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The Frugal Fiduciary Small Business 401(k) Blog

Get the latest industry news, deadlines and tips you need to know to help tackle your fiduciary responsibility needs.
The 415(c) Limit For 401(k) Plans – FAQs for Employers

The 415(c) Limit For 401(k) Plans – FAQs for Employers

By: Eric Droblyen

September 13th 2022

The 415(c) limit caps the “annual additions” a 401(k) plan can allocate to participants each “limitation year.” To avoid violations, check out our FAQ.
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The ADP and ACP Tests - What You Need to Know

The ADP and ACP Tests - What You Need to Know

By: Eric Droblyen

July 1st 2021

Learn about the ADP & ACP tests – the two of the three main 401(k) nondiscrimination tests.
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The Top Heavy Test - What You Need to Know

The Top Heavy Test - What You Need to Know

By: Eric Droblyen

July 1st 2021

Learn everything you need to know about the Top Heavy Test – an important 401(k) nondiscrimination test.
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401(k) Nondiscrimination Testing - Basics and Deadlines

401(k) Nondiscrimination Testing - Basics and Deadlines

By: Eric Droblyen

January 19th 2021

401(k) plans must pass nondiscrimination tests each year to confirm HCEs do not disproportionately benefit and that no IRS contribution limits are exceeded.
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401(k) Testing – Deadlines Employers Should Know

401(k) Testing – Deadlines Employers Should Know

By: Eric Droblyen

January 22nd 2020

While a professional TPA usually completes 401k testing, employers must understand the deadlines that apply to test corrections and contribution deposits.
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How to Attribute Family Ownership When 401(k) Plan Testing

How to Attribute Family Ownership When 401(k) Plan Testing

By: Eric Droblyen

November 27th 2019

Under the 401(k) family attribution rules, individuals are attributed the ownership of family members. These rules can greatly affect plan test results.
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401(k) Plan Coverage Testing – What Employers Need to Know

401(k) Plan Coverage Testing – What Employers Need to Know

By: Eric Droblyen

April 18th 2018

The IRC section 410(b) coverage test ensures a 401(k) plan sufficiently covers Non-Highly Compensated Employees. Employers should understand its basics.
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When ADP/ACP Testing Fails, 401(k) Fiduciaries Should Understand Their Options

When ADP/ACP Testing Fails, 401(k) Fiduciaries Should Understand Their Options

By: Eric Droblyen

March 23rd 2016

March 15 was the deadline for most 401k plans to distribute 2015 ADP/ACP test corrections in order to avoid a 10% IRS excise tax. Small business 401k fiduciaries do not need to settle for annual ADP/ACP test failures. There are many ways ADP/ACP test returns can be avoided or reduced. Once a fiduciary understands these options, they can discuss them with their 401k provider.
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401(k) Testing and Compliance: Is a Safe Harbor Plan Really Frugal?

401(k) Testing and Compliance: Is a Safe Harbor Plan Really Frugal?

By: Greg Carpenter

March 11th 2013

It’s tax season. The Frugal Fiduciary shares his thoughts on 401(k) testing and compliance and how a 401(k) safe harbor plan can offer tax benefits.
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