What Makes a Retirement Plan Audit “Minimally Invasive”?

If you’ve been through a retirement plan audit before, you know it can feel a bit overwhelming—especially the first time. The requests, the deadlines, the unfamiliar jargon... it’s no wonder many businesses put it off or dread the process.

But here’s the good news: a well-run audit doesn’t have to take over your team’s schedule or stress out your HR department. At Evers Lopez, we often hear from new clients who are surprised at how painless the process can be—with the right preparation, communication, and approach.

In this article, we’ll share what actually makes a retirement plan audit minimally invasive—and why it should be the norm, not the exception.

What We Mean by “Minimally Invasive”

A minimally invasive audit means:

✅ Your team spends less time gathering documents and answering questions

✅ You’re not bombarded with confusing requests

✅ The audit follows a clear process with predictable timing

✅ You know what to expect and feel confident throughout

It’s not about skipping steps—it’s about running an efficient, professional process that gets to the finish line without disrupting your day-to-day operations.

What Makes the Process Smoother?

After performing hundreds of plan audits over the last 25+ years, here are the elements that make the biggest difference in minimizing disruptions:

1. A Clear Roadmap from Day One

We start every audit by walking you through what’s coming:

• What documents we’ll need
• Who on your team we’ll work with
• What systems we’ll access (if any)
• When to expect updates and draft reports

You shouldn’t be guessing what’s next. A solid plan upfront sets the tone for the entire engagement.

2. Smart Use of Technology

We use Suralink, a secure client portal that simplifies how documents are requested, uploaded, and tracked. No more back-and-forth emails, missing attachments, or confusion about file status. You’ll always know what’s needed and what’s been received.

3. We Only Ask for What’s Necessary

Some firms use the same long checklist for every client. We don’t. Our audit requests are tailored to your plan’s structure, size, and past filings—so we’re not asking for things that don’t apply to you.

4. Responsive Communication

You won’t be left wondering where things stand. We keep communication consistent and accessible, so questions are answered quickly and the process keeps moving forward.

How to Prepare for a Stress-Free Audit

Even the best auditors can’t make it totally hands-off—but there are ways to make your side of the process lighter:

• Centralize your plan documents in advance
• Coordinate with your TPA, recordkeeper, and payroll provider early
• Designate a single point of contact for audit communication
• Ask questions—especially if something doesn’t make sense

Remember: a good audit partner wants to make things easier for you—not harder.

Why This Matters

A smooth audit isn’t just about convenience—it reflects how your plan is being administered, how well your service providers are aligned, and how clearly your internal processes are documented. A minimally invasive audit isn’t just nice to have—it’s a sign that your plan is being managed right.

🔍 Ready to Experience a Smoother Retirement Plan Audit?

We’ve built our audit process around efficiency, clarity, and respect for your time. Whether it’s your first audit or your tenth, we’re here to make it the easiest one yet.

👉 Schedule a Consultation or Explore Our Retirement Plan Audit Services