October 15, 2008

• Congress Adjourns, But Lame Duck Session Likely
  
• Economic Stabilization Act Includes Several Benefit Provisions
• DOL Issues Final Guidance on Annuities in DC Plans
• Relief For Hurricane Ike and Gustav Victims
• DOL Finalizes Cross-Trading Disclosure Rules
• Orphan Plan Rules Amended to Accommodate Mission Nonspouse Beneficiaries

August 29, 2008

• IRS Revises Voluntary Correction Program for Retirement Plans
• DOL Issues Proposed Advice Guidance

July 30, 2008

• DOL Issues Proposed Rule on Participant Fee Disclosure
• Social Security Creates Online Estimator
• SEC and DOL Formalize Cooperative Efforts

June 20, 2008

• Congress Defers on Fee Legislation to 2009 as DOL Moves Forward on Final Rules
• GAO Recommends Increased Compliance of Payroll IRAs as Congress Ponders Mandate
• New Supreme Court Glenn Decision Requires Courts to Consider Employer Conflicts in ERISA Benefit Denial Decisions
• When Federal and State Definitions of "Marriage" Conflict - An Overview for Employee Benefit Plan Sponsors

May 29, 2008

• "Heroes" Bill Sails Through Congress
•  ERISA Advisory Council Releases Working Group Reports

May 1, 2008

• DOL Issues Additional QDIA Guidance

March 18, 2008

• DOL Proposes 7-Day Safe Harbor for Plan Deposits
• Notice 2008-30 Clarifies Roth IRA Plan Distribution Issues; Excess Deferrals
• DOL Applies ERISA Preemption for Default Health Care Contributions
• IRS Affirms Controversial Section 162(m) Position but Provides Helpful Transition Period

February 21, 2008

• Supreme Court Rules on ERISA Remedies in DC Plans
  
• Regulatory Agenda Keeping PSCA Busy
  
• Congressional Outlook Remains Unclear
  

January 1, 2008

• Congress ends with a whimper for retirement plan community
• DOL proposes landmark changes in fee disclosure to sponsors
• IRS issues proposed rule on diversification requirements for employer securities
• IRS announces limited correction program for Section 409A operational failures

December 1, 2007

• Treasury issues proposed guidance on automatic contribution arrangements
• Final Form 5500 released
• 2007 Saver’s Credit

November 2, 2007

• PSCA President urges Congress to defer to DOL on plan fee disclosure
• DOL issues additional benefit statement relief
• IRS announces pension plan limitations for 2008
• IRS issues new “Tool Kit”
• Reporting and tax withholding requirements for section 409A - deferred compensation for 2007

October 26, 2007

• DOL issues final QDIA guidance
• Section 409A transition relief fully extended until December 31, 2008

October 1, 2007

• Lew Minsky testifies at fee hearing
• U.S. Labor Department launches interactive web tool to help employers comply with retirement laws
• “Enrolled Retirement Plan Agents” permitted to practice before the IRS
• IRS PPA web site
• IRS issues partial plan termination guidance

September 1, 2007

• PPA snafu inflicts income limits on designated Roth account rollovers in 2008 and 2009
• DOL issues guidance for annuity selection for DC plans
• IRS partially extends deadline to amend plans to comply with Section 409A

August 1, 2007

• PSCA urges common-sense approach to DOL fee initiative
• Chairman Miller’s Fee Bill marks dubious beginning for Congress
• Treasury issues final 403(b) regs

July 1, 2007

• Fee case dismissed, but will the ruling stand?
• IRS announces elimination of Schedule P
• Senator Ensign captures Finance Committee seat
• IRS clarifies partial plan termination rule
• Section 409A, Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

June 1, 2007

• Iraq supplemental spending bill includes some pension provisions
• SEC Chairman Cox proposes end to soft dollar research
• House committee considers ERISA waivers for health plans
• IRS OKs mid-year safe harbor plan changes
• Treasury proposes accelerated HSA employer contributions
• Section 409A Countdown to full compliance

