Business Details
48 Years
experience
Retirement Plan Consulting & Compliance Services
The Retirement Plan Blog has been a trusted leader in retirement plan consulting, actuarial services, and administration since 1978. Our firm specializes in designing, administering, and terminating qualified retirement plans, including defined benefit pension plans, cash balance plans, 401(k) plans, and employee stock ownership plans. With decades of experience, we provide tailored solutions to U.S. and multinational employers, ensuring compliance with evolving IRS and ERISA regulations.Our team of seasoned professionals offers direct client engagement, personalized retirement program development, and ongoing education to help employers meet their retirement plan objectives. We prioritize fiduciary guidance, compliance with regulatory standards, and strategic planning to deliver reliable, client-focused outcomes.
Services
Retirement Plan Design
Defined Benefit Plans
401(k) Plan Administration
Cash Balance Plans
ERISA Compliance
Plan Document Restatements
Fiduciary Guidance
Compliance Audits
Retirement Plan Termination
SECURE Act Consulting
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of experience in retirement plan design and compliance since 1978.
- Our team provides direct access to seasoned professionals with expertise in ERISA and IRS regulations.
- We deliver personalized retirement program development tailored to employer objectives.
- We ensure compliance with legislative changes, including SECURE 2.0 and Cycle 3 restatements.
- We provide ongoing client education and strategic consulting for long-term retirement plan success.
Services
Retirement Plan Design
We specialize in creating customized retirement plans tailored to employer goals, including defined benefit, cash balance, and 401(k) plans. Our solutions ensure compliance with IRS and ERISA regulations while optimizing tax benefits and employee participation. With decades of experience, we help employers structure plans that align with their financial and workforce objectives.
ERISA Compliance
Our firm ensures retirement plans adhere to ERISA standards and IRS requirements through document restatements, fiduciary guidance, and audit preparation. We assist with Cycle 3 restatements, SECURE Act updates, and compliance filings to mitigate legal risks. Our proactive approach helps employers maintain tax-qualified status and avoid penalties.
Cash Balance Plans
We design and administer cash balance plans that combine features of defined benefit and defined contribution plans. These plans offer predictable employer contributions and portable benefits for employees. Our expertise ensures compliance with evolving regulations while maximizing retirement savings efficiency for businesses and participants.
401(k) Plan Administration
We provide comprehensive administration for 401(k) plans, including plan document updates, compliance testing, and fiduciary support. Our services help employers manage contributions, distributions, and reporting requirements. We also advise on auto-enrollment and loan provisions to enhance employee retirement readiness.
Plan Document Restatements
We assist employers in restating retirement plan documents to reflect legislative changes, such as the SECURE Act and CARES Act. Our process ensures IRS approval of pre-approved plans and helps employers meet deadlines for Cycle 3 restatements. This service preserves tax-qualified status and minimizes compliance risks.
People
Jerry Kalish
President
Jerry Kalish founded The Retirement Plan Blog in 1978 and specializes in retirement plan design, compliance, and fiduciary consulting. He advises employers on mergers, acquisitions, and retiree medical plans, and serves as a guest lecturer at John Marshall School of Law on employee benefits.
Questions
What is a retirement plan restatement and why is it required?
A restatement updates retirement plan documents to reflect current IRS and ERISA regulations. Employers must restate plans every six years to maintain tax-qualified status and ensure compliance with legislative changes.
How does SECURE 2.0 impact retirement plans?
SECURE 2.0 expands retirement savings opportunities, introduces auto-enrollment requirements, and adjusts contribution limits. Employers must adopt mandatory provisions by specified deadlines to maintain plan compliance.
Can I switch from a SIMPLE IRA to a 401(k) plan?
Yes, employers can transition from a SIMPLE IRA to a 401(k) plan by providing employee notice by November 2 and meeting IRS requirements for plan amendments and compliance.
What are the risks of missing retirement plan deadlines?
Missing deadlines for restatements or filings may result in IRS penalties, loss of tax-qualified status, or disqualification of the plan, leading to significant financial and operational consequences.
How do deferral rates affect 401(k) plan success?
Higher deferral rates increase participants' retirement savings more significantly than fund performance. Auto-enrollment and escalation features help employers boost savings rates while complying with SECURE 2.0 guidelines.
