What does an Excess Benefit Plan provide?

An Excess Benefit Plan specifically provides benefits that exceed the limits set forth by Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code. This section establishes certain limitations on contributions and benefits for qualified retirement plans to ensure tax advantages are appropriately managed.

Employers may choose to implement an Excess Benefit Plan to provide additional retirement benefits to highly compensated employees or executive staff, allowing them to receive the full value of what they would otherwise be entitled to without these limits.

While the other options hint at various components of retirement plans, none align with the distinct purpose of an Excess Benefit Plan, which is primarily focused on exceeding the regulatory caps established in Section 415, rather than adhering to them, being funded differently, or offering cash benefits unconditionally.