May 1, 2007

• Fee case dismissed, but will the ruling stand?
• IRS announces elimination of Schedule P
• Senator Ensign captures finance committee seat
• IRS clarifies partial plan termination rule
• Section 409A, Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

April 1, 2007

• SEC Chairman questions fund fees
• Final NQDC rule issued
• Court overrules SEC ruling on advice exemption
• Treasury issues final section 415 rule

March 1, 2007

• House committee examines plan fees
• DOL issues clarification on timing and order of QDROs
• IRS releases 401(k) plan checklist

February 1, 2007

• Treasury issues guidance on Pension Protection Act distributions
• The assault on NQDC and executive pay is underway - Senate minimum wage bill includes compensation provisions
• PSCA busy with comment letters

December 1, 2006

• Regulators struggle to meet Pension Protection Act deadlines
• IRS issues transition relief and model notice for new employer securities diversification requirements
• Incoming Chairman Miller announce fee initiative following GAO report
• PSCA files comments on proposed rule on default investments

November 1, 2006

• Democrats take control of Congress
• PPA teleconference
• IRS issues final rule on electronic communication
• IRS announces 2007 limits
• Positions available on PSCA'S Research Committee

October 1, 2006

• DOL issues proposed default investment guidance
• Personnel changes at DOL and IRS
• Major employers facing fee lawsuits
• SEC extends redemption fee deadline
• IRS provides temporary relief for tribal plans

September 1, 2006

• President Bush signs Pension Protection Act
• IRS issues ESOP redemption guidance, but defers on second issue
• DOL extends Katrina relief

August 1, 2006

• We did it! Pension legislation makes 2001 provisions permanent
• DOL issues final rule on electronic filing of Form 5500
• DOL proposes greatly expanded Form 5500 guidance and new Form 5500
• SEC pares back “soft dollar” expenses
• Federal Court finds Maryland’s “Wal-Mart Law” preempted by ERISA

July 1, 2006

• Pension bill remains in quagmire over DB plan issues – renewed effort required on permanency of 2001 pension provisions
• What’s the hurry?
• Action Plan
• Seventh Circuit case confirms that ERISA section 404(C) is not the exclusive means to satisfy fiduciary duties under participant-directed plans

June 1, 2006

• Pension bill expected to move in June (we hope)
• PSCA urges workers to disregard controversial PBS program
• IRS issues improved EPCRS
• Supreme Court enforces benefit plan reimbursement provision

May 1, 2006

• DB issues bog down pension bill
• DOL adopts updated VFCP
• DOL issues field assistance bulletin on mutual fund settlement payments
• DOL issues final rule on orphan plans

April 1, 2006

• EGTRRA pension reform legislation schedule slips
• ERISA Advisory Council issues 2005 working group reports
• IRS extends simple IRA plan relief
• The book on the Roth 401(K) and 403(B) and why your business or organization must have one (maybe)

March 1, 2006

• Special Edition – Legislative Alert

December 1, 2005

• PSCA speaks up for the DC system
• Pension bills progressing, but won’t be final until next year
• Medical Reimbursement accounts
• KETRA guidance issued
• Correction

November 2, 2005 

• Aha! Could it be that workers are saving after all?
• IRS announces pension plan limitations for 2006
• DOL releases regulatory agenda
• IRS finalizes plans for determination letter application process

October 4, 2005

• Senate moving forward on pension bill; House should follow suit soon
• Treasury releases additional 409(a) nonqualified deferred compensation guidance
• Court ruling supports EEOC's Erie County fix
• Federal agencies, Congress provide Hurricane Katrina relief

August 31, 2005

• Washington retirement community preparing for busy September
• IRS issues ESOP guidance
• DOL proposes mandatory electronic filing of Form 5500 and announces future replacement of E-FAST system and review of Form 5500 content
• IRS shoots down medical reimbursement accounts in profit sharing plans
• Taxation of domestic partner benefits 

