With a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), the owner of a traditional IRA makes a direct transfer of funds from the IRA to an IRS-approved charity. This article explores the many tax benefits of the strategy. A sidebar looks at the relationship between QCDs and the required minimum distribution rules.

If your business owns intellectual property (IP), it may be among your most valuable assets. The issue of ownership, however, can be murky when that IP is developed by employees or independent contractors. This article explains why, as a business owner, you and your attorney should draft a sound legal agreement that retains the rights to any IP produced by or for your company.

Hiring independent contractors is a good way to cut costs. But you must know the rules. A misstep can result in hefty tax bills and penalties. Here's some important information about the IRS and how it treats the employee-versus-independent-contractor issue so you can avoid trouble.