Benefits Consulting. Walker Benefits has a strong team and network of professionals, including certified public accountants, attorneys, actuaries, and benefits specialists, available to consult with and advise you on employee benefits related matters. Our consulting capabilities are greatly enhanced by our affiliation with Carbis Walker, which has over 50 years of experience in advising clients on tax and business matters.

Plan Selection and Design. The first and most important step in the employee benefits planning process is to assist our clients in designing and selecting the right type of employee benefits program for their company and employees. This generally involves understanding the client’s goals and budget concerns; reviewing and evaluating their present benefit structure; proposing various options that meet their needs; and then selecting and designing the type of employee benefits program that is right for them.

Plan Documentation, Implementation and Qualification. Walker Benefits will implement the appropriate type of plan for your program, whether it’s a prototype plan (standardized or nonstandardized), a volume submitter plan, and an individually designed plan. We will also provide all related plan documentation, such as summary plan descriptions, enrollment and administrative forms, and any other related materials. If appropriate, Walker Benefits will also prepare any necessary IRS determination letter applications.

Plan Administration and Compliance. Employee benefits programs generally must adhere to complex rules, regulations, and testing requirements enforced by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Department of Labor (DOL), and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). However, Walker Benefits will serve as your “Third Party Administrator” to ensure your compliance with these requirements and maximize the success of your benefits program. Our record-keeping services include the following:

• Employee enrollment, participation and distribution forms
• Participant record-keeping and reporting
• On-line access to participant account information (when available)
• Processing participant retirement, hardship, and loan distributions
• Calculation and allocation of annual employer contributions
• Accounting for employer and participant contributions
• Allocation of investment earnings, gains/losses, and forfeitures
• Annual nondiscrimination and compliance testing
• Summary annual reports and participant statements
• Annual Form 5500 series reporting with the Employee Benefit Security Administration (EBSA)
• Annual IRS Forms 945 and 1099-R reporting
• Calculation and review of age 70 ½ required minimum distributions
• Other consulting or administrative services as needed

Plan Review and Audit. Pursuant to IRS and ERISA (“Employee Retirement and Income Security Act”) requirements, certain pension and welfare benefit plans with over 100 participants are required to engage an independent accountant to perform an annual audit of the plan. When appropriate, Carbis Walker can assist you in this capacity. In addition, whenever requested, Walker Benefits can perform an independent review and evaluation of your present benefit plan structure and provide recommendations as to any improvements or enhancements.

Other Employee Benefits and Related Services.

• Integrated individual Tax, Retirement and Estate Planning
• Specific retirement and required minimum distribution planning
• Consultation on retirement account beneficiary designation options

Trust and Investment Services. Walker Benefits is an independent fee-based Third Party Administration Firm and IS NOT affiliated with any financial or investment companies or institutions. Walker Benefits can work with your existing broker, financial advisor, or other representative to design the best employee benefits program for your company. However, Walker Benefits can offer access to specialized programs whenever requested by our clients in order to facilitate the implementation of their benefit program.