Employee Benefit Plans and Business Sense

By employeebenefitplans

Attorneys Doll Lank and Kathleen Bass of KLB Benefits Law Group break down the critical role employee benefits attorneys play in helping employers and plan sponsors correct compliance

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· Business

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FAQs about Employee Benefit Plans and Business Sense:

How many episodes does Employee Benefit Plans and Business Sense have?

The podcast currently has 23 episodes available.

Employee Benefit Plans and Business Sense episodes:

August 20, 2026 Don’t Leave Money On the Table—Defined Contribution Plan Tax Credits (Part One)
Episode Summary: In this episode of Employee Benefit Plans and Business Sense, hosts Kathleen Salas Bass and Doll Lank engage with Tali Vaughn, a Regional Vice President at EGPS, to demystify the tax credits available for small businesses that sponsor defined contribution plans. Tali, a self-proclaimed 401k enthusiast, shares her insights on how the Secure Act has transformed the landscape, making retirement plans more accessible and affordable. The discussion covers various tax credits, including startup, automatic enrollment, and employer contribution credits, which can significantly reduce the costs associated with offering retirement plans. Tali emphasizes the importance of thoughtful plan design and collaboration with third-party administrators to maximize tax savings and enhance retirement outcomes for employees. This episode is a must-listen for small business owners looking to leverage tax incentives to benefit both their company and their workforce.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 – Introduction
00:12 – Meet the Hosts and Guest
01:28 – Importance of Tax Credits for Employers
01:56 – Impact of the Secure Act on Retirement Plans
03:02 – Types of Tax Credits Available
04:13 – Employer Contribution Tax Credit Explained
05:09 – Automatic Enrollment Tax Credit Benefits
07:13 – Role of Plan Providers in Maximizing Credits
09:14 – Evaluating Retirement Plan Opportunities
10:35 – Advantages of Employer-Sponsored Plans
12:35 – Tailoring Plans to Employer Goals
14:17 – Exploring Safe Harbor and Profit Sharing
15:32 – Cash Balance Plans for Business Owners
16:40 – Importance of Working with Industry Experts
About the Show: Employee Benefit Plans and Business Sense is a podcast dedicated to helping employers and benefit plan service providers navigate the complexities of employee benefit plans. Hosted by experts from KLB Benefits Law Group, the show offers insights into compliance, corrections, and audits related to employee benefits law. With a focus on clarity and practical advice, each episode breaks down intricate legal requirements and offers strategies to optimize benefit plans for businesses of all sizes. Whether you're a small business owner or a seasoned HR professional, this podcast provides valuable knowledge to enhance your understanding of employee benefits.
For more information, visit our website:
https://klblawgroup.com/
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18min
July 23, 2026 Required 401(k) Plan Employee Communications
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Employee Benefit Plans and Business Sense, hosts Doll Lank and Kathleen Salas Bass from KLB Benefits Law Group join Lisa Mosbey to discuss the intricacies of required employee communications for 401k plans. They delve into the various notices employers must provide, such as the Summary Plan Description (SPD), Summary of Material Modifications (SMM), and the Qualified Default Investment Alternative (QDIA) notice. The conversation highlights the importance of timely delivery and the severe penalties for non-compliance, emphasizing the need for employers to stay updated with legal requirements. Doll and Kathleen also offer practical advice on how to rectify missed communications and the role of third-party administrators in this process. This episode is essential for employers and HR professionals seeking to ensure compliance and maintain good employee relations through effective benefit plan communication.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 – Introduction
0:54 – Required Notices for 401k Plans
2:05 – Summary Plan Description Explained
3:06 – Summary Annual Report and Benefit Statements
4:06 – Fee Notices and Default Investments
5:37 – Health and Welfare Plan Notices
6:22 – Timing for Notice Delivery
7:50 – Penalties for Non-Compliance
9:09 – Avoiding Communication Mistakes
11:31 – Employee Requests for Plan Documents
12:36 – Common Employer Mistakes
14:21 – Correcting Missed Notices
16:17 – Importance of a Plan Committee
17:49 – Real-World Compliance Issues
About the Show:
