Ch. 17 Profit Sharing Plan Flashcards
Profit Sharing Plan
A defined contribution plan featuring a flexible, employer contribution provision
How can contributions be formed?
purely discretionary or some type of formula
Employer contributions are allocated to individual accounts on a _____ basis
nondiscriminatory
What do plan benefits consist of?
the amount accumulated in each participant’s account at retirement or termination
How are plan benefits usually distributed?
lump sum or installment payments
When is it indicated?
employer profits vary year to year
employer wants incentive feature
Young employees willing to bear risk
Employer want to supplement an existing plan
5 advantages
- max contribution flexibility
- contributions can be made even if company has no profits
- tax deferred retirement savings
- Simple and inexpensive
- participants benefit from good investment return
5 disadvantages
- Benefits may be inadequate for employees entering the plan at later ages
- limited funding available for HCEs
- Employees bear investment risk
- employer funding less predictable
- closely held companies may have to open their books to employees
Discretionary contribution provision
employer can determine the amount each year
Can omit contribution in a given year but IRS requires “recurring and substantial” contributions
Formula provision
Specified amount contributed each year when the company has profits
How are “profits” usually defined?
profits determined on a before-tax basis
If the plan is drafted properly, it is possible for the employer to include a _______ provision if certain adverse financial circumstances occur
fail-safe
All plans must have a formula for …… to ……
allocating employer contributions; participant accounts
Allocation ____ discriminate in favor of HCEs
cannot
Can it be integrated with social security?
yes
___% tax deduction limit for employer
25
____ are usually added to the remaining participants’ accounts
forfeitures
When are benefits payable?
termination or retirement
Generally allow _____ distributions
in-service
Funds available for “in-service” distributions must be _____
vested
IRS usually requires a ___ year period before withdrawal
2
When will a 10% penalty apply?
distribution prior to age 59 1/2
What kind of funds qualify for in-service distribution?
medical emergencies, home repair, educational expenses
Taxation of the amount in the plan are deferred until _____
they are withdrawn
