by JoAnn Cassell | Aug 18, 2020 | Audit Deadlines, Audit Procedures
Fall is an especially busy time in the world of 401k plan administration. If you aren’t prepared for it, the sheer volume of work can take you by surprise. You’ll want to stay on top of several reporting requirements, tax forms, employee notices, and deadlines. Here...
by JoAnn Cassell | Jul 17, 2020 | Audit Procedures, hardship distributions
If your company offers a 401k plan in your benefits package, you already know that those funds should be kept out of reach until participants reach age 59½. There are exceptions, however. Most 401k plans allow withdrawal before retirement age in cases of financial...
by JoAnn Cassell | Jun 30, 2020 | 401k Audit Time, Audit Procedures
If the word “audit” makes you cringe, you’re not alone. At their worst, audits can be a major pain. They can sap your time, energy, and resources. When our clients ask us how long a 401k audit will take, they’re usually afraid of the answer. But there’s good news. If...
by JoAnn Cassell | May 26, 2020 | 401k Audit Firm, Audit Procedures
Auditing your company’s 401k plan can be a disruptive and lengthy process, taking up precious time and human resources. If handled badly, it can end up costing your organization thousands more than it should, not to mention the additional stress it puts on the team...
by JoAnn Cassell | Apr 13, 2020 | Audit Procedures
Like everyone around the globe, Cassell Plan Audits is closely following the coronavirus pandemic. We’re abiding by the guidelines that our government leaders and health authorities have set, practicing social distancing and refraining from gathering in large groups...
by JoAnn Cassell | Mar 17, 2020 | Audit Procedures
While the term “audit” can strike fear into the hearts of even the most seasoned business professionals, the audit process for your company’s 401(k) plan doesn’t have to be an intimidating one. Any company-sponsored retirement plan with 100 or...
by JoAnn Cassell | Mar 6, 2020 | Audit Procedures
Your company has reached that “sweet spot” you know your staffing volume has grown and a benefit audit is imminent. Maybe you’re wondering if the accounting firm you’re with has the ability to manage this huge and important task. At Cassell Plan Audits we partner...
by JoAnn Cassell | Feb 28, 2020 | Audit Procedures
Employee benefits can become a minefield in terms of compliance — and that’s why auditing is so important (and not simply a requirement). As your friendly neighborhood auditor, I wanted to share the top 5 findings my team and I found in our work this year – to...
by JoAnn Cassell | Jan 25, 2018 | Uncategorized
Cassell Plan Audits is pleased to announce the addition of Pamela Orlowski to their team. Pamela has over 7 years of public accounting experience, and over 3 years specializing in audits of qualified plans. Her background also includes general accounting, working...
by JoAnn Cassell | Mar 29, 2017 | Uncategorized
Plan Sponsors of qualified 401(k) and 403(b) plans are advised to be aware of the February 23, 2017 IRS Memorandum, which was issued to agents to help clarify the IRS substantiation guidelines for safe-harbor hardship withdrawals. With this Memorandum, the IRS has...
