This document is a checklist for employers to use to ensure their 403(b) retirement plan is in compliance with IRS rules. It contains 10 yes or no questions addressing issues like whether the employer qualifies to have a 403(b) plan, whether all eligible employees have the opportunity to contribute, and whether contribution and distribution rules are being followed properly. Getting a no answer to any question may indicate a compliance issue with the plan. The checklist is intended as a quick review and employers should also consult IRS publications for more detailed information on 403(b) plan rules.
Key Takeaways:
Concerns relating to tax treaties and it's taxability
Issues in determination of PE
Considerations for determination of residential status
Implication for cross border work
Permanent Establishment & Business Connection and it's Impact on Taxability o...DVSResearchFoundatio
The document discusses the key differences between permanent establishment (PE) and business connection under Indian tax law and their impact on taxability of business income. It provides an overview of PE under tax treaties and business connection under the Indian Income Tax Act. The key types of PE like fixed place PE, service PE, agency PE and construction PE are explained. Exceptions to PE and business connection are also outlined. The document compares attribution of profits under the tax treaty and Indian tax rules.
The new Companies Law 2013 (India) - Chapter 4: Share Capital and DebenturesBold Kiln
The notification provides details of new rules related to share capital and debentures under the Companies Act 2013. Key points include:
- Rules for issuance of equity shares with differential rights subject to certain conditions like authorization in AoA, shareholder approval, limits on percentage of shares issued, track record of company etc.
- Requirements for share certificates including format, details to be mentioned, process for issuance of renewed or duplicate certificates.
- Maintenance of registers, books and documents related to share certificates including blank forms, their custody and preservation.
The notification supersedes previous rules under the Companies Act 1956 and provides the framework for companies to issue and manage share capital and debentures in
The new Companies Law 2013 (India) - Chapter 7: Management and AdministrationBold Kiln
This document outlines new rules established by the Government of India's Ministry of Corporate Affairs regarding the maintenance and inspection of company registers and records. Some key points:
- Companies must maintain registers of members, debenture holders, and other security holders, and file annual and periodic returns regarding shareholding changes.
- Registers must be maintained and updated within 7 days of certain events like share transfers or changes in status.
- Companies can keep foreign registers of overseas members, and must transmit entries to their Indian office within 15 days.
- Persons holding shares not in their own name must declare any beneficial interests.
- Public notice must be given at least 7 days before closing registers to members.
This document is a notification from the Government of India's Ministry of Corporate Affairs regarding new rules called the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014. The rules establish regulations around appointing and setting remuneration for managerial personnel in companies. Key aspects include requirements for filing returns after appointments, limits on sitting fees for directors, disclosure requirements on remuneration in board reports, and provisions for applying to the central government for approval of remuneration beyond certain limits. The rules also define duties of the company secretary and set out the format for the secretarial audit report.
Appointment of Registered Valuer under the Companies Act, 2013DVSResearchFoundatio
This document provides an overview of the appointment of registered valuers under the Companies Act 2013 in India, including:
- When valuation is required under the Act for various corporate actions like mergers, preferential shares issuance, etc.
- The eligibility requirements to become a registered valuer, including qualifications, experience, and passing a valuation examination.
- The process for applying for and obtaining a certificate of registration from the authority (currently IBBI), and the ongoing conditions of registration.
- Requirements for how valuations must be conducted, including following valuation standards and what must be included in valuation reports.
- Provisions for temporary surrender of registration and transitional arrangements for existing valuers to obtain registration
Appointment and qualification of managerial personnel or key managerial perso...DVSResearchFoundatio
Specified class of companies are required to appoint managerial personnel (Managing Director, Whole time director, Manager, etc.) / key managerial personnel (KMP)(Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Company Secretary, etc.) The managerial personnel / KMPs are involved in the key decision making process of a company. The webinar covers the aspects of statutory provisions involved in the appointment and qualification of managerial personnel / KMPs, their roles and responsibilities, statutory compliances and judicial precedents.
What are the key elements of the companies (amendment) bill, 2020DVSResearchFoundatio
The document summarizes key proposed amendments to the Companies Act 2013 in India based on recommendations to decriminalize certain offenses. Some key points:
- It proposes to decriminalize certain offenses that do not involve larger public interest by removing imprisonment and relaxing penalties.
- It empowers the central government to exempt certain classes of companies from the definition of "listed company".
- It reduces timelines for rights issues to speed them up and provides exemptions to certain classes of companies from filing certain resolutions.
- It allows companies with CSR spending obligations up to Rs. 50 lakhs to not constitute a CSR committee and allows eligible companies to set off excess CSR spending against future obligations.
Key Takeaways:
Concerns relating to tax treaties and it's taxability
Issues in determination of PE
Considerations for determination of residential status
Implication for cross border work
Permanent Establishment & Business Connection and it's Impact on Taxability o...DVSResearchFoundatio
The document discusses the key differences between permanent establishment (PE) and business connection under Indian tax law and their impact on taxability of business income. It provides an overview of PE under tax treaties and business connection under the Indian Income Tax Act. The key types of PE like fixed place PE, service PE, agency PE and construction PE are explained. Exceptions to PE and business connection are also outlined. The document compares attribution of profits under the tax treaty and Indian tax rules.
The new Companies Law 2013 (India) - Chapter 4: Share Capital and DebenturesBold Kiln
The notification provides details of new rules related to share capital and debentures under the Companies Act 2013. Key points include:
- Rules for issuance of equity shares with differential rights subject to certain conditions like authorization in AoA, shareholder approval, limits on percentage of shares issued, track record of company etc.
- Requirements for share certificates including format, details to be mentioned, process for issuance of renewed or duplicate certificates.
- Maintenance of registers, books and documents related to share certificates including blank forms, their custody and preservation.
The notification supersedes previous rules under the Companies Act 1956 and provides the framework for companies to issue and manage share capital and debentures in
The new Companies Law 2013 (India) - Chapter 7: Management and AdministrationBold Kiln
This document outlines new rules established by the Government of India's Ministry of Corporate Affairs regarding the maintenance and inspection of company registers and records. Some key points:
- Companies must maintain registers of members, debenture holders, and other security holders, and file annual and periodic returns regarding shareholding changes.
- Registers must be maintained and updated within 7 days of certain events like share transfers or changes in status.
- Companies can keep foreign registers of overseas members, and must transmit entries to their Indian office within 15 days.
- Persons holding shares not in their own name must declare any beneficial interests.
- Public notice must be given at least 7 days before closing registers to members.
This document is a notification from the Government of India's Ministry of Corporate Affairs regarding new rules called the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014. The rules establish regulations around appointing and setting remuneration for managerial personnel in companies. Key aspects include requirements for filing returns after appointments, limits on sitting fees for directors, disclosure requirements on remuneration in board reports, and provisions for applying to the central government for approval of remuneration beyond certain limits. The rules also define duties of the company secretary and set out the format for the secretarial audit report.
Appointment of Registered Valuer under the Companies Act, 2013DVSResearchFoundatio
This document provides an overview of the appointment of registered valuers under the Companies Act 2013 in India, including:
- When valuation is required under the Act for various corporate actions like mergers, preferential shares issuance, etc.
- The eligibility requirements to become a registered valuer, including qualifications, experience, and passing a valuation examination.
- The process for applying for and obtaining a certificate of registration from the authority (currently IBBI), and the ongoing conditions of registration.
- Requirements for how valuations must be conducted, including following valuation standards and what must be included in valuation reports.
- Provisions for temporary surrender of registration and transitional arrangements for existing valuers to obtain registration
Appointment and qualification of managerial personnel or key managerial perso...DVSResearchFoundatio
Specified class of companies are required to appoint managerial personnel (Managing Director, Whole time director, Manager, etc.) / key managerial personnel (KMP)(Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Company Secretary, etc.) The managerial personnel / KMPs are involved in the key decision making process of a company. The webinar covers the aspects of statutory provisions involved in the appointment and qualification of managerial personnel / KMPs, their roles and responsibilities, statutory compliances and judicial precedents.
