And by: Kyle Kazanjian-Amory Preliminary research done by: Devin Tang (Intern, GHJ) Does anyone remember rewinding their VHS player to re-watch The Wizard of Oz for a third time? Maybe you were lucky enough to have one of those super-fast rewinder things. Here is a picture to jog your memory: How easily we forget about the archaic technology that once ruled the world [...]

Most taxpayers are aware that the mortgage interest deduction is limited to $1 million of acquisition indebtedness and $100,000 of home equity indebtedness on a qualified residence. These limitations apply to a single taxpayer or married taxpayers who jointly file their tax return. In the case of a married couple filing separately, the limitations are $500,000 of acqu [...]

By Matt McWhirter After many years of waiting, the FASB has finally released ASC 842, bringing major changes to the world of accounting for leases. One of the main goals of the new lease accounting standards is to bridge the gap between GAAP and IFRS accounting for leases. While the new standard does not completely align the two accounting methods, the gap between th [...]

By: Margaret Karren The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) released an Accounting Standards Update (ASU) with the goal of simplifying and improving the not-for-profit reporting of net asset classifications, liquidity information, financial performance and cash flows. Net Asset Classes: Revised net asset classifications to two classes, net assets with donor re [...]

Kosher food seems to be everywhere these days. Whether you are watching a Hebrew National hotdog commercial on TV or eating out at one of the many kosher restaurants in LA, you can’t help but notice the proud labeling displayed on the many kosher food options available. Growing up in a kosher home, I was always told to check for the kosher label on a food product befo [...]

By: Blair Howard (Intern, GHJ) and Lauren Haverlock (Principal, GHJ) Managing executive compensation for the highest paid executives in any company can be difficult, but it becomes much more complex when discussing tax-exempt organizations. Not only must a nonprofit consider the effects of salary levels on the operating budget, the organization must strike a balance [...]

As an international tax expert, traveling to countries around the world gives me a perspective and sense of how other people live and do business. I’ve been to many countries in Europe (to some several times), as well as to Africa and China (including Hong Kong). Most recently, I went to Vietnam and Cambodia, and both countries were very different from the places I vi [...]

The following is adapted from a speech given by Donella at the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Women’s Summit on May 23, 2016 (GHJ was a sponsor). Donella is Board President of the Downtown Women’s Center, the only organization in Los Angeles exclusively dedicated to addressing the needs of women overcoming poverty and homelessness in Skid Row. Something very exci [...]

2015 was a record year for Chinese investments in Hollywood. They have grown rapidly over the past couple of years, and with significant deals such as TIK Films’ 3-year slated deal with Lionsgate, Bona Film Group’s 6-picture deal with 20th Century Fox and Huayi Brothers’ 18-picture deal with STX Entertainment, the Chinese investment market is set to soar to yet anothe [...]

Research shows that being positive positions you for success. A defining study of positivity was done by social psychologist Barbara Fredrickson at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill that applies science to positivity. The study found that the biggest benefit of positivity is an enhanced openness and ability to build skills and develop resources for use l [...]