Articles & Videos
Doing Business in the United States
Doing Business in the United States By Alan Olsen, CPA 67 Pages $24.95 + $2.00 S/H Alan L. Olsen, CPA, MBA (tax) Foreign Corporations, Individuals and Trusts The booklet can be purchased vis this “link“. It discusses the basic issues of foreign corporations and individuals wishing to do business in America. This booklet contains detailed…
The Wash Sale Rule of Capital Gains Tax
The Wash Sale Rule of Capital Gains Tax Awash sale is a trading activity in which shares of a security are sold at a loss and substantially identical security is purchased within 30 days. The subsequent purchase could occur before or after the security is sold, creating a 61-day window that must be monitored to…
Employers linking employee premiums to health screen programs
Employers linking employee premiums to health screen programs As more employers require employees to take greater financial responsibility for their own health care as part of the consumerism movement, some employers are going even further, tying employees’ premium contributions to their participation in health risk appraisals and, in some cases, to improvements in health status.…
Persistence – Use Good Judgment
Persistence – Use Good Judgment Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “Press…
Feeding a Dream
Feeding a Dream Taking Tex-Mex to Bangalore by Elizabeth Bowden-David Christopher Columbus, as the story goes, pursued a dream of India and landed on American shores. I, too, set out on a journey to India, but my dream was launched from American shores. Eight years ago, I moved with my Indian-born husband from California to…
Increase Employee Compensation for Work-Related Expenses
Increase Employee Compensation for Work-Related Expenses The California Supreme Court recently tested the boundaries of Labor Code section 2802, ruling that employers may increase employee compensation by a fixed amount instead of reimbursing employees for work-related expenses. California Labor Code section 2802 requires employers to indemnify (reimburse) employees for all necessary expenses incurred as a…
Motivating Employees Through Today’s Economic Crisis – Executive Strategies
Are you motivating employees through today’s economic crisis, you will find some executive strategies below helpful. Tough Times Call for Tough Measures, Rallying the Troops, Circling the Wagons, Bunkering Down may all seem like maxed-out maxims in today’s ailing economy, but what other rallying cries can today’s executives call on? As layoffs and cutbacks ravage…
Are You Looking for a Tropical Tax Haven?
Are You Looking for a Tropical Tax Haven? Tax Haven The idea of moving overseas in an effort to escape the high price of taxes is not a new one for rich Americans. Many ultra-wealthy Americans have looked at all kinds of different options in hopes of lowering their tax bill. As the federal government,…
Ten Ideas to Enhance Cash Flow
Ten Ideas to Enhance Cash Flow Managing cash flow is what separates good companies from the truly successful ones. Indeed, your ability to monitor the cash flow of your business can be the vital difference between profit and loss. Here are 10 ideas to enhance cash flow: Assess Your Risk Up Front When you do…
“C” Corporation versus “S” Corporation Entity Selection Decision
Your “C” corporation versus “S” corporation entity selection decision is often step one when starting a company. This comes up very often. How do we decide on whether to be a “C” Corporation or an “S” Corporation? You might also want to operate as a Limited Liability Company which is much like an S Corporation.…
Best Performing Stocks of 2016
Best Performing Stocks of 2016 Now that 2017 is in full swing, people are looking forward to this coming year, including the investment industry. Which stocks will be the big winners this year and which ones will leave investors shaking their heads? There is a lot still up in the air, especially with all the…
Would a Carbon Tax Make Sense for America?
Would a Carbon Tax Make Sense for America? By Kent Livingston Unless you don’t own a TV or a computer then at some point you’ve heard the so-called environmental experts and political pundits speak of the dangerous effects of greenhouse gas emissions on global warming. There are two sides to every story, but most people…
Willfully or Not, That Is the Question
Willfully or Not, That Is the Question “I didn’t know; it was an honest mistake.” “No one told me that I had to do that.” “But honestly, I didn’t understand what that meant.” Do these phrases sound familiar? Of course, they could be applied to many different situations in life and most of us have…
Will the Wealthy Benefit From Trump’s New Tax Plan?
By Alan Olsen Trump will have a cooperative GOP house and senate and it is likely that overall tax rates for the wealthy will be heading lower starting in 2017. Therefore, now is the time to begin your tax planning. That means it’s time to put the campaign and the election behind us and start…
Why Are Taxpayers Leaving Behind Billions of Dollars at Tax Time?
Why Are Taxpayers Leaving Behind Billions of Dollars at Tax Time? The 2018 tax season is officially over. Most Americans are happy to have their tax returns in the rearview mirror. After all, nobody really enjoys doing taxes. Why is that? For the most part, it’s because doing taxes is such a complicated, frustrating experience…
What to Expect When Trading Collectibles in Foreign Auctions
What to Expect When Trading Collectibles in Foreign Auctions For many people with an abundance of money, collecting goods like fine art is a popular pastime. However, no matter what kind of goods you collect or trade you will always have to be aware of the tax side of your hobby. Many people buy, sell…
Discover the Top Islands to Visit This Year
Discover the Top Islands to Visit This Year It’s summer and that means vacation time. If you’re looking for a great place to get away this season and an island trip sounds desirable then check out these top island getaways for 2017, according to Travel +Leisure. But be sure to bring your bathing suit and…
Can the IRS Really Tax You on Income Not Earned?
Can the IRS Really Tax You on Income Not Earned? By Kent Livingston Just imagine for a moment that you discovered there was a treasure buried in your backyard. Not likely, but just play along. Of course, you decide to dig this treasure up and enjoy all the benefits that come with it. Now imagine…
Does The Economy Really Suffer From Those Who Skip Out on Taxes?
Does The Economy Really Suffer From Those Who Skip Out on Taxes? Have you ever considered just skipping out on your taxes? Although a lot of people would love it if there were not taxes, the fact is, some taxes are important. The tax debate will never end, especially among politicians. There will always be…
Great Places for Veggie Eaters Traveling to Europe
Great Places for Veggie Eaters Traveling to Europe Ready for your next big vacation to Europe? The sites, the sounds, the scenery, and of course, the wonderful smells from all the delicious cuisine. Food lovers enjoy partaking of all the delectable tastes that European countries have to offer. But alas, you are a vegetarian, and…