Use the EBPAQC Online Forum and Win a Free EBP Conference Registration or a $200 Gift Certificate
Participate in the EBPAQC Online Forum during the months of July and August for a chance to win two exciting prizes:
· Help a member by responding to a member posting on the Center Online Forum and you will be automatically entered for a chance to win a free registration for the December 13 – 14, 2007 AICPA Employee Benefit Plans Accounting, Auditing and Regulatory Update Conference in Washington, DC.
· Post a new discussion topic on the Forum and you will be automatically entered to win a $200 gift certificate.
Each winner will be randomly drawn and notified by September 7. Participants must be AICPA members employed by a Center firm. The conference registration is transferable—if you are not able to attend the conference you may transfer it to another employee in your firm.
Participation in the EBPAQC Online Forum this EBP audit season can help keep you informed of the latest employee benefit plan practice issues. The Forum is available exclusively to EBPAQC firm members to network; exchange information, share best practices, and discuss issues with other member firms. The Forum is easy to use and can provide you with a wealth of information, and the opportunity to share best practices and discuss issues with other member firms.
The Forum has over 1,400 participants and over 630 topics in the following five forums: Audit; Tax and Compliance; Multiemployer Plan; Form 5500 Reporting and Form 11-K.
Center members are encouraged to regularly visit the forum to learn what other members are "talking" about and share your views, experiences and questions to help build a support group among peers that you can call on when you encounter problems with your EBP audits. The forum works best when people share information.
Thank you to all of you who have responded to postings and helped other members in the Forum. The Center especially wishes to recognize the following members for their assistance in helping other members on the Forum: Mike Palmer, Becky Miller, Kurt Needles, Ricardo Ruiz-Ortiz, Jennifer Patschke, Olivia Maness, James Merklin, Melinda Heck, Lynn Westergard, Michael Cummins, Andrew Newman and Thomas Petree.
Popular Topics and Searching the Forum
You can search for specific topics of interest by clicking on "Search" at the top of the Forum webpage. A few of the popular topics participants are discussing are:
· Employee Deferral Errors
· Participant Confirmations
· Disclosure Requirements for Benefit Responsive Investment Contracts
· Plan Expenses
· Incorrect Rollover Allocations
Attached to this EAlert is a complete list of current discussion topics on the Forum.
Information and Suggestions for Using the Online Forum
Forum User Guide
To help you use the forum, the Center has prepared the attached user-friendly guide. It has tips on starting discussion groups, creating your user profile, responding to topics and searching for the most popular topics or a specific topic.
The User Guide will also tell you how to log onto the Forum, if you have not yet participated in the Forum. If you need further assistance, please email the Center at ebpaqc@aicpa.org.
Following are some suggestions to help you and others make the most of your forum:
· Before posting your question, search the forum. Your question or comment may have already been discussed, answered or resolved.
· Create a concise subject that adequately summarizes your topic. For example: "Applying SAS 99 in a defined contribution plan audit".
· Increase the likelihood of starting a discussion by providing details in your comment or question, and by choosing a relevant category, release and platform for your topic.
· Be patient. All the participants of this forum are using the forum and participating in discussions on their own time.
· Give feedback. If someone helps you by answering your question, try to add a follow-up response letting them know whether or not it worked.
· Welcome newcomers. Make them feel welcome in the forum community.