Journal of Accountancy articles from August 2006

Journal of Accountancy archives from August 2006

CPAs find new profit in payroll: online technology decreases work, increases revenue.(certified public accountants)
August 1, 2006... For CPAs, new Internet technologies have changed the practice of payroll, causing many professionals to re-think their attitudes about it. This is good news for small businesses, who want their CPA to handle everything from accounting to...

Online payroll delivers more of the client dollar; how 15 minutes per client cements relationships, adds to bottom line.
August 1, 2006... NEEDHAM, MA. -- For CPA Marty Kofman, providing payroll services is as essential as taxes or accounting for his thriving full-service practice. He couldn't imagine not doing it. And he couldn't imagine handling payroll without PayCycle's...

Seven strategies for negotiating success: some fancy footwork for the salary pas de deux.
August 1, 2006... EXECUTIVE SUMMARY * Enter negotiations with a salary range in mind, but also understand which benefits and other elements of compensation you must have and which you are willing to give up. * Focus on the employer's needs and why you...

Telecommute safely: use Internet technology to keep cost down.
August 1, 2006... Technology is shortening the daily office commute and providing a secure and economical link to clients, customers and satellite offices. With just a few keystrokes from a remote location with Internet access, users can link to an office...

The work/life balance sheet so far: bottom line: create a good program and communicate its importance to your managers.
August 1, 2006... EXECUTIVE SUMMARY * Studies show work/life balance programs go a long way to help CPA firms of all sizes attract and retain high-quality professionals and are a key factor in employee satisfaction. * Successful programs address...

Interviewing techniques: tips from the pros: ask the right questions to assess the skills and attitudes of job candidates.
August 1, 2006... EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A skillful interview consists of * Preparation. Collect information about the job you're trying to fill; Know what the duties are and what experience, credentials and core competencies are required to fulfill them....

Practice makes perfect; brush up for the CPA exam with a review course.(certified public accountants)
August 1, 2006... Success on the computer-based test (CBT) version of the Uniform CPA Exam comes down to adequate preparation. In addition to reviewing the online tutorials, sample tests and exam interfaces at www.cpa-exam.org and meeting the academic re...

Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005: tax breaks for victims of hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma.
August 1, 2006... EXECUTIVE SUMMARY * The Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005 provides significant tax relief to those who were affected by hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. * Central to the legislation is the establishment of the Gulf Opportunity (GO)...

Beyond Sarbanes-Oxley: three best practices to adopt in your organization.
August 1, 2006... EXECUTIVE SUMMARY * Four years after the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, this legislation has transformed business and provided a platform for increased dialogue about ethics (or in some cases, a lack thereof) within American companies....

Tips to win campus friends: educators can help you find the hires you need.
August 1, 2006... After nearly three decades in higher education, I had an epiphany--ivory-tower academics and real-world CPAs can benefit from a clearer understanding of the possibilities and limitations of on-campus classroom visits. Accordingly, here are tips...

Innocent spouse relief reversed.
August 1, 2006... Congress enacted the innocent spouse provisions to expand the relief available to certain taxpayers. The technical requirements for this relief, however, have resulted in numerous lawsuits. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals recently reversed...

Funding retiree health benefits.
August 1, 2006... Is an employer responsible for fully funding its retirees' lifetime health benefits? The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals recently affirmed a district court's decision that, indeed, an employer does have such a responsibility The plaintiffs...

Recovering litigation costs.
August 1, 2006... If a taxpayer successfully challenges the IRS, can that taxpayer recover reasonable litigation costs? Recently, the Tax Court applied the substantial justification standard when it reviewed Images and Allemeier, two cases involving litigation...

Avoiding penalties when reporting damage awards and settlements: four steps CPAs can take.(certified public accountants)(from The Tax Adviser)
August 1, 2006... Many businesses and government agencies have paid out damage awards or settlements to third parties for various violations. Whenever an award or settlement must be paid, proper federal tax reporting is required to avoid potentially substantial...

Directory of AICPA selected services.(Directory)
August 1, 2006... Address and employment information can be changed online through www.aicpa.org/about/dues.htm. Or, members can e-mail, mail or fax the information to the Member Service Center in New Jersey (see Member Service Center for additional services...