Hi, Website Visitor. Here are your Articles for May 7, 2009.
Firm Foundation News
Leadership Thoughts
by Kaye Lauritsen, Managing Director
Busy season can feel like a storm – some are just thundershowers while others can resemble hurricanes. Regardless, you have seen it through the end for another year. Congratulations! Now, take a moment to reflect on the season past, just as you would assess the aftermath of any storm. Click "Full Article" for areas to focus on regarding busy season learnings and how to apply them to plans for next year.
Insights: The H1N1 (Swine) Flu: Stay informed and prepared
Your employees may be asking questions about the H1N1 (Swine) Flu. For suggestions from Firm Foundation regarding the actions you should take to help keep your family members, colleagues, clients and yourself safe and healthy, click "Full Article."
Technical Topics: Innocent Spouse and Equitable Relief
Court case:Lantz v. Comm'r, 132 T.C. 8 (4/7/2009)
Spouses who file a joint return are jointly and severally liable for the payment of tax as well as any interest and penalties that arise from the return. Section 6015(f) allows relief for unpaid tax or deficiency to a requesting spouse if, taking into account all the facts and circumstances, it would be inequitable to hold the requesting spouse liable for payment. Treas. Reg.§ 1.6015-5(b)(1) states that a spouse requesting relief under this section is required to file Form 8857, Request for Innocent Spouse Relief, or a similar statement with the IRS within two years from the date of the first collection activity against the spouse requesting relief.
Did you Know...? As a member of Firm Foundation, you have access to a variety of tools and resources to help manage and improve your practice. We understand that variety can sometimes be overwhelming and it can be difficult to decide where to begin. Click "Full Article" to see our recommendations for tools and resources that we believe all firms should put to use in the months ahead.
Full Newsletter 
by Kaye Lauritsen, Managing Director
Your employees may be asking questions about the H1N1 (Swine) Flu. For suggestions from Firm Foundation regarding the actions you should take to help keep your family members, colleagues, clients and yourself safe and healthy, click "Full Article."
Court case: Lantz v. Comm'r, 132 T.C. 8 (4/7/2009)
by Jessica Gross, Client Services Manager
It may sound counterintuitive in a recession, but some employers are encouraging employees to get involved in volunteer activities and some are giving them time during the workday to do it. When so many businesses are struggling to keep their heads above water, how could this possibly make sense? Read the "Full Article" to see what some companies are doing, and how your business might be able to benefit by promoting volunteerism.
Your business name is critical to your company's success and you want to be sure you have the legal right to use it. The Internet has led companies to discover they share a name with an enterprise in another state, and that can create a problem. Click "Full Article" for the trademark facts you need to know to ensure you're not accidentally trampling on the rights of other businesses.
Moving your business, even if it's just around the block, creates upheaval and stress and can seem like a major imposition to your employees. To help make the transition more successful - and less costly - involve your staff members from the outset. Here are some tips on how to keep everyone on board with the project.