"[P]reparer tax identification numbers must be renewed annually, and the 2026 renewal period is now open. Anyone who prepares or assists in preparing federal tax returns or claims for refunds for compensation must have a valid PTIN and include it on all returns and claims filed with the IRS. Also, all enrolled agents, regardless of whether they prepare tax returns, must renew their PTINs annually to maintain their active status."  MORE >>

"A New York federal judge has thrown out a proposed class action lawsuit against WPP Group USA Inc., ruling that two former employees failed to prove the marketing giant mishandled 401(k) plan forfeitures in violation of federal benefits law.... [The judge found] that the company's use of forfeited funds to offset employer contribution costs was consistent with the plan's governing documents and long-standing federal guidance." [Polanco v. WPP Group USA Inc., No. 24‑09548 (S.D.N.Y. Oct. 27, 2025)]  MORE >>

"Plaintiffs who have lost at both the district and appellate court level are asking the nation’s highest court to weigh in on a suit involving alternative investments — more specifically the “speculative” nature of a custom target-date fund invested in hedge funds and private equity." [Anderson v. Intel Corp. Inv. Policy Comm., No. 22-16268 (9th Cir. May 22, 2025; cert. pet. filed Oct. 20, 2025 No. 25-498)]   MORE >>

"[P]lan sponsors considering income solutions must first evaluate whether the plan participants are a good fit for the offerings.... [T]he out-of-plan annuity puts most of the onus on the participant, although it offers them a wider selection of providers.... [O]ptions within the plan offer several advantages, including compounding benefits and a more straightforward method for providing the annuity."  MORE >>

"By hiring a 3(38) investment manager ... plan sponsors can meaningfully reduce their exposure to claims tied to investment performance or prudence.... The 3(38) assumes full fiduciary liability for those decisions, which shields the sponsor from most investment-related claims. What remains is a far narrower and more manageable responsibility: prudently selecting and periodically reviewing the 3(38)."  MORE >>

"This study tested whether providing simple information could help improve people’s estimates of reaching older ages. The intervention was quite effective for about a quarter of participants, specifically those who rely on experts to inform their thinking. But the intervention was ineffective for the many participants who rely on their parents’ experience, so more research is needed on how to help them."  MORE >>

"[T]here appears to be a growing number of investors who, from the very start, are focused on creating income-producing portfolios. That is, their primary goal is the ongoing acquisition of dividend-paying stocks, mutual funds, or exchange-traded funds. For such investors, the primary measure of success isn't the total return or balance of their portfolios, it's the size of the income stream that these dividend-paying assets produce."  MORE >>

"Until now, DOL has virtually always supported plaintiffs or, just as troubling, remained silent when plaintiffs filed meritless lawsuits against plan sponsors. Whether through this action or inaction, DOL's effective regulation through litigation has failed to fulfill its responsibilities under ERISA and inappropriately deputized plaintiffs' attorneys to clarify what is required and prohibited by the law. DOL's forfeiture brief comes at an especially helpful time, as these forfeiture cases have just begun to reach the federal courts of appeal."  MORE >>

"[IRS] plans remain on track to issue regulatory guidance under the One Big Beautiful Bill and continue preparations for the upcoming tax filing season.... DOL has paused work on much of its enforcement and regulatory activities.... During the shutdown, the SEC will not engage in rulemaking or issue any guidance. Much of the agency's routine oversight activities will also be paused.... PBGC is able to operate during the shutdown and will still process filings (e.g., premium filings, reportable events, and terminations), conduct investigations, and participate in litigation."  MORE >>

"Voluntary benefits and support related to retirement planning may be more appealing to your oldest employees than younger generations -- not just because they are closer to retirement age, but also because they are at higher risk of running out of retirement savings than their younger counterparts ... Benefits, education and decision-making tools related to managing chronic conditions can all support Boomers as they navigate their health care choices.... The obvious difference between Baby Boomers and younger colleagues is that they may prefer to receive support over the phone rather than exclusively online."  MORE >>