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IRS FAQs for governmental retirement plan filings

FAQs on the IRS website clarify determination letter filing issues for governmental retirement plans. The IRS will relax some procedural requirements for Cycle C filings, due Jan. 31, 2009. (GRIST, 16 Sep 2008, 1 page) More  | Article 

Shareholder proposals turn to health care

This year, shareholders submitted proposals at several companies seeking adoption of principles for universal health care. Although none passed, the proposals are certain to surface again and may become a factor in the health care debate. (GRIST, 16 Sep 2008, 4 pages) More  | Article 

Welfare plan amendment violates anti-cutback rules

A welfare plan amendment denying retiree health care benefits to pension plan participants who elected lump sum distributions violates ERISA's pension anti-cutback rules, a federal court in New Jersey has ruled. (GRIST, 15 Sep 2008, 1 page) More  | Article 

Coming soon -- Cafeteria plan regulations for 2010?

It is "extremely likely" that final cafeteria plan regulations will be effective Jan. 1, 2010, instead of the proposed 2009 effective date, according to unofficial indications from officials in the Treasury Department and IRS. (GRIST, 12 Sep 2008, 1 page) More  | Article 

Pension surplus can't be used for DC plan match

Recent IRS rulings say that surplus assets from a terminating pension plan cannot be used for matching contributions under a DC plan -- a change in IRS position that could affect employers using replacement plans to avoid the reversion excise tax. (GRIST, 11 Sep 2008, 1 page) More  | Article 

Puerto Rico raises limit for 401(k)-type deferrals

Puerto Rico has raised the annual limit on pretax contributions to cash or deferred arrangements qualified in the commonwealth. The increase, effective this year, may require changes to plan documents and participant communications. (GRIST, 10 Sep 2008, 1 page) More  | Article  (US Premium)

DOL offers new 401(k) investment advice options

Efforts to expand 401(k) participants' access to investment advice may get a boost from proposed Labor Department guidance. The proposals elaborate on PPA's exemption for advisers using level-fee arrangements and computer models. (GRIST, 9 Sep 2008, 7 pages) More  | Article 

Health plans face new reporting duties in 2009

Employer group health plans face new reporting requirements starting Jan. 1, 2009. Designed to help enforce Medicare's secondary payer rules, the new reports will provide CMS with information on Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in group health plans. (GRIST, 8 Sep 2008, 4 pages) More  | Article 

NY imposes six-month HCRA supplemental assessment

State lawmakers this year are requiring an additional charge under New York's Health Care Reform Act for a six-month period running from October 2008 to April 2009. The special assessment will fund graduate medical expenses. (GRIST, 8 Sep 2008, 1 page) More  | Article 

Small pension plans get benefit restriction relief

Sponsors of small calendar-year pension plans (100 or fewer participants in all controlled-group DB plans) must act quickly to take advantage of new benefit restriction relief. Some larger noncalendar plans may also benefit from the IRS relief. (GRIST, 5 Sep 2008, 3 pages) More  | Article 

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What is GRIST?

GRIST is a family of products published by WRG lawyers and technical experts covering major legislative, regulatory, and judicial issues and developments affecting employee benefits, compensation, and human resource (HR) programs. GRIST provides notification and analysis in three forms depending on the complexity and urgency of the material. GRIST Alerts are short summaries published quickly as an event occurs or an issue emerges; GRIST Reports are overviews of an issue or event; and GRIST InDepths provide detailed analysis. GRIST is available on Mercer Select. Select members can receive GRIST via e-mail according to areas of interest.

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