William Byrnes' Tax, Wealth, and Risk Intelligence

This week we look at the three sets of updates from the IRS regarding various SECURE Act changes (subscribers will find our coverage the same week as the release in Tax Facts Online). First, we have guidance for employers on vesting schedules for long-term part-time employees. Next is an update on how QCDs are affected by (newly) deductible qualified plan contributions made after age 70½. Finally, we have guidance that accepting contributions from plan holders who are past age 70½ is not mandatory, and may be disallowed by financial institutions.

Prof. William H. Byrnes

Robert Bloink, J.D., LL.M.

IRS Offers Guidance on Vesting Rules for Long-Term, Part-Time Employees Post-SECURE Act

The SECURE Act generally amends the 401(k) qualification rules to allow participation for certain long-term, part-time employees. IRC Section 401(k)(15)(B)(iii) provides special vesting rules for employees who become eligible to participate solely by reason of having completed three consecutive 12-month periods where the employee completed at least 500 hours of service (long-term, part-time employee). The rule providing that 12-month periods beginning before January 1, 2021 are not taken into account does not apply for purposes of the vesting rules. Generally, all years of service with the employer maintaining the plan must be taken into account for purposes of determining a long-term, part-time employee’s nonforfeitable right to employer contributions under the special vesting rules in § 401(k)(15)(B)(iii). For purposes of determining whether a long-term, part-time employee has a nonforfeitable right to employer contributions (other than elective deferrals), each 12-month period for which the employee has at least 500 hours of service is treated as a year of service. For more information, visit Tax Facts Online. Read More

IRS Provides Clarity on SECURE Act Post-70½ IRA Contributions

The IRS has released guidance clarifying that while the SECURE Act removed the age 70½ restriction on making traditional IRA contributions, the provision is not mandatory. In other words, financial institutions can choose whether or not to accept IRA contributions after the account owner has reached age 70½. If the financial institution does choose to accept post-70½ contributions, the institution must amend its contracts to provide for the change. The IRS has announced that it plans to release revised model IRAs and prototype language to help reflect these changes. Further, the IRS guidance clarifies that post 70½ contributions cannot be used to offset RMDs—the contributions and distributions are treated as separate transactions. For more information on the IRA contribution rules, visit Tax Facts Online. Read More

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