{"id":1977,"date":"2025-12-25T22:23:20","date_gmt":"2025-12-25T22:23:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fincmo.com\/hbl_staging\/?page_id=1977"},"modified":"2026-01-07T03:05:31","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T03:05:31","slug":"retirement-plans","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/fincmo.com\/hbl_staging\/retirement-plans\/","title":{"rendered":"Retirement Plans"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
Retirement Plans<\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tStrategic guidance on retirement plan design, compliance, and fiduciary responsibilities to support employers and protect long-term plan stability.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
Home<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\/<\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
Retirement Plans<\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRetirement Plans Services at Hall Benefits Law\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>

Retirement Plans<\/h2>\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Navigating complex retirement plans challenges for employers in Atlanta and nationwide requires guidance on ERISA compliance, plan design, and fiduciary duties amid evolving regulations like SECURE 2.0. At Hall Benefits Law (HBL), our retirement plans attorneys provide strategic support for designing, implementing, and maintaining 401(k) plans, defined benefit pensions, profit-sharing, and cash balance plans to help organizations meet compliance goals, reduce risks, and enhance employee retention. With the 2025 401(k) elective deferral limit set at $23,500 and total contributions up to $70,000, staying updated is crucial to avoid penalties that can exceed $100 per day per violation. Our team has helped clients adapt to changes, such as the increased RMD age to 73 (rising to 75 in 2033), ensuring robust governance and cost efficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Whether you're a Georgia-based small business or a national corporation, we address common queries like \"what are the 2025 retirement plan contribution limits\" or \"how to comply with DOL fiduciary rules for retirement plans.\" Our proactive approach minimizes audit risks and optimizes plans for long-term success. Contact our experienced retirement plans counsel today to discuss your needs.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
Our Experience in Retirement Plans<\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

As seasoned leaders in retirement plans, the attorneys at Hall Benefits Law offer practical, tailored advice drawing from years of experience in ERISA matters, including navigating IRS audits and DOL investigations. We’ve assisted employers in implementing SECURE 2.0 provisions, such as automatic enrollment and emergency savings accounts, which can boost participation rates by 20-30% according to industry studies. Our focus on fiduciary best practices helps clients avoid common pitfalls, like excessive fees that lead to litigation.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Plan Design and Implementation<\/h2>\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Crafting and rolling out qualified plans with document drafting, amendments, and nondiscrimination testing to align with contribution limits, including the 2025 $23,500 elective deferral and $7,500 catch-up for those 50+. As Tim Kennedy emphasizes, \"Effective design not only ensures compliance but also maximizes tax advantages for employers and employees<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Compliance and Reporting<\/h2>\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Managing IRS and DOL requirements, from Form 5500 filings to participant disclosures and annual testing, incorporating recent final regulations on SECURE 2.0.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Fiduciary Governance<\/h2>\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Advising on investment selection, fee monitoring, and structures to mitigate liability, especially with the DOL's updated Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program for 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Mergers and Acquisitions Support<\/h2>\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Handling plan mergers, terminations, and successor issues in transactions, linking to our Benefits in M&A experience.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Audits and Corrections<\/h2>\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Guiding through audits and using EPCRS for fixes, including the DOL's new Retirement Savings Lost and Found database to recover missing participants.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Regulatory
Updates<\/h2>\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Adapting to changes like the withdrawn 2024 fiduciary rule and upcoming 2025 agenda items from the DOL.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

We serve diverse clients, including small, mid-sized, and large companies, 401(k) investment advisors, accountants, attorneys, and HR consultants, with specialized support for Atlanta employers and national operations. For equity-related plans, explore our ESOPs & Equity Plans page.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
Common Challenges and Solutions<\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tChallenge: \n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>

Complying with 2025 Contribution Limits and Testing<\/h2>\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Employers often overlook updated limits, leading to discrimination issues or penalties.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t

