HANYS Benefit Services (HBS) is pleased to announce the appointment of James J. Kelley , President, to the Retirement Advisor Council, effective January 1, 2018. The Retirement Advisor Council is a national organization that advocates for successful qualified plan and participant retirement outcomes through the collaborative efforts of experienced, qualified retirement plan advisors, investment managers, and defined contribution plan service providers. To advance its mission, the Council undertakes initiatives in the areas of research, public relations and promotion, public education, regulatory positions, and practice management. The Council accomplishes this mission by: identifying duties, responsibilities, and attributes of the professional retirement plan advisor;  sharing professional standards with plan sponsors who are responsible for the success of their plans;  providing collective thought capital to decision makers, product providers, legislators, and the public;...

HANYS Benefit Services (HBS) is pleased to announce the appointment of James J. Kelley , President, to the Retirement Advisor Council, effective January 1, 2018. The Retirement Advisor Council is a national organization that advocates for successful qualified plan and participant retirement outcomes through the collaborative efforts of experienced, qualified retirement plan advisors, investment managers, and defined contribution plan service providers. To advance its mission, the Council undertakes initiatives in the areas of research, public relations and promotion, public education, regulatory positions, and practice management. The Council accomplishes this mission by: identifying duties, responsibilities, and attributes of the professional retirement plan advisor;  sharing professional standards with plan sponsors who are responsible for the success of their plans;  providing collective thought capital to decision makers, product providers, legislators, and the public;...

HANYS Benefit Services (HBS), an industry leader that has provided trusted advisory services, retirement plan offerings, and best-in-class employee benefits products for more than 45 years, recently hired new executives to expand its employee benefits portfolios. “HBS is building our team with uniquely talented individuals who bring years of industry experience,” said James J. Kelley, HBS President. “HBS builds real relationships with our clients by investing in a team of professionals who use their expertise to bring successful outcomes.” Avon M. Scherff joined HBS as the new Director of Employee Benefit Services. Laura A. Sausville joined HBS as a Sales Account Executive responsible for new business development of group employee benefits. Avon Scherff is a mission-oriented executive with a history of accomplishments in the for-profit and not-for-profit arenas. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to HBS, having held chief operating officer positions for local businesses ...

HANYS Benefit Services (HBS), an industry leader that has provided trusted advisory services, retirement plan offerings, and best-in-class employee benefits products for more than 45 years, recently hired new executives to expand its employee benefits portfolios. “HBS is building our team with uniquely talented individuals who bring years of industry experience,” said James J. Kelley, HBS President. “HBS builds real relationships with our clients by investing in a team of professionals who use their expertise to bring successful outcomes.” Avon M. Scherff joined HBS as the new Director of Employee Benefit Services. Laura A. Sausville joined HBS as a Sales Account Executive responsible for new business development of group employee benefits. Avon Scherff is a mission-oriented executive with a history of accomplishments in the for-profit and not-for-profit arenas. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to HBS, having held chief operating officer positions for local businesses ...

Many employers provide disability benefits to their employees as part of a comprehensive employee benefits package. Disability benefits replace a percentage of pre-disability income if an employee is unable to work due to illness or injury for a specified period of time. Employers may offer short-term disability coverage, long-term disability coverage, or integrate both short- and long-term disability coverage. Group disability benefits can be structured in a number of ways. The taxability of these benefits generally depends on how the premiums for the coverage are paid. For example, if an employer and its employees split the cost of premiums for disability coverage, and the employees’ premiums are paid on a pre-tax basis through a cafeteria plan, the disability benefits are fully taxable to employees. This Compliance Overview answers common questions regarding the taxability of disability benefits. Are the disability benefits paid to an individual included in gross income?   ...

Many employers provide disability benefits to their employees as part of a comprehensive employee benefits package. Disability benefits replace a percentage of pre-disability income if an employee is unable to work due to illness or injury for a specified period of time. Employers may offer short-term disability coverage, long-term disability coverage, or integrate both short- and long-term disability coverage. Group disability benefits can be structured in a number of ways. The taxability of these benefits generally depends on how the premiums for the coverage are paid. For example, if an employer and its employees split the cost of premiums for disability coverage, and the employees’ premiums are paid on a pre-tax basis through a cafeteria plan, the disability benefits are fully taxable to employees. This Compliance Overview answers common questions regarding the taxability of disability benefits. Are the disability benefits paid to an individual included in gross income?   ...

After nine consecutive quarters of gains, the S&P 500 lost 0.76% in the first quarter of 2018. The 0.76% loss masked a spike in volatility driven by the reduction in corporate tax rates in the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, stiff tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, and the prospect of new government regulation of technology firms. Read the  Q1 Retirement Market Recap  to learn more about the 1st quarter market volatility. Also included are tips on managing defined benefit plans in the feature on "Can You Invest Your Way to Plan Termination?" If you have any questions, or would like to begin talking to a retirement plan advisor, please get in touch by calling (800) 388-1963 or email us at hbs@hanys.org.