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Corporate Tax
TAXATION OF PENDING CLAIMS
Larry Maples
The tax treatment of contingent liabilities transferred in a corporate sale or restructuring can be a problem for the parties involved. The treatment may differ depending on whether the transaction is taxable or tax-free. Recent IRS rulings and court decisions on these issues can help CPAs advise their clients or employers.

Practice Management
GET THE MOST OUT OF TRAINING DAY
Kerry A. McDonald
Finding trainers who understand the accounting profession and can connect with your staff is sometimes tricky. Before sending employees to “school,” the firm’s partners should clarify long-term-revenue, niche-development and expansion goals and then carefully vet the trainer to ensure his or her approach is on target.

Compliance
HOW TO PROFIT BY SAFEGUARDING PRIVACY
Robert G. Parker
Companies must follow strict guidelines on the collection and use of data from their customers, clients and patients. CPAs with the right expertise can be valuable advisers on compliance to companies with deficient privacy policies. In creating and implementing a program, they can help their employers or clients keep regulators happy while outshining competitors who don’t focus on privacy. Here’s a four-step plan to create policies and procedures that fulfill requirements.

The Fraud Beat
THE WORLD’S DUMBEST FRAUDSTERS
Joseph T. Wells
Just when you think you’ve heard the silliest of stupid criminal tricks, along comes another round of stories. Here’s a string of case histories that even Ripley would be hard pressed to believe.

Employee Benefits
HEALTH CARE COSTS ON THE RISE
Cynthia Harrington
Companies continue to face double-digit increases in health insurance costs. With economies difficult to find, CPAs should help employers explore innovative solutions, leaving cuts in coverage as a last resort.

News Digest
Auditing…Banking…Government Accounting…Money Laundering… FYI.

Clarification
Trust services framework available for free at AICPA Web site.

The Internet
Smart stops on the Web.

At a Glance: Charts and Graphics
CEOs take steps to rebuild trust.
A sign of the times.
E-tools of the trade.
Taxes play smaller part in the GDP.
Uncle Sam gives retirees a raise.

Letters
Regaining public trust our first priority.
Corporate culture and ethical behavior.
Another resource for ethics programs.
In favor of electronic filing.
Accounting history relevant to the present?
E-mail blues.

Monthly Checklist Series
Reach out—to get that job.

Tax Matters
Tax Case: Invalid partnership.
Tax Case: MACRS reclassification not change in accounting method.

From the Tax Adviser
ESAs vs. QTPs.

Technology Q&A
Overcome defrag stall…Fix an intermittent hard disk error…Learn how to use the Ruler in Word…Control a runaway mouse…Add more disk storage space…Shortcuts.

Reviews
Business Bookshelf: A look at diversity…ex-criminal gives fraud lessons.

Golden Business Ideas
Practical ideas for improving your business.

In This Issue