Typosquatting takes advantage of an inclination among internet users known as “fat fingers” — a tendency to hit the wrong keys and enter misspelled trademarks or brands. Like phishing, typosquatting is a type of social engineering that tricks people into visiting websites they didn’t intend to visit. These schemes can harm both consumers and the
Joan Ellenbogen
Dec 1, 2021
Nov 24, 2021
Opportunities and challenges: Valuation in the age of COVID-19
- By Joan Ellenbogen
- Estate, Valuation
- 0 Comments
The tax implications of various estate planning strategies depend on the value of your assets at the time they’re transferred. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the value of many asset types, which may create attractive estate planning opportunities. It also presents unique challenges for valuation professionals. Generally, valuators consider all three
Nov 18, 2021
Thinking about participating in your employer’s 401(k) plan? Here’s how it works
- By Joan Ellenbogen
- Retirement, Taxes
- 0 Comments
Interested in participating in a 401(k) plan offered by your employer? Under a 401(k), you have the option of setting aside a certain amount of your wages in a qualified retirement plan. By making this election, you’ll reduce your gross income, and defer tax on the amount until the cash (adjusted by earnings) is distributed
Nov 17, 2021
Nonprofit restructuring has become easier, but not without challenges
- By Joan Ellenbogen
- Non-Profit
- 0 Comments
A few years ago, IRS Revenue Procedure 2018-15 changed the rules regarding not-for-profit restructuring. If you’ve participated in a restructuring in the past, you’ll be relieved to know that in many cases it’s now easier. Even so, if recent challenges have led your organization to consider restructuring, it’s important to work with a professional advisor,
Nov 10, 2021
Get your piece of the depreciation pie now with a cost segregation study
- By Joan Ellenbogen
- Business
- 0 Comments
If your business is depreciating over a 30-year period the entire cost of constructing the building that houses your operation, you should consider a cost segregation study. It might allow you to accelerate depreciation deductions on certain items, which can reduce taxes and boost cash flow. Under current law, the potential benefits are now even
Nov 8, 2021
Factor in taxes if you’re relocating to another state in retirement
- By Joan Ellenbogen
- Retirement, Taxes
- 0 Comments
Are you considering a move to another state when you retire? Perhaps you want to relocate to an area where your loved ones live or where the weather is more pleasant. But while you’re thinking about how many square feet you’ll need in a retirement home, don’t forget to factor in state and local taxes.
Nov 4, 2021
Actively look for fraud and reduce financial losses
- By Joan Ellenbogen
- Fraud
- 0 Comments
In general, passive fraud detection methods, such as accidental discovery or notification by police, coincide with longer-running fraud schemes and higher financial losses. To nab dishonest employees quickly and limit losses, your organization needs to be proactive. Active detection methods include IT controls, account reconciliation, management review, surprise audits and internal audits. Tips, the leading
Nov 2, 2021
Navigating the tax landscape when donating works of art to charity
- By Joan Ellenbogen
- Deductions, Taxes
- 0 Comments
If you own a valuable piece of art, or other property, you may wonder how much of a tax deduction you could get by donating it to charity. The answer to that question can be complex because several different tax rules may come into play with such contributions. A charitable contribution of a work of
Oct 26, 2021
When for-profit colleges deceive students
- By Joan Ellenbogen
- Fraud
- 0 Comments
For-profit colleges provide degree-earning opportunities to many who might not otherwise be able to pursue higher education. But as countless lawsuits suggest, some of these institutions engage in deceptive and illegal practices. Recently, the FTC put 70 for-profit schools on notice that they could incur costly sanctions for making false career and salary claims about
Sep 21, 2021
Is a Health Savings Account right for you?
- By Joan Ellenbogen
- Deductions, Financial Planning, Health Insurance, Medical, Taxes
- 0 Comments
Given the escalating cost of health care, there may be a more cost-effective way to pay for it. For eligible individuals, a Health Savings Account (HSA) offers a tax-favorable way to set aside funds (or have an employer do so) to meet future medical needs. Here are the main tax benefits: Contributions made to an