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Bailout with exec pay, retirement items signed

The broad financial rescue bill (HR 1424), passed by the House and signed by the president Oct. 3, includes several provisions affecting some employers' executive pay and retirement programs. (GRIST, 3 Oct 2008, 1 page) More | Article

Employer implications of aging global workforce

The impact of the aging global workforce on pensions and health care gets a close look in a new World Economic Forum report issued with Mercer's input. This Perspective highlights the report's key points and offers tips to help employers prepare. (Perspective, 3 Oct 2008, 1 page) More | Article

Social Security and Medicare News, Q3 2008

The latest Social Security and Medicare News supplies 2009 Medicare Parts A, B and D amounts. The Part B monthly premium announced Sept. 19 is the same as last year. Social Security facts and figures conclude this issue. (Social Security & Medicare News, 3 Oct 2008) More | Article

Pension funding deadlines extended for Ike victims

The IRS, DOL and PBGC have extended until Dec. 15, 2008, pension funding deadlines for Hurricane Ike victims in specified disaster areas, if the deadline would otherwise fall between Sept. 7 and Dec. 15. (Select News, 2 Oct 2008) More

Bailout bill has benefits implications

The Senate-passed bailout bill curbs executive pay at firms selling troubled assets to the government and could affect retirement plans holding troubled assets. The measure also imposes harsh tax rules on foreign-paid deferred compensation. (GRIST, 2 Oct 2008, 5 pages) More | Article

IRS updates pension mortality tables

The IRS has updated the mortality tables to use, starting in 2009, in determining pension funding targets and minimum lump sums. The IRS also has modified the procedures for large plans seeking approval of plan-specific mortality tables. (GRIST, 30 Sep 2008, 1 page) More | Article

IRS proposes relief program for 990 nonfilers

A proposed IRS voluntary compliance program would offer tax-exempt organizations relief from penalties for failure to file required 990 forms and employment tax returns for corresponding years. Comments on the proposal are due by Oct. 3. (GRIST, 30 Sep 2008, 4 pages) More | Article

HRadio -- Sept. 30: News and Features

After a roundup of this week's news, HRadio looks at a new tool for managing human capital, how to cut benefit costs without affecting retention rates and cultural integration in mergers and acquisitions. (Podcast, 30 Sep 2008) More | Article

Foreign-paid NQDC curbs caught in tax bill standoff

The House has passed its own version of a tax "extenders" bill that would impose harsh tax rules on nonqualified deferred compensation paid by some foreign companies to US taxpayers. Its future is uncertain, with no plans in the Senate to take it up. (Select News, 29 Sep 2008) More

IRS continues its 409A no-ruling policy

The IRS will continue not to issue private letter rulings under Code Section 409A, but will rule on the application of certain other tax laws to nonqualified deferred compensation plans, a new revenue procedure states. (Select News, 26 Sep 2008) More