Retirement Plan Disaster Assistance May Be Available for Several Disasters
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued Major Disaster Declarations on September 1, 2026, for the several events.
Industry & Regulatory News
Washington Pulse: DOL Proposes New Guidance on Evaluating Designated Investment Alternatives in 401(k) Plans
The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued proposed regulations addressing fiduciary responsibilities when selecting designated investment alternatives (DIAs) for participant directed individual account plans subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974.
Washington Pulse: IRS Issues Guidance on Optional Long-Term Care Distributions Under SECURE 2.0
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued guidance on a provision of the SECURE 2.0 Act allowing 401(k), 403(a), 403(b), and eligible governmental 457(b) plans to offer optional distributions to pay long-term care (LTC) insurance premiums.
Public Policy Proposal: A Simple Federal Solution to Closing the Retirement Coverage Gap
Ascensus has advanced a proposal to help narrow the nation’s retirement coverage gap. Our proposal recognizes the strong bipartisan commitment to expanding access and focuses on a scalable solution that leverages existing IRA infrastructure while building on the proven success of automatic enrollment.
IRS Releases Draft Instructions for Form 8881
The Internal Revenue Service has posted draft Instructions for Form 8881, Credits for Small Employer Pension Plan Startup Costs, Contributions, Auto-Enrollment, and Military Spouse Participation.
IRS Announces Deadline Relief for Taxpayers Impacted by Indiana Storms
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the postponement of certain tax-related deadlines for individuals and businesses in Indiana affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that began on August 11, 2026.
IRS Announces Deadline Relief for Taxpayers Impacted by Washington Wildfires
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the postponement of certain tax-related deadlines for individuals and businesses in Washington affected by wildfires that began on July 31, 2026.
GAO Reports on Participant Privacy Risks
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently published a blog post “Retirement Plans Could Be Sharing Your Personal Data.
Retirement Plan Disaster Assistance May Be Available for Indiana Storms
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a Major Disaster Declaration on August 25, 2026, for Indiana severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding, for the incident period of August 11, 2026, and continuing.
IRS Announces Deadline Relief for Taxpayers Impacted by Nebraska Wildfires
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the postponement of certain tax-related deadlines for individuals and businesses in Nebraska affected by wildfires that began on March 12, 2026, and April 22, 2026.
IRS Announces Applicable Federal Rates for September
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued Revenue Ruling 2026-17 which contains the applicable federal rates (AFR) for September 2026.
Treasury Provides Investment Guidance on Trump Accounts
The Department of Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have released a proposed rule governing eligible investments for Trump accounts.