ADOPTION AGREEMENT #006
STANDARDIZED CODE ss.401(k) PLAN
(PAIRED PROFIT SHARING PLAN)
The undersigned, -------------------------------------------- ("Employer"), by
executing this Adoption Agreement, elects to become a participating Employer in
the INVESCO Trust Company Defined Contribution Master Plan (basic plan document
#01) by adopting the accompanying Plan and Trust in full as if the Employer were
a signatory to that Agreement. The employer makes the following elections
granted under the provisions of the Master Plan.
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
1.02 TRUSTEE. The Trustee executing this Adoption Agreement is:
(Choose (a) or (b))
(a) A discretionary Trustee, See Section 10.03[A] of the Plan.
(b) A nondiscretionary Trustee. See Section 10.03[B] of the Plan. [Note: The
Employer may not elect Option (b) if a Custodian executes the Adoption
Agreement.]
1.03 PLAN. The name of the Plan as adopted by the Employer is
-------------------------------------------------------------.
1.07 EMPLOYEE. The following Employees are not eligible to participate in the
Plan:
(Choose (a) or at least one of (b) or (c))
(a) No exclusions.
(b) Collective bargaining employees (as defined in Section 1.07 of the Plan).
[Note: If the Employer excludes union employees from the Plan, the Employer must
be able to provide evidence that retirement benefits were the subject of good
faith bargaining.]
(c) Nonresident aliens who do not receive any earned income (as defined in Code
ss.911(d)(2) from the Employer which constitutes United States source income (as
defined in Code ss.861(a)(3)).
Related Employers/Leased Employees. An Employee of any member of the Employer's
related group (as defined in Section 1.30 of the Plan), and any Leased Employee
treated as an Employee under Section 1.31 of the Plan, is eligible to
participate in the Plan, unless excluded by reason of Options (b) or (c).
[Note: A related group member may not contribute to this Plan unless it
executes a Participation Agreement, even if its Employees are Participants
in the Plan.]
1.12 COMPENSATION
Treatment of elective contributions. (Choose (a) or (b))
(a) "Compensation" includes elective contributions made by the Employer on
the Employee's behalf.
(b) "Compensation" does not include elective contributions.
Modifications to Compensation definition. (Choose (c) or at least one of
(d) and (e))
(c) No modifications other than as elected under Options (a) or (b).
(d) The Plan excludes Compensation in excess of $---------------.
(e) In lieu of the definition in Section 1.12 of the Plan, Compensation means
any earnings reportable as W-2 wages for Federal income tax withholding
purposes, subject to any other election under this Adoption Agreement Section
1.12.
Special definition for salary reduction contributions. An Employee's salary
reduction agreement applies to his Compensation determined prior to the
reduction authorized by that salary reduction agreement, with the following
exceptions: (Choose (f) or any combination of (g) and (h), if applicable)
(f) No exceptions.
(g) The dollar limitation described in Option (d) does not apply.
(h) If the Employee makes elective contributions to another plan maintained by
the Employer, the Advisory Committee will determine the amount of the Employee's
salary reduction contribution for the withholding period: (Choose (1) or (2))
(1) After the reduction for such period of elective
contributions to the other plan(s).
(2) Prior to the reduction for such period of elective
contributions to the other plan(s).
1.17 PLAN YEAR/LIMITATION YEAR.
Plan Year. Plan Year means: (Choose (a) or (b))
(a) The 12 consecutive month period ending every --------------.
(b) (Specify) -------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Limitation Year. The Limitation Year is: (Choose (c) or (d))
(c) The Plan Year.
(d) The 12 consecutive month period ending every ---------------.
1.18 EFFECTIVE DATE.
New Plan. The "Effective Date" of the Plan is ---------------.
Restated Plan. The restated Effective Date is ---------------.
This Plan is a substitution and amendment of an existing retirement plan(s)
originally established -------------------.
(Note: See the Effective Date Addendum.)
1.27 HOUR OF SERVICE. The crediting method for Hours of Service
is: (Choose (a) or (b))
(a) The actual method.
(b) The ------------------------- equivalency method, except:
(1) No exceptions.
(2) The actual method applies for purposes of: (Choose at
least one)
(i) Participation under Article II.
(ii) Vesting under Article V.
(iii)Accrual of benefits under Section 3.06.
[Note: On the blank line, insert "daily," "weekly," "semi-monthly payroll
periods" or "monthly."]
1.29 SERVICE FOR PREDECESSOR EMPLOYER. In addition to the predecessor service
the Plan must credit by reason of Section 1.29 of the Plan, the Plan credits
Service with the following predecessor employer(s): ---------------------------.
Service with the designated predecessor employer(s) applies:
(Choose at least one of (a) or (b))
(a) For purposes of participation under Article II.
(b) For purposes of vesting under Article V.
[Note: If the Plan does not credit any predecessor service under this
provision, insert "N/A" in the first blank line. The Employer may attach a
schedule to this Adoption Agreement, in the same format as this Section 1.29,
designating additional predecessor employers and the applicable service
crediting elections.]
1.31 LEASED EMPLOYEES. If a Leased Employee is a Participant in a safe
harbor money purchase plan (as described in Section 1.31) maintained by the
leasing organization, but the Employer is not eligible for the safe harbor plan
exception: (Choose (a) or (b))
(a) The Advisory Committee will determine the Leased Employee's allocation of
Employer contributions under Article III without taking into account the Leased
Employee's allocation, under the safe harbor plan.
(b) The Advisory Committee will reduce the Leased Employee's allocation of
Employer nonelective contributions (other than designated qualified nonelective
contributions) under this Plan by the Leased Employee's allocation under the
safe harbor plan, but only to the extent that allocation is attributable to the
Leased Employee's service provided to the Employer. [Note: The Employer may not
elect Option (b) if a Paired Plan or any other plan of the Employer makes a
similar reduction for the same plan of the leasing organization.]
ARTICLE II
EMPLOYEE PARTICIPANTS
2.01 ELIGIBILITY.
Eligibility conditions. To become a Participant in the Plan, an Employee must
satisfy the following eligibility conditions:
(Choose (a) or (b) or both)
(a) Attainment of age -------------------- (specify age, not
exceeding 21).
(b) Service requirement. (Choose one of (1), (2) or (3))
(1) One Year of Service.
(2) ----------------- months (not exceeding 12) following the
Employee's Employment Commencement Date.
(3) One Hour of Service.
Plan Entry Date. "Plan Entry Date" means the Effective Date and:
(Choose (c), (d) or (e))
(c) Semi-annual Entry Dates. The first day of the Plan Year and the first
day of the seventh month of the Plan Year.
(d) The first day of the Plan Year.
(e) (Specify entry dates) ----------------------------------.
Time of Participation. An Employee will become a Participant, unless
exclued under Adoption Agreement Section 1.07, on the Plan
Entry Date (if employed on that date): (Choose (f), (g) or (h))
(f) immediately following
(g) immediately preceding
(h) nearest the date the Employer completes the eligibility conditions described
in Options (a) and (b) of this Adoption Agreement Section 2.01. [Note: The
Employer must coordinate the selection of (f), (g) or (h) with the "Plan Entry
Date" selection in (c), (d) or (e). Unless otherwise excluded under Section
1.07, the Employee must become a Participant by the earlier of: (1) the first
day of the Plan Year beginning after the date the Employee completes the age and
service requirements of Code ss.410(a); or (2) 6 months after the date the
Employee completes those requirements.]
Dual eligibility. The eligibility conditions of this Section 2.01
apply to: (Choose (i) or (j))
(i) All Employees of the Employer, except: (Choose (1) or (2))
(1) No exceptions
(2) Employees who are Participants in the Plan as of the
Effective Date.
(j) Solely to an Employee employed by the Employer after ----------------------.
If the Employee was employed by the Employer on or before the specified date,
the Employee will become a Participant: (Choose (1) or (2))
(1) On the latest of the Effective Date, his Employment Commencement Date
or the date he attains age --------------------- (not to exceed 21).
(2) Under the eligibility conditions in effect under the Plan prior to the
restated Effective Date. If the restated Plan required more than one Year
of Service to participate, the eligibility conditions under this Option
(2) for participation in the Code ss.401(k) arrangement under this Plan is
one Year of Service for Plan Years beginning after December 31, 1988. [For
restated plans only]
2.02 YEAR OF SERVICE - PARTICIPATION.
Hours of Service. An Employee must complete: (Choose (a) or (b))
(a) 1,000 Hours of Service
(b) ---------------------- Hours of Service during an eligibility
computation period to receive credit for a Year of Service. [Note: The Hours of
Service requirement may not exceed 1,000.]
Eligibility computation period. After the initial eligibility computation
period described in Section 2.02 of the Plan, the Plan measures the eligibility
computation period as: (Choose (c) or (d))
(c) The 12 consecutive month period beginning with each anniversary of an
Employee's Employment Commencement Date.
(d) The Plan Year, beginning with the Plan Year which includes the first
anniversary of the Employee's Employment Commencement Date.
2.03 BREAK IN SERVICE - PARTICIPATION. The Break in Service rule described
in Section 2.03(B) of the Plan: (Choose (a) or (b))
(a) Does not apply to the Employer's Plan.
(b) Applies to the Employer's Plan.
ARTICLE III
EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS AND FORFEITURES
3.01 AMOUNT.
Part I. [Options (a) through (g)] Amount of Employer's contribution. The
Employer's annual contribution to the Trust will equal the total amount of
deferral contributions, matching contributions, qualified nonelective
contributions and nonelective contributions, as determined under this Section
3.01. (Choose any combination of (a), (b), (c) and (d), or choose (e))
(a) Deferral contributions (Code ss.401(k) arrangement). The Employer must
contribute the amount by which the Participants have reduced their Compensation
for the Plan Year, pursuant to their salary reduction agreements on file with
the Advisory Committee. A reference in the Plan to salary reduction
contributions is a reference to these amounts.
