rarely want to hold up negotiations thinking about the "what ifs." However, when the "what ifs" turn into "what now," it is important that potential tax risks be considered, and that the responsibility for the tax liabilities has been allocated to the appropriate parties. This  more...

Effective Program Evaluation for Nonprofits nThe importance of evaluating your nonprofit cannot be underestimated! The data you collect and analyze will let you know the extent to which you have met your goals and objectives, how your clients feel about your organization and its services, whether you are using quality processes, what you can celebrate and how you can improve! Effective evaluations can also tell you about the program design  more...

Return on Investment for Wellness Programs nMounting evidence indicates that worksite wellness should be part of every strategic health plan. These plans can offer a valuable tool for employers to promote a fit and health-conscious work force that will save employers money by keeping health insurance premiums down, reducing workers' compensation costs, and by increasing productivity and decreasing lost time. Implementing a plan takes time,  more...

Estate and Gift Tax Audits ...tax return is selected for audit is "why this return?". What was it about the return that caused it to be selected for IRS examination? n nThis teleconference answers that question and many more related to the subject of estate and gift tax return audits. Learn about the characteristics that trigger audits and why some estate and gift tax returns are more likely to be the focus of an internal  more...

Latest Trends in the Rise of Unclaimed Property Enforcement nRegister for this teleconference and stay abreast of the latest statutory and state enforcement trends. You'll get an update on recent cases involving unclaimed property (state and corporate) and best practices you can use to address current internal controls, policies and procedures.  more...

A Tax Primer on Real Estate Investment Trusts nMore than $375 billion are invested in approximately 180 publicly traded real estate investment trusts (or REITs). In addition, billions more are invested in privately held REITs. This teleconference will provide an introductory summary of the tax requirements REITs face in their formation and ongoing operations. You will develop a basic understanding of REITs through this program. The  more...

Current Issues in Revocable Living Trusts Benefits Revocable living trusts are a foundation of many estate plans. The use of a revocable living trust generally provides for a confidential distribution of family wealth without required court interference and also allows for assets to avoid probate in most jurisdictions. Using a revocable living trust allows for planning in the event of incapacity without having to formally declare a  more...

State Income Tax Apportionment-The Sales Factor and The Throwback Rule ...alysis of the sales factor used in state and local income tax apportionment. You'll learn all about the sourcing of sales of tangible personal property and services, including the dock sales test and market-based sourcing. Find out what you need to know about the throwback rule and the throw-out rule. Get expert advice on handling issues related to the "Joyce" rule and the "Finnigan" rule.  more...