Money Purchase

Employer sponsored plan

Money Purchase

A money purchase plan is a qualified employer sponsored plan. Unlike a discretionary contribution to a profit sharing plan, a contribution to a money purchase plan is required. The contribution is usually a percentage of each participant’s compensation. Failure to make the required contribution can result in the imposition of a penalty tax. Earnings accumulate tax-free until distributed from the plan and are then taxed as part of the employee’s regular income. Whether withdrawals are made during a participant’s employment or while still employed, depends on the terms of the plan. Annuity options are the normal form of retirement benefits, but a lump sum and other options are available if offered by the plan and if the necessary waivers and elections are made.

Each plan has a trustee who is generally responsible for managing the plan assets and for ensuring various financial and tax documents are prepared. Other administrative duties are overseen by a plan administrator, who will frequently hire a third-party administrator to perform most administrative functions such as preparing the annual tax return and plan document.

Traditional 401(k) Plans

Employer sponsored plan under which employees can elect to contribute a portion of their wages to a retirement plan on a pretax and/or after tax basis up to a maximum allowed by law.

Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans

A Safe Harbor 401(k) plan is similar to a traditional 401(k) plan, but, among other things, it must provide for employer contributions that are fully vested when made.

Profit Sharing Plans

A profit-sharing plan is a qualified employer sponsored plan in which an employer has the discretion to determine the date and amount of company contributions into the plan.