Maximizing Fringe Benefits: Strategies for Business and Personal Needs Now and Beyond WEBCAST

Overview

With changes in the economy and tax laws, effective fringe benefit planning has become increasingly important for both businesses and individual clients. This course provides an in-depth overview of the tools and techniques available for fringe benefit planning, helping practitioners navigate the evolving landscape. You will learn how to design plans that meet both business and personal needs, while ensuring compliance with current tax regulations. The course also explores complex areas of employee benefit planning, such as ERISA reporting and disclosure requirements. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge to advise clients on tax- efficient fringe benefit strategies and compliance with regulatory requirements, ensuring that their planning aligns with both business goals and employee needs.

Highlights

Core elements of fringe benefit planning and client needs. IRC Schedule 132 fringe benefit options and tax implications. Cash compensation: timing of income and deductions. Cafeteria plans, FSAs, and dependent care/education assistance plans. Group term life insurance and medical savings account considerations. Retiree medical benefit strategies and cost-effective health care options (insured vs. HMO). ERISA reporting, disclosure, and compliance essentials. Overview of IRC common control, age,and sex discrimination rules.

Prerequisites

Basic understanding of employer-sponsored benefit plans and general tax principles.

Designed For

CPAs, EAs, attorneys, and financial planners.

Objectives

Compare a variety of planning tools and techniques to meet fringe benefit planning objectives. Analyze the tax implications of fringe benefit plans, including timing of income and deductions. Assess options available under IRC Section 132 for fringe benefit plans. Design cafeteria plans to meet business and employee needs. Evaluate the tax implications of dependent care and educational assistance plans. Apply ERISA reporting and disclosure requirements to employee benefit planning. Implement flexible spending plans effectively. Compare health care benefits under insured plans and HMOs to provide cost-effective solutions.

Preparation

None.

Notice

Qualifies for EA Credit.