401(k) Plans for Rookies

Master the Basics So You Can Handle the Details

Available immediately

401(k) plans have more participants, more assets, and are greater in number than any other private pension plan. Chances are, you already participate in one. But do you understand what makes a 401(k) plan special and the ground rules under the Code and ERISA that must be satisfied to get the benefits of a 401(k) and avoid costly disputes? If you work for an employer that has or is considering a 401(k) plan, or if you are new to human resources or work for a 401(k) plan service provider, join our experts for this 90-minute web seminar. We’ll provide a firm grounding in the basics so you can make better sense of the details.

Originally presented on May 13, 2009.

Seminar Level


Beginner Difficulty

Topics Covered

Here’s some of what was covered:

  • Qualification: What is it and why does it matter?
  • Eligibility (the right to participate) and vesting (the right to keep employer contributions).
  • How elective deferrals work, how pre-tax and Roth contributions differ, and what other kinds of contributions can be made.
  • When and how can account balances be distributed? What are the tax consequences and how can they be altered?
  • In what other ways can participant accounts be accessed (loans, hardship distributions, and QDROs)?
  • The basic discrimination test for elective deferrals and how it can be avoided by plan design.
  • The basics on ERISA fiduciary duty.
  • Participant-directed investments: Who bears the risk?
  • ERISA reporting and disclosure requirements.

Details

Speakers: Cynthia A. Van Bogaert and John W. Haine. Ms. Van Bogaert is a partner in the Boardman Law Firm LLP of Madison, Wisconsin. She is a Contributing Author of EBIA’s 401(k) Plans manual. Mr. Haine is an attorney and Senior Editor at EBIA. He is a Contributing Author of EBIA’s 401(k) Plans manual and Editor of EBIA’s Fringe Benefits manual.

Handouts: A handout of the seminar slides and other information is provided through download.

Viewing Details

Accessing the recorded web seminar: After you purchase a recorded web seminar, you will receive an email with access information. You and your co-workers may then view the recording as many times as you wish for 60 days. An internet connection is required to view the recording; it can be stopped and started as needed and has a table of contents for easy navigation.

Recordings are accurate as of the date presented: Our recordings are accurate as of the presentation date of the live seminar. We supplement handout materials with articles from the EBIA Weekly covering significant later developments. You must check the table of contents at your access link for updates before viewing a recorded seminar.

Please respect our copyright: Do not record the web seminar, share the access link, or duplicate materials. For details on our copyright policy, please visit our Copyright page.

System Requirements for Recorded Web Seminars

EBIA uses WebEx technology for the seminar. You may wish to view system requirements, test your system and download any necessary WebEx software here:

http://www.webex.com/lp/jointest/

If you are not able to complete the WebEx installation, please contact WebEx technical support at (866) 863-3904.