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Offshore banking, we have all heard about it before. Unfortunately, many are misinformed when it comes to offshore banking. We have all heard news reports of offshore accounts being used to front illegal activities or to avoid taxes. In fact, we have also seen it in the movies, being used a similar way. This has led many individuals to believe that offshore banking is illegal. Despite what you may believe, offshore banking is legal. However, how you use it may be considered illegal.

Offshore banking is done through a bank that is known as an offshore bank. Offshore banks are banks that are located in another country, other than the country that you reside in. For instance, if you live in the Untied States an offshore bank would not be located in the United States. Many popular offshore banks are located in Switzerland. There are a number of advantages to offshore banking, but there are disadvantages as well.

The biggest advantage of offshore banking is that you are offered privacy and stability. There are many individuals who place their money in offshore accounts for security purposes. When your money is in an offshore account, you can access it, but many choose not to. It is easier to access and spend your money if it is at a local bank. That is why a large number of individuals use offshore banking to help them increase their savings.

Another advantage of offshore banking is that just about anyone can open an account. The most common users of offshore banking are corporations, the self-employed, or individuals who wealthy. Offshore banks may have restrictions on the amount of money that is needed to open an account, but it is not always a large amount. Whether you are a small business owner, wealthy, or you consider yourself middle class, you should still be able to open up an offshore bank account.

As previously mentioned, offshore banking is often associated with illegal activities. One of these illegal activities is tax evasion. If you set up an offshore bank account, you will still need to report your savings. Not reporting all of your money in an offshore account can lead to you be brought up on tax evasion charges. It is important to note that you have the ability to prevent this from happening. As long as you choose to use your offshore bank account legally, there shouldn’t be any disadvantages to having one.

The decision to open up an offshore bank account is a large one. If you are interested in opening up an offshore bank account, it is advised that you fully examine your decision. Many benefit from offshore banking, but not all do. If you are planning on using your offshore account to avoid a lawsuit or to evade taxes, you may want to reexamine your decision. As previously mentioned, there are serious consequences for doing this. As long as you plan on using your offshore account in a legal way, you can benefit immensely from offshore banking.

Tags: Offshore Account, Offshore Bank Account, Privacy, Security Purposes, United States

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Insurance fraud seems to be a common occurrence. Have you heard someone say that they claimed more than what they lost from a fire? Or stated their items were worth more than they really were so they could – in their words – recover the deductable, too?

One person claimed all his tools were top of the line. Not one wrench or screwdriver was purchased at Wal-Mart? Hard to believe! Another person claimed he had a closet full of custom-tailored suits, rather than some being purchased off the rack. Again, a statement I question.

When people file fraudulent claims, who do you think ends up paying for it in the long run? Everyone, through higher premiums. An insurance policy is to help you get back to where you were prior to your loss, not improve your way of life!

We’ve had many disasters in recent years, and predictions are that we’ll continue to see hurricanes and tornados affect our lives. Fires continue to burn houses and business. Flooding is happening in areas of the country where it ‘never’ happened before. Wild fires continue to burn.

Fortunately, something is being done about it. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has stated that the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force has brought federal charges against 907 individuals across the country since Katrina affected so many lives in 2005. The Task Force’s responsibility is to deter, detect and prosecute those who try to take advantage of disasters related to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Wilma, Gustav, and Ike, as well as other natural disasters.

The Task Force processes complaints and coordinates with law enforcement agencies to initiate investigations. Unfortunately, there are people who thrive on taking advantage of victims. The same is true in the situation of people trying to recover from disasters. It is a sad statement that such a task force is needed. However, we can be pleased that we have federal oversight on this wide-spread fraud.

More than 26,000 disaster fraud complaints have been received and over 17,000 have been or are being investigated. Just created this year, the Command Center now has a disaster fraud hotline to receive complaints related to the California wildfires, Iowa floods and Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

These are the wide-spread disasters, and this commission is addressing the fraud committed by people taking advantage of the disaster victims. But consider your individual policy. Many insurance agents have stated that fraud – whether the type investigated by the Task Force or those committed by the policy holders themselves – will encourage the insurance companies to be more stringent when requiring proof of ownership from their customers. When filing a claim, this will impact those who do not have an inventory of their belongings because they won’t be able to provide this information.

What can you do? Report suspected fraud. And have a list of the contents of your home or business so you can support any claim you might need to file.

Tags: Disaster Fraud, Fraudulent Claims, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricanes, Law Enforcement Agencies

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Hard money loans used to be seen as high interest emergency type loans. Not true these days. Some commercial lenders are able to beat most U.S. bank rates by utilizing foreign monies. This allows the interest rate to be determined by the LIBOR which always produces a lower interest rate to start.

