Nondiscrimination Testing
In order to qualify for tax-favored status, a benefit plan must not discriminate in favor of highly compensated employees (HCEs) and key employees with respect to eligibility, contributions, or benefits. The Federal government has established regulations that specify requirements for each type of benefit plan governed by IRC Section 125, IRC Section 105, and IRC Section 129. In order to evidence compliance annual tests must be performed and the results documented for each benefit plan. The results are subject to audit by the IRS. American Benefits Group offers a comprehensive process for executing these tests.
Key Employees
A Key Employee is one who in the prior plan year* met one or more of these criteria:
- An officer of the company earning $185,000 or more annually in 2021; $200,000 in 2022;
- A 1% owner (or his/her spose or dependent) with a salary of $150,000 or more; and,
- A 5% (or more) owner regardless of salary.
*If your plan is in its first year, use the current plan year for determining Key Employees.
Highly-Compensated Employees
The Plan may not favor Highly-Compensated Employees (HCEs). An HCE is defined as:
- An officer in the prior year;
- A 5% (or greater) shareholder in the current or prior year;
- An employee paid $130,000 in 2021 or $135,000 in 2022
- An employee whose salary is in the top 20% of all employees.
Please complete our Nondiscrimination Testing Request Form and email it to ndx@amben.com