Thank you for your participation in and ongoing support of the Annuity Plan. Even during difficult economic times, the Annuity Plan continues to provide an important financial foundation for clergy and lay employees who serve the people of the Church.
To fulfill the IRS requirement that a plan's provisions be stated in a formal written document, the Pension Boards' Trustees approved the amended and restated plan known as the Annuity Plan for the United Church of Christ ("Annuity Plan"). We previously provided you with a copy of the Annuity Plan, which is also available on our website.
Now it is time for each participating local church, ministry, and related employer to conduct its annual review of, and to document its participation in, the Annuity Plan. Because what we are asking you to do is required by the IRS, it is very important that you follow the instructions contained in this correspondence. Failure to properly document or administer your retirement program in accordance with IRS rules could result in a determination by the IRS that your retirement program is not entitled to tax-favored status, resulting in imposition of taxes, penalties, and interest on your ministers and employees.
To document your retirement plan in a timely manner, we are asking your church or organization to complete the actions requested in this correspondence by December 1, 2016. We invite your questions and are available to help as needed. Please feel free to call us with any questions you may have. You can reach us at 1.800.642.6543 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Thank you for your assistance and cooperation with respect to this important process.
Download a copy of the Annuity Plan for the United Church of Christ.