§ 414. Definitions and special rules

“(A) not less than one-half, and

“(B) not more than twice,

the percentage which highly compensated employees are of all employees of the employer. An employer shall be treated as meeting the requirements of subparagraph (A) if at least 10 percent of all highly compensated employees of the employer perform services solely for such line of business.”

Subsec. (s). Pub. L. 100–647, § 1011(j)(1), substituted “any applicable provision” for “this part” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (s)(1). Pub. L. 100–647, § 1011(j)(1), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: “The term ‘compensation’ means compensation for service performed for an employer which (taking into account the provisions of this chapter) is currently includible in gross income.”

Subsec. (s)(2) to (4). Pub. L. 100–647, § 1011(j)(2), added par. (4), redesignated former pars. (3) and (4) as (2) and (3), respectively, and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: “The Secretary shall prescribe regulations for the determination of the compensation of an employee who is a self-employed individual (within the meaning of section 401(c)(1)) which are based on the principles of paragraph (1).”

Subsec. (t)(1). Pub. L. 100–647, § 1011B(a)(20), struck out “of section 414” before “shall be treated” and “shall apply with”.

Subsec. (t)(2). Pub. L. 100–647, § 3011(b)(5), as amended by Pub. L. 101–239, § 7813(b), struck out “162(i)(2), 162(k),” after “132,” and substituted “505, or 4980B” for “or 505”.

Pub. L. 100–647, § 1011B(a)(17), inserted “162(i)(2), 162(k),” after “132,”.

1987—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–203 struck out “the minimum funding standard of section 412, the tax imposed by section 4971, and” after “one such corporation,”.

1986—Subsec. (k)(2). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1117(c), inserted reference to section 401(m) (relating to nondiscrimination tests for matching requirements and employee contributions).

Subsec. (m)(2)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1114(b)(11), substituted “highly compensated employees (within the meaning of section 414(q))” for “officers, highly compensated employees, or owners”.

Subsec. (m)(5). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1301(j)(4), substituted “section 144(a)(3)” for “section 103(b)(6)(C)”.

Subsec. (m)(7). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1852(f), amended directory language of Pub. L. 98–369, § 526(d)(2), to correct an error, and did not involve any change in text. See 1984 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (n)(1). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1151(i)(1), substituted “requirements” for “pension requirements”.

Pub. L. 99–514, § 1146(b)(2), struck out “except to the extent otherwise provided in regulations,” after “listed in paragraph (3),”.

Subsec. (n)(2)(B). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1151(i)(2), inserted “(6 months in the case of core health benefits)” after “1 year”.

Subsec. (n)(3). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1151(i)(3), substituted “Requirements” for “Pension requirements” in heading, substituted “requirements” for “pension requirements” in text, and added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (n)(4). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1146(a)(2), substituted “Time when first considered as employee” for “Time when leased employee is first considered as employee” in heading and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “In the case of any leased employee, paragraph (1) shall apply only for purposes of determining whether the pension requirements listed in paragraph (3) are met for periods after the close of the 1-year period referred to in paragraph (2); except that years of service for the recipient shall be determined by taking into account the entire period for which the leased employee performed services for the recipient (or related persons).”

Subsec. (n)(5). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1146(a)(1), amended par. (5) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (5) read as follows: “This subsection shall not apply to any leased employee if such employee is covered by a plan which is maintained by the leasing organization if, with respect to such employee, such plan—

“(A) is a money purchase pension plan with a nonintegrated employer contribution rate of at least 7½ percent, and

“(B) provides for immediate participation and for full and immediate vesting.”

Subsec. (n)(6). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1301(j)(4), substituted “section 144(a)(3)” for “section 103(b)(6)(C)” in subpar. (A).

Pub. L. 99–514, § 1146(a)(3), substituted “Other rules” for “Related persons” in heading and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “For purposes of this subsection, the term ‘related persons’ has the same meaning as when used in section 103(b)(6)(C).”

Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1146(b)(1), inserted provision relating to regulations to minimize recordkeeping requirements in case of employer which has no top-heavy plans and uses the services of persons other than employees for an insignificant percentage of the employer’s total workload.

Subsec. (p)(1)(B)(i). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1898(c)(7)(A)(ii), inserted “former spouse,”.

Subsec. (p)(3)(B). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1899A(12), struck out the comma after “benefits”.

Subsec. (p)(4)(A). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1898(c)(7)(A)(vi), substituted “A” for “In the case of any payment before a participant has separated from service, a” in introductory provisions and inserted “in the case of any payment before a participant has separated from service,” in cl. (i).

