(615) 726-2410

For Employers

Partners In Your Retirement Plan

Acuff & Associates is an integrated, full-service provider of services that specializes in planning and providing complete, beginning-to-end administration programs for 401(k) and other types of defined contribution plans and pension plans. These services allow clients to enjoy peace of mind through all stages of the process. We work as a partner with you and your financial advisor to ensure that your retirement plan is the best option for you and your employees.

Our ultimate job is to make your plan meet your goals and help make your employees “retirement ready.”

The Acuff Advantage for Plan Sponsors

We are your partner in making sure that your retirement plan process is a seamless benefit to you and your employees. Our method for building your plan is what we call the Acuff Advantage. Our process:

  • Listening to and understanding your retirement plan needs
  • Identifying valid options for you to consider when setting up your plan
  • Analyzing and helping you to evaluate those options that work best for you
  • Making recommendations based on our analysis and finalizing choices
  • Implementing your retirement plan
  • Performing annual administration and testing of your plan
  • Reporting annual results to you and identifying any areas that need attention
  • Preparing signature ready reports for government agencies

ERISA Bonding

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), which is one of the main federal laws governing retirement plans, requires that trustees be bonded for 10% of the plan assets, up to a maximum of a $500,000 ERISA bond. If you offer your employees a retirement plan, you are legally required to have this ERISA bond that covers a percentage of the plan’s assets. Even plans with fewer than 100 participants must comply, or face the cost and inconvenience of an independent annual audit.
ERISA bonds cover against losses due to a criminal act. ERISA bonds are not only inexpensive, but they are readily available and easy to purchase. To help simplify the ERISA fidelity bonding process, Colonial Surety provides an online bond calculator and application. If you would like to update your ERISA bond coverage or just compare prices, visit Colonial Surety by clicking this link:  Colonial Surety ERISA Bonds
 

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT DOES ACUFF & ASSOCIATES DO FOR ITS CLIENTS?

Acuff & Associates specializes in the consulting, implementation, and administration of tax-qualified retirement plans for employers of all sizes. We provide administration services for 401(k) and other defined contribution plans and actuarial services for cash balance and traditional pension plans. Acuff & Associates offers clients and financial professionals the expertise, resources and knowledge they need to make informed decisions and maintain and manage retirement plans.

DOES THE SIZE OF MY COMPANY MATTER?

Acuff & Associates serves employers of all sizes, with clients ranging in size from 1 employee to 17,000 employees in more than 30 states. The size of the employer will affect the way your plan is designed and administered, since different-sized employers typically have very different goals and needs. Acuff will consult to determine the plan that will be the best fit for your company.

WHY WOULD I NEED ACUFF & ASSOCIATES TO ADMINISTER MY RETIREMENT PROGRAM?

The two primary benefits for an employer offering a retirement plan are being competitive by offering the plan as a benefit and the tax advantages for doing so. In order to take advantage of the tax benefit, the plan must comply with complex IRS and DOL requirements and reporting mandates. Often in-house human resource and financial professionals do not have the time, resources or technical expertise to administer these types of tasks.

WHY IS CHOOSING THE RIGHT TPA IMPORTANT?

It’s not only important, it’s critical. Retirement plans have great tax advantages, but they also can have tax consequences. Acuff & Associates works to make sure your plan gets the benefits without the consequences.

WHAT’S THE WORST MISTAKE A COMPANY CAN MAKE WITH REGARD TO ESTABLISHING A RETIREMENT PLAN?

The worst mistake a company can make is attempting to administer a retirement plan in-house or choosing partners whose main expertise is not in designing or administering retirement plans. To function properly, a plan needs a team of professionals to work together – you, your financial professional, and your third party administrator.

HOW ARE ACUFF & ASSOCIATES’ COSTS CALCULATED?

The costs associated with administering a retirement program vary depending on how many services you choose and the number of participants in your plan. Usually, we provide all basic administrative services for a reasonable, all inclusive fee. Our fees are affordable, transparent and easy to understand. Contact us today for a custom quote.

Employer Resources

Professional Organizations

Government Agencies

Plan Sponsor Groups