Solution:<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

We conduct thorough testing and amendments, ensuring adherence to the $70,000 combined limit and catch-up provisions for optimal tax benefits.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tChallenge: \n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>

Managing Fiduciary Duties Amid DOL Changes<\/h2>\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Evolving rules, like the paused fiduciary rule, create uncertainty in investment oversight.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t

Solution:<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Implement governance training and monitoring, leveraging the 2025 VFCP self-correction features to address errors efficiently.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tChallenge: \n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>

Handling RMDs and SECURE 2.0 Provisions<\/h2>\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Adjusting to age 73 RMD starts (to 75 in 2033) and new features like emergency withdrawals.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t

Solution:<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Update plans with compliant designs and participant education to prevent distributions errors.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tChallenge: \n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>

Recovering Lost Participants and Assets<\/h2>\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Missing employees can complicate plan administration and lead to escheatment.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t

Solution:<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Utilize the DOL’s Retirement Savings Lost and Found database for reunions, integrated with our audit strategies.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

FAQs on Retirement Plans\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n
\n\n \n
\n
\n \n \n What are the 2025 retirement plan contribution limits?<\/span>\n\n \n
\n
\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i> <\/div>\n\n
\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n\n
\n

For 401(k)s, elective deferrals are $23,500, with $7,500 catch-up for age 50+, and total contributions up to $70,000; IRAs are $7,000 ($8,000 catch-up).<\/span><\/p> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n

\n
\n \n \n How do HBL\u2019s Atlanta retirement plans attorneys help with SECURE 2.0 compliance?<\/span>\n\n \n
\n
\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i> <\/div>\n\n
\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n\n
\n

By implementing auto-enrollment, long-term part-time eligibility, and emergency savings, our counsel help ensure seamless adaptation.<\/span><\/p> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n

\n
\n \n \n What is the DOL's fiduciary rule status for 2025?<\/span>\n\n \n
\n
\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i> <\/div>\n\n
\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n\n
\n

The Biden-era rule defense has ended, with potential new rules on the horizon; we advise on current standards to minimize risks.<\/span><\/p> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n

\n
\n \n \n How to correct retirement plan errors?<\/span>\n\n \n
\n
\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i> <\/div>\n\n
\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n\n
\n

Use EPCRS and the updated 2025 VFCP for self-corrections, avoiding penalties through proactive reviews.<\/span><\/p> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n

\n
\n \n \n What changes affect RMDs in retirement plans? <\/span>\n\n \n
\n
\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i> <\/div>\n\n
\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n\n
\n

RMD age is 73 now, increasing to 75 in 2033 under SECURE 2.0; we help update plans accordingly.<\/span><\/p> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n

\n
\n \n \n How does the DOL's Lost and Found database work?<\/span>\n\n \n
\n
\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i> <\/div>\n\n
\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n\n
\n

It helps locate missing participants; integrate it with fiduciary processes for compliance.<\/span><\/p> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Awards & Recognition\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Hall Benefits Law’s Retirement Plans team has received recognition in employee benefits law, highlighting our authoritative role. The firm is a 2025 Best Law Firms\u00ae recipient. Managing Partner Anne Tyler Hall is recognized for Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law in The Best Lawyers in America\u00ae 2025 edition. Anne Tyler Hall is a past Super Lawyers Rising Star recipient, and the firm is an Inc. 5000 business, recognized as the fastest-growing firm of its kind in the U.S. for nearly a decade.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\"012c1565-ffa6-407e-aa7d-51c76fea0841-removebg-preview\"<\/figure><\/div>
\"1910.i211.034.P.m004.c25.award_medal_realistic_set-03-removebg-preview\"<\/figure><\/div>
\"6cc3d270-c8c3-48a0-a790-a284966d618e-removebg-preview\"<\/figure><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tStay Informed\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>
Insights and Resources<\/div>\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Stay ahead with our latest thought leadership on Retirement Plans:<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t