Employee Benefits Update
Showing 337–352 of 395 results
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Are you ready for your 403(b) plan audit?
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 365
Abstract: Many nonprofit organizations offer 403(b) plans to their employees, just as for-profit businesses offer 401(k) plans. In the past, 403(b) sponsors had a very limited filing requirement compared to their 401(k) sponsor counterparts. But that’s all changed. This brief article highlights the new requirements for 403(b) plan audits.
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Bond … ERISA bond – You may need one, so learn the requirements
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 502
Abstract: ERISA requires that all fiduciaries of qualified retirement plans be bonded. These bonds are sometimes referred to as ERISA bonds, fidelity bonds, surety bonds or fiduciary bonds. This article summarizes what an ERISA bond covers and the statutory requirements.
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Why making changes to your employer contributions is important
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 863
Abstract: Following a dismal financial fourth quarter in 2008, many companies in 2009 elected to forgo funding their qualified plan employer contributions. This includes employer matching contributions, profit sharing contributions and other employer funding arrangements. As a result, many qualified plans consisted solely of employee contributions during the year. While the financial markets recovered by the end of 2009, many participants’ retirement funds may not show signs of recovery. This article describes how adjusting matching contributions may be one way to help employees recover some lost ground.
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Retirement plan expenses – Getting better value, not just cheaper services
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 771
Abstract: During times of cost cutting, it’s understandable that plan sponsors are looking for ways to save money on their retirement plans. Sponsors may be negotiating price discounts, fund and fee ratios, and employer contributions. Yet, while containing costs is at the top of many sponsors’ minds, using an inexpensive service provider isn’t always the best option. This article reviews how plan expenses operate, whether it’s from company pockets or plan assets.
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COMPLIANCE ALERT – Upcoming compliance deadlines:
February / March 2010
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 82
Abstract: A brief list of key tax reporting deadlines leading up to April 15.
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2010 vs. 2009 retirement plan limits
February / March 2010
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 117
Abstract: This brief chart highlights numerous retirement plan limits. Due to the economic decline, the limits for 2010 remained the same as 2009.
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6 steps to starting a 401(k) plan
February / March 2010
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 846
Abstract: Over the past 20 years, employer-sponsored defined contribution retirement plans have become an increasingly popular way for employees to save for retirement, and 401(k) plans are the most common defined-contribution plans in the public sector. For employers thinking about starting a 401(k) plan, this article provides an overview of the steps they need to take.
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The retirement benefits road ahead – What employees want, what employers should consider providing
February / March 2010
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1215
Abstract: Just what do employees think about their retirement benefits? And what kinds of retirement benefits can employers offer to attract and retain employees while containing costs? Employees are looking for benefits that will meet retirement, financial and family security needs. This article highlights several industry studies and how, with careful retirement benefits planning, employers can ensure the retention of key and skilled employees.
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Truth in Lending Act disclosures soon won’t be required for plan loans
Year End 2009
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 330
Abstract: Starting July 1, 2010, retirement plans that offer loans to participants will no longer be required to provide Truth in Lending Act (TILA) disclosures. This short article discusses how this affects plan sponsors.
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What you should know about measuring fair value before your next audit
Year End 2009
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 606
Abstract: The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and outlines necessary financial disclosures about fair value measurements. Formerly referred to as FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 (SFAS 157), ASC 820 significantly changes how companies disclose fair value in their financial statements and how they can fairly value certain assets or liabilities for which no market exists. This article takes a closer look at why plan sponsors should know about ASC 820.
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Are your distribution consent notices up to date?
Year End 2009
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 764
Abstract: The Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA) mandated that plan sponsors give qualified retirement plan participants notice about the distribution of their benefits when the distribution requires the participant’s consent. The IRS has recently proposed regulations that provide guidance on the information that plan sponsors must include in this distribution notice. This article explains how the regulations affect the content and timing of the distribution notices to ensure that participants are fully aware of the consequences of taking an immediate distribution and failing to defer.
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Plan fees and their disclosure – How one sponsor met its fiduciary obligation
Year End 2009
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 761
Abstract: With economic markets recovering from near record low levels, individuals are watching their investment account activity more carefully than ever. Maybe this is what inspired four retirement plan participants to take a closer look at their investment activity. This article summarizes a class action suit for alleged high mutual fund fees and lack of fee disclosure to plan participants.
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Spouse vs. estate vs. retirement plan beneficiary forms
October / November 2009
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 290
Abstract: Just how important are those beneficiary forms that participants fill out when entering a retirement plan? Very! This article summarizes a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that a plan’s beneficiary form took precedence over a divorce decree.
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Electronic filing tips for 2009 Form 5500
October / November 2009
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 604
Abstract: Beginning with the 2009 plan year, there will be some major changes in Form 5500 filings for retirement, welfare and 403(b) plans. EFAST2 — the Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) second generation ERISA Filing Acceptance System — is expected to be operational beginning Jan. 1, 2010. This article reviews the new program and its requirements.
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Are you asking the right questions? Year end retirement plan considerations
October / November 2009
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 787
Abstract: With the calendar year end fast approaching, plan sponsors have a lot on their minds. Tax ramifications, ERISA compliance concerns and other important retirement plan matters all merge at this time of year. This article asks some questions that all employers should be considering.
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Selecting the right specialists for your plan
October / November 2009
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 798
Abstract: Plan sponsors often select several specialists to handle various responsibilities related to their qualified retirement plans. A full understanding of these key players can help you decide if you’re paying the best price for services and protecting your plan’s investments. This article reviews the various specialists and their functions to help ensure employers make the most informed choices.