Professional Benefit Services, Inc.

 


Retirement Plan Updates

New Limits for 2007 & 2008
The maximum deferral limit a 401(k) plan participant may elect in 2007 changes to $15,500 for individuals under age 50 and $20,500 for individuals age 50 and over. Maximum plan contributions to a participant’s account is 100% of pay or $45,000.
The maximum deferral limit a 401(k) plan participant may elect in 2008 remains at $15,500 for individuals under age 50 and $20,500 for individuals age 50 and over. Maximum plan contributions to a participant’s account is 100% of pay or $46,000.
The current deduction limit for profit sharing plans remains at 25% of compensation.
The retirement plan compensation limit increases to $225,000 for 2007 and $230,000 for 2008.
Simple Plan Limits:  The maximum deferral contribution is $10,500 for 2007 and for 2008.  The catch up for individuals age 50 or over is $2,500 for 2007 and 2008 year.

Holiday Schedule & Office Updates
Our office will close 5 pm on Friday, December 21st and will be closed all day Monday and Tuesday, December 24 and 25, 2007 and Monday and Tuesday, December 31, 2007 and January 1, 2008.  Limited staff will be available to assist you between the hours of 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 26 through Friday, December 28.

Estimated Testing           
If you would like our firm to prepare an estimated ADP test, please send us your census (all employees through 9/30/07) via email or by diskette in Lotus 1,2,3 or in Excel.  If you need a census sheet, please email us to request one (retirement@profben.com).  Estimated testing is recommended for our clients who have previously failed their ADP tests, are a first year plan or who have other complicated ownership or testing issues.  Estimated testing is not generally needed for plans that are Safe Harbor, Profit Sharing Only or plans where owners and highly compensated employees do not participate. Our firm does not charge for this test.

 IRS Safe Harbor Provision - Annual Notification is Required!!
The IRS allows plans to make a 100% vested contribution which will enable the plan to pass the Actual Deferral Contribution, Actual Compensation Contribution and the Top Heavy tests.  Implementation of this provision for the 2008 plan year requires advance notice to employees by December 1, 2007 at the latest.  If you are interested in this provision and do not already have a notice to post for 2008, please call us.  The Safe Harbor match also satisfies the top heavy test.

 Roth Contributions to 401(k) & 403(b) Plans          
Effective January 1, 2006, Roth contributions can be added as an option to your 401(k) plan or 403(b) plan.    Adding Roth contributions to your plan requires a plan amendment.  There is a $100 charge to amend your PBS, Inc. document, however, other plan amendments can be made at the same time with no additional charge.  If you would like more information about adding Roth contributions to your plan, please email us at retirement@profben.com and we will email you a Roth fact sheet.

Section 125 Cafeteria Plan Updates

Over-the-Counter Medications Now Covered
Now, by participating in a 125 Cafeteria Plan, you will be able to pay for those over-the-counter medicines that previously were not eligible.  Over-the-counter items used to alleviate or treat a specific injury or illness that are now eligible for reimbursement through a 125 Cafeteria Plan include: allergy medicines (such as Claritin), headache remedies (such as aspirin or ibuprofen), and medicines to treat colds and flu.   Also, eligible are muscle pain ointments, Pedialyte, Nicotine gum and patches, glucosamine/chondroitin for arthritis and diaper rash ointments.  (Over-the-counter items such as vitamins, dietary supplements, most herbal remedies, and personal-use items are still not eligible.)

Debit Card Technology (MBI)
We offer the Flex Convenience debit card system, which automates the process of paying for eligible pretax account expenses. It enables employees to use the debit card at eligible FSA locations wherever MasterCard or Visa is accepted. Approved expenses are automatically deducted from participant's pretax account, which is prefunded by the employer. The debit card eliminates claim forms, double out-of-pocket payments, and waiting for reimbursement checks. The MBI card has proven to be very popular with our clients and has significantly increased participation in the 125 Cafeteria Plans that offer it. All account information is located online and employees can access their personal information at their convenience. More information can be located at their web site found at www.medibank.com.
The card will not be accepted at all MasterCard locations because it can only be used for qualified medical expenses. For example, it will not be recognized at department stores or restaurants.


NEW!!!
Employer E-Learning Tool
To view the course simply logon to MBI's corporate website at www.mbibenefits.com and click on the link located in the yellow banner at the top of the page titled "Employer Briefing." The course is accompanied by an audio track and covers IRS guidelines, actual enrollment increases and cost savings experienced with the card. We hope that you find this course useful in using and promoting the MBI Benefits Card.


FSA Calculator
This innovative product allows you to help your employees estimate their out-of-pocket costs for medical, dental and vision coverage. To use this new estimating tool, launch the calculator at www.fsaandyou.com.

 

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Last modified:  03/16/2006

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