July 6, 2005

• Defined benefit and Social Security issues create a tortured path for DC plan improvements
• Professor briefs congressional staff on Save More Tomorrow program
• IRS studying enrolled retirement plan agent under Circular 230

June 2, 2005

• SEC pension consultant report sounds ERISA alarm bells
• Treasury releases proposed Section 415 limit regulations
• ERISA Advisory Council sets 2005 agenda
• IRS creates grace period for cafeteria plans
• New trust rules for pension plans in Puerto Rico

April 27, 2005

• Sam Murray's efforts bear fruit in bankruptcy bill
• Bingaman automatic enrollment plan legislation includes important PSCA provisions
• Voluntary fiduciary correction program has been expanded and simplified

April 1, 2005

• DOL proposes relief for orphan plans
• Representative Rob Portman leaving Congress to become U.S. Trade Representative; Ben Cardin may seek Senate seat
• SEC issues final redemption fee rule but solicits additional comments on many issues

March 5, 2005

• IRS issues proposed rules for Roth 401(k) arrangements
• March 25 effective date of the new automatic rollover rules is fast approaching
• IRS issues final Section 401(k) and Section 401(m) regulations

February 3, 2005

• Employer provided system is linked to Social Security debate
• The basics of Social Security reform
• PSCA supports automatic enrollment nondescrimination test safe harbor plan on Capitol Hill
• NQDC deadline creating problems for some excess benefit plans

December 30, 2004

• PSCA's Legal and Legislative Committee sets 2005 priorities
• DOL issues field assistance bulletin on directed trustees
• Treasury and IRS issue 401(k) and automatic rollover guidance
• Treasury, IRS issue Section 409(p) regulations
• First round of guidance released on new requirements for deferred compensation plans

December 1, 2004

• ERISA Advisory Council recommends overhaul of fee disclosure to plan sponsors and participants
• White House economic agenda to include Social Security private accounts, tax simplification, and DB plan funding
• Proposed USERRA regulations raise concerns for plan sponsors

November 1, 2004

• 2005 plan limits set
• Congress may consider military leave pay/ disaster relief bill in lame duck session
• Fidelity and Vanguard release defined contribution reports
• Sweeping nonqualified deferred compensation legislation signed into law

October 6, 2004

• DOL final rule on automatic rollover safe harbor adopts several PSCA recommendations
• Senators join House colleagues in effort to enhance tribal-sponsored benefit plans
• Assistant Secretary Ann Combs announces helpful guidance on missing participants at PSCA's national conference
• IRS changes stance on plan assets during bankruptcy
• DOL issues proposed USERRA rules
• PSCA testifies on fees before ERISA Advisory Council

September 7, 2004

• A quiet Congress, but busy SEC, expected for the rest of 2004
• The party platforms
• PSCA Compliance Bulletin

August 3, 2004

• Treasury issues improved final deemed IRA rule
• IRS issues additional guidance on health savings accounts
• ESOP legislation targets S-corps
• The party platforms
• CRS issues same sex marriage primer

July 1, 2004

• Pension legislation on back burner for 2004
• ERISA Advisory Council sets 2004 agenda
• Preparing for the new deferred compensation rules

June 2, 2004

• PSCA comments on SEC redemption fee proposal
• The sky is not falling! The sky is not falling!
• Senate Finance Committee finally releases NESTEG text
• Foreign source tax bill includes compensation provisions
• PSCA Compliance Bulletin

May 3, 2004

• IRS provides additional guidance on automatic enrollment plans
• House passes relief bill for activated military
• Can retirement plan administrators restrict market timing by plan participants?
• PSCA Compliance Bulletin

April 5, 2004

• DOL proposal includes disturbing price controls
• DOL issues wake up call on soft dollars
• Key legislators urge SEC to consider all investors in pending hard close rule
• Lifetime savings accounts bill introduced
• IRS explains top heavy safe harbor
• PSCA Compliance Bulletin

