Category: COVID-19

IRS relief available for midyear contribution changes to safe harbor 401(k)s

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the IRS recently issued Notice 2020-52. It offers sponsors of safe harbor 401(k) plans with temporary relief from certain requirements applicable to midyear reductions or
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IRS guidance on “coronavirus-related” retirement plan distributions

In Notice 2020-50, the IRS recently provided guidance on “coronavirus-related distributions” from retirement plans under Section 2202 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Here are some pertinent
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Consider a Roth 401(k) plan — and make sure employees use it

Roth 401(k) accounts have been around for 13 years now. Studies show that more employers are offering them each year. A recent study by the Plan Sponsor Council of America (PSCA)
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Still working after age 70½? You may not have to begin 401(k) withdrawals

If you participate in a qualified retirement plan, such as a 401(k), you must generally begin taking required withdrawals from the plan no later than April 1 of the year after
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An ESOP can benefit a business owner’s retirement and estate plans

Employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) offer closely held business owners an exit strategy and a tax-efficient technique for sharing equity with employees. But did you know that an ESOP can be
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2 tax law changes that may affect your business’s 401(k) plan

When you think about recent tax law changes and your business, you’re probably thinking about the new 20% pass-through deduction for qualified business income or the enhancements to depreciation-related breaks. Or you may be contemplating the reduction or elimination
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Small business owners: A SEP may give you one last 2017 tax and retirement saving opportunity

Are you a high-income small-business owner who doesn’t currently have a tax-advantaged retirement plan set up for yourself? A Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) may be just what you need, and now may be a great time to establish one.
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401(k) Plan Audit Update

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) oversees the annual audits of more than 81,000 employee benefit plans. Recently, the DOL sent out a letter (via email) to tens of thousands of benefit plan administrators regarding audit quality. Perhaps you received one yourself. The letter went out because the DOL is
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Preventative Maintenance: Retirement Plans

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is a federal law that sets minimum standards for pension plans in private industries. The Internal Revenue Service requires all qualified plans to be restated into a new plan document every 5 to 6 years. The Internal Revenue Service also requires
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