05/28/2025
Important SECURE 2.0 Update

Under the SECURE 2.0 Act Provision 603, starting in 2026, individuals earning $145,000 or more in FICA wages will need to make catch-up contributions as Roth contributions. For new and existing plans, please review to determine if Roth options need to be included.

Ascensus Retirement Services

Ascensus, a leading retirement plan solutions provider, will act as the pre-approved sponsor for your client's retirement plan document. As one of the largest qualified retirement plan platforms in the country, we offer many plan design options to help create a plan that meets anyone's needs.
 

Next Steps

Plan Establishment Kit Review
Ascensus will review the submitted Plan Establishment Kit (PEK) for accuracy and completion. If additional information is needed, Ascensus will reach out to the financial advisor or employer.
 
Document Delivery and eSign
Once the PEK is complete, Ascensus will prepare and deliver the employer’s pre-filled plan documents electronically using a secure website called Sertifi. The employer and financial advisor will receive invitation emails from Sertifi once the plan documents are ready for review and signature. Employers should review and sign their plan documents as soon as possible.
 
Sertifi is a leader in online document eSignature solutions and their eSign Solution encryption technology meets the standards set by the financial services industry and the Government Paperwork Elimination Act. You can learn more about Sertifi at https://www.sertifi.com.
 
Welcome Email
A welcome email will be sent to the plan sponsor and financial advisor from Ascensus outlining services, contact information for Ascensus, and other helpful information.
 
Invoicing Process
An invoice will be sent to the plan sponsor from our secure outlining payment management website, Billtrust. the invoice will contain the link, customer number, and enrollment token needed to create an account with Billtrust. The invoice will come from ascensus@billtrust.com and replies to this email address are not monitored.
 
Billtrust is a reputable third-party vendor that allows employers to make secure payments directly. To access Billtrust, click this link https://ascensus.billtrust.com.
 
Client Initiated Amendments
If employers want to amend their plan document after the plan establishment process is complete (e.g. change plan’s eligibility criteria), they should call Ascensus for instructions on submitting the request.