Need 401(a) plan basic info

[Guest randyday]

I am in need of finding a web site for information on setting up a 401(a) plan and it's administration.

Thanks,

Randy G. Day

[Guest PA consultant]

That's a very broad request. I don't know if you'll find a web site like that. What kind of employer is it, government or private? If government, what state is it in? Are you talking about a DB or DC plan? You probably should get in contact with a consultant who works with the type of entity and plan you are working with. Even if you could find one, I don't think a web site is going to tell you everything you need to know.

[Appleby]

A 401(a) plan is a qualified plan, which includes profit sharing plan, money purchase pension plan, defined benefit etc.etc. IRC 401(a) is the section of the US Code that defines that requirements for a qualified plan See http://www4.law.cornell.edu/cgi-bin/htm_hl...ter_first_match

IRS Publication 560 provides some basic information on some qualified plans. See

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p560.pdf

[Guest Gregory]

Buy the Pension Answer Book from Aspen Publishers at www.aspenpublishers.com. If you are looking for a primer, it's THE BEST resource.

Also, check out their specialty books.

P.S. No I am not one of their salespeople.

[Ron Snyder]

The IRS, DOL, SBA and US Chamber jointly issued a publication that contrasts the various types of benefit plans:

Choosing a Retirement Plan for Your Small Business