Employee Benefits Law Report

Tag Archives: safe harbor

DOL proposes a more practical rule for electronic ERISA disclosures

On Oct. 23, 2019, the Department of Labor (DOL) released a proposed rule for electronic delivery of ERISA disclosures. Although the DOL already allows for electronic delivery under the 2002 Electronic Safe Harbor, its availability is limited and technology quickly outpaced its usefulness. The proposed rule creates a new, additional safe harbor the DOL calls … Continue Reading

IRS Safe Harbor for accepting rollover contributions – Revenue Ruling 2014-9 and Form 5310

The Form 5310 Application for Determination for Terminating Plan instructions, updated in December 2013, added an odd and time-consuming new requirement, “Submit proof that any rollovers or asset transfers received [during the year of plan termination and five prior plan years] were from a qualified plan or IRA (for example, DL [determination letter] and timely … Continue Reading

IRS Finalizes Rules for Reduction or Suspension of Safe Harbor Contributions

During the most recent recession (some might say a mini depression), many employers requested greater flexibility to reduce or suspend safe harbor non-elective contributions to their 401(k) plans. They felt that a temporary reduction or suspension of contributions would be a better alternative than outright terminating their plans. Although the applicable regulations contained procedures for reducing or suspending safe harbor matching contributions, it wasn’t until Treasury issued proposed regulations on May 18, 2009, that a procedure was available to reduce or suspend safe harbor non-elective contributions. Recently, Treasury issued final regulations that revise the requirements for permitted mid-year reductions or suspensions of safe harbor non-elective contributions. Somewhat surprisingly, the final regulations also modified the procedures for mid-year reductions or suspensions of safe harbor matching contributions to 401(k) plans. They also suggested that some relief may be on the way with respect to other types of mid-year plan amendments.… Continue Reading

Sixth Circuit Allows ERISA Section 404(c) Safe Harbor to Protect a 401(k) Plan’s Directed Trustee from Responsibility for Losses in Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts

The Sixth Circuit recently allowed the ERISA Section 404(c) safe harbor to protect a 401(k) plan’s directed trustee from being held responsible for losses in self-directed brokerage accounts. See, Tullis v. UMB Bank, N.A.  This case spotlights the importance of this safe harbor for plans that allow participant direction of investments, and the DOL’s recent … Continue Reading
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