"The model notices are deemed to satisfy Code section 402(f) for legal changes through January 15, 2026, and they should be put into use as soon as administratively practicable.... [1] a table of contents has been added (which makes it longer); [2] various new exceptions to the early withdrawal tax are covered, including pension-linked emergency savings accounts and qualified long-term care distributions ... [3] additional references to other IRS publications have been added."  MORE >>

"The explanations reflect exceptions to the 10% tax on early distributions added by the SECURE 2.0 Act ... The notices no longer expressly reference the age for determining a participant's required beginning date for RMDs ... An explanation of special rules applicable to individuals receiving payment from a PLESA has been added to the notice for rollovers from designated Roth accounts."  MORE >>

"The updated model notices don't reflect SECURE 2.0 changes that haven't taken effect yet, including the law's new Saver's Match contribution and the provision excluding from income certain disability-related payments to first responders (both provisions take effect after 2026). IRS anticipates updating the models again once these provisions take effect."  MORE >>

"During oral arguments, the justices appeared wary of the employers' request to freeze actuarial assumptions at year-end. Several questions suggested concern that such a rule could hamstring actuaries' ability to do their jobs realistically and consistently." [M&K Employee Solutions, LLC v. Trustees of the IAM National Pension Fund, No. 22-7157 (D.C. Cir Feb. 9, 2024; cert. pet. granted Jun. 30, 2025 No. 23-1209; oral arg. Jan. 20, 2026)]  MORE >>

"The justices as a group were skeptical of the argument of Michael Kenneally (for the departing company) that calculating the withdrawal liability 'as of' the valuation date requires the actuary to use out-of-date assumptions.... Probably the most telling feature of the argument was its brevity, as the justices had little or nothing of substance to ask of John E. Roberts (representing the fund) or Kevin Barber, appearing in support of the fund for the federal government. That often suggests that the justices are disposed to vote for that side of the case." [M&K Employee Solutions, LLC v. Trustees of the IAM National Pension Fund, No. 22-7157 (D.C. Cir Feb. 9, 2024; cert. pet. granted Jun. 30, 2025 No. 23-1209; oral arg. Jan. 20, 2026)]  MORE >>

81 pages; Jan. 21, 2026.  Cumulative list of PBGC court cases, with summaries, organized by topic.    MORE >>

"Seventy-one percent of recordkeepers list PEPs as a major or moderate strategic priority and 63% believe the growth of PEPs will have a positive effect on their recordkeeping business.... 88% of recordkeepers say participant personalization is a major or moderate strategic priority, with 82% of recordkeepers planning to increase allocations of resources to participant analytics."  MORE >>

"The Internal Revenue Code, [ERISA], and their supporting regulations do not expressly prohibit cannabis-related investments in qualified retirement plans. However, the federal illegality of cannabis significantly complicates fiduciary compliance and provider acceptance. Therefore, retirement plans and their providers remain reluctant to embrace such investments."  MORE >>

"[L]egislation aimed at curbing ERISA fiduciaries' consideration of [ESG] factors when selecting plan investments and voting proxies passed the House on Jan. 15  ... The Protecting Prudent Investment of Retirement Savings Act (HR 2988) would also impose new participant notice requirements for defined contribution plans that offer brokerage windows and [would] prohibit fiduciaries from considering diversity criteria when hiring service providers. While Senate approval of the bill this year is unlikely, the Trump administration plans to implement substantially similar changes to ESG investing and proxy voting standards through new regulations."  MORE >>

This 50 page guide is organized by plan type, regardless of agency: [1] All plans; [2] Health and welfare plans; [3] All retirement plans; [4] DB retirement plans; [5] DC retirement plans.  MORE >>

"As benefits expenses rise, employers will seek cost-effective solutions that boost engagement.... A strong benefits strategy will help strengthen employee vitality during a time of uncertainty.... Benefits strategy and AI-powered benefits administration will help keep benefits resilient in 2026.... As employee engagement declines, addressing employee wellbeing takes on new urgency.... Organizations will need to approach retirement plans and financial wellbeing as two sides of the same coin."  MORE >>