Ebn-Compliance-Asktheexperts

Hot HR compliance issues for small businesses in 2008

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 15:25:00 GMT

Although we're only in the second quarter of 2008, it is important for small businesses to act now to identify issues that must be addressed by the end of the year.

Ask the Auditor: Holding your TPA accountable

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:43:00 GMT

Under ERISA, plan sponsors utilizing third-party administrators and other outsourced providers have a fiduciary responsibility to properly monitor the services provided by those organizations. Thus, it's paramount that your ERISA compliance plan consists of properly selecting, monitoring, communicating and assessing your relationship with third-party vendors that provide support to your organization's benefit plans.

Hot HR compliance issues for small businesses in 2008

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:26:00 GMT

Although we're only in the second quarter of 2008, it is important for small businesses to act now to identify issues that must be addressed by the end of the year. Small businesses are frequently overlooked by consultants and therefore do not learn about issues of importance until the eleventh hour, or in this case, the twelfth month, when action becomes imperative.

Ask the Auditor: How to prevent privacy breaches

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:50:00 GMT

EBN's auditing expert answers benefit managers' questions on privacy laws and strategies for preventing privacy breaches.

Ask the Auditor: Safeguarding confidential medical and financial records

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:01:00 GMT

We hear it all the time - from identity theft on consumers to data breaches for many well-known organizations - the exposure and fraudulent misuse of confidential medical and financial records is on the rise.

Best practices for preventing 401(k) plan lawsuits

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 20:04:00 GMT

There has been a big increase in lawsuits against 401(k) plan fiduciaries in recent years, and some law firms specialize in suing 401(k) plan fiduciaries on behalf of aggrieved plan participants.

Tips for achieving employee communications success

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 20:40:00 GMT

As part of our expanded coverage in the November EBN on benefits communication, benefits experts advise on how employers can ensure their message gets across

Employers should not be lulled by 409A document extension

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:19:00 GMT

Many employers have been grappling with the complexities of Section 409A since its enactment as part of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. Most already have begun amending and restating plans for Section 409A, in anticipation of providing employees new election opportunities before Dec. 31.

Employers may need to reconsider their Form 5500 filings

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:36:00 GMT

In February 2007, the IRS began to issue notices to employers questioning whether or not they had filed an annual Form 5500 for 2004 plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2004. The IRS just informed employers that this action was part of an initiative to update its records, correct employer identification numbers, obtain correct plan numbers and to resolve other discrepancies in its records. The purpose of the mailing is also to encourage employers to file Form 5500s and to allow non-filers to become compliant.

Effective strategies for reducing cost of SAS 70, other compliance audits

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 13:19:00 GMT

Every year, employers spend a staggering amount of money to meet growing regulatory mandates required by a host of federal laws and regulations. Although these regulatory requirements will continue to increase in scope and price, organizations can reduce many of these fees by being proactive and efficient.