Subsec. (p)(4)(B). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1898(c)(7)(A)(vii), amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: “For purposes of this paragraph, the term ‘earliest retirement age’ has the meaning given such term by section 417(f)(3), except that in the case of any defined contribution plan, the earliest retirement age shall be the date which is 10 years before the normal retirement age (within the meaning of section 411(a)(8)).”

Subsec. (p)(5). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1898(c)(7)(A)(v), struck out last sentence which read as follows: “A plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of subsection (a) or (k) of section 401 which prohibit payment of benefits before termination of employment solely by reason of payments to an alternate payee pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order.”

Subsec. (p)(5)(A). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1898(c)(6)(A), inserted “(and any spouse of the participant shall not be treated as a spouse of the participant for such purposes)”.

Subsec. (p)(5)(B). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1898(c)(7)(A)(iv), substituted “the surviving former spouse” for “the surviving spouse”.

Subsec. (p)(6)(A)(i). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1898(c)(7)(A)(iii), substituted “each alternate payee” for “any other alternate payee”.

Subsec. (p)(7)(A). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1898(c)(2)(A)(i), substituted “shall separately account for the amounts (hereinafter in this paragraph referred to as the ‘segregated amounts’)” for “shall segregate in a separate account in the plan or in an escrow account the amounts”.

Subsec. (p)(7)(B). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1898(c)(2)(A)(ii), substituted “the 18-month period described in subparagraph (E)” for “18 months” and “including any interest” for “plus any interest”.

Subsec. (p)(7)(C). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1898(c)(2)(A)(iii), substituted “the 18-month period described in subparagraph (E)” for “18 months” and “including any interest” for “plus any interest”.

Subsec. (p)(7)(D). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1898(c)(2)(A)(iv), inserted “described in subparagraph (E)”.

Subsec. (p)(7)(E). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1898(c)(2)(A)(v), added subpar. (E).

Subsec. (p)(9). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1898(c)(4)(A), added par. (9). Former par. (9) redesignated (11).

Subsec. (p)(10). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1898(c)(7)(A)(v), added par. (10).

Subsec. (p)(11). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1898(c)(4)(A), redesignated former par. (9) as (11).

Subsec. (q). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1114(a), added subsec. (q).

Subsecs. (r), (s). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1115(a), added subsecs. (r) and (s).

Subsec. (t). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1151(e)(1), added subsec. (t).

1984—Subsec. (h)(1)(B). Pub. L. 98–369, § 491(d)(26), struck out “or 405(a)” after “section 403(a)”.

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 98–369, § 491(d)(27), struck out “or 405” after “section 403(a)”.

Subsec. (m)(6)(B). Pub. L. 98–369, § 526(a)(1), substituted “section 318(a)” for “section 267(c)”.

Subsec. (m)(7). Pub. L. 98–369, § 526(d)(2), as amended by Pub. L. 99–514, § 1852(f), struck out par. (7) relating to regulations. See subsec. (o) of this section.

Subsec. (n)(2). Pub. L. 98–369, §§ 526(b)(1), 713(i), made identical amendments, substituting “any person who is not an employee of the recipient and” for “any person” in text preceding subpar. (A).

Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 98–369, § 526(d)(1), added subsec. (o).

Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 98–397 added subsec. (p).

1982—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 97–248, § 240(c)(1), inserted reference to section 416.

Subsec. (m)(4)(B). Pub. L. 97–248, § 240(c)(2), inserted reference to section 416.

Subsec. (m)(5) to (7). Pub. L. 97–248, § 246(a), added par. (5) and redesignated former pars. (5) and (6) as (6) and (7), respectively.

Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 97–248, § 248(a), added subsec. (n).

1980—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 96–364, § 407(b), substituted provisions defining “church plan” with respect to general requirements, exclusion of certain plans, definitions and other provisions, and correction of failures to meet church plan requirements, for provisions defining “church plan” with respect to general requirements, certain unrelated business or multiemployer plans, and special temporary rules for certain church agencies under church plan.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 96–364, § 207, substituted provisions setting forth definition, cases of common control, continuation of status after termination, transitional rule, and special election with respect to a multiemployer plan, for provisions setting forth definition and special rules with respect to a multiemployer plan.

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 96–364, § 208(a), substituted provisions relating to applicability to multiemployer plans subject to title IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 of provisions of preceding sentence, for provisions relating to applicability of paragraph to multiemployer plans to extent determined by Corporation.

Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 96–605 and Pub. L. 96–613 added an identical subsec. (m).

1978—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 95–600 inserted “408(k),” after “sections 401,” wherever appearing.