What are the key elements of the companies (amendment) bill, 2020DVSResearchFoundatio
The document summarizes key proposed amendments to the Companies Act 2013 in India based on recommendations to decriminalize certain offenses. Some key points:
- It proposes to decriminalize certain offenses that do not involve larger public interest by removing imprisonment and relaxing penalties.
- It empowers the central government to exempt certain classes of companies from the definition of "listed company".
- It reduces timelines for rights issues to speed them up and provides exemptions to certain classes of companies from filing certain resolutions.
- It allows companies with CSR spending obligations up to Rs. 50 lakhs to not constitute a CSR committee and allows eligible companies to set off excess CSR spending against future obligations.
This document provides an overview of auditing provident fund trusts in India. It discusses the relevant statutes, the formation and types of provident fund trusts, contributions and investments, audit procedures, settlements, advances, and recent changes. The key points are: provident funds are mandatory retirement plans with equal employer-employee contributions; there are covered trusts under the Employees' Provident Funds & Miscellaneous Provisions Act and excluded trusts approved under the Income Tax Act; and audit procedures include verifying contributions, investments, interest credited, advances given, and compliance with regulations.
MCA Tweaks CFS Exemption in lines with Ind AS 110Sumit Binani
The document summarizes key amendments made by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 regarding the preparation of consolidated financial statements and reporting requirements. Some of the main changes include exempting certain wholly-owned or partially-owned subsidiaries from preparing consolidated financial statements if certain conditions are met, replacing requirements to report on performance of subsidiaries with reporting on highlights and contributions, and allowing an internal auditor to be an individual, partnership or corporate entity rather than just a firm. The document provides examples and addresses frequently asked questions to help explain and clarify the impact of the amendments.
This document provides a summary of amendments made to direct tax laws by the Finance Act, 2011. Some key points include:
- Basic exemption limit increased from Rs. 1,60,000 to Rs. 1,80,000. Limit for senior citizens increased from Rs. 2,40,000 to Rs. 2,50,000.
- Age limit for senior citizens reduced from 65 to 60 years. Residents aged 80+ get exemption limit of Rs. 5,00,000.
- Deduction for long-term infrastructure bonds extended by one year. Tax holiday for power sector undertakings also extended.
- Scope of specified business expanded for tax incentives under section 35AD.
The document provides information on foreign investment policies and procedures in Nepal. It outlines that foreign investment is regulated by the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act of 1992 and investments can be made through equity, reinvestment of earnings, loans, or investment in kind. Most industries are open to 100% foreign ownership except for some restricted industries like arms manufacturing. The process for foreign direct investment approval involves submitting an application that is reviewed by committees. It generally takes 5-10 days to get approval. The document also provides details on the forms, documents and fees required for different types of foreign investments and technology transfers.
This document is a project report on tax planning, tax avoidance, and tax evasion. It discusses several cases related to tax planning, including one where the quantum of remuneration or manner of computing remuneration for partners was not stipulated in the partnership deed as required. The report examines the relevant clauses of two partnership deeds to determine if the conditions for deducting remuneration payments under Section 40(b)(v) of the Income Tax Act are satisfied.
The Reserve Bank of India issued Notification No. FEMA.385/2017-RB to amend the Foreign Exchange Management (Transfer or Issue of Security by a Person Resident outside India) Regulations, 2000. The amendments allow a person or entity resident outside India, other than citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh, to contribute foreign capital to an Indian limited liability partnership (LLP) through capital contribution or acquisition of profit shares, subject to certain terms and conditions. The notification substitutes Schedule 9 of the regulations to provide details on eligible investors, investments, eligible LLPs, pricing, mode of payment and reporting for foreign direct investment in LLPs.
Key Takeaways
Analysis of definitions in Income tax act and treaties
Taxability under the act and treaties
IRoyalty vs. Business income
Illustrative Cases
Judicial Precedents
This document provides an overview of the Companies (Auditor's Report) Order, 2016 (CARO 2016) and its reporting requirements for auditors. Some key points summarized:
1. CARO 2016 applies to audits of financial statements for periods beginning on or after April 1, 2015 and supersedes the earlier CARO 2015. It is applicable to foreign companies with a place of business in India.
2. The Order specifies 16 clauses covering matters like fixed assets, inventory, loans, compliance with sections 185 and 186, default in repayment of loans, end-use of funds raised, fraud, managerial remuneration, related party transactions, that must be reported on.
3. Certain companies like
WIRC Study Circle FEMA Course - Presentation on Foreign Investment in India -...P P Shah & Associates
Mr. Paresh Shah gave a presentation on investment in India. He discussed the foreign direct investment policy, automatic route for investment, and regulations regarding foreign investment through companies in India. He also covered portfolio investment by foreign institutional investors and non-resident Indians, as well as their investment in proprietary concerns, partnership firms, and immovable property. The presentation provided an overview of the various schemes and regulations governing foreign investment in India.
Automatic Vacation of Stay Granted by Tribunal: Analysis of SC Ruling DCIT vs...DVSResearchFoundatio
Key Takeaways:
- Background and Overview of Legal Provision
- Facts of the Case
- Contentions of the Assessee and Revenue
- Supreme Court's Verdict
- Key Learnings and Way Forward
RSM India Publication - Executive remuneration - Certain Tax & Legal AspectsRSM India
This publication provides a broad outline of certain tax regulations and other related aspects of Executive Remuneration prevailing in India and relating to income from salaries
The document is a notice for the annual general meeting of shareholders of BiondVax Pharmaceuticals Ltd. to be held on May 16, 2022. It includes 9 proposals to be voted on, such as re-electing two members to the board of directors, approving cash bonuses for executive officers, and appointing an auditor. Shareholders are encouraged to vote by proxy prior to the meeting.
Auditors' role Companies Act, 2013- Aadhit B BalajiAadhit B
At outset of Companies act, 2013, provisions related to Auditor‟s appointment, role and responsibility has given a significant shape comparatively to the previous act (Companies act, 1956). This presentation has focused on the provisions related to Auditors and the impact of the same in present scenario, which is applicable from 1st April, 2014.
It is all about CARO 2016 in detailed observations and it is compared with CARO 2015 and this contains how to report for each clause in caro, thank u in advance for seeing this.
DISQUALIFIED DIRECTORS ANTICIPATE RELIEF FROM BOMBAY HCDishaShah147
1. The Bombay High Court has tagged all pending writ petitions regarding director disqualifications and scheduled a hearing for them on July 10, 2019.
2. In 2016, the Indian government's demonetization initiative led to the discovery of over 300,000 shell companies. As a result, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs struck over 2.17 lakh companies from the register and disqualified over 3.19 lakh individuals from directorships for failing to comply with regulations.
3. Directors can be disqualified under section 164 of the Companies Act for reasons like a company not filing financial statements or annual returns for three continuous years. Filing a writ petition with the high court or reviving the company through the
Jennifer serves as our client service manager, assistant compliance officer and is also involved in performing annual CEFEX assessments. Jennifer came to Canon Capital with six years of banking experience, most recently as a Branch Manager. Jennifer is a graduate of Gwynedd Mercy College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.
This document provides an overview of the hardware architecture of the TMS320DM8148, which includes:
- A high performance dual-core processor with an ARM Cortex-A8 core and C674x VLIW DSP.
- An imaging subsystem for camera sensor connections and image processing.
- A graphics engine, video capture/display, and memory interfaces.
- Various peripherals including Ethernet, USB, SATA, CAN, and GPIO.
- Power management and debug features.