(b) Matching contributions. The Employer will make matching contributions in
accordance with the formula(s) elected in Part II of this Adoption Agreement
Section 3.01.
(c) Designated qualified nonelective contributions. The Employer, in its sole
discretion, may contribute an amount which it designates as a qualified
nonelective contribution.
(d) Nonelective contributions.
(1) Discretionary contribution. The amount (or additional amount) the
Employer may from time to time deem advisable.
(2) ----------% of the Compensation of all Participants under the
Plan, determined for the Employer's taxable year for
which it makes the contribution. [Note: The percentage
selected may not exceed 15%.]
(3) --------% of Net Profits but not more than $----------.
(e) Frozen Plan. This Plan is a frozen Plan effective------------------------.
The Employer will not contribute to the Plan with respect to any period
following the stated date.
Net Profits. The Employer: (Choose (f) or (g))
(f) Need not have Net Profits to make its annual contribution under this Plan.
(g) Must have current or accumulated Net Profits exceeding $----------- to
make the following contributions: (Choose at least one of (1), (2) and (3))
(1) Matching contributions described in Option (b), except:
-----------------------------------------------------------.
(2) Qualified nonelective contributions described in Option
(c).
(3) Nonelective contributions described in Option --------.
The term "Net Profits" means the Employer's net income or profits for any
taxable year determined by the Employer upon the basis of its books of account
in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices consistently applied
without any deductions for Federal and state taxes upon income or for
contributions made by the Employer under this Plan or under any other employee
benefit plan the Employer maintains. The term "Net Profits" specifically
excludes:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------.
[Note: Enter "N/A" if no exclusions apply.]
If the Employer requires Net Profits for matching contributions and the Employer
does not have sufficient Net Profits uner Option (g), it will reduce the
matching contribution under a fixed formula on a pro rata basis for all
Participants. A Participant's share of the reduced contribution will bear the
same ratio as the matching contribution the Participant would have received if
Net Profits were sufficient bears to the total matching contribution all
Participants would have received if Net Profits were sufficient. If more than
one member of a related group (as defined in Section 1.30) execute this Adoption
Agreement, each participating member will determine net Profits separately but
will not apply this reduction unless, after combining the separately determined
Net Profits, the aggregate Net Profits are insufficient to satisfy the matching
contribution liability. "Net Profits" includes both current and accumulated Net
Profits.
Part II. [Options (h) and (i)] Matching contribution formula.
[Note: If the Employer elected Option (b), complete Options (h)
and (i).]
(h) Amount of matching contributions. Subject to Option (i), for each Plan
Year, the Employer's matching contribution is: (Choose any combination of (1),
(2), (3) and (4))
(1) An amount equal to ----------% of each Participant's Salary
Recuction contributions for the Plan Year.
(2) An amount equal to ----------% of each Participant's first tier of
Salary Reduction contributions for the Plan Year, plus the following
matching percentage(s) for the following subsequent tiers of Salary
Reduction contributions for the Plan Year:
-------------------------------------------------.
(3) Discretionary formula.
(i) An amount (or additional amount) equal to a matching percentage
the Employer from time to time may deem advisable of the
Participant's salary reduction contributions for the Plan Year.
(ii) An amount (or additional amount) equal to a matching percentage
the Employer from time to time may deem advisable of each tier of
the Participant's Salary Reduction contributions for the Plan Year.
[Note: Under Options (2) and (3)(ii), the matching percentage for any
subsequent tier of salary reduction contributions may not exceed the matching
percentage for any prior tier.]
(4) A Participant's matching contributions may not:
(i) Exceed ---------------------------------------.
(ii) Be less than ---------------------------------.
(i) Amount of salary reduction contributions taken into account. When
determining a Participant's salry reduction contributions taken into account
under the matching contributions formula(s), the following rules apply: (Choose
any combination of (1) through (3))
(1) The Advisory Committee will take into account all eligible
contributions credited for the Plan Year.
(2) The Advisory Committee will disregard eligible contributions exceeding
------------------------------------.
(3) The Advisory Committee will treat as the first tier of Salary
Recuction contributions, an amount not exceeding:----------------------.
The subsequent tiers of eligible contributions are: -------------------.
Part III. [Option (j). Special rules for Code ss.401(k) Arrangement.
(Choose (j), if applicable)
(j) Salary Reduction Agreements. The following rules and restrictions apply
to an Employee's salary reduction agreement: (Make a selection under (1), (2),
(3) and (4))
(1) Limitation on amount. The Employee's salary reduction
contributions: (Choose (i) or at least one of (ii) or (iii))
(i) No maximum limitation other than as provided in
the Plan.
(ii) May not exceed -----------% of Compensation for the Plan Year,
subject to the annual additions limitation described in Part 2 of
Article III and the 402(g) limitation described in Section 14.07 of
the Plan.
(iii)Based on percentages of Compensation must equal at
least -----------------.
(2) An Employee may revoke, on a prospective basis, a salary reduction
agreement: (Choose (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv))
(i) Once during any Plan Year but not later than
--------------- of the Plan Year.
(ii) As of any Plan Entry Date.
(iii)As of the first day of any month.
(iv) (Specify, but must be at least once per Plan Year
-------------------------.
(3) An Employee who revokes his salary reduction agreement may file a
new salary reduction agreement with an effective date: (Choose (i),
(ii), (iii) or (iv))
(i) No earlier than the first day of the next Plan
Year.
(ii) As of any subsequent Plan Entry Date.
(iii)As of the first day of any month subsequent to the
month in which he revoked an Agreement.
(iv) (Specify, but must be at least once per Plan Year following the
Plan Year of revocation) ---------------------.
(4) A Participant may increase or may decrease, on a prospective basis,
his salary reduction percentage or dollar amount:
(Choose (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv))
(i) As of the beginning of each payroll period.
(ii) As of the first day of each month.
(iii)As of any Plan Entry Date.
(iv) (Specify, but must permit an increase or a
decrease at least once per Plan Year
-----------------------------------.
3.04 CONTRIBUTION ALLOCATION. the Advisory Committee will allocate deferral
contributions, matching contributions, qualified nonelective contributions and
nonelective contributions in accordance with Section 14.06 of the Plan and the
elections under this Adoption Agreement Section 3.04.
Part I. [Options (a) through (d)]. Special Accounting Elections. (Choose
whichever elections are applicable to the Employer's Plan)
(a) Matching Contribuitons Account. The Advisory Committee will allocate
matching contributions to a Participant's: (Choose (1) or (2); (3) is available
only in addition to (1))
(1) Regular Matching Contribution Account.
(2) Qualified Matching Contributions Account.
(3) Except, matching contributions under Option(s) --------------------
of Adoption Agreement Section 3.01 are allocable to the Qualified Matching
Contributions Account.
(b) Special Allocation Dates for Salary Reduction Contributions. The
Advisory Committee will allocate salary reduction contributions as of the
Accounting Date and as of the following additional allocation dates:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(c) Special Allocation Dates for Matching Contributions. The Advisory
Committee will allocate matching contributions as of the Accounting Date and as
of the following additional allocation dates:
---------------------------------------------------------.
(d) Designated Qualified Nonelective Contributions - Definition of
Participant. For purposes of allocating the designated qualified nonelective
contribution, "Participant" means: (Choose (1) or (2))
(1) All Participants.
(2) Participants who are Nonhighly Compensated Employees.
Part II. Method of Allocation - Nonelective Contribution. Subject to any
restoration allocation required under Section 5.04, the Advisory Committee will
allocate and credit each annual nonelective contribution (and Participant
forfeitures treated as nonelective contributions) to the Employer Contributions
Account of each Participant who satisfies the conditions of Section 3.06, in
accordance with the allocation method selected under this Part II. (Choose an
allocation method under (e), (f), (g) or (h); (i) is mandatory if the Employer
elects (f), (g) or (h))
(e) Nonintegrated Allocation Formula. The Advisory Committee will allocate the
annual nonelective contributions in the same ratio that each Participant's
Compensation for the Plan Year bears to the total Compensation of all
Participants for the Plan Year.
(f) Two-Tiered Integrated Allocation Formula - Maximum Disparity. First, the
Advisory Committee will allocate the annual nonelective contributions in the
same ratio that each Participant's Compensation plus Excess Compensation for the
Plan Year bears to the total Compensation plus Excess Compensation of all
Participants for the Plan Year. The allocation under this paragraph, as a
percentage of each Participant's Compensation plus Excess Compensation, must not
exceed the applicable percentage (5.7%, 5.4% or 4.3%) listed under the Maximum
Disparity Table following Option (i). The Advisory Committee then will allocate
any remaining nonelective contributions in the same ratio that each
Participant's Compensation for the Plan Year bears to the total Compensation of
all Participants for the Plan Year.
(g) Three-Tiered Integrated Allocation Formula. First, the Advisory Committee
will allocate the annual Employer nonelective contributions in the same ratio
that each Participant's Compensation for the Plan Year bears to the total
Compensation of all Participants for the Plan Year. The allocation under this
paragraph, as a percentage of each Participant's Compensation may not exceed the
applicable percentage (5.7%, 5.4% or 4.3%) listed under the Maximum Disparity
Table following Option (I).
As a second tier allocation, the Advisory Committee will allocate the
nonelective contributions in the same ratio that each Participant's Excess
Compensation for the Plan Year bears to the total Excess Compensation of all
Participants for the Plan Year. The allocation under this paragraph, as a
percentage of each Participant's Excess Compensation, may not exceed the
allocation percentage in the first paragraph.
