QUOTE (dmb @ Feb 18 2009, 05:11 PM)

403(b) plan currently does not have provision for employer discretionary contribution. Employer would like to add provision for 2008. Can the 403b plan be amended by March 15, 2009 to allow for 2008 plan year employer contribution??
Strange as it may seem there is no prohibition on adopting a provision retroactive to a prior year in a 403b plan because there is no 403b analog to restrictions on adoption of retroactive amendments similar to the 401b rules for qualified plans. An amendment retroactive to 2008 could be adopted after March 15, 2009. Since there was no requirement under the IRS regs that a 403b plan even have a written document for plan years prior to 2009 how could there be a prohibition on adoption of a retroactive amendment for 2008?