Employer-sponsored Retirement Plans
Employer-sponsored retirement plans can be a great source of income when you retire. And, if your employer offers matching funds, it is like getting free money. In this section, learn about the different retirement plans and how to maximize your benefits.
Retirement plans generally fall into two categories: defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans.
A defined benefit plan promises you a specified monthly benefit at retirement. The benefit may be a fixed dollar amount or may depend on a plan formula that considers factors such as salary and years of service.
Defined benefit plans also are known as pension plans. Employers sponsor defined benefit plans and typically hire investment managers to make investment choices. The employer shoulders the investment risks.
A defined contribution plan, such as a 401(k) plan, does not promise you a specific payment upon retirement. In these plans, you or your employer (or both) contribute to your individual account under the plan, sometimes at a set rate, such as 5% of your annual salary.
In a defined contribution plan, the employee shoulders the investment risks, and the value of the account will fluctuate due to changes in the value of the investments. Upon retirement, you receive the balance in your account, which depends on contributions plus or minus investment gains or losses.
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Retirement plans generally fall into two categories: defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans.
A defined benefit plan promises you a specified monthly benefit at retirement. The benefit may be a fixed dollar amount or may depend on a plan formula that considers factors such as salary and years of service.
Defined benefit plans also are known as pension plans. Employers sponsor defined benefit plans and typically hire investment managers to make investment choices. The employer shoulders the investment risks.
A defined contribution plan, such as a 401(k) plan, does not promise you a specific payment upon retirement. In these plans, you or your employer (or both) contribute to your individual account under the plan, sometimes at a set rate, such as 5% of your annual salary.
In a defined contribution plan, the employee shoulders the investment risks, and the value of the account will fluctuate due to changes in the value of the investments. Upon retirement, you receive the balance in your account, which depends on contributions plus or minus investment gains or losses.
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800-832-8514Ext — 1380Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time |
SEP IRA
| Limit | Up to 25% of compensation or $55,000 in 2018 ($56,000 in 2019), whichever is less | |||
| Eligibility | Must be sole proprietor, a business owner, in a partnership, or earn self-employment income by providing a service | |||
| Contribution rules | Must be made by the employer Can vary each year between 0% and 25% of compensation (maximum $55,000 for 2018 and $56,000 for 2019), and each eligible employee must receive the same percentage | |||
| Establishment deadline | SEP IRAs must be established and funded by your tax filing deadline plus applicable extensions. | |||
| Administrative responsibilities | Employee notification of employer's contribution Employers must fill out and retain Form 5305 SEP (PDF)Opens in a new window in their records. No plan tax filings with IRS | |||
| Employee responsibilities | Each employee must open an individual SEP IRA account. | |||
| Withdrawals | 10% early withdrawal penalty may apply for withdrawals taken prior to age 59½ if no exceptions apply. Penalty-free withdrawals for qualifying first-time home purchase and certain college expenses. Required minimum distributions starting at age 70½. |
Accounts
Global Advisers Retirement Services
800-832-8514Ext — 1380Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time |
IRA margin accounts allow trading so the account can be fully invested as well as the ability to trade multiple currencies and multiple currency products, but are subject to the following limitations:
- No cash borrowing (i.e. cannot have a debit balance or short stocks).
- IRA accounts may be opened in any base currency, but when trading in a non-base currency product, a currency trade must be executed first as you cannot borrow currencies.
- Withdrawals are permitted only in USD.*
- No stock or option cross-margining.
- No currency borrowing.
- Futures trading in an IRA margin account is subject to substantially higher margin requirements than in a non-IRA margin account. Margin rates in an IRA margin account may meet or exceed three times the overnight futures margin requirement imposed in a non-IRA margin account.
Customers are advised to consult with their adviser and tax specialist for further details on IRA rules and regulations.
Residents of Canada may not open Individual Retirement Accounts.