"This notice provides guidance on the corporate bond monthly yield curve, the corresponding spot segment rates ... and the 24-month average segment rates ... [as well as] the interest rate on 30-year Treasury securities ... as in effect for plan years beginning before 2008 and the 30-year Treasury weighted average rate[.]"  MORE >>

53 pages. "What's New: Distributions to victims of domestic abuse.... Reminders: [1] The direct payment requirement for certain distributions for payment of health or long-term care insurance repealed.... [2] Form 8915-F replaces Form 8915-E. "  MORE >>

"A House committee revived debate over the [DOL] fiduciary rule [on Feb. 15], leading to extended discussion over what the proposal does and doesn't do, and whether the DOL has the appropriate rulemaking authority."  MORE >>

"The [DOL's] proposed fiduciary rule came under harsh criticism [February 15] during the House of Representatives Education and Workforce Committee's second hearing on the retirement security rule which seeks to extend fiduciary duty to insurance agents and broker-dealer register representatives. Currently they are able to use exemptions from the fiduciary legal standard."  MORE >>

"The Feb. 15 hearing ... featured the by-now, well-known arguments of opponents who contend that the DOL overstepped its regulatory authority, while supporters argued that the proposal is needed to fill a regulatory gap. Like the Jan. 10 hearing by the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, the Feb. 15 hearing focused quite a bit on whether the [SEC's] Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) and the [NAIC] best interest standard for annuity sales adequately safeguard consumers and retirement investors seeking financial advice."  MORE >>

"[1] Which employees will you cover? ... [2] Contribution amount ... [3] Flexibility and commitment ... [4] Potential complexity ... [5] Control and responsibility."  MORE >>

"Sequence risk during retirement -- the danger arising from withdrawing assets from a shrinking portfolio -- is a familiar subject.... This column will use a streamlined model to demonstrate the principles underlying the problem."  MORE >>

"The mechanics of the new rules for LTPT employees are very complex ... [It] is very important for plans and their service providers to have clear guidance and adequate time to implement all of these changes ... [and] that plan sponsors and their service providers have reasonable rules to simplify administration and avoid complex tracking where it will have little impact.... [This] letter includes comments seeking clarification and relief for various issues covered by the proposed regulations."  MORE >>

"While pressure to adopt non-fiduciary objectives into investment decisions of public pension systems is not new, recent calls to throw public funds into the fray on China-related geopolitical matters are the latest example of political overreach. In Missouri, this issue reached a critical juncture when the Missouri State Employees Retirement Fund board was pressured into divesting from Chinese-owned companies after it had initially rejected calls to do so."  MORE >>

"[I]ndividuals and businesses in parts of Michigan affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that began on Aug. 24, 2023 ... now have until June 17, 2024, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.... individuals and households that reside or have a business in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, and Wayne counties, qualify for tax relief."  MORE >>

"Notifying participants and beneficiaries about your employee benefits is an important part of compliance and getting the most out of your benefits by ensuring employees know what their options are. [This article outlines] what disclosures and notices are required, who needs to receive them, and when to send them out ... for the two most common types of plans (401(k) retirement plans and health and welfare plans)."  MORE >>