1976—Subsecs. (a) to (c). Pub. L. 94–455, § 1906(b)(13)(A), struck out “or his delegate” after “Secretary”.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 94–455, § 1901(a)(64)(A), substituted “Plan” for “plan” in heading.

Subsec. (g)(2)(C). Pub. L. 94–455, § 1906(b)(13)(A), struck out “or his delegate” after “Secretary”.

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 94–455, § 1901(a)(64)(B), substituted reference to Sept. 2, 1974, for reference to the date of enactment of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title I, § 109(d), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5290, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.”

Amendment by section 117(b) of Pub. L. 117–328 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2023, see section 117(h) of Pub. L. 117–328, set out as a note under section 401 of this title.

Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title III, § 315(b), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5352, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to plan years beginning after December 31, 2023.”

Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title III, § 320(c), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5356, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [enacting section 1030a of Title 29, Labor, and amending this section, sections 664, 1027, and 1954 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and sections 441 and 1031 of Title 29] shall apply to plan years beginning after December 31, 2022.”

Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title III, § 339(c), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5375, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1056 of Title 29, Labor] shall apply to domestic relations orders received by plan administrators after December 31, 2022, including any such order which is submitted for reconsideration after such date.”

Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title III, § 350(b), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5387, provided that: “The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply with respect to any errors with respect to which the date referred to in section 414(cc) (as added by this section) is after December 31, 2023. Prior to the application of any regulations or other guidance prescribed under paragraph (3) of section 414(cc) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by this section), taxpayers may rely upon their reasonable good faith interpretations of the provisions of such section.”

Amendment by section 603(a) of Pub. L. 117–328 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2023, see section 603(c) of Pub. L. 117–328, set out as a note under section 402 of this title.

Effective Date of 2020 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–136, div. A, title III, § 3609(c), Mar. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 414, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1060 of Title 29, Labor] shall apply to plan years beginning after December 31, 2018.”

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title III, § 336(a)(3), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3110, provided that: “The amendments made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall apply to years beginning before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 18, 2015].”

Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title III, § 336(d)(2), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3113, provided that: “The amendment made by this subsection [amending this section] shall apply to transfers or mergers occurring after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 18, 2015].”

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–295 effective Dec. 19, 2014, subject to a savings provision, see section 221(b) of Pub. L. 113–295, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Pub. L. 113–235, div. P, § 3(c), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2829, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1060 of Title 29, Labor] shall take effect as if included in the amendments made by the Cooperative and Small Employer Charity Pension Flexibility Act [Pub. L. 113–97] (29 U.S.C. 401 note) [probably means 26 U.S.C. 401 note].”

Amendment by section 201 of Pub. L. 113–97 applicable to years beginning after Dec. 31, 2013, see section 3 of Pub. L. 113–97, set out as a note under section 401 of this title.

Pub. L. 113–97, title II, § 203(b), Apr. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 1139, provided that: “The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply as of the date of enactment of this Act [Apr. 7, 2014].”

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–458 effective as if included in the provisions of Pub. L. 109–280 to which the amendment relates, except as otherwise provided, see section 112 of Pub. L. 110–458, set out as a note under section 72 of this title.

Amendment by section 104(b) of Pub. L. 110–245 applicable with respect to deaths and disabilities occurring on or after Jan. 1, 2007, see section 104(d)(1) of Pub. L. 110–245, set out as a note under section 401 of this title.

Amendment by section 105(b)(1) of Pub. L. 110–245 applicable to years beginning after December 31, 2008, see section 105(b)(3) of Pub. L. 110–245, set out as a note under section 219 of this title.

Effective Date of 2007 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–28, title VI, § 6611(c), May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 181, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1002 of Title 29, Labor] shall take effect as if included in section 1106 of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 [Pub. L. 109–280].”

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Amendment by section 114(c) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to plan years beginning after 2007, see section 114(g)(1) of Pub. L. 109–280, as added by Pub. L. 110–458, set out as a note under section 401 of this title.

Amendment by section 902(d)(1) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2007, see section 902(g) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 401 of this title.

Pub. L. 109–280, title IX, § 903(c), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 1048, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1060 of Title 29, Labor] shall apply to plan years beginning after December 31, 2009.”

Pub. L. 109–280, title IX, § 906(c), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 1052, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section, section 415 of this title, and sections 1002 and 1321 of Title 29, Labor] shall apply to any year beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 17, 2006].”

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–147 effective as if included in the provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, Pub. L. 107–16, to which such amendment relates, see section 411(x) of Pub. L. 107–147, set out as a note under section 25B of this title.