Finally, the Advisory Committee will allocate any remaining nonelective
contributions in the same ratio that each Participant's Compensation for the
Plan Year bears to the total Compensation of all Participants for the Plan Year.
(h) Fourth Tier Integrated Allocation Formula. First, the Advisory
Committee will allocate the annual nonelective contributions in the same ratio
that each Participant's Compensation for the Plan Year bears to the total
Compensation of all Participants for the Plan Year, but not exceeding 3% of each
Participant's Compensation.
As a second tier allocation, the Advisory Committee will allocate the
nonelective contributions in the same ratio that each Participant's Excess
Compensation for the Plan Year bears to the total Excess Compensation of all
Participants for the Plan Year, but not exceeding 3% of each Participant's
Excess Compensation.
As a third tier allocation, the Advisory Committee will allocate the annual
contributions in the same ratio that each Participant's Compensation plus Excess
Compensation for the Plan Year bears to the total Compensation plus Excess
Compensation of all Participants for the Plan Year. The allocation under this
paragraph, as a percentage of each Participant's Compensation plus Excess
Compensation, must not exceed the applicable percentage (2.7%, 2.4% or 1.3%)
listed under the Maximum Disparity Table following Option (i).
The Advisory Committee then will allocate any remaining nonelective
contributions in the same ratio that each Participant's Compensation for the
Plan Year bears to the total Compensation of all Participants for the Plan Year.
(i) Excess Compensation. For purposes of Option (f), (g) or (h), "Excess
Compensation" means Compensation in excess of the following Integration Level:
(Choose (1) or (2))
(1) -------% (not exceeding 100%) of the taxable wage base, as determined
under Section 230 of the Social Security Act, in effect on the first day
of the Plan Year: (Choose any combination of (i) and (ii) or choose (iii))
(i) Rounded to --------------------- (but not exceeding
the taxable wage base).
(ii) But not greater than $-------------.
(iii)Without any further adjustment or limitation.
(2) $---------------------. [Note: Not exceeding the taxable
wage base for the Plan Year in which this Adoption Agreement
first is effective.]
Maximum Disparity Table. For purposes of Options (f), (g) and
(h), the applicable percentage is:
Integration Level Applicable Percentages Applicable
(as percentage of for Option (f) or Percentages
taxable wage base) Option (g) For Option (h)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
100% 5.7% 2.7%
More than 80% but
less than 100% 5.4% 2.4%
More than 20%
(but not less than
$10,001) and not
more than 80% 4.3% 1.3%
20% (or $10,000, if
greater) or less 5.7% 2.7%
Top Heavy Minimum Allocation - Application of Requirement. The Plan applies
the top heavy minimum allocation requirements of Section 3.04(B)(1): (Choose (j)
or (k))
(j) In all Plan years. A Participant is entitled to the top heavy minimum
allocation if he is employed by the Employer on the last day of the Plan Year,
unless: (Choose (1) or (2))
(1) No exceptions.
(2) The Participant is a Key Employee for the Plan Year.
[Note: If the Employer selects this Option (2), it will have
to determine for each Plan Year who are the Key Employees
under the Plan.]
(k) Only in Plan Years for which the Plan is top heavy. A Participant is
entitled to the top heavy minimum allocation if he is employed by the Employer
on the last day of the Plan Year, unless he is a Key Employee. [Note: Option (k)
will require the Advisory Committee to determine whether the Plan is top heavy
for a Plan Year.]
Top Heavy Minimum Allocation - Method of Compliance. If a Participant's
allocation under this Section 3.04 is less than the top heavy minimum allocation
to which he is entitled under Section 3.04(B): (Choose (l) or (m))
(l) The Employer will make any necessary additional contribution to the
Participant's Account, as described in Section 3.04(B)(7)(a) of the Plan.
(m) The Employer will satisfy the top heavy minimum allocation under the Paired
Pension Plan the Employer also maintains under this Master Plan. However, the
Employer will make any necessary additional contribution to satisfy the top
heavy minimum allocation for an Employee covered only under this Plan and not
under the Paired Pension Plan. See Section 3.04(B)(7)(b) of the Plan.
If the Employer maintains another plan which is not a Paired Pension Plan
offered under this Master Plan, the Employer may provide in an addendum to this
Adoption Agreement, numbered Section 3.04, any modifications to the Plan
necessary to satisfy the top heavy requirements under Code ss.416.
Related employers. If two or more related employers (as defined in Section 1.30)
contribute to this Plan, the Advisory Committee must allocate all Employer
contributions and forfeitures to each Participant in the Plan, in accordance
with the elections in this Adoption Agreement Section 3.04, without regard to
which contributing relating group member employs the Participant. A
Participant's Compensation includes Compensatin from all related employers,
irrespective of which related employers are contributing to the Plan. The
signatory Employer and any Participating Employer(s) will satisfy any fixed
matching contribution formula under Adoption Agreement Section 3.01 as agreed by
those Employers.
3.05 FORFEITURE ALLOCATION. Subject to any restoration allocation required
under Sections 5.04 or 9.14, the Advisory Committee will allocate a Participant
forfeiture in accordance with Section 3.04: (Choose (a) or (b); (c) and (d) are
optional in addition to (a) or (b))
(a) As an Employer nonelective contribution for the Plan Year in which the
forfeiture occurs, as if the Participant forfeiture were an additional
nonelective contribution for that Plan Year.
(b) To reduce the Employer matching contributions and
nonelective contributions for the Plan Year: (Choose (1) or (2))
(1) in which the forfeiture occurs.
(2) immediately following the Plan Year in which the
forfeiture occurs.
(c) To the extent attributable to matching contributions:
(Choose (1), (2) or (3))
(1) In the manner elected under Options (a) or (b).
(2) First to reduce Employer matching contributions for the
Plan Year: (Choose (i) or (ii))
(i) in which the forfeiture occurs,
(ii) immediately following the Plan Year in which the forfeiture
occurs, then as elected in Options (a) or (b).
(3) As a discretionary matching contribution for the Plan Year in which
the forfeiture occurs, in lieu of the manner elected under Options (a) or
(b).
(d) First to reduce the Plan's ordinary and necessary administrative expenses
for the Plan Year and then will allocate any remaining forfeitures in the manner
described in Options (a), (b) or (c), whichever applies. If the Employer elects
Option (c), the forfeitures used to reduce Plan expenses: (Choose (1) or (2))
(1) relate proportionately to forfeitures described in Option (c) and to
forfeitures described in Options (a) or (b).
(2) relate first to forfeitures described in Option
--------------.
Allocation of forfeited excess aggregate contributions. The Advisory Committee
will allocate any forfeited excess aggregate contributions (as described in
Section 14.09): (Choose (e), (f) or (g))
(e) To reduce Employer matching contributions for the Plan Year:
(Choose (1) or (2))
(1) in which the forfeiture occurs.
(2) immediately following the Plan Year in which the
forfeiture occurs.
(f) As Employer discretionary matching contributions for the Plan Year in which
forfeited, except the Advisory Committee will not allocate these forfeitures to
the Highly Compensated Employees who incurred the forfeitures.
(g) In accordance with Options (a) through (d), whichever applies, except the
Advisory Committee will not allocate these forfeitures under Option (a) or under
Option (c)(3) to the Highly Compensated Emplyees who incurred the forfeitures.
3.06 ACCRUAL OF BENEFIT.
Compensation taken into account. For the Plan Year in which the Employee first
becomes a Participant, the Advisory Committee will determine the allocation of
any designated qualified nonelective contribution or nonelective contribution by
taking into account:
(Choose (a) or (b))
(a) The Employee's Compensation for the entire Plan Year.
(b) The Employee's Compensation for the portion of the Plan Year in which
the Employee actually is a Participant in the Plan, except: (Choose (2) or (2))
(1) No exceptions.
(2) For purposes of the first 3% of Compensation allocated
under Option (e), (g) or (h) of Adoption Agreement Section
3.04, whichever applies, the Advisory Committee will take into account the
Employee's Compensation for the entire Plan Year.
Accrual Requirements. To receive an allocation of designated qualified
nonelective contributions, nonelective contributiosn and Participant forfeitures
treated as nonelective contributions for the Plan Year, a Participant must
satisfy the accrual requirements of this paragraph. If the Participant is
employed by the Employer on the last day of the Plan Year, the Participant must
complete at least one Hour of Service for that Plan Year. If the Participant
terminates employment with the Employer during the Plan Year, the Participant
must complete at least --------- Hours of Service (not exceeding 501) during the
Plan Year, except: )Choose (c) or (d))
(c) No exceptions.
(d) No Hour of Service requirement if the Participant terminates employment
during the Plan Year on account of: (Choose at least one of (1), (2) and (3))
(1) Death.
(2) Disability.
(3) Attainment of Normal Retirement Age in the current Plan Year or in a
prior Plan Year.
Special accrual requirements for matching contributions. To receive an
allocation of matching contributions (for forfeitures applied to reduce matching
contributions) a Participant must satisfy the following condition(s): (Choose
(e) or any combination of (f), (g) and (h))
(e) No conditions other than making salary reduction contributions.
(f) The accrual requirements prescribed for an allocation of nonelective
contributions.
(g) The Participant does not revoke his salary reduction agreement effective
during the Plan Year.
(h) The Participant is not a Highly Compensated Employee for the Plan Year.
This Option (h) applies to: (Choose (1) or (2))
(1) All matching contributions.
(2) Matching contributions described in Option(s) ------------- of
Adoption Agreement Section 3.01.
