403(b) Resource Center
Webcasts, White Papers and Other Resources
403(b) Regulations Released
On July 23, 2007, the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") released final regulations under section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The final regulations will require a greater level of employer involvement in the documentation and operation of 403(b) arrangements. The general effective date is January 1, 2009.
MetLife can help!
We're here to help you understand the new regs and their potential impact on your 403(b) program. The following links provide details that you may find both informative and helpful:
On December 11, 2008, the Internal Revenue Service issued Notice 2009-3 which provides relief from the 403(b) written plan requirement that was generally effective January 1, 2009. We have prepared this discussion on the delayed written plan requirement as it impacts an employer’s 403(b) plan.
The IRS just announced an extension of the written plan requirement for 403(b) plans until the end of the 2009 calendar year, provided the plan sponsor operates the plan in accordance with a reasonable interpretation of the 403(b) regulations during 2009.
MetLife Resources prepared a special white focused on the IRS' written plan requirement. This document is designed to help employers understand the potential impact of their 403(b) plan design choices. Areas of focus include deciding on the plan administration options, constructing a written plan, selecting optional plan features and reviewing employer 403(b) plan responsibilities.
The Internal Revenue Service issued final regulations for 403(b) plans in July of 2007. The new rules make 403(b) plans look more like 401(k) plans; however, there are still important differences between 403(b) and 401(k) plans. One of these differences is the Universal Availability requirement which is the subject of this white paper. We have prepared an in-depth discussion on the "universal availability" requirement as it impacts an employer's 403(b) plan.
In late November 2007, the IRS released additional guidance on the final 403(b) regulations. This guidance, known as Revenue Procedure 2007-71, provides important clarification regarding transfer rules and information sharing agreements, as well as a Model Plan promised for public schools.
MetLife commissioned this special white paper to help employers understand some of the more technical aspects of the new IRS guidance.
This is a summary overview of the 403(b) regulations which provides a fairly high level explanation and outlines the implications for employers.
The Internal Revenue Service has published a short presentation for employees on how a section 403(b) plan works. The presentation is a conversation between a new employee and the employee’s human resources representative, who discuss issues relating to section 403(b) plans such as contributions, distributions, and loans.
The IRS presentation focuses on compliance issues from the employer’s perspective, using a conversation between a plan administrator and IRS representative to illustrate how a 403(b) plan works. The discussion includes issues such as the written plan requirement, salary deferrals, and exchanges.
Talking points in Q&A format that simplify some of the complexities of the new 403(b)
Other Resources
Treasury/IRS Release — Additional Resources
U.S. DOL
