Is the IRS Targeting Partnerships?
The IRS Fiscal Year 2015 Enforcement and Service Results showed an increase of 18.6% over the previous year for audits of partnerships. That's the highest audit rate partnerships have experienced since 2006. By comparison, audits of large C corporations decreased by...
Too Much Paperwork? What You Can Throw Away After Filing
Do you find yourself with the urge to spring clean every year near the federal tax deadline in April? It feels good to throw out some of the financial records stuffing your filing cabinets. But before you head for the trash, make sure you're not disposing of records...
Protect Your Accounts from Identity Theft and Fraud
There’s no doubt that technology has transformed our lives, from mobile apps to the Internet. It facilitates financial transactions and the transmission of information. But with convenience, it also brings risks. There are weekly news stories about sensitive personal...
Tax Consequences of Borrowing From a Retirement Plan
If you participate in a qualified retirement plan, such as a 401(k), profit-sharing, or Keogh plan, through your job or self-employment, you might be allowed to borrow from the account. It’s important to note that the borrowing option is not available for traditional...
Complex Facts Test Patent Experts’ Apportionment Skills
Finjan, Inc. v. Blue Coat Systems, Inc., 2015 U.S. LEXIS 91528 (July 14, 2015) What apportionment techniques can a damages expert use to ensure the capture of the proceeds from the infringing features but not the noninfringing components? This question dominated a...
Why Business Owners Don’t Plan for Succession and Why it’s Critical
It can be difficult to plan for your replacement and deal with your mortality, which is why many Maine business owners procrastinate putting a well-conceived succession plan in place. The reasons are understandable. However, there are many reasons why it’s best to...
Health Savings Account Limits for 2017
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) involve individuals and businesses buying less expensive health insurance policies with high deductibles, and contributions to the accounts are made on a pre-tax basis. The money can accumulate year after year tax free, and be withdrawn...
Building the Workforce of Tomorrow Starts Today
A top concern for Maine businesses is attracting and retaining qualified employees. Each year, numerous positions go unfilled, often because job applicants don't have the requisite skills or training. Some proactive employers are tackling the issue with the help of...
Chancery Gives High Marks to Financial Advisor’s Merger Work
In re Dole Food Co., 2015 Del. Ch. LEXIS 223 (Aug. 27, 2015) (Dole III) In sharp contrast to some of its earlier decisions reprimanding financial advisors for generating outcome-driven valuations, the Delaware Court of Chancery recently extolled the conduct of the...
How to Wrap Up an Estate
Sometimes, estate proceedings continue to be open for years with no end in sight. If you're an executor or personal representative of an estate, or even an heir, eventually you want closure. There are certain steps that must be taken to close the estate. This article...