Media Center

03.17.10
Benefit Plans Plus Announces New, Expanded Roles As part of the long-term plan to strategically manage the growth and success of the firm, Benefit Plans Plus has promoted Michelle Meyer to Manager of Operations and Julie Martin to Supervisor. Download Photos

6.15.09
Two Local Third Party Administrators Merge to Create the Region’s Second Largest Firm Bolstering Presence and Services Throughout Midwest Benefit Plans Plus (BPP) and Qualified Plan Services (QPS) have merged to become the second largest locally owned Third Party Administrator firm in the St. Louis region, with locations in St. Louis and southern Illinois. BPP will expand their Midwest footprint with the addition of the new plans. Shelton Photo Flachsbart Photo

3.11.09
Patrick Shelton, GBA Named Managing Member Patrick Shelton has been named managing member at Benefit Plans Plus. Download Photo

1.17.09
2009 Retirement Plan Deadlines Looking for a fast reference for the 2009 calendar plan year deadlines? Download here.

12.29.08
403b Deadline Extended -- Workbook Available 403(b) plan sponsors scrambling to comply with the IRS deadline can breathe a sigh of relief as recently the IRS Notice 2009-3 delayed this requirement for one year. To assist plan sponsors and financial advisers Benefit Plans Plus offers complementary 403(b) Action Plan Workbook to serve as in initial reference guide and information source to work toward IRS compliance.

12.12.08
IRS Extends 403(b) Deadline: 403(b) Written Plan Document Not Required by End of 2008; Prototype, Determination Letter Programs Coming "The Service will not treat a § 403(b) plan as failing to satisfy the requirements of § 403(b) and the final regulations during the 2009 calendar year, provided that: (1) on or before December 31, 2009, the sponsor of the plan has adopted a written § 403(b) plan that is intended to satisfy the requirements of § 403(b) (including the final regulations) effective as of January 1, 2009; (2) during 2009, the sponsor operates the plan in accordance with a reasonable interpretation of § 403(b), taking into account the final regulations; and (3) before the end of 2009, the sponsor makes its best efforts to retroactively correct any operational failure during the 2009 calendar year to conform to the terms of the written § 403(b) plan, with such correction to be based on the general principles of correction set forth in the Service's Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System (EPCRS) ..." SOURCE: Internal Revenue Service For PDF Click Here

11.24.08
Before we say good bye to 2008 it is important to review your qualified plan to indentify any action items which should be addressed prior to the end of the year. The following checklist describes some of the potential year-end items that may be necessary to maintain the tax-qualified status of your retirement plan. You should contact your service provider to ascertain what is specific to your plan. MORE

11.12.08
This morning the Wall Street Journal quoted Benefit Plans Plus Partner, Patrick Shelton, in the article "Some Firms Suspend Their 401k Match." This national exposure continues to recognize BPP as an industry expert in the field of retirement planning -- and is especially effective when we are paired with comments from Wells Fargo and the Principal Financial Group. Please join me in congratulating Pat and the BPP team on a job well done. To share this article with your contacts or clients please utilize this link: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122644409320818677.html?mod=yahoo_hs&ru=yahoo

10.27.08
Financial Adviser Alert -- 403(b) Plans Must Meet January 1, 2009 Deadline

10.6.08
So, As A Retirement Plan Sponsor What Can You Do?

8.5.08
Benefit Plans Plus Launches Fiduciary Health Check

7.24.08
Benefit Plans Plus Robert Higgins offers insight about the Pension Protection Act PLANSPONSOR

7.8.2008
Benefit Plans Plus Promotes Michelle Meyer to Operations Supervisor
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5.28.2008
Benefit Plans Plus, LLC First Midwest Firm To Earn Top Industry Designation