Which of the following is NOT a general requirement of a qualified plan?

The option indicating that the plan must be temporary is not a general requirement of a qualified plan. Qualified plans, such as 401(k) plans or pension plans, are designed to provide long-term benefits to employees upon retirement rather than being temporary in nature. The goal of these plans is to encourage savings for retirement, which inherently requires them to be structured to last over the long haul until certain conditions or events, like retirement, occur.

Qualified plans must meet several requirements to be recognized and receive favorable tax treatment. These include non-discrimination provisions that ensure the benefits do not favor highly compensated employees over others, IRS approval to ensure compliance with relevant regulations, and a vesting schedule that determines when employees gain full ownership of their benefits. Each of these elements serves to protect the interests of all employees and maintain the plan's integrity and purpose.