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Overview of Savings Plan For OneSM
With the passage of EGTRRA (Economic Growth and Tax
Relief Reconciliation Act) in 2001, it now makes sense for
"owner-only" businesses to institute a 401(k) Profit Sharing
Plan. Prior to this, owner-only businesses were at a disadvantage because
while a traditional pension plan was too complicated and expensive to
implement and maintain, other alternatives such as SEP and SIMPLE IRAs did
not offer high enough contribution limits. With California Pensions’
Savings Plan For OneSM, no matter what
your business structure, it is possible for owner-only businesses to
contribute up to $44,000 toward your retirement savings.
How much can I contribute to this Plan?
Contributions can come from two sources -- salary
deferral of $13,000 or 100% of compensation, and a profit sharing
contribution of up to 25% of compensation. Combining both sources, you can
contribute up to $41,000. Additionally, if you are at least 50 years of
age, you can make additional catch-up contribution of $3,000 for 2004.
The difference in contribution limits for various plans
can be quite significant. Maximum funding limits for 2004 under various
plans are as follows:
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IRA: |
$3,000 plus $500 catch up |
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SIMPLE: |
$9,000 plus $1,500 catch up |
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Savings Plan For OneSM: |
$41,000 plus $3,000 catch up |
You may also be eligible for our Defined Benefit For
OneSM or Combination Plans For OneSM
products, allowing contributions in excess of the limits described above.
Please contact our office for further information about these services.
Option to consolidate all other retirement accounts
Another great benefit to consider is that if you
currently have other forms of retirement accounts such as an IRA, 403(b),
SEP-IRA and/or other qualified retirement accounts, you can consolidate
them all under your Savings Plan For OneSM.
How is my money invested?
Current law allows plan sponsors to invest in a wide variety of assets.
Stocks, bonds, CD’s, mutual funds, etc. are all common in retirement
plans. If you are utilizing the services of our strategic partner for
corporate trustee services, you are also able to invest in real estate and
deeds of trust. Unusual assets such as art work, gemstones, coins,
antiques, etc. are generally prohibited as a matter of law.
What are my costs and fees?
There is a $100 one time setup fee and $200 annual
administrative fee. Other fees may apply based upon specific services
which may be required, or if you choose to utilize corporate trustee
services. (Please see the Client Service Agreement in the downloadable brochure for
more details.)
Is there an annual compliance requirement?
Unlike a conventional 401(k) Profit Sharing plan, you
need not file a form 5500 nor is the plan subject to annual discrimination
testing. However, once the plan assets exceed $100,000, or if you hire
full time employees, your plan must be converted to a regular 401(k)
Profit Sharing plan that requires more extensive administration and
recordkeeping in order to be in compliance with government regulations.
California Pensions can help you with this transition.
What steps are involved in opening a Savings Plan For
OneSM account?
California Pensions makes sure that minimal work is
required for our clients to open an account. Following is the very simple
process involved:
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Client fills out Plan Sponsor Questionnaire, signs
Client Service Agreement, and makes setup fee payment. (Paperwork may
be downloaded here) |
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California Pensions drafts the plan document, sets
up account |
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Client is able to contribute. |
Corporate Trustee Option
If you elect to use the services of our strategic partner* as your
corporate trustee, you can still utilize the services of your current
financial advisor or broker. Please contact California Pensions’ Trust
Operations Department for additional details as there are specific
operating conditions for the accounts. You will receive quarterly
statements of your account detailing assets, transactions and fees.
California Pensions can provide duplicate statements to brokers, CPA’s,
or other interested parties if you so desire. The services of a corporate
trustee relieves you of the duty to provide California Pensions with
annual trust reconciliation forms and schedules which are needed for
annual calculations as well as annual government filings.
*Corporate trustee services provided through California
Pensions by Lincoln Trust Company, a Fiserv company. |