Employee Benefit Plans and Business Sense is a podcast dedicated to helping employers and benefit plan service providers navigate the complex legal landscape of employee benefit plans. Hosted by experts Doll Lank and Kathleen Salas Bass, the show offers insights into compliance, legal requirements, and best practices for managing employee benefits. With a focus on clarity and practical advice, the series aims to empower listeners with the knowledge needed to effectively manage benefit plans and avoid costly pitfalls. Whether you're an HR professional, a business owner, or a service provider, this podcast provides valuable guidance to ensure your benefit plans are compliant and beneficial for all stakeholders.
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22min
July 09, 2026 Retirement Plan Qualification Failures—Self-Correct or Correct with IRS Approval?
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Employee Benefit Plans and Business Sense, hosts Doll Lank and Kathleen Salas Bass from KLB Benefits Law Group delve into the intricacies of retirement plan qualification failures. They discuss the two primary types of failures: operational and plan document failures, and the potential consequences if these issues are not addressed promptly. The hosts explain the IRS's correction programs, including the Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System (EPCRS), which offers self-correction and voluntary correction options. They highlight the pros and cons of self-correction versus using the Voluntary Correction Program (VCP), emphasizing the importance of timely corrections to avoid costly penalties. The episode provides valuable insights for employers on how to manage these failures effectively, ensuring compliance and minimizing financial risks.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 – Introduction
0:55 – Understanding Retirement Plan Qualification Failures
1:38 – Operational vs. Plan Document Failures
2:59 – Consequences of Uncorrected Failures
3:50 – Importance of Timely Corrections
5:03 – IRS Correction Programs Overview
6:07 – Self-Correction Program (SCP) Explained
6:44 – Voluntary Correction Program (VCP) Insights
7:56 – Preparing a VCP Submission
9:18 – Administrative Changes to Prevent Failures
10:11 – Role of Attorneys in VCP Submissions
11:11 – Pros and Cons of Self-Correction vs. VCP
14:18 – Financial Hardship Considerations
16:05 – Audit Implications for Uncorrected Failures
18:00 – Steps for Employers Facing Qualification Failures
About the Show:
Employee Benefit Plans and Business Sense is a podcast dedicated to helping employers and benefit plan service providers navigate the complex legal landscape of Employee Benefit Plans. Hosted by Doll Lank and Kathleen Salas Bass of KLB Benefits Law Group, the show offers expert insights into compliance matters, corrections, and audits. With decades of experience in employee Benefit Plans law, the hosts provide practical advice and strategies to ensure that organizations remain compliant and avoid costly penalties. Whether you're dealing with retirement plans, health benefits, or other employee-related issues, this podcast is your go-to resource for staying informed and proactive.
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22min
June 25, 2026 Navigating COBRA Compliance: Key Insights for Employers
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Employee Benefit Plans and Business Sense, hosts Doll Lank and Kathleen Solis Bass from KLB Benefits Law Group join Lisa Mosbey to delve into the complexities of COBRA compliance. The discussion begins with an explanation of COBRA, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, and its significance in providing temporary extension of group health plan coverage. Kathleen outlines which plans must comply with COBRA, the qualifying events that trigger COBRA rights, and the eligibility criteria for employees and their dependents. The conversation also covers the costs of continuation coverage, the duration of coverage, and the responsibilities of both employers and employees in administering and electing COBRA. Additionally, the episode touches on state laws that impact COBRA and the potential penalties for non-compliance. This episode is essential for employers and HR professionals seeking to understand the intricacies of COBRA and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 – Introduction
0:54 – What is COBRA?
1:45 – Plans Required to Comply with COBRA
2:38 – Understanding COBRA Rights
3:02 – Events Triggering COBRA Rights
5:10 – Eligibility for COBRA
6:23 – Costs of Continuation Coverage
7:18 – Duration of COBRA Coverage
9:18 – Employer Responsibilities for COBRA
14:04 – Employee Responsibilities for COBRA
16:05 – Impact of State Laws on COBRA
16:58 – Penalties for COBRA Non-Compliance
About the Show:
Employee Benefit Plans and Business Sense is a podcast dedicated to helping employers and benefit plan service providers navigate the complex legal landscape of employee benefit plans. Hosted by experts from KLB Benefits Law Group, the show covers a wide range of topics, including compliance matters, IRS and DoL audits, and the intricacies of employee benefits law. With decades of combined experience, the hosts provide practical insights and guidance to ensure that businesses remain compliant and informed. Whether you're an HR professional, business owner, or service provider, this podcast offers valuable information to help you manage and optimize your employee benefit plans effectively.
