What does 404(c) provide to plan sponsors?

The provision under 404(c) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) offers statutory relief to plan sponsors regarding investment decisions made by employees participating in their retirement plans. When a retirement plan is established as 404(c) compliant, it means that employees have the opportunity to exercise control over the assets in their individual accounts by choosing from a range of investment options.

This compliance allows plan sponsors to be relieved of fiduciary liability for any investment decisions made by employees. If participants are provided with sufficient information and the ability to make their own investment choices, the plan sponsors are not held liable for losses that result from those choices. This is significant as it encourages employers to offer a variety of investment options without the fear of being responsible for the financial outcomes of participant decisions, as long as they adhere to adherence standards set by the regulation.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately represent the scope or intent of 404(c). It does not offer blanket protection from all liabilities, nor does it provide complete immunity from oversight or directly relate to tax deductions for employer contributions. This clarity on liability is what makes option B the most accurate description of the relief that 404(c) provides to plan sponsors.