Retirement Simplification and Clarity Act Introduced
Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), have introduced S. 5156, the Retirement Simplification and Clarity Act.
Industry & Regulatory News
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
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.
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.
Proposal to Alleviate DOL IRA Oversight Introduced
Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and cosponsor Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) have introduced the Simplifying Modern Access to Retirement Tools for Savings Act, or SMART Savings Act.
Emergency Savings Enhancement Act Clears Committee
The Emergency Savings Enhancement Act, introduced last year by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Todd Young (R-IN), and amended by Senator Bill Cassidy ahead of a hearing, cleared the Senate HELP Committee by a vote of 19-3.
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
Treasury Announces Access to Trump Accounts for Foster Children
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and First Lady Melania Trump unveiled a new policy initiative designed to “strengthen financial security and opportunity for young Americans in foster care”. According to the press release, a child welfare agency of a state, territorial, or tribal government that is the legal guardian of an eligible child who has a Social Security number and does not already have an account may elect to open an initial Trump Account for that child.
IRS Updates Specifications for Filing Form 8955-SSA
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released the 2025 tax year Publication 4810, Specifications for Electronic Filing of Form 8955-SSA, Annual Registration Statement Identifying Separated Participants with Deferred Vested Benefits. The purpose of this publication is to provide specifications for electronically filing Form 8955-SSA, Annual Registration Statement Identifying Separated Participants with Deferred Vested Benefits. This publication must be used to prepare current and prior year Form 8955 SSAs. Retirement plan sponsors use this form to notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) if a former employee has vested benefits remaining in the plan.
Retirement Plan Disaster Assistance May Be Available for Several Disasters (3)
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued Major Disaster Declarations on May 29 for certain storms.
2027 HSA Limits Released
The Internal Revenue Service has issued Revenue Procedure 2026-24, providing inflation-adjusted amounts for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for calendar year 2027. Maximum annual HSA contributions will rise from $4,400 to $4,500 for those with self-only insurance coverage, and from $8,750 to $9,000 for those with family coverage.