This document provides an overview of auditing provident fund trusts in India. It discusses the relevant statutes, the formation and types of provident fund trusts, contributions and investments, audit procedures, settlements, advances, and recent changes. The key points are: provident funds are mandatory retirement plans with equal employer-employee contributions; there are covered trusts under the Employees' Provident Funds & Miscellaneous Provisions Act and excluded trusts approved under the Income Tax Act; and audit procedures include verifying contributions, investments, interest credited, advances given, and compliance with regulations.
MCA Tweaks CFS Exemption in lines with Ind AS 110Sumit Binani
The document summarizes key amendments made by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 regarding the preparation of consolidated financial statements and reporting requirements. Some of the main changes include exempting certain wholly-owned or partially-owned subsidiaries from preparing consolidated financial statements if certain conditions are met, replacing requirements to report on performance of subsidiaries with reporting on highlights and contributions, and allowing an internal auditor to be an individual, partnership or corporate entity rather than just a firm. The document provides examples and addresses frequently asked questions to help explain and clarify the impact of the amendments.
This document provides a summary of amendments made to direct tax laws by the Finance Act, 2011. Some key points include:
- Basic exemption limit increased from Rs. 1,60,000 to Rs. 1,80,000. Limit for senior citizens increased from Rs. 2,40,000 to Rs. 2,50,000.
- Age limit for senior citizens reduced from 65 to 60 years. Residents aged 80+ get exemption limit of Rs. 5,00,000.
- Deduction for long-term infrastructure bonds extended by one year. Tax holiday for power sector undertakings also extended.
- Scope of specified business expanded for tax incentives under section 35AD.
The document provides information on foreign investment policies and procedures in Nepal. It outlines that foreign investment is regulated by the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act of 1992 and investments can be made through equity, reinvestment of earnings, loans, or investment in kind. Most industries are open to 100% foreign ownership except for some restricted industries like arms manufacturing. The process for foreign direct investment approval involves submitting an application that is reviewed by committees. It generally takes 5-10 days to get approval. The document also provides details on the forms, documents and fees required for different types of foreign investments and technology transfers.
This document is a project report on tax planning, tax avoidance, and tax evasion. It discusses several cases related to tax planning, including one where the quantum of remuneration or manner of computing remuneration for partners was not stipulated in the partnership deed as required. The report examines the relevant clauses of two partnership deeds to determine if the conditions for deducting remuneration payments under Section 40(b)(v) of the Income Tax Act are satisfied.
The Reserve Bank of India issued Notification No. FEMA.385/2017-RB to amend the Foreign Exchange Management (Transfer or Issue of Security by a Person Resident outside India) Regulations, 2000. The amendments allow a person or entity resident outside India, other than citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh, to contribute foreign capital to an Indian limited liability partnership (LLP) through capital contribution or acquisition of profit shares, subject to certain terms and conditions. The notification substitutes Schedule 9 of the regulations to provide details on eligible investors, investments, eligible LLPs, pricing, mode of payment and reporting for foreign direct investment in LLPs.
Key Takeaways
Analysis of definitions in Income tax act and treaties
Taxability under the act and treaties
IRoyalty vs. Business income
Illustrative Cases
Judicial Precedents
This document provides an overview of the Companies (Auditor's Report) Order, 2016 (CARO 2016) and its reporting requirements for auditors. Some key points summarized:
1. CARO 2016 applies to audits of financial statements for periods beginning on or after April 1, 2015 and supersedes the earlier CARO 2015. It is applicable to foreign companies with a place of business in India.
2. The Order specifies 16 clauses covering matters like fixed assets, inventory, loans, compliance with sections 185 and 186, default in repayment of loans, end-use of funds raised, fraud, managerial remuneration, related party transactions, that must be reported on.
3. Certain companies like
WIRC Study Circle FEMA Course - Presentation on Foreign Investment in India -...P P Shah & Associates
Mr. Paresh Shah gave a presentation on investment in India. He discussed the foreign direct investment policy, automatic route for investment, and regulations regarding foreign investment through companies in India. He also covered portfolio investment by foreign institutional investors and non-resident Indians, as well as their investment in proprietary concerns, partnership firms, and immovable property. The presentation provided an overview of the various schemes and regulations governing foreign investment in India.
Automatic Vacation of Stay Granted by Tribunal: Analysis of SC Ruling DCIT vs...DVSResearchFoundatio
Key Takeaways:
- Background and Overview of Legal Provision
- Facts of the Case
- Contentions of the Assessee and Revenue
- Supreme Court's Verdict
- Key Learnings and Way Forward
RSM India Publication - Executive remuneration - Certain Tax & Legal AspectsRSM India
This publication provides a broad outline of certain tax regulations and other related aspects of Executive Remuneration prevailing in India and relating to income from salaries
The document is a notice for the annual general meeting of shareholders of BiondVax Pharmaceuticals Ltd. to be held on May 16, 2022. It includes 9 proposals to be voted on, such as re-electing two members to the board of directors, approving cash bonuses for executive officers, and appointing an auditor. Shareholders are encouraged to vote by proxy prior to the meeting.
Auditors' role Companies Act, 2013- Aadhit B BalajiAadhit B
At outset of Companies act, 2013, provisions related to Auditor‟s appointment, role and responsibility has given a significant shape comparatively to the previous act (Companies act, 1956). This presentation has focused on the provisions related to Auditors and the impact of the same in present scenario, which is applicable from 1st April, 2014.
It is all about CARO 2016 in detailed observations and it is compared with CARO 2015 and this contains how to report for each clause in caro, thank u in advance for seeing this.
DISQUALIFIED DIRECTORS ANTICIPATE RELIEF FROM BOMBAY HCDishaShah147
1. The Bombay High Court has tagged all pending writ petitions regarding director disqualifications and scheduled a hearing for them on July 10, 2019.
2. In 2016, the Indian government's demonetization initiative led to the discovery of over 300,000 shell companies. As a result, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs struck over 2.17 lakh companies from the register and disqualified over 3.19 lakh individuals from directorships for failing to comply with regulations.
3. Directors can be disqualified under section 164 of the Companies Act for reasons like a company not filing financial statements or annual returns for three continuous years. Filing a writ petition with the high court or reviving the company through the
Jennifer serves as our client service manager, assistant compliance officer and is also involved in performing annual CEFEX assessments. Jennifer came to Canon Capital with six years of banking experience, most recently as a Branch Manager. Jennifer is a graduate of Gwynedd Mercy College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.
This document provides an overview of the hardware architecture of the TMS320DM8148, which includes:
- A high performance dual-core processor with an ARM Cortex-A8 core and C674x VLIW DSP.
- An imaging subsystem for camera sensor connections and image processing.
- A graphics engine, video capture/display, and memory interfaces.
- Various peripherals including Ethernet, USB, SATA, CAN, and GPIO.
- Power management and debug features.
Registered Fiduciary Designation by DalbarFPG Lynch
This fiduciary standard distinguishes RF™ designated professionals as having met the highest standard in the financial industry. All valid certified RF™ are listed on the Registry of Fiduciary Professionals.
Reporting disclosure guide for employee benefit plansFPG Lynch
This document provides an overview of reporting and disclosure requirements for employee benefit plans under ERISA. It contains three chapters that outline basic disclosure requirements for pension and welfare benefit plans, additional requirements for welfare health plans and pension plans, and Form 5500 annual reporting requirements. The document is intended to help plan administrators understand their obligations to provide information to participants, beneficiaries, government agencies and others, such as summary plan descriptions, notices, and filings. It provides a high-level summary of the key documents required and timelines for distribution.
This document provides a summary of the layout of Institut Joan Amigó i Callau school. The school has around 200 students and is located in Espluga de Francolí, Tarragona province, near the river and football pitch. On the ground floor there is a reception area, secretary's office, head teacher's office, teacher's room, kitchen, and cantine. The library, student toilets, lab, workshop, changing rooms and gym are also on the ground floor. Upstairs there are more classrooms, computer rooms, art room, and toilets for students and teachers. The school has four departments.