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21min
June 11, 2026 Optional Distributions and Other Features in Retirement
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Employee Benefit Plans and Business Sense, hosts Doll Lank and Kathleen Salas-Bass from KLB Benefits Law Group join Lisa Mosbey to discuss the intricacies of optional features in employer retirement plans. They delve into popular options like participant loans, disaster relief provisions, and the innovative Secure 2.0 features, including student loan repayment matching and domestic abuse withdrawals. The conversation highlights the pros and cons for employers, such as employee morale benefits versus administrative burdens. Doll and Kathleen also explore the impact of catch-up contributions for older participants and the challenges of implementing new features due to software and compliance issues. This episode is essential for employers considering which optional provisions to offer, providing insights into how these features can enhance employee satisfaction and retention.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 – Introduction
00:55 – Popular Optional Plan Features
02:16 – Pros and Cons for Employers
03:57 – Employee Advocacy for Plan Options
05:14 – Secure 2.0 Optional Features
07:52 – Student Loan Repayment Matching
10:24 – Domestic Abuse Withdrawals
12:34 – Catch-Up Contributions for Older Participants
13:44 – Administrative Challenges with Optional Features
17:00 – Payroll Software Adjustments
19:24 – Qualified Birth or Adoption Distribution
20:54 – Employer Experience with Optional Features
About the Show:
Employee Benefit Plans and Business Sense is a podcast dedicated to helping employers and benefit plan service providers navigate the complex legal landscape of employee benefit plans. Hosted by experts from KLB Benefits Law Group, the show offers insights into compliance, corrections, IRS, and DOL audits. With a focus on clarity and practical advice, each episode aims to equip listeners with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their benefit offerings. Whether you're an HR professional, business owner, or plan administrator, this podcast provides valuable guidance on managing and optimizing employee benefits.
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23min
May 28, 2026 Group Retirement Arrangements – MEPs, PEPs and DCGs
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Employee Benefit Plans and Business Sense, hosts Doll Lank and Kathleen Salas-Bass from KLB Benefits Law Group join Lisa Mosbey to delve into the intricacies of group retirement arrangements. They explore the differences between Multiple Employer Plans (MEPs), Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs), and Defined Contribution Groups (DCGs), highlighting their benefits and drawbacks. Doll and Kathleen discuss how these group plans can reduce fiduciary liability and costs for employers, especially small businesses. They also address the challenges of transitioning from single employer plans and the importance of maintaining oversight even after joining a group plan. This episode provides valuable insights for employers considering group retirement arrangements, helping them make informed decisions to optimize their employee benefits strategy.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 – Introduction
0:44 – Differences Between Group and Standalone Plans
1:19 – Benefits of Group Plans: Cost and Liability
2:16 – Pros and Cons of MEPs and DCGs
5:25 – Ideal Employers for Group Arrangements
7:12 – Definitions: MEPs and DCGs
9:55 – Understanding Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs)
12:50 – Transitioning to Group Plans: Challenges and Benefits
14:33 – Employer Case Study: Cost Savings in Group Plans
17:09 – Common Issues After Joining Group Plans
19:06 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts
About the Show:
Employee Benefit Plans and Business Sense is a podcast designed for employers and benefit plan service providers navigating the complex legal landscape of employee benefit plans. Hosted by experts from KLB Benefits Law Group, the show offers insights into compliance matters, IRS and DOL audits, and the latest trends in employee benefits law. With a focus on clarity and practical advice, the podcast aims to empower listeners to make informed decisions and optimize their benefit strategies.
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20min
May 14, 2026 Domestic Relations Orders and Retirement Plans
