Meredith J. Sesser
Meredith J. Sesser is among the nation’s leading authorities on employee benefits law, ERISA and benefits taxation. With 24 years of pension and ERISA experience, she routinely assists businesses and non-profit organizations in the preparation, implementation, operation and termination of retirement plans such as defined benefit and cash balance pension plans, 401(k) profit-sharing plans and 403(b) plans (plans for public education organizations, governments, religious institutions and non-profit organizations).
Ms. Sesser represents employers in Department of Labor (DOL) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) controversies, including investigations, audits, and voluntary compliance to prevent or correct plan disqualification and fiduciary breaches (EPCRS, VCP, DFVCP and VFCP). She counsels clients on inadvertent filing errors, resolves inaccuracies, and works vigorously to successfully abate IRS penalties charged to employers with late or negligent filings of Form 5500 (Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan). In addition, she advises employers on employee benefit claims.
Ms. Sesser provides advice on business structuring and employment relationships, including how to determine and analyze controlled and affiliated groups as well as leased and staff employees, to ensure that a business owner’s retirement benefits are not subject to scrutiny by the IRS. She is the “go-to” lawyer for many third¬-party administrators.
Need help on employee benefits law, ERISA and benefits taxation?
Because of her years of experience, Meredith has become an expert in her field. She is ready to provide you with exceptional consultation and service in the following areas of practice:
Provide guidance on reducing risk and ensuring a plan’s compliance during a merger or acquisition
Advise on reporting and disclosure requirements, prohibited transactions and use of plan assets
Effective representation of employers during an IRS audit or DOL investigation of your retirement plan
Thorough review of retirement plans to ensure compliance, IRS correction programs to fix failures and implementation of new plans
ensure the proper beneficiary is determined and receives their fair share