3.15 MORE THAN ONE PLAN LIMITATION. If the provisions of Section 3.15
apply, the Excess Amount attributed to this Plan equals:
(Choose (a), (b) or (c))
(a) The product of:
(i) the total Excess Amount allocated as of such date (including any
amount which the Advisory Committee would have allocated but for the
limitations of Code ss.415), times
(ii) the ratio of (1) the amount allocated to the Participant as of such
date under this Plan divided by (2) the total amount allocated as of such
date under all qualified defined contribution plans (determined without
regard to the limitations of Code ss.415).
(b) The total Excess Amount.
(c) None of the Excess Amount.
[Note: If the Employer adopts Paired Plans available under this
Master Plan, the Employer must coordinate its elections under
Section 3.15 of each Adoption Agreement.]
3.18 DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN LIMITATION.
Application of limitation. The limitation under Section 3.18 of
the Plan: (Choose (a) or (b))
(a) Does not apply to the Employer's Plan because the Employer does not maintain
and never has maintained a defined benefit plan covering any Participant in this
Plan.
(b) Applies to the Employer's Plan. To the extent necessary to satisfy the
limitation under Section 3.18, the Employer will reduce: (Choose (1) or (2))
(1) The Participant's projected annual benefit under the defined benefit
plan under which the Participant participates.
(2) Its contribution or allocation on behalf of the Participant to the
defined contribution plan under which the Participant participates and
then, if necessary, the Participant's projected annual benefit under the
defined benefit plan under which the Participant participates.
[Note: If the Employer selects (a), the remaining options in this Section
3.18 do not apply to the Employer's Plan.]
Override of 100% Limitation. The Employers elects: (Choose (c) or (d))
(c) To apply the 100% limitation described in Section 3.19(1) fo the Plan
in all Limitation Years. [Note: This election will avoid having to calculate the
Plan's top heavy ratio for any year, unless the Employer has elected Adoption
Agreement Section 3.04(k).]
(d) Not to apply the 100% limitation for Limitation years in which the Plan's
top heavy ratio (as determined under Section 1.33 of the Plan) does not exceed
90%, but only if the defined benefit plan satisfies the extra minimum benefit
requirements of Code ss.416(h)(2) (and the applicable Treasury regulations)
after taking into account the Employer's election under Options (e), (f), (g) or
(h) of this Section 3.18. To determine the top heavy ratio, the Advisory
Committee will use the following interest rate and mortality assumptions to
value accrued benefits under a defined benefit plan. [Note: This election will
require the Advisory Committee to calculate the Plan's top heavy ratio.]
Coordination with top heavy minimum allocation. The Advisory Committee will
apply the top heavy minimum allocation provisions of Section 3.04(B) of the Plan
with the following modifications:
(Choose (e), (f), (g) or (h))
(e) No modifications.
(f) By substituting 4% for 3% in Paragraph (b) of Section 3.04(B)(1) or of
Section 3.04(B)(2) of the Plan, whichever applies, but only for any Plan Year in
which Option (d) applies to override the 100% limitation.
(g) By increasing the top heavy minimum allocation to 5% for any Plan Year in
which the 100% limitation applies, and to 7 1/2% for any Plan Year in which
Option (d) applies to override the 100% limitation. The increased percentage
under this Option (g) applies irrespective of whether the highest contribution
rate for the Plan Year is less than that increased percentage.
(h) By eliminating the top heavy minimum allocation. [Note: The Employer
may not select this Option (h) if the defined benefit plan does not guarantee
the top heavy minimum benefit under Code ss.416 for every Participant in this
Plan who is a Non-Key Employee.]
If the elections under this Section 3.18 are not appropriate to satisfy the
limitations of Section 3.18, or the top heavy requirements under Code ss.416,
the Employer must provide the appropriate provisions in an addendum to this
Adoption Agreement.
ARTICLE IV
PARTICIPANT CONTRIBUTIONS
4.01 PARTICIPANT NONDEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTIONS. The Plan: (Choose (a) or (b)
(a) Does not permit Participant nondeductible contributions.
(b) Permits Participant nondeductible contributions, pursuant to
Section 14.04 of the Plan.
Allocation dates: The Advisory Committee will allocate nondeductible
contributions for each Plan Year as of the Accounting Date and the following
additional allocation dates:
(Choose (c) or (d))
(c) No other allocation dates.
(d) (Specify) ----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------.
As of an allocation date, the Advisory Committee will credit all nondeductible
contributions made for the relevant allocation period. Unless otherwise
specified in (d), a nondeductible contribution relates to an allocation period
only if actually made to the Trust no later than 30 days after that allocation
period ends.
ARTICLE V
TERMINATION OF SERVICE - PARTICIPANT VESTING
5.01 NORMAL RETIREMENT. Normal Retirement Age under the Plan is:
(Choose (a) or (b))
(a) --------------------------- [State age, but may not exceed age
65].
(b) The later of the date the Participant attains --------(-------) years of age
or the ---------(--------) anniversary of the first day of the Plan Year in
which the Participant commenced participation in the Plan. [The age selected may
not exceed age 65 and the anniversary selected may not exceed the 5th.]
5.02 PARTICIPANT DEATH OR DISABILITY. The 100% vesting rule under Section
5.02 of the Plan: (Choose (a) or choose one or both of (b) and (c))
(a) Does not apply.
(b) Applies to death.
(c) Applies to disability.
5.03 VESTING SCHEDULE.
Deferral Contributions Account/Qualified Matching Contributions
Account/Qualified Nonelective Contributions Account. A Participant has a 100%
Nonforfeitable interest at all times in his Deferral Contributions account, his
Qualified Matching Contributions Account and in his Qualified Nonelective
Contributions Account.
Regular Matching Contributions Account/Employer Contributions Account. With
respect to a Participant's Regular Matching Contributions Account and Employer
Contributions Account, the Employer elects the following vesting schedule:
(Choose (a) or (b); (c) and (d) are available only as additional options)
(a) Immediate vesting. 100% Nonforfeitable at all times.
(b) Graduated Vesting Schedules.
Top Heavy Schedule Non Top Heavy Schedule
(Mandatory) (Optional)
Years of Nonforfeitable Years of Nonforfeitable
Service Percengage Service Percentage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 1 ----- Less than 1 -----
1 ----- 1 -----
2 ----- 2 -----
3 ----- 3 -----
4 ----- 4 -----
5 ----- 5 -----
6 or more 100% 6 -----
7 or more 100%
(c) Special vesting election for Regular Matching Contributions Account. In
lieu of the election under Options (a) or (b), the Employer elects the following
vesting schedule for a Participant's Regular Matching Contributions Account:
(Choose (1) or (2))
(1) 100% Nonforfeitable at all times.
(2) In accordance with the vesting schedule described in
the addendum to this Adoption Agreement, numbered 5.03(c).
[Note: If the Employer elects this Option (c)(2), the
addendum must designate the applicable vesting schedule(s)
using the same format as used in Option (b).]
[Note: Under Options (b) and (c)(2), the Employer must complete a Top Heavy
Schedule which satisfies Code ss.416. The Employer, at its option, may complete
a Non Top Heavy Schedule only if the Employer elected Adoption Agreement Section
3.04(k). The Non Top Heavy Schedule must satisfy Code 411(a)(2). Also see
Section 7.05 of the Plan.]
(d) The Top Heavy Schedule under Option (b) (and, if applicable, under
Option (c)(2)) applies: (Choose (1) or (2))
(1) Only in a Plan Year for which the Plan is top heavy.
(2) In the Plan Year for which the Plan first is top heavy
and then in all subsequent Plan Years. [Note: The Employer
may not elect Option (d) unless it has completed a Non Top
Heavy Schedule.]
Minimum Vesting. (Choose (e) or (f))
(e) The Plan does not apply a minimum vesting rule.
(f) A Participant's Nonforfeitable Accrued Benefit will never be less than the
lesser of $-------------- or his entire Accrued Benefit, even if the
application of a graduated vesting schedule under Options (b) or (c) would
result in a smaller Nonforfeitable Accrued Benefit.
5.04 CASH-OUT DISTRIBUTIONS TO PARTIALLY-VESTED PARTICIPANTS/RESTORATION OF
FORFEITED ACCRUED BENEFIT. The deemed cash-out rule described in Section 5.04(C)
of the Plan: (Choose (a) or (b))
(a) Does not apply.
(b) Will apply to determine the timing of forfeitures for 0% vested
Participants. A Participant is not a 0% vested Participant if he has a Deferral
Contributions Account.
5.06 YEAR OF SERVICE - VESTING.
Vesting computation period. The Plan measures a Year of Service on the basis of
the following 12 consecutive month periods:
(Choose (a) or (b))
(a) Plan Years.
(b) Employment Years. An Employment Year is the 12 consecutive month period
measured from the Employee's Employment Commencement Date and each successive 12
consecutive month period measured from each anniversary of that Employment
Commencement Date.
Hours of Service. The minimum number of Hours of Service an Employee must
complete during a vesting computation period to receive credit for a Year of
Service is: (choose (c) or (d))
(c) 1,000 Hours of Service.
(d) -------------- Hours of Service. [Note: The Hours of Service requirement
may not exceed 1,000.]
5.08 INCLUDED YEARS OF SERVICE - VESTING. The Employer specifically
excludes the following Years of Service: (Choose (a) or at least one of (b), (c)
and (d))
(a) None other than as specified in Section 5.08(a) of the Plan.
(b) Any Year of Service before the Participant attained the age of
--------------------. [Note: The age selected may not exceed age 18.]
(c) Any Year of Service during the period the Employer did not maintain this
Plan or a predecessor plan.
