Estate Planning Checklist: A Guide for Families and Family-Owned Businesses

Posting by Joel C. Susco, CPA

Often when we give a gift we look at the recipient to watch his/her expression. We hope to see eyes widen with delight and a smile form as he/she open that especially chosen item. We look to the recipient to be happy with our choice.

One of the best gifts you can leave your family is an estate that is well-organized, with clear instructions on what is to happen upon your death. To aid in […]

June 30, 2014 Accounting, Valuation, Wealth Management Read more...

3 Financial Metrics for Business Success

Posting by Mike Rockefeller

There is a large amount of data available to help you more effectively manage and grow your business. But, how do you know which numbers to crunch, and what the data is telling you?

While it’s true that the importance of certain financial metrics will vary depending on your industry, there are three important financial measures and tools you can use to make sure your business is positioned for success and able to sustain growth.
1. Cash is […]

May 30, 2014 Uncategorized, Valuation Read more...

Four Cash Flow Mistakes That Can Harm Your Business

Posting by Jacqueline Thompson, CPA

Cash flow is one of those issues that always seem to be at the top of your mind – and for good reason. Proper cash flow is the foundation of a successful business.

Cash management is all about properly estimating your current and future obligations and weighing those against your projected in-flows. Time and again, I’ve come across the same mistakes that can derail even the most successful growing businesses. Make sure you avoid these financial […]

May 19, 2014 Uncategorized, Valuation Read more...

Starting a Business: What Business Entity Should I Choose?

Posting by Jacqueline Thompson, CPA

There are many decisions to be made when starting a business, not least of which is the business structure for your company. Your business structure will not only have legal implications, but also tax and operational consequences. To help you get started as you form your company, here is a list of common business structures, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each type:
Sole Proprietorship
In this structure, you are the sole owner of the company. […]

February 11, 2014 Accounting, Valuation Read more...

The Secrets of Successful Buy-Sell Agreements

Posting by Geoffrey D. Brown, CPA, Principal

A well-crafted buy-sell agreement is essential for limiting liability and resolving a number of tax and business issues in closely-held or family enterprises, especially those with multiple owners and partners.  The agreement outlines the roles and rights of the parties involved, fostering smooth relations and the successful continuation of the business.  It also prevents an owner from selling his interests to an outsider without the consent of the other owners, and provides an […]

April 20, 2013 Accounting, Tax, Valuation Read more...

Facing Common Ownership Challenges: Insights and Strategies from Walker & Dunlop’s Family Leadership

Posting by Geoffrey D. Brown, CPA, Principal

On Thursday, September 22, Mallory and Willy Walker of Walker & Dunlop addressed a group of members, partners and other invitees of the Greater Washington DC Family Business Alliance on the topic of family ownership and transition, and how it has affected their family business.  Now in its third generation of Walker family management, Walker & Dunlop remains a very successful company and a leader in commercial real estate financing.  I would like […]

October 6, 2011 Family Owned Businesses, Valuation Read more...

NEWS YOU CAN USE: SELLING YOUR GOLD AND VALUABLES

Posting by Billy Thomas

With all the debt discussions and economic uncertainty of recent, demand for precious metals has seen a major increase.  With any rise in demand there is often a similar rise in price further emphasized by the value of gold, which has risen to record levels on a global scale.  There are many reasons to hold and/or invest in gold including preserving one’s wealth, fighting against inflation, and maintaining a level of diversification just to name a […]

August 9, 2011 Valuation Read more...

Have You Really “Sold” the Family Business if You Sell the Family Business

Posting by Geoffrey D. Brown, CPA
Members of the Greater Washington DC Family Business Alliance spend most of our time talking about how best to preserve the family business for the next generation or generations; however, there may be times when the absolute best decision might be to sell the family business. Perhaps there is no one in the succeeding generation who has any interest in operating or managing the business or perhaps there is so much rancor and distrust […]

November 1, 2010 Family Owned Businesses, Valuation Read more...

CLOSING THE LOOPHOLE ON THE SALE OF VACATION HOMES

Brian Wynne, CPA

Memorial Day weekend may still be a month away, but as you daydream about your sunny-day beach house getaway, there may be some dark tax clouds looming over the horizon.  The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (signed into law on July 30, 2008) contained a rather onerous provision related to the sale of vacation homes.  You may no longer be able to use the $250,000 ($500,000 if married filing jointly) home sale exclusion to reduce […]

April 30, 2010 Accounting, Valuation, Wealth Management Read more...

The Termination of a Partnership Structure: Should you Liquidate or Sell?

Posting by Joel C. Susco, CPA, Principal

There may be many ways to skin a cat, but when it comes to the termination of a partnership interest, we are aware of two possible considerations.   In many cases, the tax consequences are the most critical considerations as the economic results of a liquidation or a sale are quite similar in nature. We thought we would share our experiences with the termination of a partnership structure.  Our considerations centered around a decision […]

November 9, 2009 Accounting, Valuation Read more...