March 9, 2004

• PSCA testifies at banking committee mutual fund hearing
• Administration modifies savings proposals - Portman and Cardin considering further changes
• Mutual fund reforms likely to impact plans
• Paper discussed impact of same sex marriages on qualified plans
• Guest article: Department of Labor issues guidance on fiduciary duties and the mutual fund crisis
• PSCA Compliance Bulletin

February 2, 2004

• IRS ruling opens door to separate fee schedules for former employees
• Analysis: State of the Union Address provides insight on pension issues
• PSCA urges SEC to preserve level playing field for all participants
• PSCA Compliance Bulletin

January 6, 2004

• 2003 Ends with disappointment as DB funding reform efforts fail
• 2004 likely to be tough year for pension legislation
• Mutual fund scandals likely to result in increased plan costs and complexity
• CBO issues report on baby boomer retirement assets
• PSCA Compliance Bulletin

December 2, 2003

• Congress set to adjourn on December 9
• PSCA takes leading role in crafting mutual fund trading scandal response
• Representative J.D. Hayworth introduces legislation to clarify status of tribal-sponsored retirement plans
• The DOL proposes amendments to the QPAM exemption
• PSCA Compliance Bulletin

November 3, 2003

• Mutual fund scandals likely to affect employer plans
• EBSA Assistant Secretary shares thoughts on market
• Text of October 29 letter from PSCA President David Wray to SEC Chairman William H. Donaldson
• Congress expected to end with a whimper, except for temporary DB funding solution
• IRS announces 2004 limits
• Significant reductions in force could result in a partial termination of an employer's tax qualified retirement plan
• PSCA Compliance Bulletin

October 8, 2003

• DB funding likely to be only pension item enacted this year
• Finance Committee bill goes well beyond last year's version
• "Boehner" advice bill introduced in Senate
• Court makes preliminary Enron ruling
• Troublesome "Women's Protection Act" reintroduced in Senate
• Department of Labor allows fund profiles under Section 401(c)
• PSCA Compliance Bulletin

September 5, 2003

• Busy fall unlikely to include any broad pension legislation - DB funding likely to proceed
• PSCA working on behalf of Native American retirement plans
• PSCA advocates legislation to address orphan plans
• Filing relief for M&P and volume submitter plans
• IRS introduces simplified voluntary correction program
• PSCA Compliance Bulletin

August 4, 2003

• Treasury and IRS release final catch-up and proposed 401(k) regulations
• Portman-Cardin III approved by Committee on Ways and Means

July 8, 2003

• After a quiet June, July might bring action on pension bills
• Consumption tax goal driving administration pursuit of new savings plans
• DOL files suit against Enron
• IRS introduces new streamlined and simplified voluntary correction program
• ERISA Advisory Council 2003 agenda underway

June 1, 2003

• IRS issues new guidance of allocation of plan expenses, including treatment of QDRO's and term-vested participants
• President Bush signs HR 2, the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Act of 2003
• "Enron bill" passes in House - again
• Defined Contribution News honors David Wray
• IRS issues guidance on deemed IRAs
• Sarbanes-Oxley Sections 404 and 906 may require plan action

May 12, 2003

• Congress debating tax cuts; House mulling pension bills
• DOL clarifies position on plan loans to directors and officers
• Labor Secretary appoints Dave Wray for leadership positions on ERISA panel
• DOL issues guidance on application of participant contribution requirements to multiemployer defined contribution plans
• IRS Narrows Options for Redesign of Determination Letter Process
• IRS Issues Guidance for the Hardship Exception to the 60-Day Rollover Requirement

April 3, 2003

• House Committee reports "Enron Legislation"
• Portman and Cardin release summary of new bill
• New 401(k) regulations due soon, but DB issues likely to dominate
• PSCA Compliance Bulletin

