Leveraging internal audits

Are you making the most of your internal audit team? Don’t let the skills of internal auditors go underutilized at your organization.

Taking a red pen to financials for valuation purposes

Financial statements are prepared for financial reporting purposes. When they’re used to value a business, various adjustments may be needed to provide clarity. Here’s guidance on which adjustments valuators consider when

Goodwill in a bad economy

Internally generated goodwill isn’t on the balance sheet. But acquired goodwill is another story. Do you know the rules for reporting acquired goodwill and subsequently testing it for impairment? This is a hot button for many organizations today.

S corporation vs. LLC: The way a manufacturing company is structured affects taxes and more

Which business structure is right for your manufacturing company, S corporation or limited liability company?

FAQs about fair value in accounting

Got questions about fair value under U.S. GAAP? Here are some answers to help take the guesswork out of reporting these estimates.

Do valuation discounts apply to compulsory shareholder buyouts?

To discount or not to discount? The answer is critical when valuing a minority shareholder’s interest. On a combined basis, discounts for lack of control and marketability can lower value by 20%, 30% or more.

Deciding between cash and accrual accounting methods

Do you know the differences between cash and accrual accounting methods? Some small business owners are unaware of the options that are now available to them.

Manufacturers: Is your buy-sell agreement up to date?

Most companies with more than one owner should enter into a buy-sell agreement, including manufacturing businesses. Critically, the agreement must periodically be reviewed and updated.

Timing counts: Reporting subsequent events

In today’s marketplace, conditions are ever-changing. By the time you issue year-end financial statements, you may be dealing with a major development that’s affecting your company’s performance. Which developments must be recognized or disclosed in your financials?

Looking beyond the financials for clues to a business’s value

Valuing a business is like hunting for treasure. Your expert must dig into the subject company’s books and records for clues to unearth the answer.

Eyes on related parties

Remember Enron? Doing business with so-called “related parties” may result in nepotism, sweetheart deals and skewed financial results. Here’s how auditors customize their procedures for related-party transactions.

Federal Tax News for Individuals

1. If You Make Estimated Tax Payments, a Deadline Is Coming Up 2. Exceptions to the 10% Early Withdrawal Penalty Require Proof 3. The "Tax Gap" Hurts Those Who Pay their Fair Share 4. Settlement for Legal Malpractice Is Taxable Income 5. IRS Updates Amounts Delinquent Taxpayers Can Keep