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The BenefitsLink Newsletter -
Retirement Plans Edition
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July 6, 2001
Today's sponsor: Guide to the Form 5500 Series: 2001 Edition for 2000 Plan Years (click)


   The Guide to the Form 5500 Series: 2001 Edition for 2000
   Plan Years provides plan administrators concise,
   complete explanations of the forms, schedules, and
   instructions in the Form 5500 Series, which was revamped
   last year.   Written by respected author and lecturer
   Valeri L. Stevens. Just $134, but what a time-saver!
   Click for more details or to order online now.

IRS Releases Drafts of New Determination Letter Application Forms
Excerpt: "Listed below are draft revisions of Forms 5300, 5307, 5310, 6406 and Schedule Q and their related instructions. These draft forms may not be used to file determination letter applications. Users are cautioned that these forms are considered 'drafts' and, as such, remain subject to substantive and formatting changes before final versions are available." (Internal Revenue Service)

Revised LRM 42 on "Definite Benefit" Requirement for Defined Benefit Plans (PDF)
4 pages; dated May 24, 2001. The Listing of Required Modifications is a document containing sample language from the IRS, for use by firms that draft volume submitter or master and prototype documents for IRS approval. (Internal Revenue Service)

Revised LRM 40 on Section 415 Limitations for Defined Benefit Plans (PDF)
24 pages. The Listing of Required Modifications is a document containing sample language from the IRS, for use by firms that draft volume submitter or master and prototype documents for IRS approval. (Internal Revenue Service)

Finally, Better Deals for 403(b) Annuities
Excerpt: "There's one group of retirement savers -- maybe 6 million people -- whom I think of as forgotten. They're primarily teachers, health-care workers and employees of nonprofit organizations. They contribute to a type of retirement plan called a 403(b). In the geography of investing, the 403(b) is a backwater." (Akron Beacon Journal)

Another Question is Answered in the Correcting Plan Defects Q&A Column
Companies A and B sponsor 401(k) plans. In March 2001, Company A purchased Company B. Company A wants to merge the Company B plan into its plan; however, in May 2001, Company A discovers that the Company B plan has certain operational defects. What is the best way for handling this situation? (BenefitsLink.com)

Wisconsin Pension Case Creates Unprecedented Traffic to Court's Web Site
Excerpt: "The June 12 split decision upheld the constitutionality of a 1999 pension boost that increased payments for more than 100,000 workers who retired before 2000. Court officials said the opinion was downloaded 44,000 times on the day it was released, and 74,058 times during June." (StarTribune.com)

Rebalancing Your Client's Portfolio
Excerpt: "With the passage of time, variations in the performance of investment markets will move a client's portfolio further away from the allocation percentages established in the investment policy statement (IPS). To correct imbalances and keep the portfolio in line with the client's objectives and risk tolerance, account balances should be adjusted periodically to reflect desired allocation percentages." (Practitioners Publishing Company)

(Following items also appear in Welfare Plans Edition)


Welcome to new BenefitsLink advertiser CCH Incorporated
Excerpt: "Compliance Desktop software from CCH saves time, reduces repetition and ensures accuracy in administering both Stock Options and Employee Stock Purchase Plans. The Stock Options module is a tool for facilitating the entire options plan and The Employee Stock Purchase Plan module facilitates administration of stock purchase plans. Both modules are fully integrated to work with one another and can be purchased together or individually."

Employer Costs For Employee Compensation - March 2001
Excerpt: "In March 2001, employer costs for employee compensation for civilian workers in private industry and State and local government in the United States averaged $22.15 per hour worked, the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Wages and salaries, which averaged $16.07, accounted for approximately 73 percent of these costs, while benefits, which averaged $6.08, accounted for the remaining 27 percent." (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor)




Newly Posted or Renewed Job Openings (Post Yours!)
Defined Contribution Plan Administrator for Texas Benefit Planning, Inc.
in TX
Pension Plan Administrator for Benefit Associates, Inc. - Orange, CA
in CA
Defined Benefit Pension Administrator for Financial Planning Firm
in CA



Newly Posted Conferences (Post Yours!)
The Third Annual Employers' Roundtable Summit on Health Plan Administration in DC on April 10, 2002
presented by International Business Forum
Introduction to ESOPs in IL on October 3, 2001
presented by National Center for Employee Ownership
Introduction to ESOPs in MA on October 4, 2001
presented by National Center for Employee Ownership
Introduction to ESOPs in CA on October 4, 2001
presented by National Center for Employee Ownership
Introduction to ESOPs in MN on October 9, 2001
presented by National Center for Employee Ownership
Introduction to ESOPs in CA on October 9, 2001
presented by National Center for Employee Ownership
Introduction to ESOPs in IA on October 10, 2001
presented by National Center for Employee Ownership
Online Study Group for Course 2 in ALL STATES on September 10, 2001
presented by IFEBP/Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) Program; co-sponsor The Wharton School
Online Study Group for Course 4 in ALL STATES on September 4, 2001
presented by IFEBP/Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) Program; co-sponsor The Wharton School
Online Study Group for Course 7 in ALL STATES on September 4, 2001
presented by IFEBP/Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) Program; co-sponsor The Wharton School



Newly Posted Press Releases
Capital Financial Group/H. Beck, Inc. Joins with 401kExchange! (401kExchange.com)

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