Newsletters and Bulletins
The Final Rule on Hardship Distributions
The IRS published the final rule regarding participant hardship distributions from defined contribution plans. Hardships get a little easier with expanded qualification rules and streamlined review process. Some of these changes are mandatory, requiring employers to make the changes by Jan. 1, 2020, while others are optional. Though the IRS had issued the proposed regulations in 2018, the final regulations clarify a few key provisions.
Safe Harbor 401(k) Plan Design
Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans can eliminate a host of testing issues for traditional 401(k) Plans. If HCE contributions in your plan have resulted in corrective distributions in the past, you may consider a Safe Harbor plan in 2020. The deadline is quickly approaching, so be sure to contact us before December 1st to make 2020 plan changes.
A Simple Guide to 401(k) Participant Disclosures
When it comes to 401(k) plans, plan sponsors have a fiduciary responsibility to distribute a variety of documents and disclosure notices. Imposing this responsibility on plan sponsors helps ensure that participants have the necessary information about the plan provisions and investment options in order to make informed and timely decisions for their personal financial wellness.
Just How “Open” is that Open Architecture Recordkeeping Platform You’re Considering?
The concept of an “open architecture” recordkeeping platform has been trending in the financial industry lately and it’s not hard to see why. For many years, 401(k) providers offered bundled platforms with fixed investment options (consisting of proprietary investments) and provider fees paid through investments (via revenue sharing). Open architecture platforms offer features that increase investment flexibility and reduce conflict of interest.
Protect Your 401(k)
Though some employers may not think so, the truth is that in today’s world 401(k) plans are subject to fraudulent activity and that the often-overlooked retirement plan can be the perfect place for it to occur. For example, in late 2017, several news outlets reported a scheme targeting individual 401(k) accounts.
Automatic Enrollment is on the Rise
With the future of Social Security in question, it is becoming ever increasingly important for workers to self-prepare for post-retirement living. Studies show that approximately one out of every three eligible workers choose NOT to participate in their employer-sponsored 401(k) plan.
Does My Safe Harbor Plan “Require” Testing?
There is a common misconception that safe harbor plans are exempt from testing requirements. This overly general and inaccurate statement calls for a proper explanation. A safe harbor plan requires tests other than non-discrimination, entails proper administration to satisfy the plan design and can benefit from testing for plan optimization.
The 401(k) Turns 40
In 2018, the 401(k) plan celebrated its 40th birthday! Though extremely popular today, 401(k) plans came about almost by accident. IRC Section 401(k) was passed into law as part of the Revenue Act of 1978 and was included to limit executive compensation. However, in 1980, Ted Benna of the Johnson Companies used the provision to create and get IRS approval of the first 401(k) plan for his company. For this he is often referred to as the father of the 401(k).
Know Your Options
401(k) plans offer many advantages to participants; the ability for accounts to grow on a tax-deferred basis, the chance of receiving employer contributions in the form of a match or non-elective contribution, the ability to contribute even after attaining age 70 ½, and protections from bankruptcy. These benefits are consistent whether a participant chooses traditional or Roth contributions, or even both! So, what makes Roth and traditional routes different and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
It’s Testing Season!
Since most retirement plans operate on a calendar year basis, testing season is now! If a testing failure occurs, correcting the failure by March 15th can save the plan sponsor excise taxes and additional filings. Getting year-end data in early, including complete census information, is paramount. Though RPG Consultants does all the heavy lifting to ensure your plan passes the appropriate testing, all plan sponsors should understand the basics of testing so that they can confirm all tests and any appropriate corrections are completed each year. The following are some helpful definitions to get you through the basics of compliance testing.
Port in the Storm
Natural disasters can cause upheaval in many aspects of victims’ lives and this destruction often extends to financial matters. What should otherwise be routine compliance for plan deadlines can prove difficult in these extreme events and the government tends to grant temporary relief in such cases.
Helping Hands
One of the most prevalent and difficult challenges for many twenty somethings these days is the repayment of their, often substantial, student loan debt. Statistics show that the average college graduate with a bachelor’s degree left school in 2016 with $28,446 in student loan debt.
