Most plan screwups happen when either the plan provider doesn’t ask and/or the plan sponsor doesn’t volunteer. It either involves another plan or another affiliated or similarly owned company. As a plan provider, you could ask and the plan sponsor may not tell. If you don’t ask, the mistake is on you. If you did ask, the plan sponsor will still blame you.
That’s why when it comes down to them revealing ownership and prior plan, some language on the form (whether online or not), should have an affirmation from the client that the information is complete and accurate. People, including plan sponsors, don’t like to admit when they’re wrong. So CYA and have them affirm everything is accurate, so the blame isn’t assigned to you.
