401(k) Plan Workshop (1-day program)

NOTICE: Beginning May 31, 2009, seminar e-mail reminders will be limited to e-mail subscribers only. Subscribe to our free e-mail alert service to be among the first to know when updated seminar information and online registration become available on our Web site. 

 

Changing Times and Continuing Challenges

Late 2008 legislation presents new problems and obstacles for 401(k) practitioners. Changes in the required minimum distribution rules require employers to choose and implement a 2009 strategy. Difficult economic times for participants mean more participant loans in default as well as increased hardship distribution requests and QDROs. As employers grapple with design alternatives, the safe harbor plan continues to dominate new 401(k) plans as a means of clearing the way for maximum HCE deferrals. Yet, potentially complex nondiscrimination testing methods emerge when the employer combines profit sharing contributions with the seemingly straightforward safe harbor design. Finally, penalty taxes await employers who stumble in applying the rules.

Are you ready for the challenges that await you in 2009? SunGard again this year will present this annual 401(k) Plan Workshop to equip you for these challenges. Combining the new with the old, the 401(k) Plan Workshop will explore recent law changes and keep you up-to-date on handling administrative challenges in difficult economic times.

Topics include:

  • Required Minimum Distribution Rule Changes for 2009
  • PPA Technical Corrections
  • New IRS Guidance on Early Entry and the Otherwise Excludable Rule
  • Treatment of Loan Defaults, Hardship Distributions, and QDROs
  • Complex Testing of “Ordinary” Allocations
  • Other New IRS/DOL Guidance

NOTE: Back-to-back scheduling!
In most locations, the 401(k) Plan Workshop is preceded by the Form 5500 Workshop. A multi-program registration discount is offered for those who wish to attend both programs at the same location.

Objectives: Upon completion of the 401(k) Plan Workshop, the attendee should be able to:

  • understand the law changes of WRERA that impact 401(k) plans, including the 2009 required minimum distribution waiver.
  • understand and apply the new IRS guidance regarding the use of the “otherwise excludable employee” rule.
  • understand the benefits of the safe harbor 401(k) plan and explain alternative designs for the safe harbor plan.
  • have a better understanding of issues surrounding the administration of defaulted loans, hardship distributions and QDROs.
  • identify and understand potential nondiscrimination testing issues in 401(k) plan allocations.
  • identify potential sources of tax penalties that may arise in 401(k) plan administration.

Who Should Attend
The 401(k) Plan Workshop is designed for experienced practitioners. However, with our case study approach, even less-experienced practitioners can follow the issues and obtain valuable knowledge.

Third party administrators, consultants, attorneys, accountants, actuaries, trust officers, investment advisors, insurance agents, corporate benefits staff – including compensation and human resources – and others involved with plan design, compliance, administration, and reporting will all benefit from this program.