“Cross-tested” plans offer
advantages to plan sponsors

When funding profit sharing contributions, one type of plan has proven to be very effective. Known as “cross-tested” plans, they provide a unique profit sharing contribution into retirement plans. Cross-tested plans — a hybrid combination of defined contribution and defined benefit concepts — allow employers to fund a specific targeted group of employees while also meeting the needs of other employees. This article reviews these plans and whether one may be right for your company.
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Terminating 403(b) plans —
New IRS regs are a welcome change

Section 403(b) plans are a tax-deferred retirement plan — similar to a 401(k) plan — available for nonprofit organizations, such as public schools, churches and certain health care industries. What if a nonprofit wants to terminate its 403(b) plan? This article covers what you need to know to terminate a 403(b) plan.
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Balance forward plans — Is the time right for an interim valuation?

Balance forward plans are defined contribution plans in which participant accounts are generally valued on an annual basis. Because of the stock market decline last year, a number of plan administrators are considering having interim valuations done on their balance forward plans. This article discussed what plan fiduciaries should consider when deciding to perform an interim valuation.
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DOL proposes investment disclosure regulation

Fee disclosure has been a much discussed employee benefit topic in the past several years. The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued three sets of proposed regulations on fee disclosure during the past year and a half alone. This article looks at the latest proposed regulation covering investment-related fee disclosures to participants.
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Get ready: 401(k) plan audits

When your 401(k) plan reaches a certain size, the IRS requires that an independent CPA perform an audit. Generally, plans file this audit with their annual Form 5500 by July 31. (It can be extended to Oct. 15.) This brief article summarizes what you need to know before this filing date.
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