(d) Any Year of Service before a Break in Service if the number of consecutive
Breaks in Service equals or exceeds the greater of 5 or the aggregate number of
the Years of Service prior to the Break. This exception applies only if the
Participant is 0% vested in his Accrued Benefit derived from Employer
contributions at the time he has a Break in Service. Furthermore, the aggregate
number of Years of Service before a Break in Service do not include any Years of
Service not required to be taken into account under this exception by reason of
any prior Break in Service.
ARTICLE VI
TIME AND METHOD OF PAYMENTS OF BENEFITS
Code ss.411(d)(6) Protected Benefits. The elections under this Article VI may
not eliminate Code ss.411(d)(6) protected benefit. To the extent the elections
would eliminate a Code ss.411(d)(6) protected benefit, see Section 13.02 of the
Plan. Furthermore, if the elections liberalize the optional forms of benefit
under the Plan, the more liberal options apply on the later of the adoption date
or the Effective Date of this Adoption Agreement.
6.01 TIME OF PAYMENT OF ACCRUED BENEFIT.
Distribution date. A distribution date under the Plan means
--------------------------------------------------------------.
[Note: The [Employer must specify the appropriate date(s). The specified
distribution dates primarily establish annuity starting dates and the notice and
consent periods prescribed by the Plan. The Plan allows the Trustee an
administratively practicable period of time to make the actual distribution
relating to a particular distribution date.]
Nonforfeitable Accrued Benefit Not Exceeding $3,500. Subject to the
limitations of Section 6.01(A)(1), the distribution date for distribution of a
Nonforfeitable Accrued Benefit not exceeding $3,500 is: (Choose (a), (b), (c) or
(d))
(a) ---------- of the -------------- Plan Year beginning after the
Participant's Separation from Service.
(b) --------------------- following the Participant's Separation from Service.
(c) --------------------- of the Plan Year after the Participant incurs
------------------------- Break(s) in Service (as defined in Article V).
(d) ----------------- following the Participant's attainment of Normal
Retirement Age, but not earlier than --------------- days following his
Separation from Service.
Nonforfeitable Accrued Benefit Exceeds $3,500. See the elections under
Section 6.03.
Disability. The distribution date, subject to the limitations of Section
6.01(A)(3), is: (Choose (e) or (f))
(e) ----------------- after the Participant terminates employment because
of disability.
(f) The same as if the Participant had terminated employment without
disability.
Hardship. (Choose (g) or (h))
(g) The Plan does not permit a hardship distribution to a Participant who has
separated from Service.
(h) The Plan permits a hardship distribution to a Participant who has separated
from Service in accordance with the hardship distribution policy stated in
(Choose (1) or (2))
(1) Section 6.01(A)(4) of the Plan.
(2) Section 14.11 of the Plan.
Default on a Loan. If a Participant or Beneficiary defaults on a loan made
pursuant to a loan policy adopted by the Advisory Committee pursuant to Section
9.04, the Plan: (Choose (i), (j))
(i) Treats the default as a distributable event. the Trustee, at the time of the
default, will reduce the Participant's Nonforfeitable Accrued Benefit by the
lesser of the amount in default (plus accrued interest) or the Plan's security
interest in that Nonforfeitable Accrued Benefit. To the extent the loan is
attributable to the Participant's Deferral Contributions Account, Qualified
Matching Contributions Account or Qualified Nonelective Contributions Account,
the Trustee will not reduce the Participant's Nonforfeitable Accrued Benefit
unless the Participant has separated from Service or unless the Participant has
attained age 59 1/2.
(j) Does not treat the default as a distributable event. When an otherwise
distributable event first occurs pursuant to Section 6.01 or Section 6.03 of the
Plan, the Trustee will reduce the Participant's Nonforfeitable Accrued Benefit
by the lesser of the amount in default (plus accrued interest) or the Plan's
security interest in that Nonforfeitable Accrued Benefit.
6.02 METHOD OF PAYMENT OF ACCRUED BENEFIT. The Advisory Committee will
apply Section 6.02 of the Plan with the following modifications: (Choose (a) or
(b))
(a) No modifications.
(b) The Plan permits the following annuity options: -------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------.
Any Participant who elects a life annuity option is subject to the
requirements of Sections 6.04(A), (B), (C) and (D) of the Plan. See Section
6.04(E). [Note: The Employer may specify additional annuity options in an
addendum to this Adoption Agreement, numbered 6.02(b).]
6.03 BENEFIT PAYMENT ELECTIONS.
Participant Elections After Separation from Service. A Participant who is
eligible to make distribution elections under Section 6.03 of the Plan may elect
to commence distribution of his Nonforfeitable Accrued Benefit: (Choose (a) or
(b))
(a) As of any distribution date, but not earlier than -------- of the Plan Year
beginning after the Participant's Separation from Service.
(b) As of the following date(s): (Choose at least one of Options
(1) through (5))
(1) As of any distribution date after the close of the Plan Year in which
the Participant attains Normal Retirement Age.
(2) Any distribution date following his Separation from
Service.
(3) Any distribution date in the -------------- Plan Year(s) beginning
after his Separation from Service.
(4) Any distribution date in the Plan Year after the Participant incurs
---------------- Break(s) in Service (as defined in Article V).
(5) Any distribution date following attainment of age -------- and
completion of at least --------- Years of Service (as defined in Article
V).
The distribution events described in the election(s) made under Options (a) or
(b) apply equally to all Accounts maintained for the Participant.
Participant Elections Prior to Separation from Service - Regular Matching
Contributions Account and Employer Contributions Account. Subject to the
restrictions of Article VI, the following distribution options apply to a
Participant's Regular Matching Contributions Account and Employer Contributions
Account prior to his Separation from Service: (Choose (c) or at least one of (d)
through (f))
(c) No distribution options prior to Separation from Service.
(d) Attainment of Specified Age. Until he retires, the Participant has a
continuing election to receive all or any portion of his Nonforfeitable interest
in these Accounts after he attains: (Choose (1) or (2))
(1) Normal Retirement Age.
(2) ----------- years of age and is at least --------------%
vested in these Accounts. [Note: If the percentage is less
than 100%, see the special vesting formula in Section 5.03.]
(e) After a Participant has participated in the Plan for a period of not
less than --------- years and he is 100% vested in these Accounts, until he
retires, the Participant has a continuing election to receive all or any portion
of the Accounts. [Note: The number in the blank space may not be less than 5.]
(f) Hardship. A Participant may elect a hardship distribution prior to his
Separation from Service in accordance with the hardship distribution policy:
Choose (1), or (2); (3) is available only as in addition to (1) or (2))
(1) Under Section 6.01(A)(4) of the Plan.
(2) Under Section 14.11 of the Plan.
(3) In no event may a Participant receive a hardship
distribution before he is at least -----------% vested in
these Accounts. [Note: If the percentage in the blank is
less than 100%, see the special vesting formula in Section
5.03.]
Participant Elections Prior to Separation from Service - Deferral Contributions
Account, Qualified Matching Contributions Account and Qualified Nonelective
Contributions Account. Subject to the restrictions of Article VI, the following
distribution options apply to a Participant's Deferral Contributions Account,
Qualified Matching Contributions Account and Qualified Nonelective Contributions
Account prior to his Separation from Service: (Choose (g) or at least one of (h)
or (i))
(g) No distribution options prior to Separation from Service.
(h) Until he retires, the Participant has a continuing election to receive all
or any portion of these Accounts after he attains:
(Choose (1) or (2))
(1) The later of Normal Retirement Age or age 59 1/2.
(2) Age --------------- (at least 59 1/2).
(i) Hardship. A participant, prior to his separation from service, may
elect a hardship distribution in accordance with the hardship distribution
policy under Section 14.11 of the Plan.
Sale of trade of business/subsidiary. If the employer sells substantially all of
the assets (within the meaning of Code ss.409(d)(2) used in a trade or business
or sells a subsidiary (within the meaning of Code ss.409(d)(3)), a Participant
who continues employment with he acquiring corporation is eligible for
distribution from his Deferral Contributions Account, Qualified Matching
Contributions Account and Qualified Nonelective Contributions Account: (Choose
(j) or (k))
(j) Only as described in this Adoption Agreement Section 6.03 for distributions
prior to Separation from Service.
(k) As if he has a Separation from Service. After March 31, 1988, a distribution
authorized solely by reason of this Option (k) must constitute a lump sum
distribution, determined in a manner consistent with Code ss.(k)(10) and the
applicable Treasury regulations.
6.04 ANNUITY DISTRIBUTIONS TO PARTICIPANTS AND SURVIVING SPOUSES. The
annuity distribution requirements of Section 6.04: (Choose (a) or (b))
(a) Apply only to a Participant described in Section 6.04(E) of the Plan
(relating to the profit sharing exception to the joint and survivor
requirements).
(b) Apply to all Participants.
ARTICLE IX
ADVISORY COMMITTEE - DUTIES WITH RESPECT TO
PARTICIPANTS' ACCOUNTS
9.10 VALUE OF PARTICIPANT'S ACCRUED BENEFIT. If a distribution (other than a
distribution from a segregated Account and other than a corrective distribution
described in Sections 14.07, 14.08, 14.09 or 14.10 of the Plan) occurs more than
90 days after the most recent valuation date, the distribution will include
interest at: (Choose (a) or (b))
(a) -----------------% per annum. [Note: The percentage may equal 0%.]
(b) The 90 day Treasury xxxx rate in effect at the beginning of the current
valuation period.
9.11 ALLOCATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF NET INCOME GAIN OR LOSS. Pursuant to
Section 14.12, to determine the allocation of net income, gain or loss:
(complete only those items, if any, which are applicable to the Employer's Plan)
(a) For salary reduction contributions, the Advisory Committee will:
(Choose (1), (2), (3) or (4))
(1) Apply Section 9.11 without modification.
(2) Use the segregated account approach described in
Section 14.12.