Effective Date of 2001 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–16, title VI, § 631(b), June 7, 2001, 115 Stat. 113, provided that: “The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to contributions in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2001.”

Pub. L. 107–16, title VI, § 635(d), June 7, 2001, 115 Stat. 117, provided that: “The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to transfers, distributions, and payments made after December 31, 2001.”

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–554 effective as if included in the provisions of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, Pub. L. 105–34, to which such amendment relates, see section 1(a)(7) [title III, § 314(g)] of Pub. L. 106–554, set out as a note under section 56 of this title.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by section 6018 of Pub. L. 105–206 effective as if included in the provisions of the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104–188, to which such amendment relates, see section 6018(h) of Pub. L. 105–206, set out as a note under section 23 of this title.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–34, title XV, § 1522(b), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1070, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to years beginning after December 31, 1997.”

Amendment by section 1601(d)(6)(A), (7), (h)(2)(D)(i), (ii) of Pub. L. 105–34 effective as if included in the provisions of the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104–188, to which it relates, see section 1601(j) of Pub. L. 105–34, set out as a note under section 23 of this title.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by section 1421(b)(9)(C) of Pub. L. 104–188 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1996, see section 1421(e) of Pub. L. 104–188, set out as a note under section 72 of this title.

Pub. L. 104–188, title I, § 1431(d), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1803, provided that: “(1) In general.—The amendments made by this section [amending this section, sections 129, 401, 404, 408, and 416 of this title, and provisions set out as a note below] shall apply to years beginning after December 31, 1996, except that in determining whether an employee is a highly compensated employee for years beginning in 1997, such amendments shall be treated as having been in effect for years beginning in 1996. “(2) Family aggregation.—The amendments made by subsection (b) [amending this section and sections 401 and 404 of this title] shall apply to years beginning after December 31, 1996.”

Pub. L. 104–188, title I, § 1434(c), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1807, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 415 of this title] shall apply to years beginning after December 31, 1997.”

Pub. L. 104–188, title I, § 1454(b), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1817, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to years beginning after December 31, 1996, but shall not apply to any relationship determined under an Internal Revenue Service ruling issued before the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 20, 1996] pursuant to section 414(n)(2)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as in effect on the day before such date) not to involve a leased employee.”

Amendment by section 1461(a) of Pub. L. 104–188 applicable to years beginning after Dec. 31, 1996, see section 1461(c) of Pub. L. 104–188, set out as a note under section 404 of this title.

Pub. L. 104–188, title I, § 1462(c), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1824, provided that: “The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to years beginning after December 31, 1996.”

Pub. L. 104–188, title I, § 1704(n)(3), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1886, provided that: “The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section and section 1108 of Title 29, Labor] shall be effective as of December 12, 1994.”

Effective Date of 1992 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–318 applicable to distributions after Dec. 31, 1992, see section 521(e) of Pub. L. 102–318, set out as a note under section 402 of this title.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, § 11703(b)(2), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–517, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [probably means par. (1), which amended this section] shall take effect as if included in the amendments made by section 1151 of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 [Pub. L. 99–514].”

Effective Date of 1989 Amendments

Amendment by sections 7811(m)(5) and 7813(b) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Technical and Miscellaneous Revenue Act of 1988, Pub. L. 100–647, to which such amendment relates, see section 7817 of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Amendment by section 7841(a)(2) of Pub. L. 101–239 applicable to transfers after Dec. 19, 1989, in taxable years ending after such date, see section 7841(a)(3) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 408 of this title.

Amendment by section 203(a)(6) of Pub. L. 101–140 effective as if included in section 1151 of Pub. L. 99–514, see section 203(c) of Pub. L. 101–140, set out as a note under section 79 of this title.

Amendment by section 204(b)(2) of Pub. L. 101–140 applicable to years beginning after Dec. 31, 1988, see section 204(d)(1) of Pub. L. 101–140, set out as a note under section 129 of this title.

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by sections 1011(d)(8), (e)(4), (h)(5), (i)(1)–(4)(A), (j)(1), (2), 1011A(b)(3), 1011B(a)(16), (17), (19), (20), and 1018(t)(8)(E)–(G) of Pub. L. 100–647 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 1019(a) of Pub. L. 100–647, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Pub. L. 100–647, title II, § 2005(c)(3), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3612, provided that: “(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] shall apply with respect to transactions occurring after July 26, 1988. “(B) The amendments made by this subsection shall not apply to any transaction occurring after July 26, 1988, if on or before such date the board of directors of the employer, approves such transaction or the employer took similar binding action.”

