"Use Form 4972 to figure the tax on a qualified lump-sum distribution ... you received in 2025 using the 20% capital gain election, the 10-year tax option, or both. These are special formulas used to figure a separate tax on the distribution that may result in a smaller tax than if you reported the taxable amount of the distribution as ordinary income."  MORE >>

"This updated article reflects a revised estimate of the 2026 “super catch-up” limit for employees ages 60-63. The previous article showed a projected 2026 limit of $12,000, equal to 150% of the projected 2026 regular catch-up limit of $8,000. However, while the statute is not entirely clear, published IRS regulations on IRC section 414(v) suggest the super catch-up limit will be indexed separately from the regular limit, in increments of $500. In this case, we project the limit will remain $11,250 for 2026."  MORE >>

10 pages. " The report identifies over 70 key milestones that shaped the emergence of today's U.S. PRT market....[PRT] refers to the process by which defined benefit plan sponsors reduce financial risk and administrative burden by transferring pension obligations. This process is typically facilitated through annuity purchases tied to plan terminations or retiree lift-outs, or through lump sum distributions offered to participants."  MORE >>

"QPAM audits verify that an asset manager's practices align with the fiduciary standards required under ERISA. In this guide, [the authors] explain what a QPAM audit is, detail the essential role of independent auditors in verifying ERISA compliance, and provide actionable recommendations for successfully navigating the audit process."  MORE >>

"[M]ost small business owners are optimistic about their businesses and are interested in offering retirement plans. Notably, Millennials (median age 37) stand out as the most open to offering a retirement plan, with more than three-quarters (77%) believing that offering one is “essential” to their business."  MORE >>

"[R]etirees in plans that offer flexible distribution options were 35% more likely to remain in-plan three years after retirement. They were also between 15% and 25% less likely to cash out their balances in the first year, compared with those who did not have similar flexibility."  MORE >>

"[S]ome may contend that [complexity has] been taken to an art form, but there are tools to address it ... Automation, partnership, and standardization are not the only tools that one can use ... [Questions to ask] about existing plans and procedures in order to reduce complexity for the plan and participants [include] What do you do well? What you can engage a partner on? Who does it serve? What do I have control over? What do I not have control over?"  MORE >>

"Recent analysis highlights that a man will need to have saved $191,000, and a woman will need to have saved $226,000 just to have a 90% chance of meeting their healthcare spending needs in retirement. As medical costs continue to rise faster than inflation and life expectancy is higher than ever, planning for healthcare in retirement ... should be viewed as a 'core liability' alongside housing, food, and other necessities."  MORE >>

"A major reason not to set your retirement plan on autopilot: sequence of returns risk. A flexible strategy with cash reserves and smart withdrawal moves can help ensure that a bad market doesn't sink your golden years."  MORE >>

"Applicable law already clarifies when a plan fiduciary can and cannot offer alternative investment choices to participants in 401(k) plans.... This suggests that the agenda pursued by at least some advocates of Executive Order 14330 is not the clarification of applicable law. Rather, these proponents seek ... to actively encourage 401(k) arrangements to offer to plan participants alternative investments, most prominently private equity.... [ERISA's] fact-based protective standards should not be attenuated to promote any industry's products, whether those products are ESG assets or alternative investments."  MORE >>

"[1] ERISA remains the foundation of retirement security ... [2] Employers need relief from excessive litigation ... [3] Secure 2.0 is changing how businesses support employees ... [4] Employees should engage with their benefits early."  MORE >>

"HB 1437 delays the date that contractors must begin paying apprentices full journeyworker fringe benefits on public works projects to July 1, 2026.... HB 1437 has not been signed into law by Governor Pritzker, but he is expected to do so in the coming weeks."  MORE >>

"[T]here will be no decrease in the amount of ERISA litigation as long as the main proponents and beneficiaries of frivolous litigation in this country remain rooted.... Defense lawyers who might sympathize with the plight of their clients have no incentive to curtail baseless lawsuits as it means fees for them ... Big settlements mean big profits [for insurers] since loss ratios determine premium rates.... [S]tate governments get a premium tax from insurance companies as a percentage ... of the premiums written in each state."  MORE >>