Contributions
In addition to the pension plan that most of members participate in, a voluntary 401(k) program is also available. All 401(k) contributions are made by the member. Because participating employers make contributions to our pension plan, there are no matching employer contributions in the 401(k) plan.
Contributions
Members can contribute up to 25% of their pre-tax wages (to a maximum of $18,000 for 2015) into an individual 401(k) account.
Enrollment
Members may enroll twice a year during two enrollment periods prior to January 1st and July 1st. The enrollment will be effective that January 1st or July 1st.
Changes
Contribution percentages can be changed four times a year — for effective dates of January 1st, April 1st, July 1st or October 1st.
“Catch up” Contributions
May be available up to a max of $6000 for 2015. Members who will be at least 50 years old by the end of the current year can make catch-up contributions. This catch-up limit is in addition to the regular limit.
The Fund has contracted with the Principal Group as the service provider. The 401(k) Savings Plan is administered by a professional staff. The Board of Trustees make all the policy decisions and monitor its operations.
Summary Plan Description
The 401(K) Program Summary Plan Description (pdf) contains important details regarding plan administration and plan rules.
Enrolling & Making Changes
In order to begin saving in a tax deferred account, you must first complete an Enrollment Form (see link below) and send it into the 401k Department. You should contact the 401k Department if you have any questions about how to complete the form.
This form is only used for 1st time enrollees. If you previously were participating in the Plan, and would like to re-start making contributions, you must fill out the Voluntary Contribution Change Form.
Catch-Up Contributions
Catch-Up Contribution Election Form (pdf)
Among the many important pension reform provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA) is the catch-up contribution provision. The provision is intended to help those who are closest to reaching retirement age “catch up” by permitting additional contributions above the normal maximum allowed. To be eligible to make catch-up contributions, you must be at least 50 years of age by the end of the year and be unable to make additional contributions because of legal, plan, or ADP restrictions.
Our 401k Program permits catch-up contributions. The table below illustrates the difference between normal maximum contribution levels, and those allowed with the catch-up contribution provision.
Year |
Normal Contribution Limit |
Catch-Up Contribution Limit |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | $17,000 | 5,500 | $22,500 |
| 2013 | $17,500 | 5,500 | $23,000 |
| 2014 | $17,500 | 5,500 | $23,000 |
| 2015 | $18,000 plus an index for inflation ($500 increments) | 6,000 | $24,000 plus an index for inflation ($500 increments) |
Small Amounts Benefit Election
Small Amounts Benefit Election Form (pdf)
Participants in the 401k Program can receive distributions from their account by completing the Small Amounts Benefit Election Form (pdf). Participants who no longer work in a Union hotel and those participants who have reached retirement age should complete the Small Amounts Benefit Election Form (see link below) and send it into the 401k Department.
There are 3 ways that you can choose to receive your distribution:
- Direct Rollover – this option allows you to keep your money tax deferred.
- Principal Bank Consolidation – this option is an interest-bearing checking account.
- Paid to Participant in Cash – this option is subject to a 20% tax withholding, and if you are not 59 ½ or older, an additional 10% early withdrawal penalty.
Voluntary Contribution Changes
Voluntary Contribution Change Form (pdf)
The Voluntary Contribution Change Form is used whenever you want to make modifications to the voluntary amounts that you are contributing. Use this form when you need to:
- Change Contribution Amounts – use the form to increase or decrease the amount you want to contribute to your 401k plan
- Stop Contributions – use this form to discontinue making contributions to your account
- Re-start Contributions – use this form if you have previously enrolled, stopped making deferrals, and now want to re-start making contributions into your account
You are permitted to make changes to your contribution amounts up to 4 times per year. Participants must have a Voluntary Contribution Change Form completed one week prior to the beginning of the quarter (see dates below). Any forms received by the 401k Department after the dates below will be held until the next quarter.
Effective Quarter |
Deadline |
Start date of deductions |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Quarter | December 15 | January 1st |
| 2nd Quarter | March 15 | April 1st |
| 3rd Quarter | June 15 | July 1st |
| 4th Quarter | September 15 | October 1st |
You can use the Voluntary Change Form to stop contributions at any time. However, stopping deferral contributions does not mean that your plan is being closed. All monies in the account shall continue to be allocated according to the options you have chosen.
You can also use the Voluntary Change Form to re-start contributions if you have previously stopped making them. You can only restart deferrals at the beginning of a Quarter (see dates above).
External Links
Principal Financial Group
Retirement Calculators: www.principal.com/calculators/retire.htm
IRS
See www.irs.gov/retirement-plans for further information on contribution limits.
Contact Us
New York Hotel Trades Council &
Hotel Association of New York City, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan
305 W. 44th Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10036
Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Phone: (212) 586-6400 ext. 4125
Fax: (212) 586-6117