Classic rock bands never go away. They keep on touring, and are rediscovered by new generations of music fans. Kinda like, those classic tax planning techniques that are being rediscovered by new generations of business owners. One of those oldies, but goodies is buying life insurance through a profit sharing or 401(k) plan. In today’s … Continue Reading
With a new Administration and a new Congress about to take over, we’re going to start to see the think tanks and not-for-profit organizations issuing research and recommendations regarding public policy for retirement plans. One of those organizations is the National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS), a not-for-profit organization whose stated mission is to “encourage the development of public … Continue Reading
If you are in the business of benefits or otherwise need independent non-partisan research information, you should be pleased with the news that the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) has relaunched and updated its website. The improved site makes it easier to access EBRI’s treasure trove of research made available free to the public. You can check it out here.… Continue Reading
A Risk Management Tool for Fiduciaries in A New Retirement Plan Environment Updated for the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PDF) Introduction My last post was a year-end ERISA fidelity bond reminder. ERISA does not require liability protection; the only mandatory insurance is an ERISA Fidelity bond to protect the plan assets from losses due to misuse or … Continue Reading
I’m pleased to announce that I am now a regular contributing author for BizBox by Slate, a special promotion by OPEN from American Express. I’m one of 5 contributors whose focus is helping business owners manage and grow their businesses. Come visit us.… Continue Reading
Here is the link to my presentation handout (43 pages, PDF) for the August 5, 2008 Seminar, Defined Benefit Pension Plans: What’s Old is New Again and better than ever. This was a 3 hour continuing education seminar sponsored by the Lanny D. Levin Agency, Inc., a General Agent for the Guardian Life Insurance Company. … Continue Reading
See full-size image. Exit strategies for business owners – particularly the baby boomers – is a matter to which they are giving increased attention. And so are their attorneys. Yesterday I participated in a continuing education program sponsored by the Financial Insitution Committee of the Chicago Bar Association for its members on this topic. Our particular focus was ESOP … Continue Reading
Apropos of this Independence Day, the Heinz Family Philanthropies and the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER) have made a new eBook is available, “What Women Need to Understand About Retirement.” The publishers recognize the fact that because women live longer and because they are the majority of the nation’s caregivers, it was especially … Continue Reading
Here is a link to a recent guest column I wrote, New Law Good News for 401(k) Sponsors (PDF) that appeared in the Enterprise Forum, the on-line publication for executives of privately-held companies published by WWJ•950 NEWSRADIO, CBS Radio in Detroit, Michigan. It’s published weekly. Present company excluded, there is good information here for private … Continue Reading
The Economics of Providing 401(k) Plans: Services, Fees, and Expenses The Investment Company Institute, November 2006 Executive Summary 401(k) plans are a complex employee benefit to maintain and administer and are subject to an array of rules and regulations. Employers offering 401(k) plans typically hire service providers to operate these plans, and these providers charge … Continue Reading
401(k) Resource Guide – Plan Sponsors – General Distribution Rules Executive Summary Distributions from 401(k) plans can be complicated and confusing. The IRS has just made available a this resource guide that covers the basics of 401(k) distributions. Each topic has a link to the applicable Internal Revenue Service publication.… Continue Reading
You can call them independent contractors and pay them as such, but they may actually be employees. This matter is especially timely now as many retirement plans (and health insurance plans) have January 1st employee enrollments. It’s critical that workers be treated correctly for tax compliance purposes. If someone is an employee, then the … Continue Reading
Roth 401(k): Giving Employees A Choice Executive Summary: With the uncertainty now removed about the Roth 401(k)’s fate, many retirement plan sponsors are now adding this option to their 401(k) plans. Those plan sponsors that haven’t should consider adding it in order to: Provide participants with the opportunity to diversify their future tax burden, and … Continue Reading
Questions and Answers on 412(i) Defined Benefit Pension Plans Updated for the Pension Protection Act of 2006 Executive Summary: A 412(i) defined benefit pension plan, referred to in IRS regulations as an "insurance contract plan", is the only defined benefit plan that is exempt from the minimum funding requirements of Section 412 of the Internal … Continue Reading
Impact of Pension Protection Act of 2006 on Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plans Executive Summary: Called the most significant retirement plan legislation since ERISA, the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA) signed into law on August 17, 2006 makes important changes affecting both defined benefit and defined contribution plans. While much of the attention in … Continue Reading
