Category Archives: Industry News

Employees File Lawsuit Over Tribune ESOP

Posted on September 17, 2008 by Administrator

When the Tribune Company was purchased by Samuel Zell by utlizing an ESOP, one question was how long would it take before the litigation began. Today, that question was answered when a group of current and former employees filed suit … Continue reading →

Posted in ESOP, Industry News | Leave a comment

2008-09 Priority Guidance List Has Arrived and It Contains 2 New Programs from the IRS

Posted on September 12, 2008 by Administrator

The IRS released the 2008-09 Priority Guidance List on September 10th. The Priority Guidance List is the annual list from the IRS which contains the list of projects and programs which the IRS intends to address during the during the … Continue reading →

Posted in Industry News, IRS | Leave a comment

And the ERPA Contract Goes To……..

Posted on August 7, 2008 by Administrator

In a strange, almost bizarre, twist today, the IRS announced that they have awarded the contract to conduct the examinations for the Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent (ERPA) program to the American Institute of Retirement Education LLC, a partnership between the … Continue reading →

Posted in Industry News, IRS | Leave a comment

WSJ Article Provides Advice About Vesting

Posted on July 15, 2008 by Administrator

In a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, Kelly Greene answers the question from a reader about whether her employer can keep a percentage of the matching contribution in her account because she is not fully vested. It is … Continue reading →

Posted in Industry News | Leave a comment

Free Webcasts and Podcasts from the IRS and Other Miscellaneous Stuff

Posted on July 7, 2008 by Administrator

I always find a stack of “stuff” on my desk after a long weekend. Like everyone, I like free stuff, high tech stuff, and stuff that is designed for pension geeks. Here is a quick rundown of some of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Industry News, IRS | Leave a comment

Potential for IRS Data Mining Created by New Form 5307

Posted on June 23, 2008 by Administrator

The new edition of Employee Plan News, released today by the IRS, contains this warning information about the new Form 5307 – it is important that customers send in the original copy of the application and not a photocopy. Photocopies … Continue reading →

Posted in Determination Letters, Industry News, IRS | Leave a comment

ABA Weighs In on the IRS Priority Guidance List

Posted on June 12, 2008 by Administrator

The American Bar Association’s Section on Taxation has sent their recommendations for guidance to be included in the 2008-2009 IRS Priority Guidance List. Their list of items is reasonable and highlights a few items which are sorely needed. Their guidance … Continue reading →

Posted in Industry News, IRS | Leave a comment

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle the 2007-2008 IRS Guidance Priority List

Posted on April 22, 2008 by Administrator

Each year, the IRS issues the Guidance Priority List, containing the list of tax issues that the Service intends to address by issuing regulations, revenue rulings, revenue procedures, notices and other published administrative guidance. In Notice 2008-47, the IRS is … Continue reading →

Posted in Industry News, IRS | Leave a comment

Anticipation of March 31st and No EGTRRA Opinion/Advisory Letters

Posted on March 31, 2008 by Administrator

March 31st came and went with no EGTRRA defined contribution opinion/advisory letters. I was hoping for a nice chart like the IRS did for the GUST opinion/advisory letters. My favorite actuary has a theory about Announcement 2008-23 and April Fool’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Industry News, IRS | Leave a comment

IRS Selecting Vendor to Administer ERPA Exam

Posted on March 24, 2008 by Administrator

To earn the designation of Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent (ERPA) from the IRS, candidates must first pass an exam designed to demonstrate their competence. One of the first steps for the IRS in awarding the ERPA designation is for the … Continue reading →

Posted in Industry News, IRS | Leave a comment