Definition The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) is a tax incentive provided by the federal government aimed at helping businesses retain their employees during challenging economic times, especially during events like the COVID-19 pandemic. This credit allows eligible employers to receive a refundable tax credit for a percentage of wages paid to employees who are retained on payroll, even if they are not actively working.
Key Components of the ERC Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for the ERC, businesses must meet specific criteria, including having experienced a significant decline in gross receipts or being fully or partially suspended due to government mandates.
Definition The Saver’s Credit, also known as the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit, is a valuable tax incentive designed to encourage low to moderate-income individuals to save for retirement. This credit can significantly reduce your tax liability, making it an essential component of effective financial planning.
Key Components of Saver’s Credit The Saver’s Credit is composed of several key components that determine its applicability and benefits:
Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for the Saver’s Credit, you must meet specific income thresholds, which are adjusted annually.
Definition A Cash Balance Plan is a type of employer-sponsored retirement plan that combines elements of both defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Unlike traditional defined benefit plans, where the retirement benefit is determined by a formula based on salary and years of service, Cash Balance Plans define benefits in terms of individual account balances. Each employee has a hypothetical account that grows annually based on a specified interest crediting rate and contributions determined by the employer.
Definition A Deferred Compensation Plan is an arrangement between an employer and an employee that allows the employee to defer part of their income until a later date, typically until retirement. This can be a strategic financial tool for high earners who want to minimize their current tax burden while saving for the future.
Components of a Deferred Compensation Plan Deferral Amount: Employees choose how much of their income they wish to defer, which can be a fixed amount or a percentage of their salary.
Definition An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a type of employee benefit plan that provides workers with an ownership interest in the company. It is a form of employee ownership that is designed to align the interests of employees and shareholders, motivating employees to contribute to the company’s success. ESOPs are unique because they are not just a retirement plan; they enable employees to own shares of the company, often at no upfront cost.
Definition A Money Purchase Pension Plan (MPPP) is a type of employer-sponsored retirement plan that requires fixed contributions to be made by the employer, usually expressed as a percentage of an employee’s salary. Unlike other pension plans that may have benefits tied to the employer’s financial performance, MPPPs offer a more predictable savings approach for retirement, as the contributions are predetermined.
Components of a Money Purchase Pension Plan Employer Contributions: Employers are required to make annual contributions to the plan, which is usually a fixed percentage of each participating employee’s salary.
Definition Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) Plans are arrangements that allow employees to defer a portion of their salary or bonuses until a later date, typically retirement. Unlike qualified plans, such as 401(k)s, NQDC Plans do not have to comply with IRS contribution limits or ERISA regulations, providing both employers and employees greater flexibility.
Key Components Deferral Amounts: Employees can choose how much they want to defer, which can be a percentage of their salary or a specific dollar amount.
Definition A profit sharing plan is a retirement plan that allows employers to contribute a portion of their profits to employee retirement funds. This plan not only helps employees save for their future but also promotes a sense of ownership and dedication to the company’s success. The contributions can vary from year to year, based on the company’s profits, making it a flexible option for both employers and employees.
Definition A Target Benefit Plan is a retirement savings vehicle that aims to provide participants with a specific benefit at retirement. Unlike traditional defined benefit plans, where the employer guarantees a specific payout or defined contribution plans, which depend on employee contributions and investment performance, a Target Benefit Plan offers a hybrid approach. It sets a target benefit level that the plan strives to achieve, allowing for some flexibility in how benefits are funded and distributed.
Definition Tax-deferred accounts are financial accounts that allow individuals to delay paying taxes on their investment gains until a later date, typically when funds are withdrawn during retirement. This feature can significantly enhance the growth potential of investments, as the entire amount can be reinvested without the immediate impact of taxation.
Key Components Tax-deferred accounts come with several important components:
Contributions: The money you put into these accounts can often be tax-deductible, depending on the type of account and your income level.