Employee Plans Compliance Unit (EPCU) - Featured Project - Governmental Plans Questionnaire Project |
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Background
The IRS has introduced an initiative to better serve our customers in the governmental plan community. In an effort to provide the tools to assist section 401(a) governmental plans in maintaining compliance with the applicable federal tax-qualification requirements, a questionnaire is being sent to gather specific information. By analyzing the responses and considering other feedback we may receive, we hope to learn about these areas of non-compliance. Ultimately, the goal is to assist governmental plans with compliance by providing outreach, tools, and opportunities for self-correction.
A governmental plan is defined in section 414(d) of the Code generally as a section 401(a) retirement plan established and maintained for its employees by the government of:
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The United States
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A state or political subdivision, or
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An agency or instrumentality of the United States or state or political subdivision.
Although such governmental plans are generally exempted from ERISA and a number of Code requirements, such plans must still satisfy certain requirements in order to ensure favorable tax treatment to the participants in such plans.
The Project Process
For this pilot project, we initially selected a small sample of governmental plans (approximately 25) to receive the questionnaire. Then a final version (after input from stakeholders and information from the pilot) will be sent to a larger sample of plans later this year. The questionnaire is included on a CD, enclosed with the package sent to recipients. Also included on the CD for your convenience are Adobe Reader and Revenue Procedure 2008-50, Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System.
If You Receive A Letter
Please provide the information requested in the letter and questionnaire. Returning the completed questionnaire on the enclosed CD is the preferred method of responding to this request. It is easy and convenient by using the enclosed cardboard mailer. You may also furnish any other documents or clarifying material that you believe will be helpful for us to review. You should make every effort to be as complete and accurate as possible in your responses. This is not an examination.
If You Have Questions
Please feel free to e-mail us and we will be glad to answer any questions you have about the project and how it relates to your situation. Please include the “Governmental Plans Questionnaire Project” in the Subject line of the message.
Other Resources
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Page Last Reviewed or Updated: March 11, 2009