Plan Sponsor's Guide to Retirement Plan FeesFPG Lynch
This document provides guidance to plan sponsors on retirement plan fees. It discusses fiduciary responsibilities to understand all fees paid from the plan and ensure they are reasonable. Fees can include administrative, investment, and participant costs. Administrative fees may be bundled together or unbundled among multiple providers. Investment fees are expenses charged by the funds themselves. The document aims to help plan sponsors accurately account for all costs to evaluate the value received for fees paid.
Oppenheimer funds plan sponsor regulation informationFPG Lynch
This document provides resources for plan sponsors to help keep their qualified retirement plans compliant with applicable tax laws and regulations. It outlines self-audit tools and information from the IRS and DOL, including checklists and educational materials. Resources are also given for making corrections to plans, such as the IRS correction programs and the DOL's Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program. Plan sponsors are encouraged to use these resources, along with support from legal advisors, to act as prudent fiduciaries and keep their plans in compliance.
This document provides a list of gluten-free grains divided into two categories: traditional grains such as corn, buckwheat and various types of rice, and ancient grains including amaranth, sorghum, chia, millet, quinoa and teff. The document lists gluten-free grain options for people needing to avoid gluten in their diets.
The document summarizes key events in the narrator's family history across different decades from 1910 to 2001. It describes how the narrator's father's parents immigrated to the US in the early 1900s and met during WWII. It then discusses how the counterculture of the 1960s-70s shaped the narrator's upbringing and how their parents used the internet in 2000 to reconnect with long lost family. The document concludes by noting how 9/11 caused the narrator's mother to become a US citizen and changed family visits to Brazil.
The UDPSRC GStreamer plugin is a source element that receives UDP packets from a port and provides them to the GStreamer pipeline. It has properties to configure the port, multicast group, interface, URI, buffer size, and other settings. The init functions initialize the element and register its properties. The main functions open the socket, start/stop listening, handle incoming packets, and provide data to the pipeline in response to requests.
Based in Madison, Wisconsin, Well and Good LLC Executive Director Richard (Dick) Shafer draws upon financial industry experience and fiduciary best practices to advise retirement plan sponsors. Dick Shafer focuses on retirement plans of independent schools and other not-for-profit organizations beyond Madison -- throughout the United States including New York, California and Massachusetts.
A Roth 403(b) allows participants to make after-tax contributions to their 403(b) retirement plan. Earnings on Roth 403(b) contributions grow tax-free, meaning distributions are not taxed. Unlike Roth IRAs, there are no income limits for Roth 403(b) contributions. Potential benefits include tax-free growth and avoiding taxes in retirement. Those who may benefit most are younger participants, those expecting higher future taxes, and highly compensated employees ineligible for Roth IRAs. Adding a Roth 403(b) requires amending the plan, communicating the change, and following rules on contributions, withdrawals, and recordkeeping.
What to Think About Before a 403(b) Plan TerminationJoe Urwitz
This document discusses matters to consider before terminating a Section 403(b) plan. It begins by providing context on Section 403(b) and 401(k) plans and why some organizations are moving from 403(b) plans to 401(k) plans. There are many factors to consider in this decision as there are advantages and disadvantages to each type of plan. The document then outlines the basic termination process for 403(b) plans according to IRS guidance, including plan amendments, adopting a resolution to terminate, notifying participants, and distributing assets. Key issues to discuss with vendors regarding contracts and certificates are also summarized. Other considerations like default distributions and filing final Form 5500s are briefly mentioned.
This document provides a guide for fixing common mistakes made with 401(k) plans. It lists 12 common mistakes employers make including failing to update plan documents, not following plan terms, incorrectly defining compensation, and failing nondiscrimination tests. For each mistake, it provides how to find the mistake, how to fix it, and how to avoid it in the future. It recommends reviewing plan documents annually, communicating changes to relevant parties, and conducting annual reviews to ensure compliance. The document also provides an overview of the IRS's Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System which allows plans to self-correct certain issues, use the Voluntary Correction Program to get IRS approval, or correct under audit with a sanction.
Randall Webb - TJSDD - Common Pitfalls and Deficiencies Found in Plan AuditsDowney Brand LLP
At the 2015 Savannah Fiduciary Seminar, Randall Webb of TJS Deemer Dana presented the most common deficiencies identified during plan audits and how plan sponsors should correct those deficiencies going forward.
FINC 355 RETIREMENT AND ESTATE PLANNING TRUE OR FALSE1..docxericn8
This document contains 43 multiple choice and true/false questions about retirement and estate planning topics such as 401(k) plans, IRAs, cash balance plans, defined benefit plans, estate planning documents like wills and trusts, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). The questions cover topics like plan eligibility, taxation of contributions and distributions, nondiscrimination testing, plan types and their key features.
The document discusses the advantages of safe harbor 401(k) plans, which eliminate nondiscrimination testing and allow highly compensated employees to defer up to annual limits regardless of lower-paid employee deferral rates. To qualify as a safe harbor plan, the employer must make either a 3% nonelective contribution or a 100% matching on the first 3% deferred plus 50% on the next 2% deferred for all eligible non-highly compensated employees. These plans have notice requirements but relieve top-heavy funding and testing obligations.
"Is Your 403(b) Plan Covered by ERISAmcarruthers
"Is Your 403(b) Plan Covered by ERISA, Must it Be-and Does it Matter? A Slight Twist in the 403(b) Plan Kaleidoscope Provides Another Picture"
By: Jim Culbreth
FINC 355 RETIREMENT AND ESTATE PLANNING FINAL EXAMINATION I.docxvoversbyobersby
FINC 355: RETIREMENT AND ESTATE PLANNING
FINAL EXAMINATION
Instructions: This final exam is a mix of multiple choice and true false questions. You must use the answer sheet provided. Questions answered and submitted on the final itself will not be considered.
1. Traditional 401(k) plans can be funded entirely through salary reductions by employees, enabling employers to bear no additional cost for employee compensation.
2. A cash balance plan establishes a separate fund for each plan participant.
3. Defined benefit plans provide more benefit security than do age-weighted or cross-tested plans.
4. All group insurance programs offered to employees must comply with ERISA reporting and disclosure requirements.
5. A cross-tested plan uses a fixed age-weighted formula. The plan is designed to maximize benefits for a firm’s highly compensated employees while providing whatever is necessary for remaining employees to satisfy nondiscrimination regulations.
6. An employee cannot be covered under both a defined benefit and a defined contribution plan.
7. A self-employed person with less than 10 employees can use a money purchase plan to fund his or her own retirement.
8. Unlike a traditional IRA, a Roth IRA contribution is not restricted by active participation in an employer’s retirement plan.
9. An early distribution penalty can be assessed on Roth IRA withdrawals.
10. Account holders with more than one Roth IRA can treat them as separate accounts when calculating tax consequences of distributions from any of them.
11. A trust cannot provide for creditor protectioninsurance
12. Including a spendthrift clause is recommended for children with money management or substance abuse problems.
13. All of the following are true regarding tax implicatons of cash balance plans, except
a. employer contributions to the plan are deductible when made
b. taxation of the employee on employer contributions is deferred
c. the plan is not subject to minimum funding rules of the Internal Revenue Code
d. certain employers who adopt a cash balance plan may be eligible for a business tax credit up to $500
e. employees may make voluntary contributions to a “deemed IRA” established under the plan
14. Which of the following is (are) true regarding elective deferrals in a Section 401(k)?
a. elective deferrals are not subject to Social Security and Federal Unemployment payroll taxes
b. elective deferrals are always made on an after-tax basis
c. if the company elects to have a safe harbor plan, elective deferrals must meet the actual deferral percentage test
d. account funds can be withdrawn without a premature distribution penalty if the employee becomes disabled or dies
e. since employees elect the amount of funds to defer, nondiscrimination tests do not apply to elective deferrals
15. Which of the following types of employer plans are exempt from most or all ERISA provisions?
a. plans of state, federal, or local governments or governmental organizatio ...
