Section 125 Plan Design: Maximize Benefits and Tax Savings for Employers and Employees
A well-structured Section 125 plan design can be a game-changer for both employers and employees. Also known as a Cafeteria Plan or Premium Only Plan (POP), a Section 125 plan allows employees to pay for certain benefits—such as health insurance premiums, dental, vision, or dependent care—using pre-tax dollars. This simple adjustment in payroll structure can result in significant tax savings across the board. What Is a Section 125 Plan? Under IRS regulations, a Section 125 plan enables employees to convert a portion of their taxable income into non-taxable benefits. The most common form is the Premium Only Plan, which allows workers to pay insurance premiums before taxes are withheld. This not only reduces an employee’s taxable income but also lowers the employer’s payroll tax liability. For example, when an employee enrolls in a company-sponsored health insurance plan, their premiums are deducted from gross wages before taxes are calculate...