[FIRM LOGO]

[insert firm-specific information or key firm dates in this area].

The recently passed American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA) prevents income tax hikes for most taxpayers and averts a major expansion of the alternative minimum tax’s (AMT’s) reach. It also shrinks scheduled gift and estate tax increases and extends a variety of tax breaks for individuals and businesses. This article explains some of the details.

Read More

There are many potential threats to one’s net worth — or to the legacy left for heirs. And one such threat is creditors, who could ultimately take a large bite out of gifted or bequeathed assets. One solution is to place assets in a trust. This article discusses revocable vs. irrevocable trusts, spendthrift trusts and offshore trusts.

Read More

Current U.S. law compels most corporations to consider investors’ return ahead of other goals. But a relatively new type of corporate structure, known as the “benefit corporation” or “B corporation,” allows a company to put equal emphasis on certain nonfinancial goals. B corporations can align investors’ personal beliefs and the company’s goals in a concrete, accountable way. This article details how they work and the steps that interested companies must take to achieve B corporation status. A sidebar looks at a couple of other corporate structures.

Read More

Lots of businesses shy away from accepting credit card payments, often because the fees are outside of their budgets or it just isn’t practical. But the current growth in technology solutions that allow mobile devices to accept credit card payments may prompt them to reconsider. This article discusses the technologies available and the benefits they offer.

Read More

This publication is distributed with the understanding that the author, publisher and distributor are not rendering legal, accounting or other professional advice or opinions on specific facts or matters, and accordingly assume no liability whatsoever in connection with its use. ©2013 • FOCfm13