The Tarrant Texas Model Notice of Blackout Periods under Individual Account Plans is an important document that outlines the regulations and guidelines regarding blackout periods for individual account plans in Tarrant County, Texas. This notice serves as a comprehensive guide for employers and plan administrators to inform participants about any upcoming blackout periods that may affect their ability to access or manage their retirement accounts. Below are the different types of Tarrant Texas Model Notice of Blackout Periods under Individual Account Plans: 1. Defined Contribution Plans: This type of blackout period notice specifically applies to individual account plans that fall under the category of defined contribution plans. These plans allow employees to contribute a portion of their salary to an individual account, often with matching contributions from the employer. 2. 401(k) Plans: Tarrant Texas Model Notice of Blackout Periods pertaining to 401(k) plans focuses on blackout periods related to the popular retirement savings vehicle. These notices aim to inform participants about any temporary restrictions on their ability to make changes to their investment options or access their funds. 3. Employee Stock Ownership Plans (Sops): Sops are a type of defined contribution plan where employees are given shares of the company's stock as a part of their retirement benefits. The Tarrant Texas Model Notice of Blackout Periods for Sops addresses blackout periods that might restrict participants' ability to buy or sell company stocks during certain periods. 4. Profit-Sharing Plans: Blackout periods under profit-sharing plans are addressed in a separate model notice. Profit-sharing plans allow employers to share a percentage of the company's profits with eligible employees. This notice provides information about any temporary blackout periods that may affect participants' access to their profit-sharing account. It is worth noting that the purpose of the Tarrant Texas Model Notice of Blackout Periods under Individual Account Plans is to ensure transparency and compliance with federal regulations, such as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERICA). This notice allows participants to be well-informed about any blackout periods affecting their retirement accounts, preventing any confusion or potential legal issues. Employers and plan administrators must adhere to these guidelines to protect the rights and interests of participants in individual account plans within Tarrant County.