Blue Ridge ESOP Associates Industry News

Your SPD Questions Answered

Posted by Jordan Callaham

Dec 16, 2019 10:33:58 AM

What is an SPD?

Read More

Topics: ERISA, DOL, Terminated Participants, Plan Document

10 Facts You Should Know Regarding ERISA Fidelity Bonds

Posted by Kevin T. Rusch, CPA, QPA

Oct 27, 2014 10:54:23 AM

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) requires that every fiduciary of an employee benefit plan and every person who handles funds of the plan be bonded. The purpose of the bonding requirements is to protect employee benefit plans from risk of loss due to fraud or dishonesty on the part of persons who ”handle” the plan assets. To monitor this requirement, plan sponsors are required to report annually on the IRS Form 5500 whether the retirement plan, including ESOPs, was covered by a fidelity bond and the amount of coverage for that respective plan.

While there are no specific penalties for failure to satisfy the appropriate bonding requirements, this is one step not to overlook. Plan fiduciaries can be held personally liable for any losses incurred by the plan that should have been covered by a fidelity bond. In addition, U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) investigators routinely review ERISA fidelity bonds during plan audits and investigations.

Read More

Topics: ERISA

ESOP & 401(k) Coordination Tips Post-Disclosure-Part 1

Posted by Tom Roback, Jr.

Jul 31, 2014 8:00:00 AM

After several postponements, 401(k) fee disclosure was mandated by the DOL (Department of Labor) before July 1st of 2012. So what kind of impact have we seen in the ESOP world? Has it been successful in helping plan sponsors and participants understand the costs of their 401(k) Plans?

Read More

Topics: ESOP & 401(k) Plans, ERISA

Experience the Leader in Personalized ESOP & 401(k) Administration

Blue Ridge ESOP Associates can provide everything you need to administer your ESOP, 401(k) or combination ESOP/401(k) plan. Our full service outsourcing, which can include participant on-line services, provides worry-free  assistance for your HR or Benefits staff, leaving them free to concentrate on other responsibilities.

Subscribe to Email Updates

Recent Posts