A Disturbing 70 Percent of Employees are NOT Engaged in their Jobs
It’s often said that an organization’s biggest asset is its people. But studies are finding that may be true only if the employees are actively engaged in their jobs. The sad fact today is that only 30 percent of employees nationwide are engaged, committed and enthusiastic about their work. The other 70 percent – and…
Charity Navigator’s New Focus on Results
Charity Navigator’s decision earlier this year to add Results Reporting as one of its main criteria for awarding its coveted stars has generated concern in nonprofit board rooms across the nation: especially among those with long-standing four-star ratings. Based on Charity Navigator’s early research on nonprofits’ results reporting, concern is likely in order. Panic, however,…
Court Rules on Payment of Attorneys’ Fees
A federal district court has determined that an individual prosecuting a lawsuit was engaged in a trade or business, allowing him to claim a deduction for his attorneys’ fees as a business expense. Richard Bagley brought the lawsuit against his former employer under the provisions of the federal False Claims Act (FCA). The FCA imposes…
Five Car Myths That Can Save You Money
Sometimes, if you hear something said enough times, you tend to believe it’s true – whether it is or not. Consumer Reports magazine has done the background tests that show five commonly believed truths about auto maintenance are, in fact, myths. While there is no doubt that regular automobile maintenance will extend the life of the…
Tax Implications of Repeal of Marriage Defense Act
The recent Supreme Court decision to invalidate a section of the Defense of Marriage Act has far-reaching tax implications. Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) defines marriage for federal law purposes as the “legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife.” The Supreme Court case reviewed a surviving…
Nonprofits and the Affordable Care Act
The Affordable Care Act, along with the Healthcare and Education Reconciliation Act, represents the most significant regulatory overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system since the passage of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965. Aimed at lowering the number of Americans who are uninsured and reducing the overall cost of health care, the legislation, often called Obamacare,…
Is Your Firm’s Bottom Line as Strong as it Should Be?
Applying sound management practices is essential for a firm to be a success, especially after enduring a prolonged economic downturn. Here are six areas to closely review as you go forward. Leadership and organizational structure. Has responsibility been assigned and accepted for practice management, and do others in the office function effectively? Do you have…
Which Industries are Hardest Hit by Fraud?
The typical organization loses 5 percent of its annual revenues to occupational fraud, according to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners 2012 biannual Report to the Nation on Occupational Fraud and Abuse. Some industries are considerably more susceptible than others. Do you know how your industry fares? Fraud affects individual industries in different ways. For…
Tax Court Rules Against Alimony Claim
The Tax Court has held that a taxpayer could not deduct a lump-sum payment to his former wife as alimony. John and Alice Nye were divorced in Florida in 1990. Under the terms of a separation and property settlement agreement, John was to make alimony payments of $3,600 per month and a lump-sum alimony payment…
Retiring? Is it a Good Idea to Move?
Retirement may change your lifestyle and could bring a change in residence, depending upon your goals. There are some important considerations you should not overlook. How much house – and where? A large house has room for grandchildren and children to visit but is more expensive and time-consuming to maintain. Consider whether you wish to…