ERISA Roundup - Q1 2020

A NOTE FROM BDO’S NATIONAL ERISA PRACTICE LEADER

In unprecedented times, we find value in relationships. When change overwhelms, we have the opportunity to join together to share education, resources, and compassion. At the heart of our partnerships are good people doing their best to further the goals of their organizations and the team members within them.

Our own priorities have shifted along with those of the nation. Our goal over the next few months is to enable you to understand complex regulations and stay ahead of changing deadlines. Beyond the financial aspects of your day-to-day, you’re likely already facing tough decisions involving the health and welfare of your workforce. We’re here to help.

Amidst the typical articles you’ve come to expect in our quarterly ERISA Roundup, you’ll find a plethora of information around the CARES Act. As our worldview evolves, we’ll continue to share insights to keep your business operational and profitable during this crisis and beyond. 

Together we can recover stronger. Please feel free to reach out to any of our dedicated team members for support

Sincerely,



IN THIS ISSUE...

Immediate Actions Needed by Retirement Plans to Comply with the SECURE Act of 2019

On December 20, 2019, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act) became law, as part of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 1865), which was primarily a budget and spending law.

Read the Tax Insight
 



New Opportunities for Workplace Retirement Plans Under the SECURE Act

By now, most employers know that the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act) became law on December 20, 2019, as part of a federal budget and spending bill (H.R. 1865).



Health Savings Accounts: Tools for Creating a Healthy Retirement

When employees hear that their company offers a Health Savings Account (HSA), many fail to make the connection to how these tax-advantaged accounts for qualified medical expenses can help them prepare for a successful retirement.



Cybersecurity Considerations for the DOL’s New Electronic Disclosure Rule

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a proposed new rule in October 2019 that would allow retirement plan sponsors to post plan disclosures online, rather than having to deliver this information via physical mail. 



SECURE Act: Educating Employees About What It Means for Them

The recently passed Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act includes many changes designed to help strengthen employees’ retirement security.



Reducing the Risk of Fraud in Benefit Plans

Benefits leaders spend a lot of time understanding the complex rules that govern plans, and often less time making sure controls are in place to protect against fraud.



Employers Can Immediately Provide Tax-Free Qualified Disaster Payments To Employees In Connection With COVID-19

Employers are scrambling to find ways to help their employees who are impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).



Federal Aid Package Helps Individuals Affected by COVID-19

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201),  became law on March 18, 2020.



How To Determine If An Employer Has "Fewer Than 500 Employees" For COVID-19 Federal Paid Sick And Family Leave Mandates

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) became law on March 18, 2020.



IRS Outlines Procedures for Payroll Tax Credits and Rapid Refunds for Employers Making Federally-Mandated COVID-19 Leave Payments

The federal government is trying to get much-needed cash into the hands of employers and employees affected by COVID-19 as quickly as possible. 



Act Now to Take Advantage of SBA Loans and Payroll Tax Incentives

In light of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic, many small and midsize businesses are struggling to manage revenue losses amid prolonged economic uncertainty.



Individuals: What You Need to Know About the CARES Act

On March 6, 2020, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 was enacted, becoming the first of three Congressional relief and stimulus acts passed in March and setting off a firestorm of administrative relief by several federal agencies including the IRS and Department of Labor.



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