Wrapping Up 2023: A Comprehensive Guide to End-of-Year 401(k) Tasks

As the end of 2023 draws near, those responsible for their company 401(k) plan have much to consider.

With a combination of standard annual tasks and new SECURE Act provisions on your plate, we are here to help you.

This article is a helpful guide for wrapping up 2023 smoothly! We will dive into those end-of-year 401(k) tasks that require your attention including plan design review, SECURE Act preparation, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), employee deferrals and more.

Annual Review

An annual review is a great time to kick the tires and make sure your plan is still working well. Assessing key demographics such as participation, deferral rates, assets allocation and loan activity can help shine light on opportunities for the plan. Updates could be necessary to keep your plan in compliance, boost performance and/or better suit your organizational needs.

Safe Harbor Considerations

If you are considering adding or changing your company match formula, now is a good time to discuss it before December 1st. Both new and existing plans need to finalize any decisions on safe harbor match changes before the deadline. This will allow sufficient time to distribute the required notices.

Long-Term, Part-Time Employees

Starting January 1st, 2024, new rules go into effect for long-term, part-time employees. The SECURE Act requires 401(k) plans to allow employees who have worked 500 hours or more in the past three consecutive 12-month periods to contribute to the plan. It's important that you track and record the correct hours.

Required Minimum Distributions

The annual deadline for paying out RMDs is December 31st, so now is the time to get ahead. Take this time to review the list of affected participants. This includes current and terminated participants over the age of 72 (73 if the person reached age 72 after December 31st, 2022).

Bonuses

If paying year-end bonuses, you might consider checking the definition of compensation in your document. If bonuses aren't included in this definition, there won't be any deductions for 401(k) or 403(b) contributions from the bonus. However, if the plan counts all types of pay as compensation, contributions should be taken from the bonuses.

Opt-Out Records

While the decision to participate in the retirement plan rests solely with each employee, it is your responsibility to keep accurate documentation. It's essential to keep clear records, indicating that employees were given the choice to defer their participation. Furthermore, any instances where an employee has chosen to defer 0% of their earnings must be meticulously recorded.

Expense Account

If you have an ERISA spending account, also known as an ERISA bucket or plan expense reimbursement account, review it before the year ends. This account is typically used to cover plan-related costs. However, if there is leftover money in the account, it is often distributed back to the participants. Your plan document should provide details on how this surplus revenue is distributed. Some plans distribute the excess to all participants, while others only disburse it to those who invest in funds with revenue-sharing agreements.

Required Notices

Remember, December 1st is the deadline for annual participant notices. These notices inform employees about their 401(k) plan's operations, investment options and fees. Ensuring timely distribution helps avoid penalties and maintains your plan's tax benefits.

Lean on Your Advisor

The end of the year is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. That is why we work closely with our clients to tackle these end-of-year tasks. Whether it's questions about required notices, compliance deadlines, plan design review or anything else, we're here to help.

About Your Local Connecticut Retirement Advisor

At Jacobs Financial Partners, we bring sound financial strategies that build confidence to those who need it most. We are passionate about providing solutions that:

Can drive retirement plan success.
Boost participant outcomes and retirement readiness.
Help families pursue their financial goals.

As experienced financial planners and music lovers, we listen with open ears and compose a plan tailored to meet each client’s needs.

Frank P. Zocco, Jr., CFP®, AIF®, CRPS®

Partner

Jacobs Financial Partners, LLC

95 Glastonbury Blvd, Suite 210

Glastonbury, CT 06033 (860) 657-8757

www.JacobsFinancialPartners.com

Frank@jacobsfinancialpartners.com

Investment Adviser Representative offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, member FINRA / SIPC, a broker-dealer and registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Distributions from traditional IRA's and employer sponsored retirement plans are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken prior to reaching age 59 ½, may be subject to an additional 10% IRS tax penalty. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. For a comprehensive review of your personal situation, always consult with a tax or legal advisor. Neither Cetera Advisor Networks LLC nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice.

This information was developed as a general guide to educate plan sponsors and is not intended as authoritative guidance or tax/legal advice. Each plan has unique requirements, and you should consult your attorney or tax advisor for guidance on your specific situation.