by JoAnn Cassell | Jul 15, 2024 | 401k Plan Audit, 401k Plan Mistakes, Audit Deadlines, Audit Procedures
As a plan sponsor, you’ve got a lot on your plate, and it’s easy to back-burner certain tasks—like your annual 401(k) audit. If you’re wondering (hypothetically or not), “What happens if I miss a 401k plan audit deadline?” … Here’s your...
by JoAnn Cassell | Jun 15, 2024 | 401k Compliance, 401k Plan Audit, Audit Procedures, Preparing for a 401(k) audit, Regulations & Policies
Here’s how to determine the number of qualifying participants for your 401(k) audit. The total number of participants with balances in your retirement plan drives how the IRS Code and the Department of Labor see your plan. For audit purposes, this definition...
by JoAnn Cassell | May 15, 2024 | 401k Audit Time, 401k Plan Audit, 401k Plan Mistakes, Audit Deadlines, Audit Procedures, Preparing for a 401(k) audit
As a plan sponsor of a 401(k) plan that requires an annual audit, you’ve probably wondered in frustration, “Why does it take so long?” Here’s how to streamline your 401(k) plan audit. Spoiler alert: audits can be time-consuming… but they don’t have to be! Here are...
by JoAnn Cassell | Apr 15, 2024 | 401k Audit Firm, 401k Audit Oversight, Auditor, How to choose an auditor, Preparing for a 401(k) audit
Hiring a 401(k) plan auditing firm is an important decision. Here’s how to ensure that you choose the right auditor for your next benefit plan audit. Did you know that auditors get audited too? I know… Why should I care? Because: The Department of Labor’s findings can...
by JoAnn Cassell | Mar 15, 2024 | 401k Plan Audit, 401k Plan Audit Documentation, Audit Deadlines, Audit Procedures, Preparing for a 401(k) audit
For employers or plan sponsors with 401(k) plans with 100 or more participants with balances, here’s how to prepare for your first 401(k) plan audit. Step One: Determine whether your 401(k) plan requires an independent audit. Firstly, who makes this determination? ...
by JoAnn Cassell | Feb 15, 2024 | 401k Plan Audit Documentation, Plan Sponsors, Preparing for a 401(k) audit, Regulations & Policies
As a seasoned plan sponsor, this is not your first audit. Here is a quick-and-easy checklist for your next 401(k) plan audit so you catch what may have changed—on your side or the regulatory side — to ensure that your next audit is as painless and efficient as...
by JoAnn Cassell | Jan 15, 2024 | 401k Plan Audit, Audit Insights
We learn the most indelible lessons from our mistakes, right? This year, save yourself (and your auditor!) time and headaches by learning from someone else’s mistakes. Fresh out of this year’s audit season, it’s time for our annual look back at the most common errors...
by JoAnn Cassell | Dec 15, 2023 | 401k Compliance, Employee Addition, Plan Sponsors, Record Retention, Regulations & Policies, SECURE Act
It’s official! The IRS (finally!) released guidance on the new treatment of LTPT employees (long-term part-time) vis-a-vis your 401(k) plan. And not a moment too soon! Changes are effective 1-1-24. Here’s what you need to know to treat LTPT employees properly in the...
by JoAnn Cassell | Nov 15, 2023 | 401k Plan Audit, 5500, Regulations & Policies
If your 401(k) plan is close to hitting “large” by DOL rules at the start of your plan year, the 80/120 rule could save you time and money. It happens. You begin a new plan year, and suddenly, you’re now a “large” 401(k) plan by Department of Labor standards....
by JoAnn Cassell | Oct 15, 2023 | 401k Audit Firm, 401k Audit Oversight, 401k Plan Audit, Auditor, How to choose an auditor, Plan Sponsors, Virtual Audits
Wondering how to choose the right 401(k) plan auditor for your organization? Here’s what to look for—and avoid—in selecting your auditing firm. If your company’s 401(k) plan is considered “large,” you must have an independent firm audit your plan’s financial...
