ASPPA Net Staff

The IRS has issued an updated version of Publication 575, “Pension and Annuity Income,” for use in preparing 2015 returns. It made changes to the exception to the tax on early distributions from a governmental plan for qualified public safety employees and to the rules regarding rollovers to SIMPLE... READ MORE

Whether one’s focus is defined benefit plans or 401(k) plans, the L.A. Advanced Pension Conference is the West Coast’s premiere conference for actuaries and TPAs. And there are only 10 days left to register for the 2016 Los Angeles Advanced Pension Conference. If you haven’t done so yet, make sure... READ MORE

The IRS on Jan. 4 said it will issue guidance on revisions to the employee plans determination letter program regarding Cycle A elections, determination letter expiration dates, and extension of deadlines for certain defined contribution pre-approved plans.The IRS made the announcement in in Notice... READ MORE

Just before Christmas, President Obama signed into law H.R. 2029, a massive year-end spending and tax bill containing a number of provisions affecting health and retirement plans. Here’s what you may have missed.H.R. 2029 — now Public Law 114-113 — includes both an omnibus appropriations bill that... READ MORE

If a professional does something disgraceful that causes public outcry but isn’t directly related to the professional’s practice, should he or she be disciplined by their profession? The answer typically lies in the profession’s code of conduct, writes Lauren Bloom, the General Counsel &... READ MORE

It wouldn’t be a surprise for an update on trends and regulations affecting retirement plans to be, well, a bit dry. But the “Current Events” general session at this year’s ASPPA Annual Conference featured a refreshing twist that’s sure to become the stuff of ASPPA legend — delivered by characters... READ MORE

The Social Security Administration’s Office of the Chief Actuary has issued updated disability and death probability tables. “Disability and Death Probability Tables for Insured Workers Born in 1995” is based on the intermediate assumptions of the 2015 Trustees Report.The report presents estimates... READ MORE

After the Dec 23 edition, ASPPA Connect will next appear on Dec. 28. In the meantime, we wish our readers and members a very happy Holiday season.In keeping with the season, we found a sampling of U.S. place names that resonate at this time of year interesting.Angel City, TexasBells, Pa.Blitzen,... READ MORE

Education on spousal beneficiary rules on divorced and deceased participants can come through seminars, enrollment meetings and articles in newspapers or pension/IRA periodicals. But they can be found in PPA plan documents as well.In “A Key Beneficiary Provision in PPA Plan Documents,” an article... READ MORE