Investigating a Fraud: Verbal – and nonverbal – clues point to guilt
A properly planned interview can yield much more than simply learning about a subject’s background information. Techniques such as behavior analysis can be used to determine whether someone is being truthful or deceitful. By incorporating behavior-provoking questions during the session, the interviewer can observe and analyze verbal, as well as nonverbal, responses. Facing reality may require some ‘pension pinching’ In recent years, soon-to-be-retirees from all walks of life have been forced to face the reality that their future income stream might not be nearly as bountiful as they once had imagined. Of the 77 million baby boomers now nearing retirement, many are in danger of running out of funds prematurely, according to experts. Surprisingly, even the wealthiest individuals are at risk, particularly as insurance premiums and other healthcare costs continue to escalate beyond past estimates. Mentoring may deliver the work force you need If one of your key managers were to suddenly leave the business or become incapacitated, do you have someone qualified to take that manager’s place immediately? Could you prevent your business from suffering while a replacement grows into the role? If not, a mentoring program might be the answer. Mentoring pairs seasoned employees – mentors – with less experienced employees – mentees – to help foster your employees’ career development and professional growth. New tax write-offs may stimulate practice updates The centerpiece of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 may be the large dose of rebate checks ordered up as a remedy for the economy’s lethargy. But Congress prescribed the new tax law’s real therapeutics for businesses such as your medical practice. Although temporary tax depreciation enhancements have attracted less press coverage than the rebate checks, they may make 2008 the year you decide to significantly update your medical equipment or remodel your practice office. One thing to keep in mind is that you may have to act quickly to take advantage of the new depreciation incentives Congress has approved to stimulate business activity. Cash flow forecast can help you weather rainy days Most business owners learn very quickly that there is a big difference between profit and cash flow. This lesson is so important that a failure to grasp its business significance may lead to a failure of the business itself. First, it is important to be clear about what the term “cash” means. What is the true value of a business valuation? Although a business valuation is important for contractors considering an ownership transition or business sale, it serves many other purposes. A valuation should be considered when seeking loans, establishing an employee stock option plan, creating a buy-sell agreement, contemplating a merger or acquisition or engaging in estate planning or gift taxation. The SOX effect: Nonprofits are looking more like for-profits Hold a mirror up to a nonprofit these days and, many times, the reflection you’ll see is a more corporate image than in the past. And that’s a good thing. Because as fiscal pressure mounts, combined with donor demand for increased oversight and heightened enforcement from the IRS, nonprofits need the expertise and the survival instinct that corporate entities have developed in the marketplace. Senior partner retiring? Options to consider Sooner or later, a partner in your firm will retire. When that time comes, are you prepared to deal with the inevitable changes? How will you account for the intangible assets that the partner has cultivated over the years? The structure of the buyout payments will determine who bears the biggest tax burden – the retiring partner or the remaining partners. Is there a way to compromise so neither party bears most of the tax burden? IRS allows reduced home sale exclusion A married couple can exclude up to $500,000 of gain from the sale of a principal residence. To qualify for the full exclusion, both spouses must use the house for two of the preceding five years, and one spouse must own the house during that period. A single individual can exclude up to $250,000 of gain. You’re entitled to a reduced exclusion, if the reason you didn’t satisfy the two-year ownership and use requirement is due to a change in employment, health or other unforeseen circumstances. Mid-Year Tax Planning for 2008 Now is an excellent time to consider steps you might take to reduce your taxes for the current year.
|
“I consider their services to be top drawer.
Their finish dates are usually done before the
due date. I’d highly recommend them as I have
for the past 25 years.”
“I like the way they think. They gather and digest
data, present options in a clear, precise, logical,
methodical way. Their answers are solidly based.
We also like their ability to handle complexity.
We’re both a library and a museum, with investments
that include real estate, money in trust, earned
income, donor activity and investments.” |
|
| ©2007 Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. |
