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.
Testing | Fiduciary Responsibility
By:
Eric Droblyen
January 19th, 2021
Each year, 401(k) plans must pass certain IRS-mandated nondiscrimination tests to confirm Highly-Compensated Employees (HCEs) do not disproportionately benefit and no IRS contribution limits are exceeded. These tests are often completed soon after the close of the year so test correction and tax deduction deadlines are not missed. For calendar-based 401(k) plans, that means now.
By:
Eric Droblyen
January 22nd, 2020
To meet IRS qualification requirements, 401(k) plans must pass nondiscrimination testing annually to ensure plan contributions do not disproportionately benefit Highly-Compensated Employees (HCEs) or exceed legal limits. While most employers hire a professional third-party administrator (TPA) to complete this work, all employers should understand the deadlines that apply to the process – which generally relate to failed testing and contribution funding. This basic knowledge can help avoid the often painful consequences of late testing – including missed tax deductions, IRS penalties, and plan disqualification.
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Testing | Plan Design | Plan Setup
By:
Eric Droblyen
November 27th, 2019
It’s impossible to complete annual 401(k) plan testing accurately without a clear understanding of the plan sponsor’s ownership structure. This information is used to determine the company’s controlled or affiliated service group status as well as the Highly Compensated Employee (HCE) and key employee status of plan participants. To make these determinations properly, certain “family attribution” rules must be applied correctly. These IRS rules exist to thwart ownership structures that would otherwise permit a 401(k) plan to discriminate in favor of business owners.
Retirement Plan Types | Safe Harbor 401(k) | Testing
By:
Eric Droblyen
March 6th, 2019
Safe harbor 401(k) plans are the most popular type of 401(k) used by small businesses today. Unlike a traditional 401(k) plan, they automatically pass the ADP/ACP and top heavy nondiscrimination tests when mandatory contribution and participant disclosure requirements are met. This trade-off is worth it for many business owners, who often bear the brunt of the consequences when their 401(k) plan fails testing. However, a safe harbor 401(k) plan is not the best fit for every small business. They can cost more than a traditional 401(k) plan, but offer less plan design flexibility – making it harder for some business owners to meet their plan priorities
Safe Harbor 401(k) | Testing | Fiduciary Responsibility
By:
Eric Droblyen
January 9th, 2019
All 401(k) plan contributions have deposit deadlines – and it’s up to 401(k) fiduciaries to meet them. Yet, many employers are unclear about the deadlines applicable to their 401(k) plan. That confusion can easily lead to late contributions. When that happens, there are always consequences for the employer. They range from mild (losing a tax deduction, making participants whole for lost earnings) to severe (plan disqualification, IRS and/or civil penalties). Fortunately, these consequences are easily avoided with some basic education.
Safe Harbor 401(k) | Testing | Plan Design
By:
Eric Droblyen
June 13th, 2018
One of most effective ways an employer can persuade their employees to participate in a 401(k) plan is by matching a portion of their pre-tax or Roth 401(k) salary deferrals. This is unsurprising when you consider matching contributions are like a guaranteed return on salary deferrals - or “free” money.