The number of notices and disclosures required to retirement plan participants has increased while methods to access information changed drastically. Many people receive their news and information on electronic devices through apps and social media. What remains the same is the Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) guidance about permissible methods to provide notices electronically. There is … Continue reading Do You Send Participant Notices via Email? Should you?
Tag: safe harbor
Considering a Safe Harbor Retirement Plan
It may be advantageous for a plan sponsor to consider adopting a safe harbor design for their retirement plan. Adopting a safe harbor retirement plan design permits an employer to essentially avoid discrimination testing (the testing is deemed met). Remember, this testing limits highly compensated employees’ contributions based upon non-highly compensated employees’ contributions. By making … Continue reading Considering a Safe Harbor Retirement Plan
Best Practices in Hardship Distributions
These days,many plans are experiencing an uptick in the number of participant requests for hardship distributions. Much of this increased activity may be attributed to our prolonged and tepid economic recovery. As these requests are considered, you want to be sure not to act to the detriment of your plan. Improper handling of a hardship … Continue reading Best Practices in Hardship Distributions
Improper Handling of Hardship Distributions May Result in Significant Problems
These days, many plans are experiencing an uptick in the number of participant requests for hardship distributions. Much of this increased activity may be attributed to our prolonged and tepid economic recovery. As these requests are considered, you want to be sure not to act to the detriment of your plan. Improper handling of hardship … Continue reading Improper Handling of Hardship Distributions May Result in Significant Problems
Safe Harbor Regulations Rethought
Traditionally safe harbor contributions have been rather stringent in the sense that once adopted, there seemed to be little leeway allowing suspension or discontinuance. In 2014, the IRS issued new, final regulations of the requirements that need to be met to reduce or suspend a safe harbor contribution during a plan year. The new regulations … Continue reading Safe Harbor Regulations Rethought