As a borrower, you should take advantage of these trying times and contact your commercial lender. Small business loans and equipment loans are quite easy to obtain these days despite what you may think. Commercial lending rules are a lot different than residential; you may be surprised at the great deals you can get.

If you are looking for a business loan try to deal with a consultant. You need an experienced relationship manager that will work closely with your company as your advocate in raising the capital you need. That consultant should learn your organization, industry, and unique financial needs to deliver creative yet sound solutions from a wide range of financing alternatives.

Some types of commercial financing that are readily available are the following:

Lines of Credit
Purchasing new equipment, finance working capital, small or large purchases. You should strive for flexible terms and competitive rates.

Letters of Credit
Facilitates trade and reduces risk for exporters, importers, and among any new or unfamiliar business partners. Sometimes a revolving line of credit makes more sense than a lump-sum loan, when deciding whether to purchase necessary items, pay for improvements, or manage cash flow. It allows you access to a revolving line of credit with flexible repayment terms and options.

Real Estate Loans
Apartment Buildings
Office Buildings
Retail Shopping Centers
Industrial Warehouse Properties
Mixed Use Properties
Corporate Financing

Asset Based Lending
A non-traditional way for asset intensive companies to increase borrowing capacity.

Government Contract Finance
Delivering a full array of financial solutions to companies who perform technical services or manufacturing for any government.

Equipment Financing
This would include manufacturing, transportation, heavy equipment, yacht and corporate aircraft financing.

When looking for a business or commercial loan it is always best to deal with one consultant rather than several brokers or agents. This will save you substantial money and fees in the long run.

The bottom line is thing are looking up in the commercial finance industry. Take advantage of all of the programs available.

Tags: Borrowing Capacity, Flexible Repayment, Relationship Manager, Small Business Loans, Sound Solutions

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An accounting audit report gives the complete financial perspective of a company, and is prepared at the end of the financial year. This document is of use to all who want an exact picture of the functioning of the company. The aim of this document is to provide insights into the functioning as well as profitability and viability of the company as a commercial enterprise. The benefit to those who study this report is that they get the real picture from studying all the information that it holds, which is certified to be true and materially accurate.

The reporting period is referred to as a financial year and this pertains to the start of the accounting year i.e. the day following the end of the previous financial year. In case of a new company, this is the day of formation of the new company.

Preparation and filing of accounts
The procedure of filing audit reports applies to all public companies, even if they are filing for exemptions based on the contents of the report. Every company, be it public or private, has to keep accounts of its existence and performance. The accounts prepared must include:

* Profit and Loss account
* Balance Sheet
* Auditors’ report
* Directors’ report duly signed by either a director or a secretary of the company
* Group accounts, in case of a group of companies

The auditor is an individual or a firm appointed to scrutinize and prepare the complete financial position of the company via its performance for the financial year. There are both public and private companies that carry out audits and prepare the accounting audit reports. The accounting report deals with all the operating and financial aspects of the company.

In the United Kingdom, all companies, limited and public limited, must submit their accounts to the Registrar of Companies. In the United States, the report is to be submitted to the Securities Exchange Commission though private companies do not need to do this. Incorporating a company varies from state to state.

The duties of the auditor involved in preparing accounting audit reports are as follows:

* Financial statements and Reporting process
Must review and discuss with external auditors and management of the Company the interim financial statements

* Risk management and Internal controls
Must review and monitor the integrity of the Company’s internal control system. Discuss Company guidelines and policies pertaining to risk management, risk assessment and internal control.

* Auditor qualifications and their independence and effectiveness

To consider and recommend to the Board appointing, reappointing, removing and remunerating external auditors of the Company.

Associations such as AICPA have, through the Auditing Standards Board, issued a number of statements relating to the assessment of risk in auditing financial statements. These statements are the foundation for setting standards and give some much needed guidance with regard to auditor’s assessing risks of material untruths (either fraudulent or erroneous) in financial statement audits. It also needs to design and perform audit procedures which are responsive to the assessed risks.

Those interested in evaluating the performance of a company will need the accounting audit report to form a considered opinion. Using this report can make them invest in the shares of the company or for the bigger business heads, decide whether to potentially purchase a company or not.

Tags: Audits, Company Group, Financial Statement Audit, Incorporating A Company, Registrar Of Companies

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If you are in the market to purchase an automobile, you also need to have your eyes peeled in order to find the auto financing that you will need for your purchase. In that regard, if you are like other people shopping around to buy an automobile, you want to get the best interest rates on auto financing. However, in these challenging economic times, it can be a bigger challenge to obtain truly favorable interest rates on auto financing.

