We have a retirement plan where a stock was purchased in the mid 80's for $25,000. This asset was gradually written off over several years. Now we find out a new company has taken over the original company and we will be getting our $25,000 investment back.

My question is - who shares in this income? Current plan participants? Or do we have to look back at the participants in the plan during the years the asset was written off? Or is this something that the plan document should address.

Thanks.

Unfortunately, I had to deal with that exact same situation before, and there are no good (i.e., practical) answers that comply with the law. Fortunately, I lost the client, so we never resolved exactly what to do with the money.

My condolences to you.