Utilization Of Defined Benefit Plans In PE Firms

Recent changes in retirement plan laws have created a significant opportunity for venture capital and private equity firm general partners to substantially increase their pre-tax retirement contributions without appreciably increasing contributions to non-partners. In so doing, general partners can minimize the taxes they pay up-front on their management fees, and at the same time maximize their retirement plan savings in a tax-deferred environment. In addition, private equity professionals will be subject to a number tax increases beginning as early as 2011.