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Case of the Week: Reducing or Suspending 401(k) Safe Harbor Contributions Mid-Year

Case of the Week

John CarlThe ERISA consultants at the Retirement Learning Center Resource regularly receive calls from financial advisors on a broad array of technical topics related to IRAs, qualified retirement plans and other types of retirement savings plans. We bring Case of the Week to you to highlight the most relevant topics affecting your business.

A recent call with a financial advisor from Washington is representative of a common inquiry related to 401(k) safe harbor plans. The advisor asked:

“My client is a business owner and has a standard 401(k) safe harbor plan. Under what circumstances, if any, may he reduce or eliminate the company’s mandatory safe harbor contribution during the plan year?”  

Highlights of the Discussion

Under limited circumstances, and according to final Treasury Regulations, a sponsor of a 401(k) safe harbor plan may amend the plan during the current year to reduce or suspend the company’s safe harbor contribution—either the matching or nonelective contribution.

A removal or reduction of a safe harbor contribution mid-year is permitted if the employer either:

1. Is operating under an economic loss for the year (See Internal Revenue Code Section (IRC 412(c)(2)(A)); or

2. Included a statement in the safe harbor notice given to participants before the start of the plan year  that the employer:

  • may reduce or suspend contributions mid-year;
  • will give participants a supplemental notice regarding the reduction or suspension; and
  • will not reduce or suspend employer contributions until at least 30 days after receipt of the supplemental notice.

Supplemental Notice

If a reduction or suspension will occur, the supplemental notice must explain: (1) the consequences of the suspension or reduction of contributions; (2) how participants my change their deferral elections as a result; and (3) when the amendment takes effect.

Other Procedural Requirements

The employer must also:

1. give participants a reasonable opportunity after they receive the supplemental notice and before the reduction or suspension of employer contributions to change their contribution elections;

2. amend the plan to apply the actual deferral percentage (ADP) and/or actual contribution percentage (ACP) Tests for the entire plan year; and

3. allocate to the plan any contributions that were promised before the amendment took effect.

Conclusion

With the proper setup, or as a result of economic loss, sponsors of 401(k) safe harbor plans may reduce or suspend employer matching or nonelective safe harbor contributions mid-year.

Any information provided is for informational purposes only. It cannot be used for the purposes of avoiding penalties and taxes. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation.

©2020, Retirement Learning Center, LLC. Used with permission.

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