Consider defined-benefit retirement plans and defined-contribution retirement plans and document the primary characteristics of each. Specifically, contrast the responsibilities of the employer in administering each plan.

Consider the following questions:

• Which plan is more risky for an employer? Which plan is more risky for an individual employee?
• Which provides the individual employee with more resources at the conclusion of employment?
• What are the personal income tax considerations for the individual employee once payments commence under each plan?