Agenda

Section 409A, enacted in late 2004, imposed an entire new set of rules defining how almost all deferred compensation arrangements (including but not limited to standard deferral agreements, employment agreements, change of control agreements, severance plans, and supplemental retirement plans) can be structured, changed, and documented. Final regulations were issued on April 10, 2007, and compliance with the final regulations is generally required by the end of 2007. The steps needed to comply include finalizing analysis of changes in design and administration and, in many cases, implementing revised election procedures and obtaining payment elections. Attorneys who have been working with section 409A for the past two years will discuss the rules in general, the major steps that must be taken to bring arrangements into compliance by the end of the year, and the differences between the preliminary guidance and the final regulations.

Dan Hogans, a government official who played a significant role in the development of the regulations, provided background into the decision-making behind some of the regulatory requirements.

By the end of this webinar, recorded on May 15, 2007, attendees learn what the changes are from the interim guidance, what arrangements are exempt from 409A, requirements for documentation, elections and changes -- and how to apply this information in their practice.