(3) Use the weighted average method described in Section 14.12, based on a
------------------------ weighting period.
(4) Treat as part of the relevant Account at the beginning
of the valuation period -----% of the salary reduction
contributions: (Choose (i) or (ii))
(i) made during that valuation period.
(ii) made by the following specified time: --------.
(b) For matching contributions, the Advisory Committee will:
(Choose (1), (2) or (3))
(1) Apply Section 9.11 without modification.
(2) Use the weighted average method described in Section 14.12, based on a
----------------- weighting period.
(3) Treat as part of the relevant Account at the beginning of the
valuation period --------% of the Matching contributions allocated during
the valuation period.
(c) For Participant nondeductible contributions, the Advisory
Committee will: (Choose (1), (2), (3) or (4))
(1) Apply Section 9.11 without modification.
(2) Use the segregated account approach described in
Section 14.12.
(3) Use the weighted average method described in Section 14.12, based on a
--------------------- weighting period.
(4) Treat as part of the relevant Account at the beginning
of the valuation period ----------% of the Participant
nondeductible contributions: (Choose (i) or (ii))
(i) made during that valuation period.
(ii) made by the following specified time: ---------.
ARTICLE X
TRUSTEE AND CUSTODIAN, POWERS AND DUTIES
10.14 VALUATION OF TRUST. In addition to each Accounting Date, the Trustee
must value the Trust Fund on the following valuation date(s): (Choose (a) or
(b))
(a) No other mandatory valuation dates.
(b) (Specify) ---------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------.
EFFECTIVE DATE ADDENDUM
(Restated Plans Only)
The Employer must complete this addendum only if the restated Effective Date
specified in Adoption Agreement Section 1.18 is different than the restated
effective date for at least one of the provisions listed in this addendum. In
lieu of the restated Effective Date in Adoption Agreement Section 1.18, the
following special effective dates apply: (Choose whichever elections apply)
(a) Compensation definition. The Compensation definition of Section 1.12
(other than the $200,000 limitation) is effective for Plan Years beginning after
-------------------------------. [Note: May not be effective later than the
first day of the first Plan Year beginning after the Employer executes this
Adoption Agreement to restate the Plan for the Tax Reform Act of 1986, if
applicable.]
(b) Eligibility conditions. The eligibility conditions specified in
Adoption Agreement Section 2.01 are effective for Plan Years beginning after
-------------------------.
(c) Suspension of Years of Service. The suspension of Years of Service rule
elected under Adoption Agreement Section 2.03 is effective for Plan Years
beginning after --------------------.
(d) Contribution/allocation formula. The contribution formula elected under
Adoption Agreement Section 3.01 and the method of allocation elected under
Adoption Agreement Section 3.04 is effective for Plan Years beginning after
----------------------.
(e) Accrual requirements. The accrual requirements of Section 3.06 are
effective for Plan Years beginning after ---------. [Note: If the effective
date is later than Plan Years beginning after December 31, 1989, the accrual
requirements in the Plan prior to its restatement may not be more restrictive
for post- 1989 Plan Years than the requirements permitted under Adoption
Agreement Section 3.06.]
(f) Elimination of Net Profits. The requirement for the Employer not to
have net profits to contribute to this Plan is effective for Plan Years
beginning after ------------------------------. [Note: The date specified may
not be earlier than December 31, 1985.]
(g) Vesting Schedule. The vesting schedule elected under Adoption Agreement
Section 5.03 is effective for Plan Years beginning after ---------------------.
(h) Allocation of Earnings. The special allocation provisions elected under
Adoption Agreement Section 9.11 are effective for Plan Years beginning after
------------------------------.
For Plan Years prior to the special Effective Date, the terms of the Plan prior
to its restatement under this Adoption Agreement will control for purposes of
the designated provisions. A special Effective Date may not result in the delay
of a Plan provision beyond the permissible Effective Date under any applicable
law requirements.
Execution Page
The Trustee (and Custodian, if applicable), by executing this Adoption
Agreement, accepts its position and agrees to all of the obligations,
responsibilities and duties imposed upon the Trustee (or Custodian) under the
Master Plan and Trust. The Employer hereby agrees to the provisions of this Plan
and Trust, and in witness of its agreement, the Employer by its duly authorized
officers, has executed this Adoption Agreement, and the Trustee (and Custodian,
if applicable) signified its acceptance, on this -------- day of
---------------, 19---.
Name and EIN of Employer: ----------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------.
Signed: -------------------------------------------------
Name(s) of Trustee: ---------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signed: ---------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Name of Custodian: ----------------------------------------------
Signed: ---------------------------------------------------------
[Note: A Trustee is mandatory, but a Custodian is optional. See Section
10.03 of the Plan.]
Plan Number. The 3-digit plan number the Employer assigns to this
Plan for ERISA reporting purposes (Form 5500 Series) is:
------------------------------------------------.
Use of Adoption Agreement. Failure to complete properly the elections in this
Adoption Agreement may result in disqualification of the Employer's Plan. The
3-digit number assigned to this Adoption Agreement (see page 1) is solely for
the Master Plan Sponsor's recordkeeping purposes and does not necessarily
correspond to the plan number the Employer designated in the prior
paragraph. The Master Plan Sponsor offers the following Paired Pension Plan(s)
with this Paired Profit Sharing Plan, identified by 3-digit adoption agreement
number: 004 and 010.
Master Plan Sponsor. The Master Plan Sponsor identified on the first page of the
basic plan document will notify all adopting employers of an amendment of this
Master Plan or of any abandonment or discontinuance by the Master Plan Sponsor
of its maintenance of this Master Plan. For inquiries regarding the adoption of
the Master Plan, the Master Plan Sponsor's intended meaning of any plan
provisions or the effect of the opinion letter issued to the Master Plan Sponsor
at the following address and telephone number: INVESCO Trust Company, 0000 X.
Xxxxx Xxx., Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx (000) 000-0000.
Reliance on Opinion Letter. If the Employer does not maintain (and has never
maintained) any other plan other than this Plan and a Paired Pensnion Plan, it
may rely on the Master Plan Sponsor's opinion letter covering this Plan for
purposes of plan qualification. For this purpose, the Employer has not
maintained another plan if this Plan, or the Paired Pension Plan, amended and
restated that prior plan and the prior plan was the same type of plan as the
restated plan. If the Employer maintains or has maintained another plan other
than a Paired Pension Plan, including a welfare benefit fund, as defined in Code
ss.491(e), which provides post-retirement medical benefits for key employees (as
defined in Code ss.419A(d)(3)), or an individual medical account (as defined in
Code ss.415(l)(2)), the Employer may not rely on this Plan's qualified status
unless it obtains a determination letter from the applicable IRS Key District
office.
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
For Participation by Related Group Members (Plan Section 1.30)
The undersigned Employer, by executing this Participation Agreement, elects to
become a Participating Employer in the Plan identified in Section 1.03 of the
accompanying Adoption Agreement, as if the Participating Employer were a
signatory to that Agreement. The Participating Employer accepts, and agrees to
be bound by, all of the elections granted under the provisions of the Master
Plan as made by ------------------------------------, the Signatory Employer to
the Execution Page of the Adoption Agreement.
1. The Effective Date of the undersigned Employer's participation in the
designated Plan is --------------------------.
2. The undersigned Employer's adoption of this Plan
constitutes:
(a) The adoption of a new plan by the Participating Employer.
(b) The adoption of an amendment and restatement of a plan currently
maintained by the Employer, identified as ------------------------------ and
having an original effective date of ------------------------------------------.
Dated this --------------- day of --------------------, 19-----
Name of Participating Employer: -------------------------------
Signed: -----------------------------------------------
Participating Employer's EIN: ---------------------------------
Acceptance by the Signatory Employer to the Execution Page of the Adoption
Agreement and by the Trustee.
Name of Signatory Employer: -------------------------------------
Accepted: ------------------------------------------
[Date]
Signed: --------------------------------------------
Name(s) of Trustee: --------------------------------
Accepted: ------------------------------------------
[Date]
Signed: --------------------------------------------
[Note: Each Participating Employer must execute a separate
Participation Agreement. See the Execution Page of the Adoption
Agreement for important Master Plan information.]
Std 401(k) AA Instructions
Complete the first blank in the paragraph by writing in the business' name in
its entirety.
1.02 Trustee
Option (a) should be chosen when the employer will be the trustee, INVESCO Trust
Company would then act as Custodian. If option (b) is chosen, INVESCO Trust
Company will charge an annual trust fee. Note: See Trustee Comments on page 20
for further explaination of Non-discretionary Trustee.
1.03 Plan
Enter the plan name. Example: ABC Inc. Employees 401(k) Plan.
1.07 Employee
If you want the plan to cover all employees, select option (a). If you want
to exclude from the plan any group(s) of employees, select any combination of
(b) or (c).
Leased Employers/Related Employers
You may not exclude leased employees or related employers from participation
unless they are excluded under options (b) or (c) of Section 1.07.
1.12 Compensation
Treatment of elective contributions - Choose option (a) if you prefer to "add
back" employee elective contributions to compensation for purposes of allocating
employer contributions, forfeitures and for non-discrimination testing.
Modifications to Compensation
Modifications to Compensation - You must choose option (c) or any combination of
(d) or (e).
1.17 Plan Year
You must define the "plan year," usually it will follow the business tax year.
Limitation Year - You must define the "limitation year" (12 month period for
testing allocations to each employee's account), for administrative convenience
it should match the plan year.
1.18 Effective Date
New Plan - Enter the first day of your plan year (usually January
1) and the year.
Restated Plan - Effective date - If you are amending for the Tax Reform Act of
1986 enter: January 1, 1987. If you are amending for another reason, enter the
first day of your tax year, example: January 1, 1990. Originally established
date - Enter the original effective date of your plan from your prior Adoption
Agreement.
