Audits & Corrections

Audits and corrections address compliance gaps, identify operational risks, and implement timely remedies to help organizations maintain accuracy, accountability, and regulatory confidence.

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Retirement Plans Services at Hall Benefits Law

Audits & Corrections

Navigating 2026 ERISA audits and corrections trends for employers in Atlanta and nationwide requires proactive strategies amid expanded self-correction options under EPCRS and VFCP, with DOL penalties increasing for violations like delinquent contributions. At Hall Benefits Law (HBL), our audits and corrections attorneys conduct reviews and utilize IRS and DOL correction programs (e.g., EPCRS and VFCP) to resolve errors, helping employers avoid penalties that can reach $100 per day per participant or more under updated 2026 rules. With government shutdowns potentially pausing IRS audits and DOL investigations, and new VFCP self-correction features for certain violations, timely corrections can restore plan integrity and prevent escalation to litigation. Our team, including former DOL investigators, provides comprehensive support to identify issues early, leveraging 2025 updates like EPCRS expansions for loan failures and deemed distributions.

Whether facing a DOL audit in Georgia or correcting plan errors nationwide, we address common queries like "how to self-correct ERISA violations in 2026" or "managing IRS audits for retirement plans." Our approach emphasizes efficient resolutions to maintain tax-favored status and minimize financial impacts. Contact our audits and corrections counsel today to discuss your needs.

Our Leadership in Audits & Corrections

As experienced leaders in ERISA audits and corrections, the attorneys at Hall Benefits Law offer strategic guidance informed by 2025 developments, including VFCP enhancements for self-correction of delinquent contributions and EPCRS updates expanding opportunities for plan fixes without IRS involvement. We’ve assisted clients in navigating audits, recovering over $8 million through VFCP in recent fiscal years, and implementing corrections that prevent recurring issues, often reducing penalty exposure significantly. Our former DOL investigators provide insider perspectives to handle enforcement priorities, ensuring plans withstand scrutiny amid potential government shutdown delays.

Internal Reviews and Audits

Conducting comprehensive assessments of plan operations to identify errors, including cybersecurity protocols and participant data, aligning with 2026 DOL guidance. As Samuel Krause, a former DOL investigator, emphasizes, "Early detection through internal audits allows for swift corrections, avoiding escalated investigations."

EPCRS and Self-Correction Program (SCP)

Guiding self-corrections under EPCRS for failures like loan defaults or deemed distributions, utilizing 2025 expansions for broader eligibility.

VFCP Filings

Preparing applications for DOL's Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program to resolve prohibited transactions and delinquent contributions, leveraging exemptions like PTE 2002-51.

IRS and DOL Audit Representation

Assisting during audits, including document preparation and extensions during potential shutdowns, to minimize penalties under increased 2026 rates.

Specialized Corrections

Handling HSA contribution fixes, SAR failures, and other issues under IRS guidance, ensuring tax-favored status preservation.

Preventive Strategies

Integrating corrections with governance to avoid future audits, linked to our Fiduciary Governance services.

We serve diverse clients, including small, mid-sized, and large companies, 401(k) investment advisors, health insurance brokers, accountants, attorneys, and HR consultants, with focused support for Atlanta employers and national compliance needs. For related M&A impacts, explore our Benefits in M&A page.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge:

Handling Delinquent Contributions and Loan Repayments:

Failures can trigger penalties, especially with 2025 VFCP updates.

Solution:

Use self-correction under VFCP or EPCRS to restore compliance without full DOL involvement.

Challenge:

Managing IRS and DOL Audits

Increased enforcement priorities and potential shutdown delays complicate responses.

Solution:

Prepare documents proactively and seek extensions, leveraging best practices for efficient resolution.

Challenge:

Correcting Plan Failures like Deemed Distributions

Reporting errors from prior years risk tax status revocation.

Solution:

File under EPCRS with updated guidance for streamlined fixes.

Challenge:

Addressing Cybersecurity and Data Issues in Audits

Plans must audit protocols under 2026 ERISA considerations.

Solution:

Conduct internal reviews and implement corrections to align with DOL standards.

FAQs on Audits & Corrections

What are 2026 ERISA audits and corrections trends?

Expanded EPCRS self-corrections, VFCP enhancements for delinquencies, and increased DOL penalties, with potential pauses during shutdowns.

How do Atlanta audits and corrections attorneys handle DOL audits?

By providing representation, document retention, and correction filings—our experienced counsel, including former investigators, minimize violations.

What is EPCRS and how does it help with corrections?

The IRS Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System allows self-corrections for plan failures, updated in 2025 for broader use.

How does VFCP work for fiduciary corrections?

It permits voluntary fixes for prohibited transactions, with 2025 self-correction features and exemptions.

What to do if facing an IRS audit for retirement plans?

Engage experienced counsel for guidance on updates, loan failures, and deemed distributions to preserve tax status.

How can employers correct HSA contribution errors?

Use IRS-permitted situations for adjustments, ensuring compliance through specialized filings.

Awards & Recognition

Hall Benefits Law’s ERISA & Compliance team has earned notable recognition in employee benefits law. The firm is a 2026 Best Law Firms® recipient. Managing Partner Anne Tyler Hall is recognized for Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 edition. Anne Tyler Hall is a past Super Lawyers Rising Star recipient, and the firm is an Inc. 5000 business, recognized as the fastest-growing firm of its kind in the U.S. for nearly a decade.