Fill Your South Carolina 1104 Template

What is the South Carolina 1104 form and who needs to fill it out?

The South Carolina 1104 form, titled "ELECTION OF NON-MEMBERSHIP," is a document used by employees who are hired by eligible employers covered under the South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) and choose not to participate in it. These employers include school districts, higher education institutions, technical colleges, state departments, agencies, bureaus, commissions, and institutions. The form must be filled out by employees who are not receiving retirement benefits as a retired member and wish to opt out of membership in the SCRS or the optional defined contribution plan, State ORP, within 30 days of their hire date.

How does an employee elect non-membership, and are there any conditions?

An employee elects non-membership by completing the South Carolina 1104 form, indicating their decision to opt out of the Retirement Systems. However, it's important to note two key conditions. First, if an employee already has funds on deposit in the Retirement Systems, they cannot elect non-membership. Secondly, the election to participate in State ORP or elect non-membership must be made within 30 calendar days after the date of hire. If an employee misses this window but experiences a break in service and gets rehired, they are again eligible to make an election within 30 calendar days from their rehiring date.

Can an employee who elects non-membership later join the State ORP?

No, once an employee elects non-membership and the 30-day window of election has expired, they cannot later opt into the State Optional Retirement Plan (State ORP). However, if the employee experiences a break in service and is subsequently rehired, they are given another opportunity to choose between SCRS participation and State ORP or to elect non-membership, but again must do so within 30 calendar days of rehire.

What happens if the 1104 form is not correctly completed or if it's determined an individual is ineligible for non-membership?

If the South Carolina 1104 form is not correctly completed, it will be returned to the employer for proper completion. Should the Retirement Systems determine that an individual is not eligible for non-member status after reviewing the submitted form, the employer will be notified of this decision. It's crucial for both employees and employers to accurately complete their respective sections to avoid any delays or issues with the non-membership election process.

Where can more information about the 1104 form and non-membership be obtained?

For more detailed information regarding the South Carolina 1104 form and the election of non-membership, interested individuals can contact the SC Retirement Systems Customer Service. Assistance is available by calling (800) 868-9002 for those within South Carolina or (803) 737-6800 for out-of-state inquiries. Additional guidance can be found by emailing cs@retirement.sc.gov or by visiting the official website at www.retirement.sc.gov, where the Retirement Systems Employer Manual and other resources are available.

Filling out official forms can sometimes be tricky and making errors is relatively easy if you're not careful. The South Carolina 1104 form, which deals with the election of non-membership in the state's retirement systems, is no exception. People often stumble across a few common mistakes when trying to complete this document. Understanding these mistakes can help ensure the form is filled out accurately, aiding in the smooth processing of one's election not to participate in the retirement system.

1. Not using black ink to print or type and blue ink to sign: The instructions specify that the form must be filled out using black ink for printing or typing and blue ink for the signature. This detail, while small, is crucial for the form's processing.

2. Skipping the reading of instructions: It's a common oversight not to thoroughly read the instructions provided on the second page of the form before starting to fill it out. These instructions can clarify what information is necessary and how to properly complete the form.

3. Incomplete employee information: Failing to provide complete and accurate information in Section I, which includes everything from the employee's last name and suffix to their position title and present monthly salary, can lead to processing delays or outright rejection of the election.

4. Mistakes in the employee certification and signature section: Section II requires careful reading as it contains critical information about the eligibility for non-membership. An incomplete understanding can lead to incorrect certifications. Moreover, forgetting to sign and date this section can invalidate the form.

5. Employer section errors: Employers sometimes make mistakes in Section III by inaccurately indicating the employment category or by omitting their signature, name, code, title, and work telephone number. Since the employer's confirmation is pivotal for the election process, such errors can be particularly problematic.

6. Incorrect eligibility determination: Before electing non-membership, individuals must ensure they don't have funds on deposit in the Retirement Systems and meet the specific category requirements. Misunderstandings about one's eligibility status can lead to the submission of a form that should never have been completed in the first place.

Recognition of these common pitfalls is the first step toward successfully navigating the intricacies of the South Carolina 1104 form. Diligence, careful reading of instructions, and thoroughness in completing each section of the form can significantly reduce the likelihood of errors, ensuring that the election of non-membership is processed swiftly and correctly.

