Business owners have wide discretion in determining the best corporate structure to use in setting up their businesses. Some use a single entity, while others use multiple entities, which can take the form of corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies. Regardless of form, however, Continue Reading
IRS Provides Much Needed Guidance on COBRA Premium Subsidy
The Bottom Line ARPA’s COBRA subsidy presents a number of complicated administrative issues that employers, plan sponsors and administrators, and insurers alike should consider. In particular, there are a number of nuances to how the Notice may impact plan sponsors.Plan sponsors should consult with Continue Reading
Regulators Clarify COVID-19 Relief Deadline Extension
The Bottom Line Plan sponsors and administrators have been grappling with how to handle the possible expiration of the extension relief granted for certain deadlines applicable to group health plans under the “Joint Notice” published in May 2020 (the 2020 Guidance). With just two days to go Continue Reading
IRS Provides Cafeteria Plans with Flexibility Due To COVID-19
The Bottom Line Employers are rightfully concerned that many of their employees are dealing with a host of serious financial issues caused by COVID-19. Employers have been further frustrated that Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules have prevented them from relieving their employees’ stress by Continue Reading
Retirement Plans: Regulators Provide Relief from Certain ERISA Requirements During the COVID-19 Crisis
The Bottom Line The Notice provides valuable relief from the DOL’s enforcement of certain requirements under Title I of ERISA. However, the Notice does not affect a participant or beneficiary’s enforcement rights under ERISA.Much of the relief provides that enforcement actions will generally not be Continue Reading
Group Health Plans: Regulators Extend Deadlines During the COVID-19 Crisis
The Bottom Line The Notice provides important guidance and relief for group health plan sponsors and plan participants in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.The regulators have hit the pause button on many of the employee benefit plan timeframes during the period of the COVID-crisis.Since the guidance Continue Reading
Health and Welfare Considerations for Plan Sponsors Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Bottom Line As employers make changes to their workforces in response to COVID-19, particularly in light of recent legislation under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the recently passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), employers should Continue Reading
IRS Defers Tax Payment and Filing Obligations Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic
The Bottom Line The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has deferred both income tax payments and income tax filings to July 15, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, pushing the deadline three months later than the standard April 15, 2020 deadline. The full Notice 2020-18 (Notice) can be viewed Continue Reading
IRS Reopens Its Determination Letter Program to Cash Balance Plans and Merged Plans
The Bottom Line Under the IRS’ expanded determination letter program, plan sponsors of statutory hybrid plans (e.g., cash balance plans) may now submit an application for a favorable determination letter for a 12-month period beginning September 1, 2019. Additionally, all retirement plans that Continue Reading
Student Loan Repayment Benefit Under a 401(k) Plan: An Important New Benefit That Employers Can Offer Right Now
The Bottom Line Employers who wish to attract and retain a young and educated workforce should consider amending their 401(k) plans to provide this benefit. Employers interested in providing this student loan repayment benefit should consult with ERISA counsel prior to Continue Reading