Accounting Commons^™

Did Sarbanes-Oxley Lead To Better Financial Reporting?, Dennis Chambers, Dana R. Hermanson, Jeff L. Payne

Faculty and Research Publications

The article describes and summarizes five studies that examined whether the landmark Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) was beneficial or not to financial reporting. The U.S. Congress is stated to have passed the legislation on July 25, 2002 in reaction to a series of financial accounting scandals involving such companies as Enron and WorldCom, as well as the demise of the accounting firm Arthur Andersen LLP. The author asserts that all five of the studies provide evidence of a significant improvement in the financial reporting environment since SOX.

Factors To Be Considered In Determining A Corporation's Commercial Domicile, A. Bruce Clements

Faculty and Research Publications

Laws can vary significantly in taxing multijurisdictional companies depending on a company's degree of corporate presence in the taxing state, the type and source of income earned, and the type of property used or held in the state. Several critical factors can determine a company's tax liability in a state, including the location of the company's commercial domicile. The US Supreme Court's decision in the Wheeling Steel case regarding commercial domicile is overriding in federal, as well as state courts. Accordingly, multistate companies and their tax advisors should consider the location of central management activities when planning to start or …

Revised Innocent Spouse Rules Offer Greater Tax Relief, Linda M. Johnson, A. Bruce Clements

Faculty and Research Publications

When a married couple files a joint tax return, both spouses become jointly and severally liable for the income taxes due, including any additional taxes, interest, and penalties determined at a later date. In the event of an underpayment of income tax, the IRS can proceed against either spouse to collect the entire tax deficiency. This places a spouse in a precarious position in situations where the other spouse deliberately omits income or overstates deductions on a jointly filed income tax return, even if the spouse is totally unaware of the other's transgressions. Relief from joint and several liability is …

Uncertain Litigation Cost And Seller Behavior: Evidence From An Auditing Game, Ping Zhang, Bryan K. Church, Lucy Ackert

Faculty and Research Publications

Investigates difficulties that arise in estimating expected litigation costs in an auditing game in the United States. Effect of effort level on certain and uncertain costs of performing the engagement; Frequency of observed fee offers below the total expected cost of an engagement; Institutional arrangements and damage-sharing regimes; Theoretical and behavioral predictions.

Retirement Plan Contributions And Withdrawals, Paul J. Streer, Ray A. Knight, A. Bruce Clements

Faculty and Research Publications

Qualified retirement plans provide for tax deferral, but they are also subject to a 15% excise tax on excess distributions or accumulations, potentially higher marginal income tax rates on plan withdrawals, mandatory contributions for employers, estate taxes at death, and possible substantial income tax liability for plan beneficiaries. Three possible planning strategies to optimize return on funds available for contributions to a qualified plan include investment in alternative assets, lifetime gifts, and accelerated plan withdrawals. While the 3-year suspension of excess distribution excise taxes under the Small Business Job Protection Act may favor plan withdrawals, in certain situations participants are …