In recently published Advisory Opinion 2004–02A, the Department of Labor (the “DOL”) provides guidance concerning modifications made to pre-existing qualified domestic relations orders (“QDROs”). The guidance explains that plan administrators who receive court-approved domestic relations orders (“Orders”) that modify the terms of a pre-existing QDRO must honor such Orders, if the Order otherwise is determined […]

Introduction Qualified plans generally cannot distribute a benefit prior to normal retirement age without the participant’s consent. However, the law permits a plan to provide for an automatic distribution, or “cash-out,” to a participant who terminates employment with a benefit valued at $5,000 or less. Many plans provide for these automatic cash-outs to avoid administering […]

On April 19, 2004, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) issued Revenue Procedure 2004–25 (“2004–25”), which extends the Remedial Amendment Period (“RAP”) for certain disqualifying provisions. To remain qualified, a plan must satisfy the qualification requirements of the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”) in operation and in form (i.e., its provisions). The RAP is the period during […]

On February 17, 2004, the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) published Revenue Procedure 2004–15, superseding Revenue Procedure 94–41, which outlines the updated procedures for obtaining a waiver of the minimum funding standards of Section 412(d) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) or Section 303 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”). […]

In 2003, the Department of Labor issued Field Assistance Bulletin 2003–3 (the “FAB”), which provides guidance on the allocation of expenses paid with plan assets in defined contribution plans. In the FAB, the DOL, in part, stated that plans may charge the accounts of vested separated participants with the account’s share of reasonable plan expenses, […]

On December 19, 2003, President Bush signed the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (the “SCRA”) which restates, clarifies, revises and renames the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act of 1940. In general, the SCRA temporarily suspends legal proceedings and transactions of individuals entering military service so that they may devote their entire energy to the defense […]

On July 17, 2003, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) issued proposed regulations that update and modify the regulations related to 401(k) plans. Hidden in the proposed 401(k) plan regulations is an important change that involves the interaction of employee stock ownership plans (“ESOPs”) and 401(k) plans. The new set of regulations would be effective no […]

The Internal Revenue Service has announced the annual cost-of-living adjustments applicable to dollar limitations for pension plans and other items for Tax Year 2004. The increases that will affect the most plans are the increase in limitations on deferrals and catch-up contributions, and the increase in the maximum compensation limit. EGTRRA Limitation Increases The Economic […]

Courts have recently decided a number of new cases involving cash balance plans. The issues involved are major, and the decisions, if upheld, could have drastic implications for all cash balance plans. This article analyzes the possible effects of the two most significant cases: Cooper v. The IBM Personal Pension Plan, 2003–2 USTC P 50,596 […]

Introduction In June 2003, the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS “) issued Revenue Procedure 2003–44 (the “Revenue Procedure “) in order to simplify and streamline the Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System ( “EPCRS “). EPCRS is a program designed to encourage plan sponsors to correct certain qualification failures, and to facilitate the process, while allowing […]