Program
Even in retirement plans with strong processes and controls, mistakes happen and errors can impact participants. Fortunately, the Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System (EPCRS) provides a structured way to correct plan errors and keep operations on track. In this session, we’ll explore how EPCRS influences error identification, correction timelines, and administrative decision-making. We'll also go through detailed calculations for corrections to ensure accuracy and compliance with EPCRS, as well as the practical impact of implementing those correction principles. Additionally, we’ll discuss the Department of Labor's Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program, examining practical scenarios where plan sponsors can apply it to effectively correct errors and uphold fiduciary responsibilities.
Objectives
- Learn to identify common plan errors and the relevant IRS or DOL program under which they can be corrected
- Learn about the required correction methodologies including both the calculations as well as documentation and disclosure requirements
- Learn about practical issues that arise in correcting errors and how to approach those
Patrick Blanchard
Patrick Blanchard is a Managing Director with A&M Tax, LLC in Denver. He assists clients with a variety of issues related to qualified retirement plans. Mr. Blanchard’s experience includes performing nondiscrimination testing with a particular emphasis on complex controlled groups and unique testing conditions (e.g., subsequent to M&A activity); representing plan sponsors in Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Department of Labor (DOL) examinations; assisting plan sponsors to identify and correct operational failures under the IRS and DOL correction programs; and assisting employers throughout the process of adopting or making significant changes to retirement programs. Additionally, Mr. Blanchard assists clients with their non-qualified deferred compensation plans and other compensation programs to ensure compliance with all applicable statutes and guidance. Prior to joining A&M, Mr. Blanchard was a Managing Director with Compensation & Benefit Solutions, a leading provider of compensation and benefit services based in Denver. Mr. Blanchard earned a bachelor's degree in general business from Southwestern University, a law degree from the Case Western Reserve University School of Law, and an LLM in Taxation from the University of Denver. While attending the University of Denver, he represented low-income taxpayers before the IRS as a part of the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic. Mr. Blanchard is currently an adjunct professor of Qualified Pension & Profit Sharing Plans in the University of Denver’s Graduate Tax Program and frequently speaks on qualified retirement plan compliance and administration.
Continuing Education
2 CE for AIF (pending)
2 CPEs for ASPPA certifications
2 CE for ERPA (pending)
2 CECs for NIPA certifications
2 hours for California CPAs
1.5 hours of California MCLE
2 hours for Certified Financial Planners (pending)
2 CE for CRPS
2 CE for CEBS
Pricing
- Individual Member: $55
- Non-Members $80
- Gold Members: Prepaid Must Register Online
- Corporate & Sponsor Members: Prepaid Must Register Online
Doors open at 7:30 am for check-in, breakfast and networking. Our program will begin at 8:00 am and this program will end at approximately 9:45 am. The registration fee includes a full breakfast buffet and hosted valet parking.
- WP&BC Members can bring a guest for free! This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce your peers and colleagues to our Chapter. Remember, your guest MUST be a first-time visitor and potential member. Email info@wpbcorangecounty.org for details.
- The statements and materials presented at WP&BC Orange County Chapter events are solely the opinions of the speakers and do not represent the opinions or positions of WP&BC Orange County Chapter. In addition, WP&BC Orange County Chapter assumes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the statements and materials presented by speakers at WP&BC Orange County Chapter events.
Enjoying our programs and interested in membership? Please send an email to info@wpbcorangecounty.org for additional information.