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BenefitsLink > Q&A Columns >

Who's the Employer?

Answers are provided by S. Derrin Watson, JD, APM

5th edition of Who's the Employer Coming Soon

(Posted December 13, 2008)

Question 298: When is the 5th edition of Who’s the Employer coming out?

Answer: A year or so after I publish an edition of Who’s the Employer, I start getting questions about when the next edition will be available. Well, it’s been three years since I released the 4th edition, and it’s high time for a new one.

I’m excited to announce that the 5th edition of Who’s the Employer -- A Guide to Employee and Aggregation Issues Affecting Qualified Plans is at the press. This is the latest version of the complete reference book on controlled groups, affiliated service groups, leased employees, employee status, and related issues. The print version should be available by the first week of January and electronic versions by the end of January.

A lot has happened since I published the 4th edition in 2005. The 5th edition is completely updated. Major updates include:

The new common control regulations for tax-exempt organizations
The new 415 regulations on compensation (including post-severance compensation) and the effect of a change in related employer status
HEART (with a new chapter on military issues relating to service, compensation and employee status)
Rewritten controlled group regulations
The effect of the final 403(b) regulations on employee status and related employer issues
Over 200 new examples

I’m doing something new with the 5th edition. If you order the print version of the book, I will send you the CD version at no additional charge. The CD includes copies of the key statutes and regulations, hyperlinked to the text so you can quickly follow cross-references. In addition to the print/CD version, there is also a web edition available.

I’ve begun accepting pre-orders at a 10% discount from the regular price. Click here to pre-order online by credit card. Click here for a form you can mail in with a check. But do it today because this 10% discount expires January 7, 2009.

Oh, by the way, here's one more question that pops up: Can I get an autographed copy? I’m surprised and flattered I get that question, but I do. Yes, if you really want it. If you want my John Hancock on your copy, email me at watson@employerbook.com.

Important notice:

Answers are provided as general guidance on the subjects covered in the question and are not provided as legal advice to the questioner or to readers. Any legal issues should be reviewed by your legal counsel to apply the law to the particular facts of this and similar situations.

The law in this area changes frequently. Answers are believed to be correct as of the posting dates shown. The completeness or accuracy of a particular answer may be affected by changes in the law (statutes, regulations, rulings, court decisions, etc.) that occur after the date on which a particular Q&A is posted.