When completing the South Carolina Form 1104, an "ELECTION OF NON-MEMBERSHIP" in the state's retirement system, individuals and their employers may need to interact with several other forms and documents. These documents ensure proper procedure and compliance with South Carolina retirement regulation. Understanding these documents will streamline the process of electing non-membership and ensure all parties are well-informed.

• IRS W-4 Form: This form is used for determining federal income tax withholding. It is essential for employees as it affects their take-home pay and might need adjustments based on their non-membership election.
• Direct Deposit Authorization Form: Often used alongside Form 1104 to set up direct deposit for payroll. This is crucial for employees electing non-membership since their deductions and contributions to retirement accounts may change.
• SCRS-1100 Form: A Retirement Plan Enrollment form for individuals choosing to participate in the South Carolina Retirement System. Although Form 1104 is for electing non-membership, understanding the SCRS-1100 is valuable for comparison and future reference if re-enrolling is considered.
• Beneficiary Designation Form: Used to designate or change beneficiaries for retirement or death benefits. Even if an employee opts for non-membership, having a current beneficiary form on file is advisable for accessing any potential benefits or contributions that might accrue despite non-membership status.
• Employment Verification Form: Sometimes required to verify eligibility for non-membership or to confirm employment details crucial for retirement system records. This form helps establish the employment status and history necessary for accurate retirement system processing.

Each of these documents plays a role in managing retirement options and employment records for individuals in South Carolina. Whether electing non-membership or participating in the retirement system, staying informed about these forms ensures individuals make the best decisions for their financial futures. For further information on these documents and forms, employees and employers should consult the South Carolina Retirement Systems' website or their human resources department.

The IRS Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Certificate, is similar to the South Carolina Form 1104 in that it is also a crucial document for new employees. Both forms are completed upon employment to determine financial contributions—in the case of Form W-4, it determines federal income tax withholdings, while Form 1104 pertains to retirement system contributions. Both require personal and employment information to properly assess the employee's financial obligations.

The Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, parallels the South Carolina Form 1104 by requiring employee information to verify eligibility for employment purposes. Form I-9 focuses on verifying the legal authorization to work in the United States, necessitating personal identification and employment eligibility documentation. Similarly, Form 1104 verifies eligibility for opting out of the state retirement system, both serving regulatory compliance purposes.

Another form resembling the South Carolina 1104 form is the 401(k) Plan Enrollment Form, which is used by employees to participate in, or opt-out of, a company's 401(k) plan. Like Form 1104, the 401(k) enrollment form involves making decisions regarding retirement planning early in the employment process. Both forms guide the employee through selecting a retirement investment approach, albeit administered through different systems.

The Direct Deposit Authorization Form is akin to the South Carolina Form 1104 in that it deals with future financial planning and processing as part of the employment paperwork. While the Direct Deposit Form captures banking information to facilitate electronic payment of wages, Form 1104 covers retirement contribution preferences, both aiming to streamline financial transactions for the employee.

Beneficiary Designation Forms for life insurance or retirement accounts also share similarities with the Form 1104. These forms are essential in preemptive financial planning, allowing individuals to designate who will receive benefits in the event of their death. Like the South Carolina 1104 form, they are critical in ensuring the employee's wishes are honored, impacting financial decisions related to employment.

The State Health Benefits Enrollment Form that employees fill out when starting a new job or experiencing a qualifying life event mirrors the South Carolina 1104 form in its foundational purpose. Both are pivotal at the onset of employment or during significant life changes, requiring personal and employment information to enroll in or opt-out of a state-provided benefit program.

Another document with similarities to Form 1104 is the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) Enrollment Form, where employees elect to participate in purchasing company stock often at a discounted rate. Similar to making a retirement system election with Form 1104, the ESPP form involves a critical financial decision based on eligibility and employment status.

The FMLA Request Form, although primarily for leave requests, shares a procedural commonality with the South Carolina 1104 form. Both necessitate understanding of employee rights and options within employment, with Form 1104 focusing on retirement participation rights and the FMLA request form on leave rights under specific conditions.

The Annual Leave Request Form, used by employees to request time off from work, while different in content, is similar in its nature of requiring employer approval, just as Form 1104 requires employer certification regarding the eligibility for non-membership in the retirement system. Both forms are integral to managing aspects of an employee’s work life and benefits.

