Timing is Everything

February 1, 2015    3198    3198   

As you can see, trying to keep track of all these overlapping deadlines can be as challenging as following Abbot and Costello's "Who's On First?" routine (if you aren't familiar with it, it's worth the time to look it up online).

Hardship Distributions from 401(k) Plans

October 1, 2014    3081    3081   

Hardship distributions are a valuable component of many 401(k) plans.

Cross-Testing: The Right Tool for Many Jobs

August 1, 2013    3014    3014   

A well-designed cross-tested plan can be a very effective tool for satisfying a variety of company objectives, but it also comes with a few more moving parts.

Under Control or Out of Control

June 1, 2013    2741    2741   

Before considering how to plan around/take advantage of related group status, the first step is to be sure which companies are/are not “related” based on the rules we have highlighted in this article.

When Good Loans Go Bad

April 1, 2013    2939    2939   

As you can see, the participant loan rules can be challenging even in good economic times. With all of the potential missteps that can occur, it is important to work with knowledgeable service providers that have strong checks and balances designed to properly administer participant loans.

Year-End Compliance Testing Overview

December 1, 2012    3085    3085   

The end of the year is the time to prepare for annual testing and reporting. Complete employee data must be collected in order to accurately perform the required year-end administrative functions and testing to keep the plan in compliance.

Fiduciary Fact or Fiction

June 1, 2012    2925    2925   

Articles that attempt to simplify the complex regulatory framework that applies to plan fiduciaries are written on a regular basis. Marketing materials can make it challenging to understand where "suggested" ends and "obligatory" begins.

The Final Fee Disclosure Regulations Have Arrived

April 1, 2012    2499    2499   

The service provider fee disclosure rules are effective on July 1, 2012. In addition, since the participant-level fee disclosure rules are so closely linked, their effective date has also been pushed back to July 1st.

Participant Fee Disclosure Requirements for Individual Account Plans

November 1, 2011    2679    2679   

Plan sponsors of individual account plans are encouraged to understand and plan ahead for the new reporting and disclosure requirements. Timely reporting and disclosure is necessary to satisfy fiduciary duties under ERISA.