"The proposed regulations [issued on January 18, 2017] would be effective for taxable years beginning on or after publication in final form. However, IRS states that taxpayers may rely on the proposed regulations for earlier periods. If the final regulations are more restrictive than the proposed changes, the final rule will be applied prospectively.... Plan sponsors and their recordkeepers may wish to ensure that current document language supports current operations or, if forfeitures are not currently utilized, revise plans accordingly taking into account this 'new' flexibility."  MORE >>