Defined Contribution Categories

A Defined Contribution plan is a retirement plan in which employees contribute a fixed amount or percentage of their compensation to an individual account under the plan. Contributions are invested on the employee’s behalf and they will ultimately receive the balance in their accounts upon retirement. Examples of defined contribution plans include 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, employee stock ownership plans, and profit-sharing plans. For-profit companies can offer a 401(k) plan to help their employees save for their future by giving them the opportunity to defer pre-tax or after-tax dollars via payroll deduction into their account and select from a diversified investment menu. 403(b) plans provide retirement benefits for employees of public school districts, hospital groups, or 501(c)(3) organizations in these non-profit business sectors. An employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) is an employee benefit plan that gives workers ownership interest in the company; this interest takes the form of shares of stock. Profit-sharing plans are a way for a company to share profits with its workers and align the financial well-being of workers with the company’s success. 457 plans cover retirement benefits for state and local government employees and some non-profit businesses. There are benefits to Employers for sponsoring retirement plans; research applicable defined contribution articles on the Watkins Ross blog. Our Watkins Ross retirement team has the experience and knowledge to help you design a plan to meet your business goals; connect with us here to learn more.

In-Service Distributions from Defined Benefit Plans
In-Service Distributions from Defined Benefit Plans

The Bipartisan American Miners Act of 2019 allows in-service distributions for retirement plan participants to commence at age 59 ½. However, in a defined benefit plan, to receive in-service lump sum distributions at age 59 ½, the distribution must satisfy certain thresholds. Read on to learn more about defined benefit plan lump sum distribution requirements.

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SECURE Act: Plan Amendment Options
SECURE Act: Plan Amendment Options

The SECURE Act was signed into law on December 20, 2019. Your plan will require an amendment prior to the end of your 2022 plan year. Below are provisions that you will be able to elect in the plan amendment: Qualified Birth or Adoption Distribution (“QBAD”): A...

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401(k) Retirement Plan Audit
401(k) Retirement Plan Audit

Why does my 401(k) retirement plan need an audit? The 401(k) plan audit is mandated by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and is intended to make sure a plan is being run correctly. The audit seeks to; (1) review 401(k)...

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