Lynn Nichols, Naming Expert and CEO of X Intellectual Property, spoke at the ASL Emerging Business Group’s best practices seminar on, “Nailing the Name: Create a Powerful Name for Your Company.” In this podcast, Lynn shared some strategies on how to craft a great name and brand.
Technology: Hot Topics
By Michael McAndrews, Principal
This quarter we are focusing on:
- An International Tax Update
- Base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) Update
- Federal Tax Developments
- Tax Court ruling in Altera case invalidates regulations regarding sharing of stock-based compensation expenses
- Treasury issues proposed regulations regarding section 83(b) elections
- State Tax Developments
- California adopts Federal tax conformity measure
- Washington extends economic nexus standards for sales tax and Business and Occupation Tax
Sales Solutions for Your Start-up and Emerging Business
Bob Min, Owner/Coach of Sandler® Training, spoke at the ASL Emerging Business Group’s best practices seminar on, “Sales Solutions for Your Start-up and Emerging Business.” In this podcast, Bob shared his expertise in the Sandler Training methodology, by covering the greatest barriers to growing sales, why these things occur and some insight into how to overcome them.
Insurance 101: Business Insurance for Startups
Ron Shepherd, President and Chris Shepherd, Principal of Shepherd & Associates Insurance Services, spoke at the ASL Emerging Business Group’s best practices seminar on, “Insurance 101: Business Insurance for Startups.” In this podcast, Ron and Chris share their advice on how to select an insurance professional that will understand your business as a startup, especially new risks that come about such as cyber liability, listen to learn more.
Emerging Business: Small Business, Big Risk
By Mark Sheffield, Principal
When the Sarbanes-Oxley Act was passed in 2002, large public companies were forced to implement and document formal internal controls. Large companies had to think more about risk and how to strengthen business oversight. Small companies have risk too. Perhaps relatively more risk, because they don’t have the controls the larger companies now have in place. What can small business learn from large business to reduce risk? Here are five processes big companies have that small businesses should also implement. (more…)
Valuation: Discounts for Estate Planning
By Jeff Faust and Megan Bigham
Upcoming tax regulation changes may have sweeping effects on how family-owned entities are valued.
Initially, the IRS did not allow discounts for lack of control in valuing family-owned interests. In 1993, the IRS ruled that these interests were not collective and therefore lifted the limitation for this discount. However, there are still some situations where discounts for lack of marketability and lack of control are challenged on the basis of IRS Code §2704.
Top 5 Best Practices for Changing Accounting Software Systems
By Becky Watson, ASL Audit Senior
Due to accounting software producers acquiring other companies, some of our clients may be facing the possibility of migrating their accounting software system to another product. Here are a few tips to help you plan your implementation of the new software:
Revenue Recognition
By Carol Wagner, ASL Principal
The new accounting standard for revenue recognition is finally here! It’s officially referred to as ASU 2014-09 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers. FASB issued the final revenue recognition standard in May 2014.
Construction Corner: Employer Mandate for Affordable Care Act Update
In case you haven’t heard, the employer mandate, which includes the employer responsibility payment and insurance reporting requirements, under the Affordable Care Act has been delayed. For employers with 50 or more full-time or full-time equivalent employees, the requirements will begin in January 2015. It was reported by Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy Mark Mazur at the Treasury that the postponement will give time for them to consider simplification of the requirements as well as give employers ample time to prepare for compliance. As you use this additional time to prepare, please contact us with your questions, and we will work with you and your other key business advisors to assist you.