TOP 4 401(k) Plan Mistakes and how to fix them.

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TOP 4 401(k) Plan Mistakes and how to fix them. James R. Griffin Jackson Walker L.L.P.

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TOP 4 401(k) Plan Mistakes and how to fix them. James R. Griffin Jackson Walker L.L.P. TOP 4 401(k) Plan Mistakes and how to fix them. Important: Tax Qualification 401(k) Plans must be tax-qualified: In form In operation. TOP 4 401(k) Plan Mistakes and how to fix them. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Transcript of TOP 4 401(k) Plan Mistakes and how to fix them.

Page 1: TOP 4 401(k) Plan Mistakes and how to fix them.

TOP 4401(k) Plan Mistakesand how to fix them.

James R. GriffinJackson Walker L.L.P.

Page 2: TOP 4 401(k) Plan Mistakes and how to fix them.

TOP 4401(k) Plan Mistakes and how to fix them.

Important: Tax Qualification

• 401(k) Plans must be tax-qualified:

– In form

– In operation

Page 3: TOP 4 401(k) Plan Mistakes and how to fix them.

TOP 4401(k) Plan Mistakes and how to fix them.

Disqualification: Adverse Consequences

• Pay tax penalties• Open to litigation by participants• Violate loan covenants• Lose creditor protection• Withhold audit report for Form 5500

Page 4: TOP 4 401(k) Plan Mistakes and how to fix them.

TOP 4401(k) Plan Mistakes and how to fix them.

Key Points to Remember: Tax Qualification Mistakes

• How can I find mistakes?

• What are the four most common errors?

• How can I fix them?

Page 5: TOP 4 401(k) Plan Mistakes and how to fix them.

TOP 4401(k) Plan Mistakes and how to fix them.

How Can I Find Mistakes?• Feedback from 401(k) recordkeeper– Annual testing reports– Phone calls, emails & letters

• Management letter from annual CPA audit of plan• Internal compliance audit• DOL investigation• IRS audit

Page 6: TOP 4 401(k) Plan Mistakes and how to fix them.

TOP 4401(k) Plan Mistakes and how to fix them.

What Are The Four Most Common Errors?

• Untimely adoption of plan amendments• Untimely enrollment of eligible employees • Errors in the definition of compensation• Errors with loans and hardship withdrawals

Page 7: TOP 4 401(k) Plan Mistakes and how to fix them.

TOP 4401(k) Plan Mistakes and how to fix them.

How Can I Fix Mistakes?

• Self-Correction Program—SCP

• Voluntary Correction With Service Approval - (VCP)

• Audit Closing Agreement Program – Audit Cap

Page 8: TOP 4 401(k) Plan Mistakes and how to fix them.

TOP 4401(k) Plan Mistakes and how to fix them.

Stay Informed• Retirement News for Employers– Periodic email newsletter from IRS– Includes information about:• New rules affecting retirement plans• Retirement plan forms and plain language publications• Retirement seminars geared toward employers and

owners• Developments from other federal agencies

Page 9: TOP 4 401(k) Plan Mistakes and how to fix them.

TOP 4401(k) Plan Mistakes and how to fix them.

Visit this Web site to Subscribe

http://www.irs.gov/retirement/article/0,,id=122823,00.html

For link send email to:

Jim Griffin [email protected] 214-953-5827