"The Retirement Savings Contribution Credit [IRC Section 25B] -- commonly referred to as the Saver's Credit -- is a tax expenditure meant to encourage low- and moderate-income taxpayers to save for retirement. The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 created a Saver's Match, scheduled to largely replace the Saver's Credit beginning in 2027. This In Focus describes these two subsidies for saving and their effects (actual or potential) on saving." [IF11159 Sep. 4, 2025]  MORE >>

"After concluding that AT&T's decision to conduct a pension risk transfer (PRT) was a settlor decision expressly permitted under ERISA, the court addressed whether the complaint sufficiently alleged a breach of the duty of loyalty. The court found that none of the allegations ... plausibly alleged disloyal or conflicted conduct on the part of the defendants.... The Magistrate Judge's Report and Recommendation is over 90 pages long[.]" [Piercy v. AT&T Inc., No. 24-10608 (D. Mass. complaint filed Mar. 11, 2024; magistrate judge report Aug. 29, 2025)]  MORE >>

"Stable value funds are supposed to be the 'safe harbor' in a defined contribution plan, the place where risk-averse participants can find steady returns. The plaintiffs here allege the GIBC fell short of that promise, claiming its returns lagged far behind what comparable products offered at the same level of risk.... Fiduciaries must treat every investment option, whether it's an S&P 500 index fund or a stable value contract, with the same disciplined monitoring process." [Carter v. Sentara Healthcare Fiduciary Comm., No. 25-0016 (E.D. Va. amended complaint filed Aug. 18, 2025)]  MORE >>

"Despite recent guidance, the status of private equity firms and their affiliates as 'employers' for purposes of withdrawal liability remains unsettled. Approaches adopted by courts vary, and the difference could result in exposure for significant withdrawal liability incurred by a portfolio company. Private equity funds that acquire a controlling interest in a portfolio company with unionized operations should exercise particular caution[.]"  MORE >>

"Daniel Aronowitz, President Donald Trump's pick to head the [DOL's] Employee Benefits Security Administration, ... has yet to be confirmed by the full Senate.... [Aronowitz] stated in early June in testimony before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee that among his goals as EBSA chief would be to 'strive to provide regulatory clarity to the fiduciary rule as applied to IRA rollovers.' "  MORE >>

"The aggregate funded ratio for U.S. corporate pension plans is estimated to have increased by 1.1 percentage points in August, ending the month at 102.2% ... The aggregate funded ratio is estimated to have increased by 4.4% and 0.9% year-to-date and over the trailing twelve months, respectively."  MORE >>

"Throughout 2024, government bond yields increased for 33 of the 43 countries listed. Long term inflation assumptions generally declined or remained relatively stable over 2024.... For ASC 715 reporters, year-on-year changes in expected rates of return assumptions remained fairly stable, ranging from -46 bps to +64 bps Among the 31 countries with funded plans included in the report, 16 showed an overfunded status in 2024."  MORE >>

"The DOL framed the agenda as 'a set of high-priority actions designed to reduce unnecessary burdens on employers and employees.' A release from DOL indicated that regulatory actions on ESG, independent contractors, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBM) would be of highest importance. A new proposal on independent contractors could be imminent, according to the agenda."  MORE >>

"Most employers today opt for active enrollment, but the best option for your business depends on the specific characteristics of your organization and employee population. Here's a useful breakdown of the pros and cons to help your organization make the best decision to use active or passive open enrollment."  MORE >>

"The scope of NQDC subject to FICA taxation is broad, including voluntary deferrals of salary, restricted stock units and performance stock units with deferral features, SERPs, and certain deferred bonuses. Understanding when FICA tax applies to NQDC, and how to take advantage of FICA tax timing rules, can help employers avoid errors when administering their NQDC arrangements."  MORE >>