This document summarizes key differences between profit sharing plans and employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) as alternative employee ownership structures. It notes that both are defined contribution retirement plans governed by ERISA and the tax code. While profit sharing plans can invest in employer securities, ESOPs are designed primarily for this purpose. The document outlines several favorable tax treatments that ESOPs receive over profit sharing plans, such as more flexible contribution deductions and the ability to deduct dividends paid on employer shares. It also discusses differences in prohibited transaction rules and ability to defer capital gains.
IntroductionComment by Exploring Series This is listed as a Head.docxvrickens
Introduction Comment by Exploring Series: This is listed as a Heading 2, but it should be Heading 1. Please change this heading to a Heading 1 style.
It is never too early to save for your retirement. For a start, you can estimate the amount that you need to have before you can retire comfortably using financial calculators found on sites such as CNN Money, Kiplinger, Motley Fool, and TIAA-CREF financial services. The good part is, there are many different types of retirement plans that you can participate, individually or with your employers. To help you save for retirement, there are many government-regulated and government-approved retirement accounts that you can contribute a certain amount to annually. Why should you enroll in a retirement plan NOWnow? Did you know that your retirement can last for 30 years or more? A common rule to follow is that a retiree will need up to 80% of his/her annual income today to retire comfortably. Unfortunately, the average benefit amount paid monthly by the Social Security Administration is only $1,177.
Below are many advantages why you should start saving NOWnow:
· Tax on employee and employer contributions is deferred until distributed.
· Investment gains in the plan are not taxed until distributed.
· Retirement assets can be carried from one employer to another.
· Contributions can be made easily through payroll deduction.
· Saver’s Credit is available.
· Flexible plan options are available.
· Better financial security at retirement.
Future Retirement Savings Value - Assuming 6% annual return Comment by Exploring Series: You need to insert a caption for this table and the next table.
Monthly Savings
5 years
15 years
20 years
$50
$3,506
$14,614
$23,218
$200
$14,024
$58,456
$92,870
$500
$35,059
$146,136
$232,176
Source: http://www.irs.gov/Retirement-Plans/Plan-Participant,-Employee/Retirement-Topics-Benefits-of-Saving-Now
A contribution is defined as the amount that an employee and an employer can put into a retirement plan. There are, however, varying limits on how much we (including both employers and employees) can contribute to any of the retirement plan. Each plan has its own rules and criteria, and must specifically state that contributions or benefits cannot exceed certain limits. Employees can participate in contributions via salary reduction. Employers can match employees’ contributions or contribute outright a certain amount into the employees’ retirement account.
Traditional Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs) Comment by Exploring Series: Please change all headings formatted with Heading 3 to Heading 2 style.
There are two major kinds of IRAs – traditional and Roth. A traditional IRA is a way to save for retirement that gives you tax advantages. It allows you to make tax-deferred investments to provide financial security when you retire. Your traditional IRA contributions may be tax-deductible. The deduction may be limited if you or your spouse is covered by a retirement pla ...
This document discusses guidance provided in the final 2007 Section 415 regulations regarding the use of post-severance payments for qualified retirement plan purposes. The regulations specify that certain post-employment payments meeting certain criteria must be included in Section 415 compensation, such as regular wages for work performed or commissions/bonuses earned prior to termination but paid within 2.5 months after severance. The regulations also provide that employers may optionally include other post-severance payments as Section 415 compensation, such as payments for unused leave. However, pure severance payments not related to prior services are excluded.
This issue of Retirement Plan News includes articles on the following: Post-severance compensation revisited, The fiduciary role and Tibble v. Edison, Bankruptcy and retirement plans.
Action Steps for Your Employee Benefits Plan During the Coronavirus PandemicQuarles & Brady
With the enactment of two new Coronavirus-related laws, plan sponsors of retirement, health and welfare plans have several "must-do" items to consider, along with several "optional" items. Join us for this informative webinar where we will discuss the different legal considerations plan sponsors and service providers (such as third party administrators, insurance brokers and pharmacy benefit mangers) should consider for their retirement, health and welfare plans.
We will discuss:
-What coronavirus testing must be covered by health plans
Important changes to "over the counter" drugs and medicine
-Addressing layoffs and furloughs, and how to survive the benefit costs
-Best practices for distribution and loan options for those who have been affected
-Delaying, repaying and fixing 2020 required minimum distributions
-How to treat paid leave under your retirement plans
As the name implies, the “Roth 401(k)” is a hybrid retirement plan that an employer can provide to its employees. This type of plan combines several elements of traditional 401(k) plans with Roth IRA features in designated accounts.
A resident of Madison, Wisconsin, Richard Shafer is the executive director of Well and Good LLC. In that capacity, Richard Shafer furnishes investment advice to retirement plan fiduciaries, including plans established under Code section 403(b).
A Roth 401(k) allows participants to make after-tax contributions to their 401(k) plan. Earnings on Roth contributions grow tax-free and qualified distributions are not taxed. Potential benefits include tax-free growth and no income limits. Those who may benefit most are younger participants, those expecting higher future taxes, and highly compensated employees. Adding a Roth feature requires amending the plan, communicating the change, and following special Roth rules.
The IRS is intensifying its enforcement of 403(b) retirement plans in 2010. The document outlines key areas the IRS will focus on in audits such as plan documentation, contributions, distributions, and fiduciary responsibilities. It provides steps organizations can take to ensure their 403(b) plans are compliant, such as reviewing plan documents and testing for non-discrimination, before an IRS audit.
A 457(f) plan allows tax-exempt employers to provide supplemental retirement benefits to key executives and highly compensated employees. Contributions to a 457(f) plan are unlimited and are made solely by the employer. Plan assets are owned by the employer and subject to creditors' claims. Benefits vest when the substantial risk of forfeiture lapses, which is defined in the plan documents. Distributions can occur due to events like disability, death, separation from service, or the lapsing of the substantial risk of forfeiture. 457(f) plans are not subject to many of the rules that apply to other retirement plans, such as nondiscrimination testing, minimum coverage requirements
1. 403(b) PLAN CHECKLIST
This Checklist is not a complete description of For Business Owner’s Use
all plan requirements, and should not be used as
( D O N OT S E N D T H I S W O R K S H E E T TO T H E I R S )
a substitute for a complete plan review.
It is important to review the requirements for operating your 403(b) retirement plan annually. This checklist is a “quick
tool” to help you keep your plan in compliance with many important tax rules. See IRS Publication 571, Tax Sheltered
Annuity Plans (403(b) Plans) for Employees of Public Schools and Certain Tax-Exempt Organizations at www.irs.gov/ep.
Underlined text below shows a link to expanded explanations and resources, also at www.irs.gov/ep.
1. Does your organization qualify as a Yes No 6. If your program permits age 50+ Yes No
public educational institution or as a ■ ■ catch-up contributions, were each of ■ ■
charitable organization exempt from tax your employees age 50 and over informed
under IRC 501(c)(3)? of their rights to make catch-up deferrals?
Only public educational institutions described in IRC If your plan permits, participants age 50+ may defer
170(b)(1)(A)(ii), or 501(c)(3) organizations may establish an additional $5,000 to the 403(b) plan for 2006.
a 403(b) plan.
7. Does the 403(b) annuity contract Yes No
2. Are ALL employees who normally Yes No or custodial account: contain the ■ ■
work 20 hours or more per week ■ ■ nontransferability provisions (annuity contract
(Universal Availability rule) given the only); state the limits under IRC 402(g); and contain
opportunity to make a salary deferral? the direct rollover provisions of IRC 401(a)(31)?