March 4, 2003

• S2 and HR2 - The Jobs and Growth Act of 2003
• HR1000, The Pension Security Act of 2003
• Portman-Cardin III
• Administration's new savings accounts and employer plans proposal to move on separate track. Legislation introduction is expected this spring.
• Joint Committee on Tax Issues report of Enron investigation
• Final rules issued on Sarbanes-Oxley Act provisions
• PWBA out, EBSA in

February 3, 2003

• Compliance Bulletin

January 7, 2003

• No let up on pension issues in 108th Congress
• PSCA sets 2003 legislative agenda
• IRS issues final rule on plan loans
• "DOL Corner" added to Employee Plan News

December 4, 2002

• DOL issues guidance on disclosure and other obligations relating to float
• Deemed IRA option available in 2003
• DOL provides limited relief under VFC notice requirement
• DOL's interim final rules relating to notice of blackout periods and assessment of penalties
• IRS announces pension plan limitations for 2003
• IRS extends GUST deadlines for pre-approved plans
• Abortion debate sinks bankruptcy reform
• Some cafeteria plan sponsors face December 31 deadline for retirement plan amendment
• PSCA Compliance Bulletin

November 1, 2002

• Congress adjourns for elections without passing harmful pension legislation - further 2002 action very unlikely
• House committee approves accelerated limits and required minimum distribution relief
• IRS announces 2003 plan limits
• Labor Department issues rules on disclosure of pension plan "blackout periods"
• DOL and IRS announce joint crackdown on Form 5500 nonfilers
• IRS issues additional guidance on the timing of tax deductions for 401(k) plan contributions

October 1, 2002

• Hard work, tight schedule may preclude passage of pension legislation before elections
• PWBA Secretary addresses PSCA national conference
• DOL provides insight on ERISA as it pertains to Enron
• Joint Economic Committee issues report on minimum required contributions
• PSCA announces 2002 Signature Awards winners

September 10, 2002

• Senate to consider pension legislation before elections
• The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - yes, retirement plans are affected by the new corporate accounting reform legislation
• PSCA Compliance Bulletin

July 30, 2002

• Employer-provided retirement plans survive political firestorm with only minor damages. Congress delays full consideration until after August recess
• Corporate accounting bill includes provisions affecting plans
• Senate Finance Committee approves pension bill framework
• Senator Kennedy introduces spousal consent legislation
• PSCA testified before the ERISA Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Plans Working Group on Fiduciary Education
• Massachusetts and Wisconsin state income tax laws now conform to EGTRRA
• Bankruptcy logjam broken, passage expected this fall
• PSCA Compliance Bulletin

June 28, 2002

• Fast-track accounting bill may include pension rider
• House makes EGTRRA pension reform provisions permanent, but Senate unlikely to follow
• IRS to extend FICA and FUTA tax moratorium for statutory stock options
• Social Security number privacy bills moving on state and federal level
• DB vs. DC - Welcome to the new paradigm
• Money purchase plans
• IRS updates UPCRS - Late breaking news

June 10, 2002

• Enron pension legislation lobbying efforts paying off in Senate
• States falling in line on EGTRRA conformity
• Rollover notice available in Spanish
• IRS issues model amendments for required minimum distributions
• Senator Kennedy expected to introduce bill mandating spousal consent
• PSCA Compliance Bulletin

May 2, 2002

• Analysis - Pension Security Act of 2002 is a major improvement over initial recommendations, but still a work in progress
• Enron pension focus moves to Senate - Outlook is very uncertain
• Professional employee organizations
• House Makes EGTRRA pension changes permanent but Senate won't act
• Advice
• DOL expands electronic administration
• IRS issues final required minimum distribution rules that include updated mortality tables
• PSCA Compliance Bulletin

April 8, 2002

• DOL improves voluntary fiduciary correction and delinquent filer voluntary compliance programs
• Republicans to consolidate Enron pension bills
• Section-by-section summary of S1992, Protecting America's Pensions Act of 2002 (Kennedy D-MA)
• IRS Employee Plan News
• Bankruptcy legislation update
• PSCA Compliance Bulletin

