Employee Benefits Update
Showing 177–192 of 395 results
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Court finds that plan document trumps beneficiary designation forms
August / September 2015
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 334
Abstract: Plan documents generally control all aspects of a qualified retirement plan. Whether the plan document invalidates the language in other forms, such as a written beneficiary designation form, can lead to disagreement. This short article summarizes a recent decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit resolving just such a case.
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Are you insured? Fiduciary liability insurance can help when problems arise
August / September 2015
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 500
Abstract: One of the most contested areas of employee benefits litigation revolves around fiduciaries and their duties to plan participants and beneficiaries. For fiduciaries, the cost of defending themselves can be steep, regardless of fault. This article discusses how fiduciary liability insurance fits in.
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DOL reproposes ERISA fiduciary investment advice regulations
August / September 2015
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 737
Abstract: Most everyone in the employee benefits industry agrees: Protecting retirement plans and their participants from investment advisors who may focus more on their own financial interests than those of plan participants is a good idea. However, whether the DOL’s reproposed ERISA fiduciary investment advice regulations, if adopted essentially as proposed, will be able to do that isn’t certain. This article reviews the proposed rule and its possible impact.
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401(k) rollovers – How rollovers to your plan can benefit everyone
August / September 2015
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 797
Abstract: High workforce mobility means that many employees leave a collection of “orphan” 401(k) plan balances in their wake. Why should plan fiduciaries care? This article examines how helping new employees roll over their accounts from former employers can be beneficial for both parties.
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COMPLIANCE ALERT – Upcoming compliance deadlines:
June / July 2015
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 93
Abstract: This feature lists a few key tax reporting deadlines for June and July.
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PBGC updates premium rates and payment deadlines
June / July 2015
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 315
Abstract: Earlier this year, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) announced several changes affecting defined-benefit pension sponsors in 2015, including changes to annual premium rates and scheduling. This brief article highlights the updates.
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It’s time to ask – Checking your service providers’ data security system
June / July 2015
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 539
Abstract: Maintaining data security is a significant part of running any business. Breaches are inevitable — although not at every organization. This article reviews questions to ask when reviewing data security with service providers.
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Why retirement plan committees are a best practice
June / July 2015
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 843
Abstract: Having a retirement plan committee isn’t a legal requirement for plan sponsors. However, it’s considered a best practice. In the absence of a committee, by default the corporation itself becomes a fiduciary — an amorphous proposition. This article discusses when to consider forming a committee.
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In-plan annuities: A solution for retirement income security?
June / July 2015
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 759
Abstract: Although they haven’t yet taken the retirement plan market by storm, so-called “in-plan annuities” are gaining acceptance among 401(k) plan sponsors. Annuities are insurance products that pay out income in the future and are popular for those who want a steady retirement income stream. This article examines whether in-plan annuities should be a part of a qualified retirement plan.
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COMPLIANCE ALERT – Upcoming compliance deadlines:
April / May 2015
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 79
Abstract: This feature lists a few key tax reporting deadlines for April and May.
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The not-so-absolute privilege – ERISA and attorney-client privilege
April / May 2015
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 305
Abstract: The attorney-client privilege protects communications between a lawyer and a client from disclosure in a legal proceeding. But in the realm of ERISA law, it’s not so absolute. Legally, plan fiduciaries must protect the best interests of plan beneficiaries. This article highlights what happens when a plan fiduciary communicates with an attorney about an ERISA-covered retirement plan.
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Demystifying plan audits – IRS releases updated guidance
April / May 2015
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 501
Abstract: To clarify its plan audit process, the IRS recently updated the guidance it offers to plan sponsors. Even though the guidance is fairly general, it’s helpful for all plan administrators and sponsors to review. This article takes a look at some common questions regarding plan audits.
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Retirement plan loans: The pros and cons
April / May 2015
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 912
Abstract: According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute, more than one-fifth (or 21%) of all 401(k) plan participants eligible for loans have loans outstanding at any given time. Looking out for the best interests of plan participants might involve discouraging them from borrowing against their savings, at least in the absence of a personal financial crisis. This article summarizes plan loan requirements that all plan fiduciaries should know.
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Is it time to review your plan’s operations?
April / May 2015
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 689
Abstract: With the numerous DOL standards that plan fiduciaries must meet, a fiduciary’s job seemingly never ends. Satisfying fiduciary obligations in administering a retirement plan for the benefit of plan participants, however, need not be unduly onerous if one follows an organized, methodical approach to the task. This article reviews the difference between fiduciary and settlor functions and details key fiduciary tasks.
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COMPLIANCE ALERT – Upcoming compliance deadlines
February / March 2015
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 125
Abstract: This feature lists a few key tax reporting deadlines for March and April.
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2014 vs. 2015 retirement plan limits
February / March 2015
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 98
Abstract: This brief chart highlights numerous retirement plan limits.