John Iekel

The number of state and local government employees has been increasing at a greater rate than the number of such employees covered by Social Security, says a recently released study.  More specifically, says the Social Security Administration (SSA) in “Trends in Noncovered Employment and Earnings... READ MORE

The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act was enacted on the cusp of 2020—and before the dust even settled, new guidance and additional measures were enacted. In an ASPPA webcast, an industry expert looked at some key considerations for designed-based safe harbor 401(k... READ MORE

One of the many consequences of the global pandemic is that there is a spotlight shining on the importance of virtual security. And that includes sharing personal protected information (PPI), argues a CPA firm.  In the pre-COVID world, says Cassell Plan Audits in its blog, many companies had... READ MORE

The IRS has updated the information it provides on the expansion of rollover options, which includes SIMPLE IRA plans.   The information is contained in an issue snapshot that describes the change made by the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act (PATH) of 2015 to Code Section 408(p) to allow... READ MORE

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) has just released reports on contributions to defined contribution plans and individual retirement accounts. Both show that participation and contributions generally were higher among older age groups.  The CRS issued the reports because it says that... READ MORE

The risks entailed in fiduciary duty gave rise to fiduciary insurance. But what affects the premiums charged for that insurance? A recent report gives an inside look at what fiduciary insurers think about that.  In “What Drives Fiduciary Liability?” Aon reports on what 12 fiduciary insurance... READ MORE

What a difference a year makes. Business practices had to change on a dime as the tidal wave of COVID-19 swept the familiar out of its way—and with little or perhaps even no notice or time to beta test.  Business as usual in the financial services industry “came to a screeching halt” as business... READ MORE

The Department of Labor (DOL) issued registration requirements for pooled plan providers (PPPs) late in 2020. So how many registration filings have there been?  The DOL issued a final rule on Nov. 12, 2020 that established registration requirements for PPPs. PPPs have been able to operate pooled... READ MORE

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has called on the Social Security Administration (SSA) to further investigate some instances of overpayment of benefits. Specifically, the OIG is concerned about Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance (OASDI) beneficiaries whose benefits may have been... READ MORE