401kretirementsavingsplans

IRS/DOL Audits Are Increasing Dramatically - Are You Ready?

IRS/DOL Audits Are Increasing Dramatically - Are You Ready?

If your plan has not been recently audited, it is likely only a matter of time before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Department of Labor (DOL) comes knocking. If/when you are notified of an audit, early preparation can help streamline the process, keep the investigation narrow, and avoid potential financial penalties and interest.

What’s the Magic Number When it Comes to Record Retention?

What’s the Magic Number When it Comes to Record Retention?

You don’t need to be a magician to know what records to keep and for how long. While most providers can supply reports and plan documents, the plan administrator remains ultimately responsible for retaining adequate records that support the plan document reports and filings.

Financial Wellness Needs a Long and Short Game to Work for Both Participants and Organizations

Financial Wellness Needs a Long and Short Game to Work for Both Participants and Organizations

In the retirement plan industry, all too often we tend to conflate financial wellness with retirement readiness — whether this means confidence in obtaining retirement goals or being on track to reach post-employment financial targets. However, this limited view may fail to paint a complete picture for many participants.

When Does a Participant Loan Become a Deemed Distribution?

When Does a Participant Loan Become a Deemed Distribution?

A recent IRS Issue Snapshot (link below) affirms a participant loan is a legally enforceable agreement and terms of the loan agreement must comply with Internal Revenue Code (IRC Section 72(p)(2) and Treasury Regulation Section 1.72(p)-1).

Cybersecurity Best Practices for Plan Sponsors

Cybersecurity Best Practices for Plan Sponsors

Participant data and financial accounts comprise some of the most sensitive and potentially vulnerable information under a company’s care. These highly valuable assets can be an attractive target for cybercriminals and therefore present considerable security risk.

Fiduciary Hot Topics Q2 2021

Fiduciary Hot Topics Q2 2021

Fiduciary Hot Topics - Federal District Court Rules Record Keepers May Use Participant Data to Cross-Sell Retail Products; the Biden Administration Plans to Walk Back the Restricting the Use of ESG Funds; Tax Payers will Pick up the Tab for Underfunded Multiemployer Pension Plans for the Next 30 Years; Funding Relief for Underfunded Single Employer Pension Plans and Senate Removes Freeze on 401(k) Inflation Adjustments from ARPA.

Former Employees with Plan Assets are Still Plan Participants

Former Employees with Plan Assets are Still Plan Participants

Plan Sponsors should understand that terminated employees who left their account balance in your plan, are still considered participants under ERISA. As such, they have the same rights as current employees. They cannot contribute to their account under the plan but otherwise they have the same ERISA protected rights as plan participants.

Should You Adopt a Plan Committee Charter?

Should You Adopt a Plan Committee Charter?

The primary purpose of a committee charter is to document overall plan governance. It is not dissimilar to how your Investment Policy Statement (IPS) acts as a “roadmap” for managing your plan investments.

Should Fiduciaries Outsource Retirement Plan Investment Responsibility?

Should Fiduciaries Outsource Retirement Plan Investment Responsibility?

Fiduciaries are personally responsible for participant losses resulting from a fiduciary breach. Plan sponsor fiduciaries who handle plan investments themselves, or use advisors who do not assume fiduciary status, face potential exposure for both investment performance and all plan fees.