Amendment by section 3011(b)(4), (5) of Pub. L. 100–647 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1988, but not applicable to any plan for any plan year to which section 162(k) of this title (as in effect on the day before Nov. 10, 1988) did not apply by reason of section 10001(e)(2) of Pub. L. 99–272, see section 3011(d) of Pub. L. 100–647, set out as a note under section 162 of this title.

Amendment by section 3021(b)(1), (2)(A) of Pub. L. 100–647 applicable to years beginning after Dec. 31, 1986, see section 3021(d)(2) of Pub. L. 100–647, set out as a note under section 129 of this title.

Pub. L. 100–647, title VI, § 6067(c), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3703, as amended by Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, § 7816(k), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2421, provided that: “The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in the amendments made by section 2005(c) of this Act [amending this section].”

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–203 applicable with respect to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1987, see section 9305(d) of Pub. L. 100–203, set out as a note under section 412 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–514, title XI, § 1114(c), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2452, as amended by Pub. L. 104–188, title I, § 1431(c)(2), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1803; Pub. L. 107–16, title VI, § 663(a), June 7, 2001, 115 Stat. 142, provided that: “(1) In general.—Except as provided in this subsection, the amendment made by this section [amending this section and sections 106, 274, 423, and 501 of this title] shall apply to years beginning after December 31, 1986. “(2) Conforming amendments to employee benefit provisions.—The amendments made by paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (5), and (16) of subsection (b) [amending sections 117, 120, 127, 129, 132, and 505 of this title] shall apply to years beginning after December 31, 1987. “(3) Conforming amendments to pension provisions.—The amendments made by paragraphs (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), and (15) of subsection (b) [amending this section and sections 401, 404A, 406, 407, 411, 415, and 4975 of this title and section 1108 of Title 29, Labor] shall apply to years beginning after December 31, 1988.”

[Pub. L. 107–16, title VI, § 663(b), June 7, 2001, 115 Stat. 143, provided that: “The repeal made by subsection (a) [repealing par. (4) of section 1114(c) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out above] shall apply to plan years beginning after December 31, 2001.” ]

Pub. L. 99–514, title XI, § 1115(b), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2454, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to years beginning after December 31, 1986.”

Amendment by section 1117(c) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1986, with special provisions for plans maintained pursuant to collective bargaining agreements ratified before Mar. 1, 1986, and for annuity contracts under section 403(b) of this title, see section 1117(d) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 401 of this title.

Pub. L. 99–514, title XI, § 1146(c), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2493, provided that: “(1) In general.—Except as provided in this subsection, the amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1983. “(2) Subsection (a)(1).—The amendment made by subsection (a)(1) shall apply to services performed after December 31, 1986. “(3) Recordkeeping requirements.—In the case of years beginning before the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 22, 1986], the last sentence of section 414(o) shall be applied without regard to the requirement that an insignificant percentage of the workload be performed by persons other than employees.”

Amendment by section 1151(e)(1), (i) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable, with certain qualifications and exceptions, to years beginning after Dec. 31, 1988, see section 1151(k) of Pub. L. 99–514, as amended, set out as a note under section 79 of this title.

Amendment by section 1301(j)(4) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to bonds issued after Aug. 15, 1986, except as otherwise provided, see sections 1311 to 1318 of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as an Effective Date; Transitional Rules note under section 141 of this title.

Amendment by section 1852(f) of Pub. L. 99–514 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1984, Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, to which such amendment relates, see section 1881 of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 48 of this title.

Amendment by section 1898(c)(2)(A), (4)(A), (6)(A), (7)(A)(ii)–(vii) of Pub. L. 99–514 effective as if included in the provision of the Retirement Equity Act of 1984, Pub. L. 98–397, to which such amendment relates, except as otherwise provided, see section 1898(j) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 401 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–397 effective Jan. 1, 1985, except as otherwise provided, see section 303(d) of Pub. L. 98–397, set out as a note under section 1001 of Title 29, Labor.

Amendment by section 491(d)(26), (27) of Pub. L. 98–369 applicable to obligations issued after Dec. 31, 1983, see section 491(f)(1) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 62 of this title.

Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title V, § 526(a)(2), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 874, provided that: “The amendment made by this subsection [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1984.”

Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title V, § 526(b)(2), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 874, provided that: “The amendment made by this subsection [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1983.”

Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title V, § 526(d)(3), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 875, provided that: “The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [July 18, 1984].”

Amendment by section 713(i) of Pub. L. 98–369 effective as if included in the provision of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982, Pub. L. 97–248, to which such amendment relates, see section 715 of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 31 of this title.

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Amendment by section 240(c) of Pub. L. 97–248, applicable to years beginning after Dec. 31, 1983, see section 241(a) of Pub. L. 97–248, set out as a note under section 416 of this title.

