WDIK

Age 62 will not draw scrutiny from the IRS. Below age 62, you are supposed to be able to show that the retirement age is justifiable based on data available for that industry. For NRAs of 55 to 62 there are differing opinions as to how much leeway the IRS will give.

No stress here. It's not April yet.

http://benefitslink.com/boards/index.php?showtopic=41137

An unofficial statement made in an unofficial telephone conversation with the IRS a number of years ago: "We really don't care as long as the money is sent in."

No.

The 8.5 months AndyH mentioned is still counted from the plan year end, regardless of whether the valuation date is the beginning of year or end of year.

What prototype are you using?

There is a 10% excise tax imposed on plan contributions that are not deductible.

The guidelines for filing a Form 5500-EZ for a defined benefit plan are the same as for other qualified retirement plans.

From my perspective, the "fees" you are concerned about are reducing potential earnings, not earnings actually credited to the trust account. Along with the Schedule A information, John Hancock also provides a Balance Sheet and Income Statement which shows actual earnings and expenses to use in preparing the Schedule I.

Please clarify.

You should report it on the Schedule I if it decreases the plan assets, if not, then don't.

Most certainly, yes.

http://benefitslink.com/boards/index.php?showtopic=41440

Are the trust investments pooled?

I don't think so. It appears that the extension was completed inappropriately.

Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful. - Attributed to Buddha The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving. - H. U. Westermayer: (Please feel free to add your own.)

It has been my understanding that it should be provided to all those who were participants during the period covered by the SAR.

I agree that the eligibility period provision is elective and does not need to shift. A plan document may also reflect the election that the service requirement is completed as soon as the hours requirement is met rather than waiting until the end of the eligibility period.

jasofk: Please give appropriate emphasis to Sieve's use of the word "generally", which may or may not be the case with your specific plan language.

How does the plan define the second year for eligibility purposes? Does the plan indicate service eligibility is satisfied upon the completion of hours or at the end of the computation period?

This statement by J Simmons reflects my initial reaction.

Following the terms of the trust and protecting the plan and participants are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Certainly there are other rememdies available.

Short plan year.

That would depend on the trust language, which should indicate if each individual can act independently, or if a majority or unanimity is required.