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Accounting Estimates Present Challenges in Times of Uncertainty
In today’s unprecedented market conditions, it can be challenging to predict metrics that underlie your company’s accounting estimates. Examples of key “unknowns” include how much longer certain pandemic issues will continue, how federal stimulus spending will affect the economy over the long run, and the extent to which tax laws and environment regulations may change…
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Accounting methods: Private Companies Have Options
Businesses need financial information that’s accurate, relevant and timely. The Securities and Exchange Commission requires publicly traded companies to follow U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), often considered the “gold standard” in financial reporting in the United States. But privately held companies can use simplified alternative accounting methods. What’s right for your business depends on…
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Making the Decision to Hire New Nonprofit Staffers
Many Americans remain unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic — at least 9.8 million at the end of April, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But that’s expected to change quickly as employers ramp up hiring activities. If your not-for-profit will soon need new staffers, you might want to start putting out feelers now.…
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Nonprofits: Limit disaster Damage With a Plan
COVID-19 was a kind of disaster most not-for-profits weren’t prepared for. As your organization recovers from this unusual event, don’t let it become vulnerable to other, more common, threats. Every nonprofit needs a formal disaster plan for such risks as a fire, natural disaster or terrorist attack. Isolate threats No organization can anticipate or eliminate…
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What Nonprofit Board Members Need to Know about Fiduciary Duties
It takes more than dedication and enthusiasm for your not-for-profit’s cause and programs to make a good board member. The most critical duty for all board members is being a fiduciary. This means, among other things, that they can be trusted to always act in their nonprofit’s best interests, avoid unnecessary risk, make decisions thoughtfully…
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Plan Ahead for the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax
High-income taxpayers face a 3.8% net investment income tax (NIIT) that’s imposed in addition to regular income tax. Fortunately, there are some steps you may be able to take to reduce its impact. The NIIT applies to you only if modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds: $250,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly and surviving spouses,…
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Retiring Soon? 4 Tax Issues You May Face
If you’re getting ready to retire, you’ll soon experience changes in your lifestyle and income sources that may have numerous tax implications. Here’s a brief rundown of four tax and financial issues you may deal with when you retire: Taking required minimum distributions. This is the minimum amount you must withdraw from your retirement accounts.…
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The Long and Short of Succession Planning
For many business owners, putting together a succession plan may seem like an overwhelming task. It might even seem unnecessary for those who are relatively young and have no intention of giving up ownership anytime soon. But if the past year or so have taught us anything, it’s that anything can happen. Owners who’ve built…
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Pondering the Possibility of a Company Retreat
As vaccination levels rise and major U.S. population centers fully reopen, business owners may find themselves pondering an intriguing thought: Should we have a company retreat this year? Although there are still health risks to consider, your employees may love the idea of attending an in-person event after so many months of video calls, emails…
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Using Your Financial Statements to Evaluate Capital Budgeting Decisions
Strategic investments — such as expanding a plant, purchasing a major piece of equipment or introducing a new product line — can add long-term value. But management shouldn’t base these decisions on gut instinct. A comprehensive, formal analysis can help minimize the guesswork and maximize your return on investment. Forecasting cash flows Financial forecasts typically…