1.27 Hours of Service
Choose which method you wish to use for counting hours worked by
an employee to accrue benefits. Option (b), the equivalency
method, is explained in Section 1.27 of the plan. Usually Option
(a) is chosen.
1.29 Service for Predecessor Employer
Under this option, you may elect to count service for a predecessor employer
when you are not maintaining the plan of the predecessor employer. (Used
primarily in the event of a merger or acquisition.)
1.31 Leased Employees
The law requires you to state how your plan would treat a leased employee who
could become a participant, even if you don't intend to ever lease employees.
Choose option (a) covering the employee without regard to the leasing company's
plan or option (b) the reduction method. Usually Option (b) is chosen.
2.01 Eligibility
a. An employee must attain this age to become a participant
(cannot exceed age 21).
b. Pick how long (service) an employee must work to become a
participant.
Plan Entry - Choose when employees enter the plan for purposes of contributions
and benefit accrual. Normally, option (c), semi-annual entry dates, is chosen.
Time of Participation - Choose which plan entry date (before or after) an
employee who meets the eligibility requirements will enter the plan. Normally,
option (f) is chosen.
Dual Eligibility - This section allows you to include into the plan current
employees who have not met the eligibility requirements and apply the
eligibility requirements to newly hired employees. Restated plans usually choose
(i)(2).
2.02 Years of Service
Option (b) should only be chosen if you wish to require less than
1000 hours to be worked by an employee for eligibility. Usually
Option (a) is chosen.
Eligibility Computation Period - Choose whether to measure subsequent
eligibility periods on the employee's anniversary or the plan year. Option (d)
is chosen for administrative convenience.
2.03 Break-in Service
This option may impose a complicated re-entry date for employees who have
terminated or whose hours were severely cut back. Option (a) is chosen for
administrative convenience.
3.01 Contributions allowed
PART I - Employer Contributions
Section 3.01 of this Adoption Agreement consists of three parts. Part I
defines the types of contributions you authorize under the plan. Part II
explains the matching contribution formula, if any. Part III allows you to put
limits on the employee 401(k) contributions. You must complete Part I, but only
complete Parts II and III, if necessary.
Option (a) authorizes salary reduction contributions.
Option (b) authorizes matching contributions. If the Employer elects Option (b),
it must complete Part II to establish the matching contribution formula.
Option (c) authorizes the Employer to make qualified nonelective contributions
(QNECs"). The Employer will designate to the Trustee the amount of its
contributions consisting of QNECs.
The amount of QNECs is solely within the Employer's discretion. Any contribution
designated as QNECs is includible in the ADP test (see Section 14.08 of the
Plan) or in the ACP test (see Section 14.09 of the Plan). The advisory committee
may divide the QNECs between these two tests in any fashion it deems
appropriate, but may not use the same contributions in both tests. As a general
rule, the Employer will make a level of QNECs necessary to satisfy the
applicable tests, unless the Employer wishes to have excess contributions or
excess aggregate contributions distributed to the appropriate highly compensated
employees, in accordance with Sections 14.08 and 14.09.
Option (d) authorizes the Employer to make nonelective contributions in the same
manner it would under a regular profit sharing plan. the choices under Option
(d) are the same as the contribution formula options under the profit sharing
adoption agreements.
Part II Matching Contribution Formula
If the Employer elects Option (b), it must complete Part II, making a selection
under each option provided under Part II.
The Plan permits matching contributions for salary reduction contributions. The
formulas offered under Option (h) refer to "salary reduction contributions." The
Employer will define salary reduction contributions under Option (i).
Option (h) provides the formulas for determining the matching contribution. The
primary purpose of Option (h) is to establish the level of the matching
contribution (a fixed percentage or discretionary with the Employer). The
formula alone will not be sufficient to determine the Employer's actual matching
contribution on a participant's behalf. Any limitations on the amount of salary
reduction contributions taken into account, as provided under Option (i), are
necessary factors in computing the Employer's matching contribution.
Option (i) establishes any limitation on the amount of eligible contributions
taken into account under Option (h).
Part III Salary Reduction Agreements
Under Option (j), the Employer must make selections from (1), (2), (3) and (4).
Under (1), Option (ii) prescribes a maximum deferral percentage, Option (iii)
prescribes a minimum deferral percentage and Option (i) prescribes no special
maximum limitation. The Employer may select both Options (ii) and (iii), or both
Options (i) and (iii), but Options (i) and (ii) are mutually exclusive. The
Employer may wish to consider a maximum percentage deferral under Option (ii) to
minimize the potential for Code 415 violations.
Under paragraphs (2) and (3), the Employer elects which restrictions apply to
the participant's right to revoke his/her salary reduction agreement. Under
paragraph (4), the Employer elects which restrictions apply to the participant's
right to increase or decrease his/her salary reduction percentage. The Employer
should consider the effect its elections have on plan administration.
3.04 Contribution Allocation
Part I - Matching Contributions. Select which account you want the matching
contributions to be allocated to, the Regular Matching Account is subject to a
vesting schedule. The Qualified Matching Account is always 100% vested and
contributions may be used to satisfy the deferral non-discrimination test.
Qualified Non-elective Contributions.
Choose which participants would receive an extra contribution to help satisfy
the non-discrimination test for deferrals (QNEC). For administrative convenience
opton (2) is chosen.
Part II - Method of Allocation. Choose the option for allocating the
discretionary employer contribution between all plan participants. You have
choices of non-integrated (pro-rata) or one of four integrated formulas.
Allocation formula. The primary allocation formulas are in Options (e), (f), (g)
and (h). Option (e) is a nonintegrated formula and allocates the employer
contribution proportionate to total compensation. Options (f), (g) and (h) are
alternatives for integrated plans. Usually option (e) is chosen for
proportionate allocation plans.
The two-tiered formula under Option (f) maximizes the disparity permitted
under the integration rules. Accordingly, the allocation in the first tier
results in an equal allocation percentage based on total compensation and based
on excess compensation. This equal allocation percentage may not exceed the
maximum disparity percentage (5.7%, 5.4% or 4.3%) described in the second column
of the Maximum Disparity Table. After completion of the first tier allocation,
the second step allocates the remaining contribution proportionate to total
compensation, in the same manner as the nonintegrated formula.
Under the three-tiered formula under Option (g), the plan: (i) first allocates
based on total compensation, but the allocation percentage may not exceed the
maximum disparity percentage determined under the second column of the Maximum
Disparity Table; (ii) then allocates based on excess compensation, but the
allocation percentage may not exceed the maximum disparity percentage determined
under the second column of the Maximum Disparity Table; and (iii) completes the
allocation on the basis of total compensation.
The four-tiered allocation under Option (h) is a hybrid of Options (g) and (f).
The sole purpose of Option (h) is to use the first tier to satisfy the 3% top
heavy minimum, then use a progression of three additional tiers to make maximum
use of the permitted disparity rules. The second tier allocates solely on the
basis of excess compensation, with a maximum allocation under the second tier
equal to 3% of each participant's excess compensation. The third tier is the
same as the first tier under Option (g). The fourth tier is a prorata allocation
based on total compensation.
3.05 Forfeiture Allocation
Choose the method of allocating (dividing up) forfeitures of terminated
non-vested participant balances. Option (a) allocates forfeitures as an extra
discretionary contribution. Option (b) allocates forfeitures to reduce employer
contributions. Options (c) and (d) allow you to allocate separately forfeitures
from matching contributions. Select from options (e), (f) and (g) to determine
how to allocate forfeitures from highly compensated employee's matching account
when the matching non-discrimination test is not satisfied.
3.06 Compensation Taken Into Account
If you wish to count a participant's full year's compensation (even if he or she
entered during the year), for contributions choose option (a), if not, choose
option (b).
Accrual Requirements - Specify the service requirements a participant must
satisfy to receive an allocation. You may specify an hours of service
requirement, no greater than 501 hours. Standardized plans have relaxed
contribution requirements. A participant will receive a contribution of QNECs,
forfeitures or profit sharing contributions if they meet either of the two
requirements below:
Requirement #1
If the Participant was employed on the last day of the plan year the participant
must have worked at least one hour for the employer.
Requirement #2
If the Participant terminates employment during the year and the participant
terminated after earning at leats 501 hours of work with the employer that plan
year.
3.15 More Than One Plan
This section only applies if you (the employer) maintain another defined
contribution plan (e.g.: profit sharing, money purchase, 401(k) or target
benefit) that covers at least one participant in this plan.
3.18 Defined Benefit Limitation
Check option (a) if you have never maintained a defined benefit plan for any
participants in this plan. If you have or are currently maintaining a defined
benefit under option (b), choose which plan's benefit would be reduced if a
participant's total allocations for a year were to exceed the allowable limit.
4.01 Participant Nondeductible Contributions
This section allows participants to contribute after-tax employee contributions.
These contributions are subject to a special nondiscrimination test. By checking
option (a) these contributions are not allowed.
5.01 Normal Retirement Age
Choose what age you (the employer) want the participants to be 100% vested in
their benefits, if still employed (normal retirement age).
5.02 Vesting Death/Disability
You may choose to allow 100% vesting for participants that terminate from
service because of death option (b) or disability option (c).
5.03 Vesting Schedule
Choose what vesting schedule(s) you want to apply to employer discretionary
contributions and matching contributions. If you choose option (b), you must at
a minimum complete the top-heavy vesting schedule.