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Employee Benefit Plans and Business Sense, hosts Doll Lank and Kathleen Salas Bass from KLB Benefits Law Group delve into the intricacies of Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) and their impact on retirement plans. Joined by host Lisa Mosbey, they explain the legal framework surrounding QDROs, including when they are required and how they interact with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Kathleen provides insights into the roles of plan administrators and the importance of having clear procedures and qualified individuals involved in the process. The episode also covers best practices for both parties involved in a QDRO, highlighting the importance of pre-approval and clear communication. Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to manage QDROs effectively, ensuring compliance and minimizing potential legal issues.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 – Introduction
00:33 – Understanding Domestic Relations Orders
00:50 – What is a QDRO?
01:31 – When and Why QDROs Are Required
02:36 – Overview of ERISA
03:14 – Plan Administrator's Role in QDROs
04:52 – Notification and Freezing Accounts
06:08 – Who Prepares the QDRO?
06:44 – Minimum Requirements for a Qualified Order
08:56 – Best Practices for Parties Involved
09:41 – Best Practices for Plan Administrators
12:23 – Real-World QDRO Challenges and Solutions
About the Show:
Employee Benefit Plans and Business Sense is a podcast dedicated to helping employers and benefit plan service providers navigate the complex legal landscape of employee benefit plans. Hosted by experts Doll Lank and Kathleen Salas Bass of KLB Benefits Law Group, the show provides insights into compliance, corrections, and audits related to employee benefits law. With a focus on clarity and practical advice, the podcast aims to equip listeners with the knowledge needed to effectively manage benefit plans and address legal challenges. Whether you're an employer or a service provider, this show offers valuable guidance to ensure your benefit plans are compliant and efficient.
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15min
April 24, 2026 Retirement Plan Terminations
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Kathleen Salas Bass and Doll Lank from KLB Benefits Law Group discuss the process and reasons behind retirement plan terminations. They explain the steps involved, common business situations leading to terminations, and mistakes to avoid, offering valuable insights for employers navigating plan terminations.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
02:01 – Reasons for Plan Terminations
03:16 – Process of Properly Terminating a Plan
07:44 – Participant Accounts Post-Termination
09:51 – Record-Keeping Requirements
11:04 – Common Mistakes to Avoid
About the Show:
*Employee Benefit Plans and Business Sense* provides expert guidance on navigating the complex legal requirements of employee benefit plans, offering insights into compliance matters, corrections, and IRS and DOL audits in the realm of employee benefits law.
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15min
April 10, 2026 Cybersecurity in Employee Benefit Plans
Episode Summary:
Exploring the critical importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding Employee Benefit Plans, the episode delves into the vulnerabilities, regulatory enforcement, best practices, and resources available to ensure robust protection of plan data and assets.
Key Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 1:07 – Significance of Cybersecurity in Employee Benefit Plans
- 3:28 – Vulnerability of Retirement and Health Plans to Cyber Threats
- 4:51 – Regulatory Enforcement and Cybersecurity Audits
- 7:14 – Best Practices for Protecting Benefit Plan Data
- 14:07 – Establishing a Comprehensive Cybersecurity Process
About the Show:
*Employee Benefit Plans and Business Sense* offers expert insights into navigating the legal intricacies of Employee Benefit Plans, providing invaluable guidance to employers and Benefit Plans service providers. Hosted by industry experts Doll Lank and Kathleen Bass from KLB Benefits Law Group.
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18min
March 27, 2026 Plan Committees
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Doll Lank and Kathleen Bass from KLB Benefits Law Group delve into the importance of plan committees within employers' benefit plans. They explain the function of plan committees, the benefits of having diverse perspectives on the committee, and why it is a best practice for employers, regardless of company size, to establish a plan committee.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – Definition and Purpose of a Plan Committee
03:45 – Importance of Diversity in Committee Composition
05:20 – Establishing Authority and Responsibilities
07:15 – Best Practices for Running an Effective Plan Committee
About the Show:
*Employee Benefit Plans and Business Sense* provides valuable insights into navigating the complex legal requirements of employee benefit plans. The show features experts from KLB Benefits Law Group, offering actionable advice for employers and benefit plan service providers.
...more
17min

FAQs about Employee Benefit Plans and Business Sense:

How many episodes does Employee Benefit Plans and Business Sense have?

The podcast currently has 23 episodes available.