THE ACCIDENTAL ENTREPRENEUR PART IV
Happy Spring from the Kaufman & Canoles ESOPs, Benefits & Compensation team! We hope you’re shaking off the winter blues and ready for another round of benefits updates. ...more
The April 2025 Section 7520 rate for use with estate planning techniques such as CRTs, CLTs, QPRTs and GRATs is 5.00%, which is 0.40% less than the March 2025 rate. The April applicable federal rate (“AFR”) for use with a...more
The first few months of 2025 brought the potential for many changes. On January 20, 2025, one of the Executive Orders pulled back all proposed regulations that had been issued in the last 60 days, including proposed...more
by Alex Smith A recently filed lawsuit related to Swiss Re’s 401(k) plan stands out because of the extensive assortment of allegations...more
In January, the Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued proposed regulations on the catch-up contribution provisions under the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 (“SECURE 2.0”). While the...more
The IRS issued Proposed Regulations last month which provide helpful clarity for employers on how to implement and comply with two new SECURE 2.0 provisions relating to catch-up contributions....more
Background - Many defined contribution plans are designed to permit participants to take advantage of an increased employee contribution limit starting the year they turn 50....more
Starting in 2026, Highly Compensated Employees will have to make their Catch Up Contributions as after tax Roth deferrals. The Internal Revenue Service issued regulations to that effect, after the SECURE 2.0’s required...more
Typically, a parent wishes to treat their children equally in their estate plan and presumes they will achieve this goal by dividing all their assets into equal shares upon their death. Accordingly, they will designate their...more
The Internal Revenue Service has been busy. On Friday, January 10, 2025, the IRS issued several notices of proposed rulemaking impacting qualified retirement plans. One set of proposed rules adds to the SECURE 2.0 requirement...more
Last year, the IRS issued its long-anticipated final (and newly proposed) regulations to address SECURE 1.0 and 2.0 Act changes to the required minimum distribution (“RMD”) rules (Code section 401(a)(9)). The 2024 proposed...more
Retirement plan administration mistakes require difficult conversations with participants, especially when the mistake involves an overpayment. Changes in the law, specifically, SECURE 2.0 and IRS Notice 2024-77, give plan...more
As 2025 approaches, we want to share important reminders about key changes from the SECURE 2.0 legislation that have taken effect or will take effect soon. •Increased Catch-up Contribution Limit for Ages 60 - 63....more
On July 19, 2024, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) issued final regulations (“2024 regulations”) regarding the SECURE Act of 2019 and the SECURE Act 2.0 of 2022, which apply to 401(a) plans, 401(k) plans, traditional and...more
Since 2002, employers have been able to make catch-up salary deferrals to their employees in their 401(k), 403(b), and governmental 457(b) plans beginning in the calendar year in which they turn 50 (the “Age 50 Catch-up”)....more
The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 (the “SECURE 2.0”) made significant changes to retirement plans and how they operate. Many of the changes have already been implemented by service providers, but some sponsors will need to plan for...more
If you are 73 or older, remember to take your Required Minimum Distributions from any retirement plan or IRA you may have. As discussed in prior blog posts, Required Minimum Distributions (“RMDs”) are taxable amounts that...more
A record-breaking stock market has again generated significant wealth this year. The gift tax, estate tax and generation-skipping transfer tax are all imposed on the fair market value of assets at the time of transfer. Gifts...more
As the end of 2024 draws near, it’s a great time to review your finances and prepare for a prosperous new year. Whether you’re cozying up by the fire or decorating with family, a little year-end financial planning can help...more
The Internal Revenue Service has released cost of living increase numbers for many retirement and welfare plan limits for plan years commencing in 2025. Elective deferrals to 401(k) and 403(b) plans increased from $23,000 to...more
Updated 401(k) and 403(b) Requirements for Long-Term Part-Time Employees. Starting in 2025, 401(k) and 403(b) retirement plans must offer the plan’s salary deferral feature to long-term part-time employees who are at least...more
With 2024 drawing to a close, employers should review any actions needed before year-end with respect to their benefit plans, as well as some upcoming deadlines that may require advance planning. As the adage attributed to...more
The November Monthly Minute kicks off the season of giving with SECURE 2.0 requirements for 2025 and the latest IRS retirement plan cost-of-living adjustments....more
Converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA? Clients must be aware of a new rule that requires all this year's Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) to be taken first. Previously, only the RMD on the account being converted...more
Recent changes implemented by Secure Act 2.0 provide a powerful retirement opportunity. Starting in 2024, Congress changed the way that 529 accounts work....more