"If the sponsor contributes that $100 million for the 2017 year, it reduces its 2017 taxes by $35 million; if it contributes that $100 million for a later year, it reduces its taxes for that later year by $21 million. Making that contribution for 2017 nets the sponsor $14 million in tax savings.... As a general matter, contributions 'for' 2017 will reduce VRPs for 2018, and fully funding plan liabilities will eliminate them."  MORE >>