Retirement Services
How We Can Serve You
We're here to build creative, custom retirement solutions that meet your objectives and secure your financial future.
Your Local Experts
Your SMS team specializes in crafting creative retirement solutions designed around your unique business needs and goals.
Our experienced staff is available to answer clients' questions and respond to their needs and concerns. We continue to be extremely knowledgeable, keeping up with the ever-changing IRS rules and regulations which affect the overall qualification of tax-sheltered retirement plans. Whether it's plan design, compliance, administration, government filings, or ongoing actuarial consulting, our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way.
Planning Services
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Traditional pension plans that provide a guaranteed retirement benefit based on salary and years of service.
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A hybrid plan combining features of defined benefit and defined contribution plans, certified annually by our in-house Enrolled Actuaries.
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Traditional and Safe Harbor 401(k) options with full plan administration, compliance testing, and reporting.
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Employer-funded retirement plans where contributions are discretionary, offering flexibility for businesses of all sizes.
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Fixed employer contribution plans designed to provide a steady retirement benefit for participants.
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Tax-sheltered annuity plans for employees of public schools and certain tax-exempt organizations.
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Simplified retirement options for small businesses and self-employed individuals.
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Innovative combination designs that significantly leverage retirement benefits for business owners while still providing the desired benefit to employees, including age-weighted and cross-tested plan designs.
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Comprehensive plan administration including annual valuations, IRS and DOL filings, employee notices, and compliance support.
Retirement Plan Services
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Consulting services regarding plan design and ongoing plan administration.
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Full plan document services including restatement, amendment, and plan termination, including filings with appropriate government agencies.
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Calculation of the annual range of employer contributions and AFTAP.
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Annual testing for compliance with IRS non-discrimination, benefits, and limitation regulations, with guidance on corrective measures when needed.
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Review and reconciliation of plan assets, contributions, distributions, and earnings.
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Calculation of vested account balances and preparation of annual participant statements.
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Calculation of required minimum distributions as necessary.
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Assistance with distributions including instructions and all necessary forms.
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Preparation and submission of annual IRS and DOL 5500 series returns, 1099-R, 1096, and 945 reporting forms.
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Preparation of Summary Annual Reports, Annual Funding Notices, and other required participant forms and notices.
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Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation filings as required.
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Representation of clients in IRS and DOL plan audits.
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Full plan termination compliance services.
A Service-Driven Approach
How we serve you throughout the year:
Our team works with you throughout the year to ensure you minimize your tax liability, maximize your retirement savings, stay compliant, and effectively meet your goals. Below is an overview of the retirement plan services we provide.
Annual Data Request Management:
12/15 – 1/15
Data Cleansing & Validation:
1/15 – 6/15
Annual Contributions & Annual Testing:
2/1 – 4/15
Asset Reconciliation:
3/15 – 8/31
Annual Reporting:
4/15 – 10/15
Year End Projections:
Nov - Dec
Annual Notices:
Nov - Dec
Making Retirement Work for Everyone
Personal Design. Objective Advice. Nationwide Reach.
At SMS Retirement, we combine deep actuarial expertise with the national scale and resources of Strongpoint Partners, giving our clients the best of both worlds. From sole proprietors like physicians, dentists, attorneys, CPAs, and professors seeking solutions such as a 401(k), Cash Balance, or DB/DC Combo Plan, to employers across Cincinnati and the surrounding region, our team designs strategies tailored to your goals. The result? Minimized tax liability, maximized retirement savings, stronger employee attraction and retention, and reduced risk through creditor protection.
5
Enrolled Actuaries
5
ASPPA Credentialed Members
20+
Avg. Years of Industry Experience
1,700+
Retirement Plans Administered
Backed by Strongpoint’s national infrastructure and resources, so we can meet any challenge.
375+ Retirement Consultants
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~1K New Plan Designs/Year
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32K+ Total Plans Administered
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$54B+ Assets Under Management
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~9.5 Avg. Years of Client Tenure
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35+ Avg. Years of Design Specialist Tenure
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375+ Retirement Consultants | ~1K New Plan Designs/Year | 32K+ Total Plans Administered | $54B+ Assets Under Management | ~9.5 Avg. Years of Client Tenure | 35+ Avg. Years of Design Specialist Tenure |