Pub. L. 97–248, title II, § 246(b), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 525, provided that: “The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1983.”

Pub. L. 97–248, title II, § 248(b), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 527, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1983.”

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Pub. L. 96–605, title II, § 201(c), Dec. 28, 1980, 94 Stat. 3527, and Pub. L. 96–613, § 5(c), Dec. 28, 1980, 94 Stat. 3582, provided that: “(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 105 and 125 of this title] shall apply to plan years ending after November 30, 1980. “(2) Plans in existence on november 30, 1980.—In the case of a plan in existence on November 30, 1980, the amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 105 and 125 of this title] shall apply to plan years beginning after November 30, 1980.”

Pub. L. 96–364, title IV, § 407(c), Sept. 26, 1980, 94 Stat. 1307, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1002 of Title 29, Labor] shall be effective as of January 1, 1974.”

Amendment by sections 207 and 208(a) of Pub. L. 96–364 effective Sept. 26, 1980, see section 210(a) of Pub. L. 96–364, set out as an Effective Date note under section 194A of this title.

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–600 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1978, see section 152(h) of Pub. L. 95–600, set out as a note under section 408 of this title.

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by section 1901(a)(64) of Pub. L. 94–455 effective for taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1976, see section 1901(d) of Pub. L. 94–455, set out as a note under section 2 of this title.

Effective Date

Section applicable, except as otherwise provided in section 1017(c) through (i) of Pub. L. 93–406, for plan years beginning after Sept. 2, 1974, and, in the case of plans in existence on Jan. 1, 1974, for plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1975, see section 1017 of Pub. L. 93–406, set out as an Effective Date; Transitional Rules note under section 410 of this title.

Regulations

Pub. L. 109–280, title X, § 1001, Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 1052, provided that: “Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 17, 2006], the Secretary of Labor shall issue regulations under section 206(d)(3) of the Employee Retirement Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1056(d)(3)] and section 414(p) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which clarify that— “(1) a domestic relations order otherwise meeting the requirements to be a qualified domestic relations order, including the requirements of section 206(d)(3)(D) of such Act and section 414(p)(3) of such Code, shall not fail to be treated as a qualified domestic relations order solely because—“(A) the order is issued after, or revises, another domestic relations order or qualified domestic relations order; or “(B) of the time at which it is issued; and “(2) any order described in paragraph (1) shall be subject to the same requirements and protections which apply to qualified domestic relations orders, including the provisions of section 206(d)(3)(H) of such Act and section 414(p)(7) of such Code.”

Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate to issue before Feb. 1, 1988, final regulations to carry out amendments made by sections 1114, 1115, and 1117 of Pub. L. 99–514, see section 1141 of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 401 of this title.

Provisions Relating to Plan Amendments Pursuant to Pub. L. 117–328

Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title V, § 501(a), (b), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5388, provided that: “(a) In General.—If this section applies to any retirement plan or contract amendment—“(1) such retirement plan or contract shall be treated as being operated in accordance with the terms of the plan during the period described in subsection (b)(2)(A); and “(2) except as provided by the Secretary of the Treasury (or the Secretary’s delegate), such retirement plan shall not fail to meet the requirements of section 411(d)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and section 204(g) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1054(g)] by reason of such amendment. “(b) Amendments to Which Section Applies.—“(1) In general.—This section shall apply to any amendment to any retirement plan or annuity contract which is made—“(A) pursuant to any amendment made by this Act or pursuant to any regulation issued by the Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary of Labor (or a delegate of either such Secretary) under this Act [div. T of Pub. L. 117–328, see Tables for classification]; and “(B) on or before the last day of the first plan year beginning on or after January 1, 2025, or such later date as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe. In the case of a governmental plan (as defined in section 414(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986), or an applicable collectively bargained plan, this paragraph shall be applied by substituting ‘2027’ for ‘2025’. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term ‘applicable collectively bargained plan’ means a plan maintained pursuant to 1 or more collective bargaining agreements between employee representatives and 1 or more employers ratified before the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 29, 2022]. “(2) Conditions.—This section shall not apply to any amendment unless—“(A) during the period—“(i) beginning on the date the legislative or regulatory amendment described in paragraph (1)(A) takes effect (or in the case of a plan or contract amendment not required by such legislative or regulatory amendment, the effective date specified by the plan); and “(ii) ending on the date described in paragraph (1)(B) (as modified by the second sentence of paragraph (1)) (or, if earlier, the date the plan or contract amendment is adopted), the plan or contract is operated as if such plan or contract amendment were in effect; and “(B) such plan or contract amendment applies retroactively for such period.”

