Defined Contribution Plans

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Compensation is generally subject to federal income tax and FICA tax when compensation is actually paid to an employee. However, nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) may be subject to FICA taxation before federal income taxation under a FICA tax special timing rule. The scope of NQDC subject to FICA taxation is broad, including voluntary deferrals of…

Revenue Ruling 2025‑15 (available here) provides guidance on withholding and reporting obligations when a plan participant or beneficiary fails to cash a distribution check and a replacement check is issued. As discussed below, the guidance is consistent with general constructive receipt principles.

First Check Issued to a Plan Participant or Beneficiary

When a qualified…

Approximately one year after Congress enacted the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 (“SECURE 2.0”), the IRS issued Notice 2024-02, which addresses SECURE 2.0 implementation issues and extends the plan amendment deadline.  Although Notice 2024-02 offers helpful guidance for employers and plan administrators, it does not include hotly anticipated guidance on SECURE 2.0 overpayment and…

As part of our continuing series on SECURE 2.0, signed into law December 29, 2022, this post focuses on significant changes for section 403(b) tax-sheltered annuity plans (“403(b) plans”).  403(b) plans are similar to 401(a) tax-qualified defined contribution plans but sponsored by public schools or non-profit entities and subject to unique requirements under the…