Failure to meet this rule is often due to excluding part-time Certain provisions are required for annuity contracts or
employees who would otherwise be eligible to participate. custodial accounts.
3. Are elective deferrals, including any Yes No 8. If your plan offers a 5-year post Yes No
designated Roth contributions, limited to ■ ■ severance provision, are amounts ■ ■
the amounts under IRC 402(g) in a calendar year? contributed through a non-elective method?
Failure to limit deferrals to the 402(g) limit ($15,000 for 2006) Amounts contributed to an IRC 403(b) plan that an employee
may result in additional taxes and penalties to the employee had an option of receiving in cash are considered elective
and employer. deferrals and are not eligible for the 5-year provision.
4. Are the total employer and employee Yes No 9. Are you (as the employer) and your Yes No
contributions limited so as not to exceed ■ ■ vendor enforcing participant loan ■ ■
the IRC 415(c) limits? repayments and limiting aggregate loan
Total employee and employer contributions cannot amounts as required under IRC 72(p)?
exceed the lesser of $44,000 for 2006, or 100% of includible If not, defaulted loans or loans in violation of IRC 72(p) may
compensation. be deemed a taxable distribution and reported as income to
the participant.
5. If the IRC 402(g) “15 years of service Yes No
catch-up” contributions are being made, ■ ■ 10. Are you and your vendors requiring Yes No
does the employer have the required 15 documentation that hardship distributions ■ ■
years of full-time service with the same employer? meet the definitions and requirements for
Even if this requirement is met, a calculation must still be hardship found in the IRC 401(k) regulations?
made to determine the level of entitlement. The employer should certify, based on the facts, that the
participant has an immediate and heavy financial need.
If you answered “No” to any of the above questions, you may have a mistake in the operation of
your 403(b) plan. This list is only a guide to a more compliant plan, so answering yes to each question may not mean
your plan is 100% compliant. Many mistakes can be corrected easily, without penalty and without notifying the IRS.
■ contact your benefits professional ■ visit the IRS at www.irs.gov/ep ■ call the IRS at (877) 829-5500
Department of the Treasury Publication 4546 (10-06)
Internal Revenue Service Catalog Number 48817P
www.irs.gov
2. 403(b)
This checklist is intended to be one of the many tools a tax-exempt employer may use to keep its
plan in compliance. It’s just ten questions, so we’re only hitting a few of the trouble spots. Also,
you’ll notice our list of ten questions and these expanded explanations don’t contain information
related to the proposed regulations to 403(b). If and when those regulations become final, this
information will be updated. Since only eligible employers can set up a 403(b) account,
participants may not find this checklist very valuable. Participants should follow this link to our
403(b) publication for participants, Pub 4483. Employers may also find the 403(b) publication for
employers helpful, Pub 4484.
Hold Harmless Agreements were not discussed in any of the questions, mainly because the IRS
isn’t a party to the agreement. If a plan is ever subjected to an IRS audit, the Hold Harmless
Agreement means very little to the auditor. If the 403(b) plan’s loan program is not being
operated properly, if hardship distributions weren’t properly documented, if the universal
availability rule wasn’t met – the employer is held responsible for the problem. It’s always a good
idea to get in writing what is required of your vendors and other plan servicers, but a Hold
Harmless Agreement does not lessen the employer’s responsibility to properly administer the
403(b) plan.
Return to checklist
1. Organization
Only certain tax-exempt employers are eligible to maintain a 403(b) plan on behalf of eligible
employees. Following is a list of employees eligible to participate in a 403(b) plan:
• Employees of tax-exempt organizations established under 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code (IRC).
• Employees of public school systems who are involved in the day-to-day operations of a
school.
• Employees of a cooperative hospital service organization.
• Civilian faculty and staff of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.
• Employees of public school systems organized by Indian tribal governments.
• Certain ministers:
o Employed by a 501(c)(3) organization.
o Self-employed.
o Ministers not employed by a 501(c)(3) organization, but they function as a minister in
their day-to-day responsibilities with their employer, such as a hospital chaplain.
We need to further explain the second one on the list, Employees of public school systems…
Under IRC 170(b)(1)(A)(ii), what we call public school systems are more properly defined as an
education organization which normally maintains a regular faculty and curriculum and normally
has a regularly enrolled body of pupils or students in attendance at the place where its
educational activities are regularly carried on. Included in this category are:
• Public schools.
• State colleges.
• Universities.
Both faculty and non-academic staff (custodial employees, maintenance staff) performing
services for a public educational organization may be covered, but elected or appointed officials
holding positions in which persons who are not education professionals may serve are not
eligible. Members of the school board, university regents or trustees may not be eligible.
3. In order to be considered a tax-exempt organization established under 501(c)(3), the organization
may apply to the IRS for a determination letter by filing Form 1023. There is an exception for
filing for church and related organizations, and other organizations excepted under IRC 508.
Return to checklist
2. Universal Availability.
This universal availability rule means that if an employer permits one employee to defer salary
into a 403(b) plan, the employer must extend this offer to all employees of the organization.
However, certain employees may be excluded from the plan:
• Employees who will contribute $200 annually or less.
• Those employees who participate in a 401(k) or 457 plan, or in another 403(b) plan.
• Non-resident aliens.
• Employees who normally work less than 20 hours per week.
• Students performing services described in section 3121(b)(10).
This condition requires extra care from the employer. It’s easy to mistakenly assume certain
employees who only have a support role with the organization or who work in what is typically
considered a part-time role are not eligible for the plan. However, under the universal availability
rule, only employees who meet the specific exclusions do not have to be covered by the plan. A
mistake in this area may lead to the entire 403(b) plan losing its tax deferred status.
Return to checklist
3. Designated Roth Contributions
IRC 402(g) Limits.
There is a limit on the amount of elective deferrals a plan participant may contribute to a 403(b)
plan.
• Elective deferrals are limited to the lesser of $15,000 for 2006, $15,500 for 2007, or
100% of the participant’s includible compensation.
• Designated Roth contributions to a 403(b) plan count toward the $15,000 ($15,500 for
2007) 402(g) limit.
• Any catch-up contributions made are in addition to the 402(g) limit. (See questions 4, 5,
& 6 for information on the availability of different catch-up opportunities and associated
limits)
• This limit is subject to cost-of-living increases after 2007.
This 402(g) limit is a participant limit. If an employee participates in more than one 403(b) plan,
all elective deferrals to all 403(b) accounts must be combined to determine if the 402(g) limit of
$15,000 for 2006 is exceeded.
If an employee participates in both a 403(b) plan and a 457 plan, up to $15,500 may be
contributed to the 403(b) plan and another $15,500 to the 457 plan for 2007.
If an employee participates in both a 403(b) plan and a 401(k) plan, the deferrals to the 403(b)
and 401(k) plans must be combined to determine if the 402(g) limit of $15,500 for 2007 is
exceeded.
Return to checklist
4. 4. IRC 415(c) Limits
Several contribution limits apply to a 403(b) plan. A plan that includes both employer
contributions and employee elective deferrals is subject to both the limits under 402(g) and
415(c). Elective deferrals may not exceed the 402(g) limits and the total of all employer and
employee elective deferrals may not exceed the limits under 415(c). For the 2007 year, the total
of employer and employee contributions (including the 15 year catch-up discussed below) cannot
exceed the lesser of $45,000 or 100% of includible compensation, plus any age 50 catch-up
contributions.
If an eligible employer also sponsors a 457 plan for its employees, contributions to the 457 are
not limited under 415(c).
For example, assume Pat, age 50, has worked as a teacher in the Lincoln ISD for fifteen years; is
eligible for the 15 years of service catch-up; and has eligible compensation of $70,000 for 2007.
Pat is eligible for the school system’s 403(b) plan. What are the maximum employee and
employer contributions for 2007?