Lastly, the Employee Performance Review Forms bear a resemblance in their administrative role in the employee's career development, similar to how Form 1104 impacts an employee's financial planning for retirement. Although one focuses on performance evaluation and the other on retirement system participation, both contribute significantly to the employee's future within the organization.

When filling out the South Carolina 1104 form for electing non-membership in the Retirement Systems, there are specific actions you should take to ensure the process is completed accurately and efficiently. Below are five things you should and shouldn't do when completing this form.

• Read the instructions on page 2 before starting to fill out the form to ensure you understand all requirements.
• Print or type in black ink for all sections that require your input to ensure legibility.
• Ensure that all the information provided in Section I is accurate and complete, including your personal and employment details.
• Sign in blue ink as instructed in the form to authenticate your election of non-membership.
• Contact the South Carolina Retirement Systems Customer Service if you have any questions or concerns regarding the process.

• Attempt to elect non-membership if you currently have funds on deposit in the Retirement Systems, as you are not eligible.
• Overlook the 30 calendar day deadline post your employment date to make your election, as failure to act within this timeframe bars you from choosing non-membership later on.
• Leave any fields in Section I blank, as all requested information is required for your form to be processed.
• Forget to review the employment category in Section III, which must be completed by your employer to confirm your eligibility for non-membership.
• Ignore the form's instruction about the retirement act's provisions under which your non-membership election is made, as understanding these is crucial.

When dealing with the South Carolina Form 1104, Election of Non-Membership, it's crucial to separate fact from fiction. Understanding the form correctly ensures that both employees and employers make informed decisions. Let's address some common misconceptions:

• "Once you elect non-membership, you can never join the retirement system." This is not completely accurate. If an employee experiences a break in service and is rehired, they are given another opportunity to make an election within 30 calendar days from their subsequent date of hire.
• "Form 1104 applies only to permanent employees." Actually, the form is also relevant for non-permanent positions, temporary employees, and certain officials or those working under specific conditions as outlined in the form's employment category section.
• "Any employee can opt for non-membership at any time." In reality, the election to participate in the State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP) or to elect non-membership must be made within 30 days after entry into eligible service. Thereafter, the option becomes limited unless there is a qualifying break in service.
• "Filling out Form 1104 immediately excludes you from all retirement benefits." While electing non-membership means you won't accrue retirement service credit for the period of non-membership, it doesn't affect your eligibility for other benefits or previous contributions to the retirement system, if applicable.
• "The form is complex and requires legal advice to complete." Although it's important to comprehend the document fully, Form 1104 provides clear instructions and sections that both the employee and employer need to complete. Before undertaking this step, candidates are encouraged to read the instructions carefully or seek clarification from the South Carolina Retirement Systems Customer Service.

Understanding the specifics and implications of Form 1104 is crucial for making informed choices about retirement benefits in South Carolina. Whether you're an employee considering your options or an employer assisting in the process, keeping these misconceptions in check is vital. Remember, accurate information is empowering and allows for better decisions regarding one's retirement planning and benefits.

When filling out and using the South Carolina 1104 form, there are several key points to keep in mind to ensure the process is completed accurately and in compliance with the relevant rules and regulations:

• Individuals must use black ink for typing or printing and blue ink for signatures to ensure the form is properly processed.
• Eligibility to elect non-membership in the South Carolina Retirement Systems (SCRS) is dependent on not having funds currently on deposit in the Retirement Systems, and completion of this form is essential for those who meet this criterion and choose to opt-out.
• The election to participate in the State Optional Retirement Program (ORP) or to elect non-membership must be made within 30 calendar days following the date of hire. Missing this window means an employee cannot later choose to opt into the State ORP unless there is a qualifying event, such as a break in service followed by rehire.
• The form requires certification by both the employee and the employer in different sections. The employee's section requires personal and employment information and an acknowledgment of the election of non-membership, while the employer's section verifies the employee's eligibility based on their position.

Bottom line: It's crucial for employees and employers alike to carefully review and accurately complete the South Carolina 1104 form to ensure compliance with South Carolina Retirement System rules. This includes using the correct ink for filling out the form, understanding the eligibility criteria for electing non-membership, completing the election in a timely manner, and accurately filling out both the employee and employer certification sections.