Complete the Top Heavy Schedule based upon the following:
Years of Service
1
2 (not less than 20%)
3 (not less than 40%)
4 (not less than 60%)
5 (not less than 80%)
6 (not less than 100%)
Optional: Complete the Non Top Heavy Schedule based upon the
following:
Years of Service or
1 1 - 0%
2 2 - 0%
3 (not less than 20%) 3 - 0%
4 (not less than 40% 4 - 0%
5 (not less than 60%) 5 - 100%
6 (not less than 80%) 6 - 100%
7 (not less than 100%)
5.04 Cash-Out Rule
If option (b) is chosen, the plan treats a 0% vested terminated participant as
having received a distribution, allowing for forfeitures to be reallocated to
active participants.
5.06 Years of Service
Choose what measuring period the plan should use to determine years of service
for vesting, employee's anniversary year or plan year. For ease of
administration choose option (a).
5.08 Prior Years of Service
By choosing options (b) through (d) you (the employer) may exclude some prior
years of service for purposes of vesting.
Article 6
The Employer must establish a specific distribution policy for the plan. Treas.
Reg. 1.411(d)-4 prohibits the Employer, the advisory committee or any third
party to retain discretion over when or in what form to pay the participant's
benefit. Under a restated plan, the elections under Article VI, to the extent
they differ from previous plan provisions regarding optional forms of benefit,
may not eliminate an optional form of benefit with respect to the account
balance accrued as of the date the Employer executes the restated adoption
agreement (or, if later, the effective date of that restated adoption
agreement). An optional form of benefit includes the form of payment (e.g., lump
sum or installments), the timing of payment (e.g., immediately after separation
form service, following a break in service, after attaining normal retirement
age) and the medium of payment (e.g. right to elect distribution in Employer
securities, right to elect distribution in the form of an annuity contract).
With this in mind, if you are restating an existing plan, pay close
attention to the distribution features under that document and your
administrative practice of distributions. In all cases, try to mirror or
liberalize those distribution features when restating onto this document.
6.01 Distribution Date
A distribution date establishes a predetermined "target" date in a plan year
when the plan will offer distributions. The actual distribution may occur later
than a distribution date as long as the actual distribution is within an
"administratively reasonable period of time" from the distribution date. Typical
distribution dates for 401(k)plans are semi-annual dates or quarterly dates.
Nonforfeitable Accrued Benefit Not Exceeding $3,500
When a separated participants vested balance does not exceed $3,500, the plan
allows the employer to separately establish the timing of these distributions,
separate from the distribution dates. When you complete this section, you need
to balance two concerns: 1) will the timing of the distribution cause the
participant to consider it a "severance benefit" and therefore encourage
separation from service and 2) the administrative concerns of carrying a
non-active account in the plan.
Disability - The plan allows you (the employer) to establish a different target
payout date for disability distributions in options (e) and (f).
Hardship - This option states whether or not the plan would allow a separated
participant to receive a hardship distribution, prior to receiving a total
distribution of his/her vested account balance.
Default on a Loan - This election does not create a loan policy. You (the
employer) must elect the timing of the plan's foreclosure if a participant's
loan were to be defaulted upon even if you do not intend to offer loans in you
plan.
6.02 Method of Payment
You may choose the standard forms of payment if this is a brand new plan and not
a restatment. If the plan is not subject to the annuity requirements of Section
6.04, usually option (a) is chosen. If you choose to allow annuities, special
waivers and consent rules apply to all distributions.
6.03 Participant Elections After Separation from Service
You must choose when an employee who has separated from service, with a vested
benefit greater than $3,500, may elect to commence distributions. This election
will be tied directly to the "distribution date" definition earlier.
Participant Elections Prior to Separation from Service
The following distribution elections apply to all participant's matching and
employer discretionary account regardless of vested account balances, prior to
employment separation. If you prefer not to allow any distribution options from
these accounts prior to separation, select option (c).
Deferrals, QMAC's and QNEC's - The following distribution elections apply to all
participant's deferral qualified matching, and qualified non-elective
contributions accounts, prior to employment separation. If you prefer not to
allow any distribution options from these accounts prior to employment
separation, select option (g).
6.04 Annuity Distributions
The law requires distributions to certain participants to be in the form of
commercial insurance annuities, unless consented to and waived by both the
participant and his or her spouse. Participants subject to this requirement are
identified in section 6.04(E) of the Plan. For administrative convenience,
choose option (a). If you are restating a plan that was subject to the joint and
survivor annuity rules you must select Option (b).
9.10 Value of Benefit
This option allows the employer to add interest to a participant's balance, if a
distribution occurs more than 90 days after the most recent plan valuation. You
do not have to provide an interest addition under this section and may complete
option (a) with 0%.
9.11 Allocation of Net Income/Loss
The following elections will state how current year contributions will share, if
at all, in net income, gains or losses of the trust. You must election option
(a) if your plan allows employee deferrals, option (b) if your plan includes a
matching contribution, or option (c) if the plan allows employee after tax
contributions. Only make the elections applicable to your plan.
Option (1) would not include contributions made since the last valuation date in
any earnings or loss calculation. The other choices are based upon a segregated
account approach or a weighted average approach, both are described in section
14.12 of the plan.
Usually daily weighting is chosen if INVESCO Trust Company is your recordkeeper,
for 9.11(a)(3), (b)(2) and (c)(3).
10.14 Valuation of Trust
You may use this option to specify mandatory valuation dates, in addition to the
accounting date. Normally Option (a) is chosen.
Instructions for Effective Date Addendum
You must complete the effective date addendum only if the effective dates of any
of the listed items (a) through (j) have an effective date other than your
restated effective date in adoption agreement Section 1.18. Since some
provisions in the Tax Reform Act of 1986 were not effective until 1988 or 1989
The few provisions (if any) that have later effective dates must specify when
they are effective.
a. Compensation definition may not be later than the first day of your 1991
plan year.
b. Eligibility conditions may not be later than the first day of your 1989
plan year.
c. Suspension of years of service may not be earlier than the first day of
your 1990 plan year.
d. Contribution/allocation formula may not be earlier than the first day of
your 1989 plan year.
e. Accrual requirements may not be earlier than the first day of your 1989
plan year.
f. Elimination of Net Profits may not be earlier than December 31, 1985.
g. Vesting schedule may not be later than the first day of your 1989 plan
year.
h. Allocation of Earnings may not be earlier than the first day of the 1990
plan year.
Execution Page
The Employer must complete the date on which it executes the adoption agreement
and must execute the signature for the Employer. The execution page provides two
lines above the signature line to print or type the name of the Employer and the
Employer's EIN. If the Employer is a sole proprietorship, the individual sole
proprietor should execute as Employer. If the Employer is a corporation or a
partnership, an officer or a partner, as applicable, should execute the adoption
agreement on behalf of the Employer.
Trustee
If you selected option (a) of Section 1.02, then the employer will be the
Trustee. An individual must sign as trustee for the employer. INVESCO Trust
Company will then act as Custodian.
If you choose to have INVESCO Trust Company act as "Trustee" then option (b) of
Section 1.02 must be chosen. INVESCO does charge an annual fee for this service.
INVESCO Trust Company will only serve as a non-discretionary trustee, this means
that there is a person who is the "Named Fiduciary." The Named Fiduciary gives
direction to a non-discretionary trustee, and the non- discretionary trustee
accepts all directions from the Named Fiduciary. The Named Fiduciary is either
the President of the Corporation, the managing partner of the partnership or the
self-employed individual of a sole-proprietorship. The Named Fiduciary is
responsible for selecting plan investments.
The execution page also includes a signature line for the Custodian, if any.
Leave the Custodian lines blank if INVESCO Trust Company will act as custodian.
Plan number. This paragraph designates the number the Employer assigns to the
plan for reporting (Form 5500) purposes. If this is the first plan the Employer
ever maintained, the number must be 001. The Employer's plan number does not
correspond to the 3- digit adoption agreement number specified at the top of the
first page of the adoption agreement. Consult your Counsel if unsure what
3-digit plan number to use.
Instructions for the Participation Agreement
This adoption agreement includes a Participation Agreement under which a related
group member of the signatory Employer to the execution page may participate in
the same plan with that Employer. Each related group member wishing to become a
participating Employer should execute a separate Participation Agreement. See
Section 1.30 of the Plan for the definition of related Employers.
Thus, it is possible to exclude the employees of related group members not
participating in the plan. If an Employer is a member of a related group, it
should consider whether the inclusion of other related group members' employees
is necessary to satisfy the coverage requirements of Code 410(b) or the minimum
participation requirement of Code 401(a)(26). If the Employer determines
inclusion of the employees of a related group member is necessary to maintain
qualification of the plan, the Employer may take one of two approaches: (1) have
the related group member execute a Participation Agreement; or (2) elect in
Adoption Agreement Section 1.07 to include the employees of that related group
member. Under approach (1), the participation of the related group member will
result in the automatic inclusion of the employees of that related group member,
without having to specify their inclusion in Adoption Agreement Section 1.07. In
addition, the related group member, under approach (1), has the authority to
contribute to the plan and, in the event another participating related group
member makes a contribution on behalf of that related group member's employees,
the Participation Agreement will ensure the deductibility of that contribution
(assuming the contribution does not exceed the deduction limits of Code 404).
The addendum instructions to the appropriate adoption agreement explain the
effect on the allocation of Employer contributions when related group members
maintain a single non-standardized plan. Under approach (2), the plan will
retain its qualified status, but contributions the Employer makes on behalf of a
nonparticipating related group member's employees may not be deductible (even if
otherwise within the limitations of Code 404), resulting in an excise tax to the
contributing Employer.
Unrelated Employers. The Master Plan does not allow the participation in a
single plan of unrelated Employers (i.e., Employers that do not satisfy the
related group definition in Section 1.30 of the Plan).
legal\adop-agr\st401kaa.006