Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce 401(k) PEP Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce 401(k) PEP logo
We've compiled a ton of great materials that explain our plan and your options in more detail. Click on each topic to download additional information about The Reno Sparks 401(k) Pooled Employer Retirement Plan.

Client Resources

Download the PEP Brochure

and get a summary of the benefits.

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Check out Our Fund Lineup

And review Plan Investment Options

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Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you have an existing 401(k) plan or are considering starting one for your company, we think joining our plan is a smart business move. We’ve compiled the most common questions below to help you learn more about our plan and the transition process. 

What is a pooled employer plan?

A pooled employer plan (PEP) is a qualified retirement savings plan that is sponsored by one lead company. Other companies join the plan as adopting employers. The PEP is considered a single plan from the perspective of the IRS and Department of Labor so only one Form 5500 is needed for the whole plan. Each adopting employer, however, is able to customize their plan adoption for their own employees, selecting eligibility standards, matching rates, or profit-sharing contributions. 

How does joining a PEP benefit me?

Adopting employers can find many benefits of joining a PEP. For audit-sized plans, adopting employers are not solely responsible for the entire costs of the plan audit, so that can save companies a lot of money. Employers can also benefit from the economies of scale and purchasing power of the larger PEP. This can allow adopting employers to access less-expensive share classes of mutual funds as plan investments. Adopting employers may also off-load some business risk when they choose to participate in a PEP rather than sponsor their own plan. Adopting employers are not the named plan fiduciary, so they might offload associated risks and responsibilities to the Pooled Plan Provider.

How much does it cost?

The fees within our PEP are fully transparent and are not hidden in fund revenue sharing or wrap fees. Our plan fees are also regularly evaluated to make sure we are providing our adopters with the best value possible. And because we pool together the plans of lots of companies, we are able to offer a broader set of services for those fees.

How are fees assessed?

Your PEP allows for billing flexibility. By default, fees are assessed against participant plan balances. Alternatively, adopting employers may elect to pay some, or all, of their share of plan fees. Ameritas allows for a combination billing of assessment and invoice to adopting employers. 

Who determines the investment menu?

FiduciaryxChange, the Pooled Plan Provider, has selected Selective Benefits Group to craft the plan’s investment menu. 

Is participant level advice available?

Yes! Participants can schedule individual meetings with their employer's assigned registered investment adviser. 

Who do I contact with questions?

For prospective adopters, questions should be routed to Ameritas representatives.

How quickly can we get started?

If you are new to a 401(k) plan, Ameritas can have your startup running in ~45 days from the execution of an adoption agreement. For existing plans, mergers can be completed on average in 60-90 days. 

CAN I STILL HAVE THE SAME PLAN DESIGN?

Our PEP is structured to allow flexibility in plan design for individual adopters. Our in-house Plan Consultants will perform a due diligence and design comparison analysis to ensure all benefits may carry over. Generally, we are able to accommodate existing plan designs with little to no modifications. 

WHEN WILL WE SEE THE BALANCES FROM MY OLD PLAN?

The transfer timeline can be as quick as 60 days from agreement execution. Depending on the transfer availability of your existing provider, the timeline may take approximately 90 days. 

HOW LONG WILL THE BLACKOUT PERIOD BE?

This is dependent on your existing provider. Generally, assets are in blackout for 1 to 3 weeks until they transfer to Ameritas. Upon receiving assets, Ameritas has them reinvested within three business days. 

DO I STILL NEED MY FIDELITY BOND?

No! The bond coverage requirement lands with the PEP Sponsor, so adopting employers need not carry their own. 

HOW DOES THE DOL/IRS KNOW MY PLAN HAS TRANSFERED INTO A DIFFERENT PLAN?

If you sponsored your own plan prior to merging your plan into our PEP, your prior provider is required to file a final 5500 form showing a $0 final balance for that plan.  Please be sure to speak with your prior provider regarding this important final filing.  

DO I NEED TO FILE A FINAL FORM 5500 ON MY OLD PLAN?

Yes - if you sponsored your own plan previously. This is a very important step to closing out your prior plan. Be sure to explain to your prior provider that a final Form 5500 will be required. Your Ameritas contacts can help if you need any assistance working with your prior provider. 

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