Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP)

A "Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan" (SERP) is a deferred compensation agreement between an employer and a select employee, typically part of the senior executive team or key personnel, in Canada. SERPs are designed to provide retirement benefits beyond those covered by standard retirement plans like the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), and employer-sponsored pension plans. These plans are a form of non-registered benefit, offering a way for businesses to attract, retain, and reward executives by providing them with enhanced retirement benefits.

Key features of SERPs include:

1. Customized Benefits: SERPs are tailored to meet the specific needs of both the employer and the executive, allowing for a high degree of flexibility in terms of benefit structure, payout conditions, and vesting schedules.
2. Deferred Compensation: SERPs typically involve deferring a portion of the executive's current income until retirement or a specified future date, which can provide tax advantages for the executive and assist in long-term financial planning.
3. Tax Implications: While SERP benefits are taxable to the executive upon receipt, the deferred nature of the compensation can lead to tax deferral benefits, assuming the executive may be in a lower tax bracket upon retirement.
4. Funding: Employers may choose to fund SERPs through a variety of methods, including setting aside corporate assets, purchasing life insurance policies, or utilizing other investment vehicles. The funding strategy may impact the plan's security and the tax implications for both parties.
5. Retention Tool: SERPs often include vesting provisions that require the executive to remain with the company for a certain period before becoming entitled to the full benefits, serving as a powerful incentive for key talent retention.
6. Not Registered: Unlike RRSPs and other registered pension plans, SERPs are not registered with the Canadian government, which means they are not subject to the same contribution limits and regulations. However, they must still comply with Canadian tax laws and regulations regarding deferred compensation.

SERPs represent a strategic compensation tool for companies looking to provide competitive retirement benefits to their top executives. By offering benefits beyond those available through standard pension plans, SERPs help companies secure the loyalty and service of key employees critical to their long-term success.