Second Circuit narrows ERISA exhaustion requirement when plan document is ambiguous on need to follow claims procedures *

USA - February 7 2013
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit's holding in Kirkendall v. Halliburton, Inc. reaffirms that a benefit plan's claims procedures must…

Co-authors: Patrick D. Ryan, Michael T. Graham.

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New law expands “in-plan” Roth 401(k) conversions *

USA - January 9 2013
The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (the "fiscal cliff" bill) allows employers to amend 401(k), 403(b) and governmental 457(b) plans to permit…

Co-authors: Joseph K. Urwitz, Nancy S. Gerrie.

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DOL revises guidance on participant fee disclosures for brokerage window investments *

USA - August 7 2012
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently issued new and welcome guidance for fiduciaries of account-based retirement plans by withdrawing its controversial guidance on fee disclosures for brokerage windows, self-directed brokerage accounts and similar arrangements (SDBAs).

Co-authors: Diane M. Morgenthaler, Maggie McTigue.

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New DOL guidance amplifies participant fee disclosure rules *

USA - June 12 2012
For most defined contribution plans, initial annual fee disclosures are due to participants by August 30, 2012. 

Co-authors: Lisa K. Loesel, Karen A. Simonsen.

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Illinois reverses position on income tax treatment of benefits for civil union partners *

USA - February 7 2012
The Illinois Department of Revenue recently issued guidance reversing its position on the state income tax treatment of benefits for non-dependent civil union partners.

Co-authors: Todd A. Solomon, Brian J. Tiemann.

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