Art of the Qualified Plan Audit

Posted by Christopher Ciminera In last week’s blog I drew a parallel between Verizon’s network coverage and communications of the retirement plan provisions through a Summary Plan Description (SPD) and Summary of Material Modifications (SMM). This week I will go into further detail on how to provide these communications electronically. The analogy to Verizon’s network coverage is still applicable since … Continued

Posted by Chris Ciminera I think back to the cell phone commercial with the Verizon spokesman with his black glasses and hand to his head as a parallel for retirement plan communications. Creating a plan or changing provisions without employees knowing about it doesn’t create good “coverage” for plan sponsors. In fact, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act … Continued

Posted by Michael E. Mast, CPA The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) section 412 requires plans to obtain an ERISA bond equal to the greater of $1,000 or 10% of the plan’s beginning of year plan assets, with a $500,000 maximum. In addition, if the plan assets include employer stock, then the maximum bond … Continued

Posted by Saaib Uppal We often speak of and promote a diversity of opinion. It is, after all, what leads to creativity and imaginative thinking. Take the following rule as an example: “Funds have to be deposited as ‘of the earliest date on which such contributions can reasonably be segregated from the employer’s general assets.’” … Continued

Posted by Maria T. Hurd, CPA During tax season, questions about the deductibility of company contributions come up year after year, most of which involve a plan sponsor’s wish to deduct a company contribution to their retirement plan. Despite their wishful thoughts, many times the answer is NO. In some cases, however, a NO answer … Continued

Posted by Michael Mast, CPA Disclaimer: All blog posts are valid as of the date published. Voluntary Employee Benefit Association (VEBA) Trusts meet requirements to file both Form 5500 and Form 990. This requirement to file two returns made me question why other collectively-bargained benefit plans, such as the Pension, Annuity Funds, as well as … Continued

Posted by Saaib Uppal, Staff Accountant After weeks of internal deliberation and planning, I had finally gained the courage to ask a particular girl to my high school prom. I was very nervous and she replied with, ‘”Maybe.” What does that word mean? Is it a positive “maybe”? Is it a, “I don’t want to … Continued

Posted by Maria T. Hurd, CPA Most employers think that the maximum amount every participant can contribute to their 401(k) plans as a deferral from their own salary for 2012 is $17,000 plus $5,500 as a catch-up contribution if they are 50 or over. Unfortunately, the maximum limit may be cut back for the employer’s … Continued