• Pat may have elective deferrals to the 403(b) plan totaling $18,500 ($15,500 plus $3,000
15 years of service catch-up)
• Employer contribution of $26,500, bringing the total employee and employer
contributions to $45,000, the 415(c) limit.
• Pat may also defer an additional $5,000 age 50 catch-up contribution for 2007.
• If Lincoln offers a 457 plan for 2007, Pat may defer an additional $15,500 to the 457
plan.
Return to checklist
5. 15-Years of Service Catch-up
To qualify for a 15-years of service catch-up, the employee must have 15 years of service with
the same employer. If the employee has at least 15 years of service with the same employer in a
public school system, hospital, home health service agency, health and welfare service agency,
church, or convention or association of churches, the limit on elective deferrals to his or her
403(b) account may be increased by up to $3,000 in any taxable year (lifetime employer by
employer limit of $15,000). Sounds simple, but it gets much more complicated. There are
several calculations to be dealt with prior to determining a participant’s eligibility to make a $3,000
catch-up contribution.
• To qualify for a 15-year catch-up, the employee must have 15 years of service with the
same employer; although, it doesn’t have to be consecutive.
• The increased contribution is limited to no more than $3,000 for any year, with a lifetime
employer by employer limit of $15,000.
• Level of Entitlement - This 15-year catch-up is only available to those participants who
average less than $5,000 per year in elective deferrals. The basic calculation to
determine the level of entitlement is (5,000 x Years of Service with the employer) minus
(total of all elective deferrals made to a 403(b), 401(k), or SIMPLE IRA plan maintained
by the employer – including the 15-year catch-up but excluding the age 50 catch-up) –
for all years of service with the employer).
• Catch-up ordering - The ordering for participants eligible for both types of catch-up
contributions is 15-year catch-up, then age 50+ catch-up.
• Maximum catch-ups - A participant eligible for both types of catch-ups may contribute up
to $3,000 extra for the 15-year catch-up, along with an extra $5,000 for the age 50+
catch-up for 2007.
5. • Designated Roth contributions in a 403(b) plan are included within all the different limits.
Making a determination that the years of service are with the same employer has its own
complications. We’ll try a few rules.
• If an employee works for the same school district, but at different schools within that
system, they work for the same employer.
• If an employee works for a hospital system, but works at different hospitals within that
system, they work for the same employer.
• If a minister is a self-employed minister, all those years of service as a self-employed
minister are considered working for the same employer.
It’s also necessary to determine the years of service for any participant interested in making the
additional 15-year catch-up contribution. How years of service are determined depends on
whether the employee was full-time or part-time, whether the employee worked a full year or only
a partial year, and if work was performed for the employer for an entire year.
A full-time position may be different for each position and each employer, and involves the
employer’s annual work period. The employer’s annual work period is the usual amount of time
an individual working full-time in a specific position is required to work. This period of time may
be expressed in days, weeks, months, or semesters and can span more than one calendar year.
This calculation may get very complicated. An employer planning to use the 15 year catch-up
should review our Pub 571 for a more detailed look at this calculation. This also may be an area
to ask for the input of a benefits professional.
Return to checklist
6. Catch-up Contributions
A 403(b) plan may permit participants who are age 50 or over by the end of the calendar year to
make additional salary deferral contributions. These catch-up contributions are not subject to the
general limits that apply to 403(b) plans, including the limits under 402(g) and 415. An employer
is not required to provide for catch-up contributions in any of its plans. However, if a plan allows
catch-up contributions, it must allow all participants who are eligible for the catch-up to make an
election with respect to catch-up contributions.
Here is a recap of the features and requirements of catch-up contributions in a 403(b) plan:
• The catch-up contribution limit for 2006 and 2007 is $5,000, subject to cost-of-living
increases after 2007.
• Catch-up contributions are in addition to the maximum 402(g) limits of $15,000 for 2006
and $15,500 for 2007.
• Participants eligible for both types of catch-ups may contribute up to $3,000 extra for the
15-year catch-up, along with an extra $5,000 for the age 50 catch-up for 2006 and 2007.
• Catch-up ordering - The ordering for participants eligible for both types of catch-up
contributions is the 15-year catch-up, then age 50 catch-up.
• If a 403(b) plan offers this catch-up to any participants, it must be offered to all
participants who are eligible to make elective deferrals.
• Designated Roth contributions in a 403(b) plan are included within all the different limits.
Return to checklist
6. 7. Annuity Contract or Custodial Account
We’re all waiting to see what changes the final regulations under 403(b) will bring. Will they
require a basic plan document or will a number of different documents and contracts, when taken
as a whole, make up the plan document? Currently, a plan document requirement does not exist;
however, a written requirement still exists in a number of instances. For the contributions not to
be included in the employee’s current income, an annuity contract or custodial account needs to
contain certain provisions:
• Annuity contracts should state the contract is not transferable.
• Contracts should state the limits under IRC 402(g).
• Contracts should include the direct rollover provisions of IRC 401(a)(31).
Return to checklist
8. 5-Year Post Severance
5-year post severance contributions should not be confused with post severance elective
deferrals. Post severance elective deferrals are employee deferrals that are based on amounts
that represent pay an employee would have received or leave that could have been taken were
he or she still employed (such as sick/vacation leave and back pay), but with some limits. In
order for an employee to defer post severance compensation, the regulations require that:
• The post severance elective deferral must represent pay that employees would have
received, or leave that could have been taken, if they had continued to work.
• The agreement to defer must be initiated prior to this compensation being paid or made
available.
• Post severance elective deferrals must be made by the later of 2½ months following
severance from employment or the end of the year in which the severance occurs.
• The total amount deferred for the calendar year (normal payroll deferrals plus post
severance deferral) cannot exceed the annual maximum limit under IRC 402(g) or 415(c)
that is in effect for the calendar year the deferral is made into the plan.
• Elective deferrals are always subject to FICA tax, which must be deducted from these
amounts before deferring into the plan.
5-year post severance contributions are employer contributions made to a 403(b) plan after
the employee’s severance from employment. Contributions may be made for an employee for up
to five years after their employment ends. These contributions are based on includible
compensation for that employee’s last year of service. In general, post severance contributions
must meet the following:
• Employer contributions may be made for an employee for up to five years after their
employment ends.
• Must be based on includible compensation for that employee’s last year of service.
o Includible compensation does not include amounts contributed by the employer
to the employee’s 403(b) account.
o Compensation for an employee working less than full-time should include a time
period that would constitute a year of service.
• Contributions may be made up to the limits under IRC 415 (see explanation for Q4
above) for each of the five years.
Following is an example of a 5-year post severance contribution and post severance elective
deferral. Assume a teacher retires on May 31, 2006, with six months of accumulated sick and
vacation leave that will be paid to him or her. Pay for the most recent period ending on the close
7. of the employee’s tax year is $40,000. The employer’s sick leave policy provides that $12,000
will be paid in cash to the employee and the balance will be made as an employer non-elective
contribution to the 403(b) plan for five years, up to the 415(c) limits. Possible 403(b) contributions
are:
• Post severance elective deferral – An employee may elect by May 31 to make an
elective deferral contribution of all or part of the $12,000 cash payment based on the
accumulated sick and vacation leave received by the later of 2 ½ months following
severance from employment or the end of the year in which the severance occurs,
subject to the limits under IRC 402(g).
• 5-year post severance contribution – The employer may contribute up to $40,000 for
each of the five years after retirement, subject to the limits under IRC 415.
Return to checklist
9. Loan Repayments
Generally, an employer maintaining a 403(b) plan for its eligible employees may permit plan
loans. If participants are permitted to borrow from their accounts, these loans should be based
on a detailed written loan program. Maintaining a loan program in a 403(b) plan can be very
difficult. For example, some vendors may not allow plan loans; some may not be collecting the
loan payments, while others may be ignoring the rules guiding the employer’s 403(b) loan policy.
