Definition and Examples of Qualified Retirement Plans
How do qualified retirement plans work?
Types of Qualified Retirement Plans
Benefits of Qualified Plans for Employers
Tax-Deductible Contributions
Employee Benefits from Qualified Plans
Definition and Examples of Qualified Retirement Plans
Qualified retirement plans are accounts where individuals put money throughout their lives to use during retirement. Because these funds are to be used only at retirement, you do not have to pay taxes on them until you withdraw them from the account.
Qualified retirement plans meet all the criteria established by the Internal Revenue Service to allow for tax-deferred contributions. Generally, these plans include employer-sponsored plans like 401(k) and 403(b) plans and Keogh plans (H.R. 10).
Employer-sponsored voluntary retirement plans are subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). These are the established standards designed to provide protections for employees investing in the plans, including regulations regarding tax-deferred contributions.
For example, if you have a 401(k) account through work, you regularly deposit money with the expectation that you will be able to use these funds for your living expenses after reaching age 59 and a half.
If money is deducted from each paycheck to put into your 401(k) account, it is taken out before taxes are applied. This means you have deferred paying taxes on that money until you decide to withdraw it from your 401(k) account. In return, you agree not to use the money until retirement age, and you assure your employer to keep it in a separate account that keeps your funds safe, regardless of what may happen to the company in the future.
How do Qualified Retirement Plans Work?
To be considered qualified, retirement plans must meet certain criteria in the Internal Revenue Code. These criteria relate to participation, contribution limits, and other features. The main requirements for the plan include:
- Participation: Qualified plans must generally be available to employees no later than upon reaching age 21 and after completing one year of service with the employer.
- Plan Document Compliance: The employer must prepare a plan document. This document must specify the types of contributions and benefits available. The plan must then operate as outlined in the document.
- Compensation Limits: The maximum compensation that can be considered when calculating benefits for an employee is $305,000 for the year 2022.
- Elective Deferral Limits: Elective contributions must not exceed $20,500 in the year 2022 (or $27,000 if you are age 50 or older), compared to $19,500 in 2021 (or $26,000 if you are 50 or older). This applies to 401(k) plans and other qualified plans that allow for tax-deferred contributions and certain Roth contributions.
- Total Contribution Limits: For 2022, the maximum contribution to a defined contribution plan is the lesser of $61,000 ($67,500 if you are age 50 or older) or 100% of compensation. For 2021, the maximum is the lesser of $58,000 ($64,500 if you are age 50 or older) or 100% of compensation. The maximum annual benefits and contributions that each employee can receive under a defined benefit plan cannot exceed $245,000 in 2022, compared to $230,000 in 2021.
Note: Contribution limits are subject to cost-of-living adjustments; this means they may increase in the future.
Types
Qualified Retirement Plans
A qualified plan can either be a defined benefit plan or a defined contribution plan. Defined contribution plans allow employers and employees to contribute to individual accounts established by the employer within the plan framework. The account value changes over time; you do not receive a fixed benefit at retirement. Common examples include 401(k) and 403(b) plans, profit-sharing, owning employer stock, or cash balance plans.
Defined benefit plans pay a fixed monthly benefit at retirement. They are often determined based on a formula that takes into account years of service and salary history. The popularity of traditional retirement plans has declined, but they are still good examples of defined benefit plans.
There are other retirement plans offered by employers that do not meet ERISA requirements. These are called non-qualified plans. They come in various forms. Generally, they are based on deferred income in some manner; mainly targeting executives. Qualified plans cannot be based on deferred compensation.
Benefits of Qualified Plans for Employers
These plans offered by employers provide advantages for both large and small companies. Here are some of these benefits.
Tax-Deductible Contributions
Contributions made by the employer to a qualified retirement plan on behalf of their employees are tax-deductible. If you are a sole proprietor, you can deduct the amount you contribute for yourself; this depends on the type of plan. Employers can deduct up to 25% of the compensation paid to qualifying employees for a defined contribution plan. The deduction for contributions to a defined benefit plan requires an accountant to calculate your maximum deductible amount.
Tax-Deferred Growth
Assets in the plan grow without being taxed. Generally, employers are not liable for taxes on contributions. For small business owners, qualified plans allow for significant investments. You can also accumulate profits in your retirement without paying taxes on those profits during your career.
Incentives
Businesses may receive special tax credits and other incentives for starting a qualified plan. In most cases, qualified employers with 100 or fewer employees who have earned at least $5,000 in profits can claim a tax credit. The amount is up to half the cost of setting up, operating, and educating employees about qualified plans. The maximum is $500 per year.
Employment Value
Plans make employers more attractive to employees. Qualified retirement plans represent an investment in the employee’s future. This means that these plans can play a significant role in helping employers attract and retain valuable employees.
Note: Contributions and retirement earnings generally grow without tax payments in qualified plans.
What Does This Mean for Individual Investors?
A retirement plan like a 401(k) or 403(b) or similar retirement plan may be the most effective way to fund your nest egg. Here are several reasons:
- They provide convenience. You do not need to schedule contributions; you can make them automatically through payroll deductions. Employees get an immediate tax break. Taxes on employee contributions can most often be deferred until distributions at retirement. By making contributions with pre-tax dollars, you can reduce your final tax bill for the year by hundreds or thousands of dollars.
- Assets grow without taxes. Contributions made by employees in the qualified plan and any earnings will continue to grow; they will be tax-protected until you withdraw the funds. Distributions will generally be subject to your income tax rate at the time of withdrawal. You may receive matching contributions. If your employer matches employee contributions, don’t miss out. Consider those matching contributions as free money you will receive each pay period. Try to contribute at least the amount needed in your qualified plan to receive the maximum match.
- You get
- On diverse investments. You will have several investment options to choose from, including mutual funds. Many plans offer low-cost investments with access to professional investment advice and guidance.
- You get protection from creditors. Plan assets are often shielded from collection actions under ERISA.
Key Takeaways
Qualified retirement plans are plans offered by employers that meet Internal Revenue Code requirements for tax-free contributions and tax-deferred growth. Qualified plans can take the form of defined contribution plans or defined benefit plans and may include 401(k) plans and pension plans. These plans provide one of the best ways to build retirement savings, thanks to tax benefits and the fact that employers often make matching contributions.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/what-is-a-qualified-retirement-plan-4156945
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