An employer-sponsored retirement plan is an extremely valuable benefit a company can offer its employees. At the heart of this benefit is the plan document—the official rulebook that explains exactly how the plan works. For plan sponsors, understanding this document isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. Here’s why:
It keeps the plan compliant.
The plan document spells out the rules that make the plan comply with government laws and regulations. These rules cover everything from eligibility requirements to contribution limits and distribution options. If the company doesn’t follow these rules, it could face serious consequences, such as fines, audits or even the loss of the plan’s tax advantages. By knowing what the document says, plan sponsors can make sure the plan stays in compliance and avoid costly mistakes.
It helps you run the plan.
The plan document provides clear instructions on how the plan should operate day-to-day. It explains who can enter the plan, when they can enroll, how contributions are calculated, and when employees can withdraw their account balance. If these rules aren’t followed, errors can occur—such as enrolling someone too early or miscalculating contributions. Such mistakes can be expensive and time-consuming to fix. Understanding the document helps sponsors keep their plan running smoothly.
It protects employees and the plan sponsor.
Plan sponsors have a fiduciary responsibility, which means they are obligated to act in the best interest of employees. Knowing the plan’s provisions ensures that decisions about investments, distributions, and other plan features are made fairly. This not only protects employees’ retirement savings but also helps the company avoid potential legal challenges.
It makes changes easier.
Laws and company policies evolve over time, and retirement plans often need to be updated to reflect changes. If plan sponsors understand the current plan provisions, they are better equipped to make updates more efficiently and avoid creating conflicts or gaps in the rules. This proactive approach keeps the plan flexible while remaining compliant.
It improves communication.
Employees will have questions about their retirement benefits. When can they start contributing? When are they eligible for a distribution? Plan sponsors who understand the plan document can provide clear, accurate answers. This builds trust and helps increase employee confidence in their retirement planning.
As you can see, the plan document isn’t just paperwork—it’s the foundation of the retirement plan. For plan sponsors, understanding the plan document means staying compliant, avoiding costly errors, protecting employees, and ensuring smooth operations.