Employers are responsible for the loan program, but sometimes rely exclusively on the vendor to
determine if a loan meets the requirements of the loan program and to properly collect the
payments.
That’s a very important point. Employers are responsible for determining if each plan loan made
to a participant meets the requirements of their loan program and IRC 72(p), and for enforcing
loan repayments. Hold Harmless Agreements do not lessen the employer’s responsibility.
A loan to a participant in a 403(b) plan is not taxable to the employee if it meets the following
criteria:
• The loan must be made as part of a written loan program maintained by the employer.
• A participant may borrow the lesser of 50% of their vested account balance, or $50,000.
• The loan must be repaid within 5 years, unless the loan is used to purchase the
participant’s main home.
• Loan repayments must be made in substantially level payments, at least quarterly, over
the life of the loan.
The $50,000 amount must be reduced if the participant has an outstanding loan from the plan (or
any other plan of the employer or related employer) during the 1-year period ending the day
before the loan. The amount of the reduction is the participant’s highest outstanding loan
balance during that period minus the outstanding balance on the date of the new loan. If this
amount is zero or less, ignore it.
The level payment requirement does not apply to the period in which the employee is on a leave
of absence without pay or on a rate of pay that is less than the required installment. Generally,
this leave of absence must not be longer than one year. The employee must repay the loan
within 5 years from the date of the loan (unless the loan was used to buy his or her main home).
The installment payments must not be less than the original payments.
If the plan suspends an employee’s loan payments for any part of the period during which the
employee is in the uniformed services, the loan may be suspended for longer than one year. The
loan payments must resume upon completion of such period and the loan must be repaid within 5
8. years from the date of the loan (unless the loan was used to buy the employee’s main home) plus
the period of suspension.
If an employee was were affected by hurricane Katrina, Rita, or Wilma, see Pub 4492 for more
information.
Return to checklist
10. Hardship Distributions
A 403(b) plan may permit employees to receive a hardship distribution because of an immediate
and heavy financial need. The requirements for a hardship distribution are found in the IRC
401(k) regulations. Hardship distributions from a 403(b) plan are limited to the amount of the
employee’s elective deferrals and generally do not include any income earned on the deferred
amounts. If the plan permits, certain employer matching contributions and employer discretionary
contributions may also be included in hardship distributions. Hardship distributions cannot be
rolled over to another plan or IRA. At the end of this expanded explanation is a discussion on the
special treatment available for qualified reservist distributions.
A distribution is treated as a hardship distribution only if it is made on account of the hardship. For
purposes of this rule, a distribution is made on account of hardship only if the distribution is made
both on account of an immediate and heavy financial need of the employee and is necessary
to satisfy that financial need. The determination of the existence of an immediate and heavy
financial need and of the amount necessary to meet the need must be made in accordance with
nondiscriminatory and objective standards set by the plan administrator. A distribution on
account of hardship must be limited to the distributable amount. The distributable amount is
equal to the employee’s total elective contributions as of the date of distribution, reduced by the
amount of previous distributions of elective contributions.
Immediate and heavy financial need. Whether an employee has an immediate and heavy
financial need is to be determined based on all relevant facts and circumstances. A distribution
made to an employee for the purchase of a boat or television would generally not constitute a
distribution made on account of an immediate and heavy financial need. A financial need may
be immediate and heavy even if it was reasonably foreseeable or voluntarily incurred by
the employee.
A distribution is deemed to be on account of an immediate and heavy financial need of the
employee if the distribution is for:
• Expenses for medical care previously incurred by the employee, the employee’s spouse,
or any dependents of the employee or necessary for these persons to obtain medical
care;
• Costs directly related to the purchase of a principal residence for the employee
(excluding mortgage payments);
• Payment of tuition, related educational fees, and room and board expenses, for the next
12 months of postsecondary education for the employee, or the employee’s spouse,
children, or dependents;
• Payments necessary to prevent the eviction of the employee from the employee’s
principal residence or foreclosure on the mortgage on that residence;
• Funeral expenses; or
• Certain expenses relating to the repair of damage to the employee’s principal residence.
Distribution necessary to satisfy financial need. A distribution may not be treated as necessary to
satisfy an immediate and heavy financial need:
9. • If the distribution is in excess of the amount needed to relieve the financial need of an
employee, or
• If the financial need may be satisfied from other resources that are reasonably available
to the employee.
This determination, generally, is to be made on the basis of all relevant facts and
circumstances. The employee’s resources are deemed to include those assets of the employee’s
spouse and minor children that are reasonably available to the employee. Thus, for example, a
vacation home owned by the employee and the employee’s spouse, whether as community
property, joint tenants, tenants by the entirety, or tenants in common, generally will be deemed a
resource of the employee. The amount of an immediate and heavy financial need may
include any amounts necessary to pay any federal, state, or local income taxes or
penalties reasonably anticipated to result from the distribution.
An immediate and heavy financial need generally may be treated as not capable of being relieved
from other resources reasonably available to the employee if the employer relies upon the
employee’s written representation, unless the employer has actual knowledge to the contrary,
that the need cannot reasonably be relieved:
• Through reimbursement or compensation by insurance or otherwise;
• By liquidation of the employee’s assets;
• By cessation of elective contributions or employee contributions under the plan; or
• By other distributions or nontaxable (at the time of the loan) loans from plans maintained
by the employer or by any other employer, or by borrowing from commercial sources on
reasonable commercial terms in an amount sufficient to satisfy the need.
A need cannot reasonably be relieved by one of the actions listed above if the effect would be to
increase the amount of the need. For example, the need for funds to purchase a principal
residence cannot reasonably be relieved by a plan loan if the loan would disqualify the employee
from obtaining other necessary financing.
A distribution is deemed necessary to satisfy an immediate and heavy financial need of an
employee if all of the following requirements are satisfied:
• The distribution is not in excess of the amount of the immediate and heavy financial need
of the employee.
• The employee has obtained all distributions, other than hardship distributions, and all
nontaxable (at the time of the loan) loans currently available under all plans maintained
by the employer.
• The employee is prohibited, under the terms of the plan or an otherwise legally
enforceable agreement, from making elective contributions and employee contributions to
the plan and all other plans maintained by the employer for at least 6 months after receipt
of the hardship distribution.
Record keeping is an important area that is commonly neglected. It’s important that plan
sponsors keep a record of all information used to determine that a participant was eligible for a
hardship distribution and the amount distributed was the amount necessary to alleviate the
hardship. Even though the 403(b) plan sponsor may be relying on outside vendors for much of
their plan administration, plan sponsors bear ultimate responsibility for determining that a
distribution was properly determined to meet the hardship requirements listed above. Hardship
distributions are subject to the 10% early distribution penalty on distributions made prior to
reaching age 59 ½.
10. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 provides that for distributions made after September 11,
2001, the 10% early withdrawal penalty does not apply to qualified reservist distributions. A
qualified reservist distribution is:
• One made to a reservist called to active duty for a period of at least 180 days or for an
indefinite period.
• Made beginning on the date of such order calling to active duty and ending on the close
of the active duty period.
• Made from an IRA or from amounts attributable to elective deferrals under a 403(b) plan,
401(k) plan, or certain similar arrangements.
A 403(b) or 401(k) plan is not in violation of other distribution restrictions by reason of making a
qualified reservist distribution. If a determination is made that a distribution made in a closed tax
year qualifies as a qualified reservist distribution, amended returns for those closed years may be
filed through August 16, 2007. Additionally, the amounts withdrawn may be repaid to an IRA in
one or more contributions within 2 years after the later of August 16, 2006, or the day after the
active duty period ends. Such contributions will not be taken into account for purposes of the
dollar limitations normally applicable to IRA contributions.
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