
Key Takeaways
- Qualified retirement plans move through defined phases from design and adoption to administration and termination.
- Proper plan documentation and setup are essential before any contributions begin.
- Ongoing administration requires fiduciary oversight, accurate recordkeeping, and annual compliance testing.
- Reporting and disclosure obligations, including Form 5500, are required throughout the plan’s life.
- Errors can be corrected through IRS programs, and plan termination requires a structured, compliant process.





