top of page

Money Purchase

Money Purchase Plans

 

The money purchase plan or pension plan is an annual employer contribution to its employees’ retirement savings. Employees don’t contribute to their pension plan, but they may have 401(k) plans as well. This is a “qualified” retirement savings plan, meaning the employee does not pay taxes on the money until it is withdrawn.

Money purchase plans have required contributions. The employer is required to make a contribution to the plan each year for the plan participants.

 

If you would like to know more about Money Purchase Plans or any other service on the site, please fill out an inquiry, send us an email or give us a call. A professional from our team will reach out.

Click HERE to go to our contact page. A form is also available at the bottom of this page.

 

 

With a money purchase plan, the plan states the contribution percentage that is required. For example, let’s say that your money purchase plan has a contribution of 5% of each eligible employee’s pay. You, as the employer, need to make a contribution of 5% of each eligible employee’s pay to their separate account. A participant’s benefit is based on the amount of contributions to their account and the gains or losses associated with the account at the time of retirement.

That type of arrangement is different than a profit-sharing plan. With the profit-sharing plan, you, the employer, can decide that you’ll contribute a certain amount, say $10,000. Then, depending on the plan’s contribution formula, you allocate that $10,000 to the separate accounts of the eligible employees. Also, in past years, money purchase plans had higher deductible limits than profit-sharing plans. This is no longer the case.

If you establish a money purchase plan, you:

  • Can have other retirement plans.

  • Can be a business of any size.

  • Need to annually file a Form 5500.

You can make a MPP as simple or as complex as you want. Pre-approved plans are available to cut down on administrative headaches.

Money Purchase Plans Pros and cons

  • Possible to grow larger account balances than under some other arrangements.

  • Administrative costs may be higher than under more basic arrangements.

  • Need to test that benefits do not discriminate in favor of the highly compensated employees.

  • An excise tax applies if the minimum contribution requirement is not satisfied.

Who contributes?

Employer and/or employee contributions.

Contribution limits

The lesser of 25% of compensation or $57,000 (for 2020; $56,000 for 2019, subject to cost-of-living adjustments).

Filing requirement

Annual filing of Form 5500 is required.

Participant loans

Permitted.

In-service withdrawals

Not permitted.

California Business Benefits has a business alliance with a very reputable RIA advisory firm, The Financial Management Network, Inc. All securities transactions are carried out through FMN. http://www.fmncc.com/

bottom of page