The benefits of having a qualified retirement program are clear: save for your own retirement; save on taxes; and offer your employees a valuable benefit. Still, many business owners hesitate to establish a qualified retirement plan because they think they are too complicated and too labor-intensive. Often owners are afraid that starting a retirement plan will generate a mountain of paperwork for them to complete and forms to file.

At Guardian Retirement Services, we handle many of the administrative details for you. Plus, through an advanced recordkeeping system³, many functions are automated, further reducing the time you need to spend managing your retirement plan. Our array of services include:

Plan design
We can help you design and set-up your plan to comply with IRS requirements. Your plan may also be specifically tailored to provide you with the maximum tax advantages allowable in your particular situation.

Plan implementation
We’ve organized the plan implementation process so that it’s uncomplicated and trouble-free — right from the start. Our experts handle the preparation of required documents and filings that you need, which include:

• Developing a plan design showing actual benefits and deposits

• Creating a detailed Summary Plan Description

• Preparing all government filings, including all supporting documents for your accountant’s review

Plan administration and annual review
About a month before your plan’s anniversary, we prepare a summary sheet so that data on plan participants, salaries and eligible new employees can be verified and updated. Then, using this information, we will perform the following services for you if they apply to your plan:

• Calculate benefits for new and existing participants

• Print schedules of any increases and additions

• Prepare individual employee statements

• Compliance testing

• Issue updated employee records for your files

• Prepare the appropriate IRS 5500 Series forms

• Update plan/trust documents for new legal requirements

• Prepare distribution packages for appropriate employees

• For defined benefit plans, we’ll provide an Actuarial Valuation Report, including Schedule B. This shows you the minimum funding requirements for your plan for the year, as well as the new maximum allowable deduction.

Plan monitoring and compliance
We stay abreast of changes in tax and pension legislation for you, so that your plan remains up-to-date with the latest rules and regulations. Our automatic compliance procedure searches all plans and alerts us to any plans that require changes. We will work with you.