In their simplest form, Qualified Plans are plans that meet specific requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, and as a result, are eligible to receive certain tax benefits. There are two types of qualified plans – defined-benefit plans and defined-contribution plans (such as 401ks and profit sharing plans). A defined benefit plan is “defined” in the sense that the benefit formula is specified and known in advance. Conversely, for a “defined contribution pension plan”, the formula for computing the employer’s and employee’s contributions is defined and known in advance, but the benefit to be paid out is not known in advance.