Employee Benefits / Employment Law / HR
Showing 1–16 of 628 results
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COMPLIANCE ALERT
August / September 2020
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 55
Abstract: This feature lists a few key tax reporting deadlines for September.
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Don’t let employee tip income trip you up
August / September 2020
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 408
Abstract: While 2020 hasn’t been kind to tipped employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, employees with substantial tip income can pose an accounting challenge for retirement plan sponsors if those employees take retirement saving seriously. This brief article discusses how tips figure into retirement plan requirements.
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CARES Act balancing act – Helping employees recoup retirement savings
August / September 2020
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 709
Abstract: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act’s retirement plan provisions are designed to throw a financial lifeline to people suffering adverse economic consequences from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they leave plan sponsors largely in the driver’s seat. For plan sponsors who amended their plan to allow employees to take advantage of the CARES Act, this article reviews what they can do now to help participants avoid the penalties of not meeting the repayment schedule and possibly recoup their retirement savings.
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Should you suspend matching or nondiscretionary contributions?
August / September 2020
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 660
Abstract: Employer contributions to participant 401(k) plan accounts are typically high on the list of expense-cutting options when times are tough. Plan sponsors facing dire straits may have little choice but to suspend contributions. In the wake of the economic uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, plan sponsors need to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision, in the context of other cost-cutting alternatives they might have. This article presents some considerations to take into account.
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How to handle laid off employees’ 401(k) accounts still in your plan
August / September 2020
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 882
Abstract: When employee head count is growing, a little turnover now and then usually doesn’t create a lot of concerns about “orphan” 401(k) accounts. However, employers forced to downsize during the economic downturn brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic might have a larger proportion of accounts left behind by former employees than they did previously. Why might that be a problem? And if it is, what should employers do about it? This article takes a closer look, while a sidebar describes two other areas worth reviewing when dealing with orphan accounts.
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COMPLIANCE ALERT
June / July 2020
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 209
Abstract: This feature lists a few key tax reporting deadlines for June and July.
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COVID-19 pandemic – CARES Act expands financial options for impacted plan participants
June / July 2020
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 436
Abstract: In its efforts to ease financial strains caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Congress made it easier for some 401(k) plan participants to tap into their retirement savings without penalty. This brief article highlights portions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that make changes to early distributions and plan loans.
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Reap the rewards of managed fund fees
June / July 2020
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 606
Abstract: Good news for retirement plan participants: The multi-year trend of regular asset management cost reductions is going strong. However, according to recent research on the topic by the Investment Company Institute (ICI), the trend is partly attributable to actions taken by participants, rather than voluntary fee reductions on the part of asset management companies. This article reviews ICI data that provides an important reference point when reviewing the asset management costs that plan participants are paying in a fund lineup.
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Is it time for a collective investment trust?
June / July 2020
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 652
Abstract: Collective investment trusts (CITs) are winning the hearts, minds and dollars of growing numbers of defined contribution (DC) plans. This article examines why it might be time to learn what CITs are and how they’ve evolved since the days when they were standard fixtures of DC plans.
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Demystifying plan audits – Proactive risk management can ease the process
June / July 2020
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 889
Abstract: Generally, the odds of receiving notice from the IRS or Department of Labor (DOL) that they plan to audit a retirement plan are slim. But considering the consequences of an audit, knowing what’s involved can enable sponsors to stay on top of legal and regulatory obligations and help them make it through an audit. This article reviews the differences between an IRS and DOL audit, and common errors that can attract agency attention. A short sidebar discusses the benefits of conducting self-audits on a regular basis.
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COMPLIANCE ALERT
April / May 2020
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 85
Abstract: This feature lists a few key tax reporting deadlines for April and May.
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The evolution of the target date fund selection process
April / May 2020
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 437
Abstract: How does a company know if it has the best target date funds (TDFs) on its plan’s investment menu? Plan sponsors should regularly review all their plan’s investment options — especially when most participant deferrals are earmarked for TDFs. This article reviews several questions all sponsors should consider if they have TDFs.
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Which plan documents must you surrender if you’re sued?
April / May 2020
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 552
Abstract: When participants believe they’ve been mistreated by a retirement plan and take their complaints to court, one must be prepared for requests for plan documents. Although under ERISA companies are obligated to produce relevant materials, they aren’t required to indulge a document fishing expedition. This article discusses a recent court case, Theriot v. Building Trades United Pension Trust Fund, that offers insights on just how far it’s necessary to go, and where to draw the line. ERISA §1024(b)(4); Theriot v. Building Trades United Pension Trust Fund, No. 18-10250 (E.D. La. Nov. 4, 2019)
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Stopping cybertheft of plan assets before it happens
April / May 2020
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 588
Abstract: Cybertheft of participant accounts always happens to some other plan sponsor — until it doesn’t. Whether or not a company is liable, it’s a disaster waiting to happen. This article reviews a recent lawsuit in its initial phase, Berman v. Estee Lauder Inc., that highlights an unenviable position (assuming the plaintiff’s allegations hold up) — and what a company can do to minimize the chances that it ever will. Berman v. Estee Lauder Inc., No. 3:19-cv-06489 (N.D. Cal. filed Oct. 9, 2019)
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SECURE Act 101 – New law changes plan policies, creates design options
April / May 2020
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 880
Abstract: Defined contribution plan sponsors have some important decisions to make and opportunities to consider in the wake of enactment of the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act at the end of last year. The act is intended to boost retirement financial security on several fronts. This article covers several topics from the act, including safe harbors for annuities, transfers to IRAs, and annual disclosures of projected income. A short sidebar looks at how the act affects part-time employees.
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COMPLIANCE ALERT
February / March 2020
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 167
Abstract: This feature lists a few key tax reporting deadlines for February through April.