There are some tips and pointers that you should bear in mind when it comes to seeking and finding good interest rates on auto financing. By following these pointers, you will be in the best position to save money on the interest rates on any auto financing you obtain.

Get Your Auto Credit History in Order

When you are seeking auto financing it absolutely is imperative that you get your credit history in order. In this day and age lenders are becoming more restrictive when it comes to who they will make loans to … even when it comes to bad credit loans. Therefore, you really do need to make sure that you credit score is as high as it possibly can be and that your credit report is in as good of shape as possible.

In this regard, the first step that you will want to take is to make sure everything on your credit report is accurate. Unfortunately in this day and age the majority of credit reports contain inaccurate information. Therefore, you by making sure your credit report is accurate you will be taking an important step in making sure your credit score and history is in the best position and condition possible.

You will also want to make sure that all of your current credit accounts and loans are current. Lenders will closely at the status of any outstanding financing when it comes to your own application for auto financing.

With all of this in mind, it is important that you start working on getting your credit history in order well in advance of the time that you will be applying for auto financing. You truly need to be proactive in this regard if you intend to be successful in obtaining auto financing today.

Shop Around for the Best Auto Financing Interest Rates

Keep in mind that there can be differences in the costs associated with auto financing from one lender to the next. This can include differences in the interest rate as well as in the other costs and fees associated with auto financing.

Therefore, it is in your best interest to spend a bit of time shopping around for the best rates, the best deal when it comes to auto financing. For example, even a minimal difference in the interest rate from one lender to the next can add up to thousands of dollars over the life of an auto loan.

Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate

Finally, if you have decent credit, when it comes to auto financing you should not be afraid to negotiate. In this day and age, many lenders will be amenable to at least some negotiation on your part. Therefore, as you start to undertake the auto financing process, you do need to be prepared to do a bit of wheeling and dealing.

Tags: Automobile, Credit Accounts, Credit Report, Credit Reports, Lenders

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Although your chances of being audited are probably remote, some of the people who read this will be audited. Here are some things you should do – and shouldn’t do – if you get audited.

Quicken or Money Tasks You Should Complete

The Quicken and Money Tax Summary reports list and tally each of the taxable and tax-deductible transactions included on your return. Since the audit will probably consist of the agent reviewing these transactions and deductions, you’ll want to have a listing of the transactions if you use Quicken, Microsoft Money or a similar software program. A Tax Summary report gives this information.

If you know beforehand that a specific tax deduction is being questioned, be sure to bring all the source documents that evidence the pertinent transactions. For example, if the IRS is questioning your charitable contributions deduction, bring any canceled checks you used to make your contributions.

WARNING Don’t bring a laptop computer with Quicken or Microsoft Money to the audit. The IRS agent may appreciate your enthusiasm, but remember that your Quicken or Microsoft Money file largely summarizes your financial life. And Quicken’s or Money’s reports make it easy for the agent to quickly review every nook and cranny, searching for income you may have missed or deductions you shouldn’t have taken.

Other Pre-Audit Preparation Tasks

There are a couple of other things you should be sure to do before you attend the audit, First, make sure that you understand all the numbers on your return, and remember that you signed it under penalty of perjury.

Second, you may want to consider asking your tax preparer to represent you at the audit. There are a variety of reasons for doing this. If you don’t understand your return but your preparer does, it makes sense to have the preparer at the audit.

Sometimes it also makes more sense to have a tax practitioner represent you because he or she knows (or should know) quite a lot about the income tax laws but relatively little about your financial life.

I know a tax attorney who follows this approach because the tax practitioner can honestly answer many IRS questions by saying, “I don’t know.” The tax attorney feels that the “I don’t knows” tend to terminate many spontaneous inquiries.

Things to Do during the Audit

An audit doesn’t have to be a bad experience. All that really happens is that the IRS agent will ask you to explain and document items that the IRS doesn’t understand.

Nevertheless, let me provide you with two final suggestions. First, if the agent identifies himself or herself as a special agent, ask to terminate the interview so you can reschedule it. A special agent investigates criminal tax code violations, so you’ll probably want a tax attorney present at any meetings.

Another thing I suggest is that you be very reserved in your comments. Don’t lie, of course, but don’t volunteer extra information. If you have questions about some deduction or how to treat some income item, ask a tax preparer or telephone the IRS’s taxpayer assistance line, but don’t expect the IRS agent auditing your return to answer tax-preparation questions. (My feeling is that there’s a very strong tendency for the auditor to look only for things that increase your income tax bill, and not for things that decrease your bill.)

Tags: Checks, Money Users, Penalty Of Perjury, Software Program, Tax Deduction

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