Retirement Plans Services at Hall Benefits Law
Retirement Plans
Navigating complex retirement plans challenges for employers in Atlanta and nationwide requires guidance on ERISA compliance, plan design, and fiduciary duties amid evolving regulations like SECURE 2.0. At Hall Benefits Law (HBL), our retirement plans attorneys provide strategic support for designing, implementing, and maintaining 401(k) plans, defined benefit pensions, profit-sharing, and cash balance plans to help organizations meet compliance goals, reduce risks, and enhance employee retention. With the 2026 401(k) elective deferral limit set at $24,500 and total contributions up to $72,000, staying updated is crucial to avoid penalties that can exceed $100 per day per violation. Our team has helped clients adapt to changes, such as the increased RMD age to 73 (rising to 75 in 2033), ensuring robust governance and cost efficiency.
Whether you're a Georgia-based small business or a national corporation, we address common queries like "what are the 2026 retirement plan contribution limits" or "how to comply with DOL fiduciary rules for retirement plans." Our proactive approach minimizes audit risks and optimizes plans for long-term success. Contact our experienced retirement plans counsel today to discuss your needs.
As seasoned leaders in retirement plans, the attorneys at Hall Benefits Law offer practical, tailored advice drawing from years of experience in ERISA matters, including navigating IRS audits and DOL investigations. We’ve assisted employers in implementing SECURE 2.0 provisions, such as automatic enrollment and emergency savings accounts, which can boost participation rates by 20-30% according to industry studies. Our focus on fiduciary best practices helps clients avoid common pitfalls, like excessive fees that lead to litigation.
Plan Design and Implementation
Crafting and rolling out qualified plans with document drafting, amendments, and nondiscrimination testing to align with contribution limits, including the 2026 $24,500 elective deferral and $8,000 catch-up for those 50+. As Tim Kennedy emphasizes, "Effective design not only ensures compliance but also maximizes tax advantages for employers and employees."
Compliance and Reporting
Managing IRS and DOL requirements, from Form 5500 filings to participant disclosures and annual testing, incorporating recent final regulations on SECURE 2.0.
Fiduciary Governance
Advising on investment selection, fee monitoring, and structures to mitigate liability, especially with the DOL's updated Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program as of 2025.
Mergers and Acquisitions Support
Handling plan mergers, terminations, and successor issues in transactions, linking to our Benefits in M&A experience.
Audits and Corrections
Guiding through audits and using EPCRS for fixes, including the DOL's new Retirement Savings Lost and Found database to recover missing participants.
Regulatory
Updates
Adapting to changes like the withdrawn 2024 fiduciary rule and upcoming 2026 agenda items from the DOL.
We serve diverse clients, including small, mid-sized, and large companies, 401(k) investment advisors, accountants, attorneys, and HR consultants, with specialized support for Atlanta employers and national operations. For equity-related plans, explore our ESOPs & Equity Plans page.
Challenge:
Complying with 2026 Contribution Limits and Testing
Employers often overlook updated limits, leading to discrimination issues or penalties.
Solution:
We conduct thorough testing and amendments, ensuring adherence to the $70,000 combined limit and catch-up provisions for optimal tax benefits.
Challenge:
Managing Fiduciary Duties Amid DOL Changes
Evolving rules, like the paused fiduciary rule, create uncertainty in investment oversight.
Solution:
Implement governance training and monitoring, leveraging the 2025 VFCP self-correction features to address errors efficiently.
Challenge:
Handling RMDs and SECURE 2.0 Provisions
Adjusting to age 73 RMD starts (to 75 in 2033) and new features like emergency withdrawals.
Solution:
Update plans with compliant designs and participant education to prevent distributions errors.
Challenge:
Recovering Lost Participants and Assets
Missing employees can complicate plan administration and lead to escheatment.
Solution:
Utilize the DOL’s Retirement Savings Lost and Found database for reunions, integrated with our audit strategies.
FAQs on Retirement Plans
For 401(k)s, elective deferrals are $24,500, with $8,000 catch-up for age 50+, and total contributions are up to $72,000; IRAs are $7,500 ($8,500 including catch-up).
By implementing auto-enrollment, long-term part-time eligibility, and emergency savings, our counsel help ensure seamless adaptation.
The Biden-era rule defense has ended, with potential new rules on the horizon; we advise on current standards to minimize risks.
Use EPCRS and the updated 2025 VFCP for self-corrections, avoiding penalties through proactive reviews.
RMD age is 73 now, increasing to 75 in 2033 under SECURE 2.0; we help update plans accordingly.
It helps locate missing participants; integrate it with fiduciary processes for compliance.
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.
Stay Informed
Stay ahead with our latest thought leadership on Retirement Plans:
Meet the Team
Our professionals bring extensive experience in retirement plan matters. Contact our key team members:
Anne Tyler Hall
Managing Partner
Contact: (470) 344-6773
Specializing in ERISA compliance for benefits plans, with recognition in Best Lawyers 2026.
Ready to optimize your Retirement Plans strategy?
Reach out to Hall Benefits Law's team in Atlanta for personalized guidance.