Maximizing Owner’s Contributions

Maximizing Contributions Received by Company Owners

Bauman, Noonan and AssociatesFor many small plans the name of the game is maximizing the contributions received by company owners while keeping total employer contributions to a minimum. Sometimes this can be done by simply changing the contribution allocation formula.

For example, the following is a comparison between a salary proportionate and age weighted allocation formula where the employer makes a $50,000 contribution.

Salary Proportionate Formula

  • Participant
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  •  
  • Status
  • Owner
  • Non-Owner
  • Non-Owner
  • Non-Owner
  • Non-Owner
  •  
  • Compensation
  • $200,000
  • $70,000
  • $50,000
  • $40,000
  • $30,000
  • Total
  • Contribution
  • $25,641.02
  • $8,974.36
  • $6,410.26
  • $5,128.21
  • $3,846.15
  • $50,000.00

Age Weighted Formula

  • Participant
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  •  
  • Status
  • Owner
  • Non-Owner
  • Non-Owner
  • Non-Owner
  • Non-Owner
  •  
  • Age
  • 58
  • 47
  • 42
  • 39
  • 28
  • Total
  • Contribution
  • $39,818.88
  • $5,236.01
  • $2,487.27
  • $1,557.84
  • $900.00
  • $50,000.00