Provisions Relating to Plan Amendments Pursuant to Pub. L. 116–94

Pub. L. 116–94, div. O, title VI, § 601, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3181, as amended by Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title V, § 501(c)(1), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5389, provided that: “(a) In General.—If this section applies to any retirement plan or contract amendment—“(1) such retirement plan or contract shall be treated as being operated in accordance with the terms of the plan during the period described in subsection (b)(2)(A); and “(2) except as provided by the Secretary of the Treasury (or the Secretary’s delegate), such retirement plan shall not fail to meet the requirements of section 411(d)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and section 204(g) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1054(g)] by reason of such amendment. “(b) Amendments to Which Section Applies.—“(1) In general.—This section shall apply to any amendment to any retirement plan or annuity contract which is made—“(A) pursuant to any amendment made by this Act or pursuant to any regulation issued by the Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary of Labor (or a delegate of either such Secretary) under this Act [div. O of Pub. L. 116–94, see Tables for classification]; and “(B) on or before the last day of the first plan year beginning on or after January 1, 2025, or such later date as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe. In the case of a governmental plan (as defined in section 414(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986), or an applicable collectively bargained plan in the case of section 401 (and the amendments made thereby), this paragraph shall be applied by substituting ‘2027’ for ‘2025’. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term ‘applicable collectively bargained plan’ means a plan maintained pursuant to 1 or more collective bargaining agreements between employee representatives and 1 or more employers ratified before the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019]. “(2) Conditions.—This section shall not apply to any amendment unless—“(A) during the period—“(i) beginning on the date the legislative or regulatory amendment described in paragraph (1)(A) takes effect (or in the case of a plan or contract amendment not required by such legislative or regulatory amendment, the effective date specified by the plan); and “(ii) ending on the date described in paragraph (1)(B) (as modified by the second sentence of paragraph (1)) (or, if earlier, the date the plan or contract amendment is adopted), the plan or contract is operated as if such plan or contract amendment were in effect; and “(B) such plan or contract amendment applies retroactively for such period.”

Provisions Relating to Plan Amendments Pursuant to Pub. L. 110–245

Pub. L. 110–245, title I, § 105(c), June 17, 2008, 122 Stat. 1629, provided that: “(1) In general.—If this subsection applies to any plan or annuity contract amendment, such plan or contract shall be treated as being operated in accordance with the terms of the plan or contract during the period described in paragraph (2)(B)(i). “(2) Amendments to which section applies.—“(A) In general.—This subsection shall apply to any amendment to any plan or annuity contract which is made—“(i) pursuant to any amendment made by subsection (b)(1) [amending this section], and “(ii) on or before the last day of the first plan year beginning on or after January 1, 2010. In the case of a governmental plan (as defined in section 414(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986), this subparagraph shall be applied by substituting ‘2012’ for ‘2010’ in clause (ii). “(B) Conditions.—This subsection shall not apply to any plan or annuity contract amendment unless—“(i) during the period beginning on the date the amendment described in subparagraph (A)(i) takes effect and ending on the date described in subparagraph (A)(ii) (or, if earlier, the date the plan or contract amendment is adopted), the plan or contract is operated as if such plan or contract amendment were in effect, and “(ii) such plan or contract amendment applies retroactively for such period.”

Clarification Relating to Application of Anti-Abuse Rule

Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title III, § 336(a)(2), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3110, provided that: “The rule of 26 CFR 1.414(c)–5(f) shall continue to apply to each paragraph of section 414(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by paragraph (1).”

