What Is a Summary Plan Description? A Simple Guide

A Summary Plan Description (SPD) is a legally required document that explains your company's employee benefits plan in easy-to-understand language, acting as the official rulebook for employees. Under ERISA, employers generally must give it to new participants within 90 days of coverage, or within 120 days if the plan is brand new. If you're in… Continue reading What Is a Summary Plan Description? A Simple Guide

401k Plan Audits: A Complete Guide for 2026

You’re probably in one of two situations right now. Your company is growing fast and someone just realized the retirement plan may be nearing the point where an audit becomes mandatory. Or you already know an audit is coming, and the bigger worry is not the audit itself. It’s whether your payroll files, eligibility records,… Continue reading 401k Plan Audits: A Complete Guide for 2026

What is erisa: what is erisa explained and why it matters

If you offer employee benefits, there's a massive federal law you can't afford to ignore: ERISA. It might sound like just another compliance headache, but understanding it is fundamental to protecting your business and your team. What Is ERISA and Why Does It Matter So, what exactly is the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)?… Continue reading What is erisa: what is erisa explained and why it matters

Your Guide to the 2026 Form 5500 Filing Deadline

Let's get right to it: when is your Form 5500 actually due in 2026? For most companies running their benefit plans on a calendar year, the main Form 5500 filing deadline is July 31, 2026. Go ahead and circle that date now—it’s one of the most important compliance milestones for any business offering employee benefits.… Continue reading Your Guide to the 2026 Form 5500 Filing Deadline

The Ultimate 10-Point Employee Benefits Compliance Checklist for 2026

Managing employee benefits is far more than just picking health plans and handling enrollments; it’s a high-stakes arena governed by a dense web of federal and state regulations. For many HR leaders, CFOs, and business owners, the acronyms alone are enough to cause a headache: ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA. A single oversight in any of… Continue reading The Ultimate 10-Point Employee Benefits Compliance Checklist for 2026