DEFINED BENEFIT
Who can establish this Plan?
Any employer with one or more employees
When
must the Plan be established?
By the end of the fiscal year-end (12/31 for calendar year)
Are
contributions mandatory?
Yes, the employer makes contributions as required by plan terms, and calculated
by an enrolled actuary.
What
are the employer contribution limits?
Based on actuarial assumptions (i.e. age, compensation, etc.), ($185,000 Annual
Benefit Cap in 2008).
What
are the employee contribution limits?
No employee contributions allowed.
What
is the funding responsibility?
Funded by employer.
When
must contributions be made?
Employer contributions must be deposited no later than 8 ½ months after the
Plan Year End.
What
are the eligibility requirements?
The maximum allowable eligibility requirements that can be imposed are 21 years
of age and 1,000 hours of service in 2 preceding years. The employer has the
option of reducing these requirements.
What
are the vesting requirements?
Employer contributions may vest over time, typically a graded schedule with
full vesting after 6 years.
Is the
Plan subject to non-discrimination testing?
Yes. An Actuary will determine if the
benefits meet non-discrimination testing.
Is the
Plan subject to top heavy minimums?
Yes. If 60% or more of the plan assets are allocated to Key employees, then a
contribution shall be made to the non-key employees. This shall be the lesser
of 2% multiplied by Plan Years of Service or 20%.
When
is an employee eligible to withdraw from the Plan?
Payment of benefits may be made only upon reaching normal retirement age,
termination of employment, plan termination, disability or death.