March 7, 2002

• SAIC testifies on behalf of PSCA
• All Enron all the time - Not only for plans with company stock
• Rollover explanation revised for EGTRRA
• PSCA Compliance Bulletin

February 6, 2002

• Are defined contribution plans the Enron scapegoat?
• What has PSCA been doing about Enron?
• California moving forward on addressing nonconformity with EGTRRA code changes
• Plan recordkeeper conversion "blackout periods" in a post-Enron world
• PSCA Compliance Bulletin

January 1, 2002

• PSCA sets 2002 legislative goals
• Enron meltdown spotlights stock and transaction suspension periods
• Compliance Bulletin
• Tax credit for low-income savers warrants attention

December 1, 2001

• House passes Boehner advice bill as Senator Bingaman introduces alternative concept
• State tax codes may present EGTRRA issues
• EGTRRA changes dollar limits for 2001
• Compliance Bulletin

November 1, 2001

• PSCA facilitates September 11 regulatory relief for plan sponsors
• Proposed rules for catch-up contributions issued
• ESOPs accelerate employee performance and benefits
• Compliance Bulletin

October 1, 2001

• Early EGTRRA guidance bodes well for retirement system
• Understanding the guidelines of ESERRA
• Dow in times of crisis
• Compliance Bulletin

September 1, 2001

• Pension reform keeping PSCA and regulators busy
• Sen. Kennedy drafting spousal consent legislation
• PSCA participating in determination letter study
• ESOPs accelerate employee performance and benefits
• Compliance Bulletin

August 1, 2001

• Final rules issued on nondiscrimination cross-testing
• IRS provides additional plan relief for new minimum distribution rules
• Compliance Bulletin

July 1, 2001

• Savers will profit from new laws
• Priming your plan for pension reform changes
• IRS issues notice on EGTRRA plan amendments
• Compliance Bulletin

June 1, 2001

• Landmark pension reform included in tax-cut bill
• Highlights of pension reform legislation
• Pension legislation escapes complications of Democratic Senate
• Budget rules and opposition eliminated many pension provisions from tax-cut bill
• IRS uncertain about how to handle new laws
• Compliance Bulletin

May 1, 2001

• Weakened version of Grassley-Baucus means reform hopes rest with tax-cut package
• ERISA/PWBA pick study topics
• 5500 help line
• IRS examining compliance by small plans
• Compliance Bulletin

April 1, 2001

• Bankruptcy reform moving through Congress
• Pension reform gets big boost from Speaker of the House
• PSCA members participate in HR 10 hearing
• IRS audit program to target large plans
• Supreme Court upholds ERISA preemption
• Combs receives presidential nomination
• PSCA member "stars" at press conference
• Compliance Bulletin

March 1, 2001

• 2001 pension reform bills expected soon but excluded from President's proposal
• Pension reform--A corporate tax break?
• Survey covers stable-value fund investment practices
• Bankruptcy reform back in 2001
• Procedure 2001-17 allows more flexibility
• Compliance Bulletin

February 1, 2001

• DOL clarifies that reasonable administrative costs can be fully paid with plan assets
• Advisory Opinion 97-03A
• Boehner to head House Committee on Education and the Workforce
• Proactive measures to avoid independent contractor litigation
• Proposed regulations redesign required minimum distribution rules

January 1, 2001

• Democrats lay out pension agenda in end of session bill
• Congress adjourns, leaving pension reform behind
• Regulatory successes provide solace for congressional frustrations
• 2001 outlook: 50-50 Senate, Republican administration, new leaders in three pension committees
• "Reasonable" minds can disagree: DOL fee allocation audits expand
• Compliance Bulletin

December 1, 2000

• Pension reform still alive but unlikely this year
• Committee changes may affect pension reform in new Congress
• 401(k) participants have higher retention
• Department of Labor reverses position on including pensions in new ERISA claims regulation
• Compliance Bulletin