Automatic Enrollment by Church Plans

Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title III, § 336(c), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3110, provided that: “(1) In general.—This subsection shall supersede any law of a State that relates to wage, salary, or payroll payment, collection, deduction, garnishment, assignment, or withholding which would directly or indirectly prohibit or restrict the inclusion in any church plan (as defined in section 414(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) of an automatic contribution arrangement. “(2) Definition of automatic contribution arrangement.—For purposes of this subsection, the term ‘automatic contribution arrangement’ means an arrangement—“(A) under which a participant may elect to have the plan sponsor or the employer make payments as contributions under the plan on behalf of the participant, or to the participant directly in cash, “(B) under which a participant is treated as having elected to have the plan sponsor or the employer make such contributions in an amount equal to a uniform percentage of compensation provided under the plan until the participant specifically elects not to have such contributions made (or specifically elects to have such contributions made at a different percentage), and “(C) under which the notice and election requirements of paragraph (3), and the investment requirements of paragraph (4), are satisfied. “(3) Notice requirements.—“(A) In general.—The plan sponsor of, or plan administrator or employer maintaining, an automatic contribution arrangement shall, within a reasonable period before the first day of each plan year, provide to each participant to whom the arrangement applies for such plan year notice of the participant’s rights and obligations under the arrangement which—“(i) is sufficiently accurate and comprehensive to apprise the participant of such rights and obligations, and “(ii) is written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average participant to whom the arrangement applies. “(B) Election requirements.—A notice shall not be treated as meeting the requirements of subparagraph (A) with respect to a participant unless—“(i) the notice includes an explanation of the participant’s right under the arrangement not to have elective contributions made on the participant’s behalf (or to elect to have such contributions made at a different percentage), “(ii) the participant has a reasonable period of time, after receipt of the explanation described in clause (i) and before the first elective contribution is made, to make such election, and “(iii) the notice explains how contributions made under the arrangement will be invested in the absence of any investment election by the participant. “(4) Default investment.—If no affirmative investment election has been made with respect to any automatic contribution arrangement, contributions to such arrangement shall be invested in a default investment selected with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence that a prudent person selecting an investment option would use. “(5) Effective date.—This subsection shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 18, 2015].”

Investments by Church Plans in Collective Trusts

Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title III, § 336(e), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3113, provided that: “(1) In general.—In the case of—“(A) a church plan (as defined in section 414(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986), including a plan described in section 401(a) of such Code and a retirement income account described in section 403(b)(9) of such Code, and “(B) an organization described in section 414(e)(3)(A) of such Code the principal purpose or function of which is the administration of such a plan or account, the assets of such plan, account, or organization (including any assets otherwise permitted to be commingled for investment purposes with the assets of such a plan, account, or organization) may be invested in a group trust otherwise described in Internal Revenue Service Revenue Ruling 81–100 (as modified by Internal Revenue Service Revenue Rulings 2004–67, 2011–1, and 2014–24), or any subsequent revenue ruling that supersedes or modifies such revenue ruling, without adversely affecting the tax status of the group trust, such plan, account, or organization, or any other plan or trust that invests in the group trust. “(2) Effective date.—This subsection shall apply to investments made after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 18, 2015].”

Applicability of Amendments by Subtitles A and B of Title I of Pub. L. 109–280

For special rules on applicability of amendments by subtitles A (§§ 101–108) and B (§§ 111–116) of title I of Pub. L. 109–280 to certain eligible cooperative plans, PBGC settlement plans, and eligible government contractor plans, see sections 104, 105, and 106 of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as notes under section 401 of this title.

Sample Language for Spousal Consent and Qualified Domestic Relations Forms

Pub. L. 104–188, title I, § 1457, Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1818, provided that: “(a) Development of Sample Language.—Not later than January 1, 1997, the Secretary of the Treasury shall develop—“(1) sample language for inclusion in a form for the spousal consent required under section 417(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and section 205(c)(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1055(c)(2)] which—“(A) is written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average person, and “(B) discloses in plain form—“(i) whether the waiver to which the spouse consents is irrevocable, and “(ii) whether such waiver may be revoked by a qualified domestic relations order, and “(2) sample language for inclusion in a form for a qualified domestic relations order described in section 414(p)(1)(A) of such Code and section 206(d)(3)(B)(i) of such Act [29 U.S.C. 1056(d)(3)(B)(i)] which—“(A) meets the requirements contained in such sections, and “(B) the provisions of which focus attention on the need to consider the treatment of any lump sum payment, qualified joint and survivor annuity, or qualified preretirement survivor annuity. “(b) Publicity.—The Secretary of the Treasury shall include publicity for the sample language developed under subsection (a) in the pension outreach efforts undertaken by the Secretary.”

Safeharbor Authority

Pub. L. 104–188, title I, § 1462(b), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1824, provided that: “The Secretary of the Treasury may design nondiscrimination and coverage safe harbors for church plans.”

Application of Line of Business Test for Period Before Guidelines Issued

Pub. L. 101–140, title II, § 204(b)(1), Nov. 8, 1989, 103 Stat. 833, provided that: “In the case of any plan year beginning on or before the date the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate issues guidelines and begins issuing determinations under section 414(r)(2)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, an employer shall be treated as operating separate lines of business if the employer reasonably determines that it meets the requirements of section 414(r) (other than paragraph (2)(C) thereof) of such Code.”

[Pub. L. 101–140, title II, § 204(d)(3), Nov. 8, 1989, 103 Stat. 833, provided that: “The provisions of subsection (b)(1) [set out above] shall apply to years beginning after December 31, 1986.” ]

Nonenforcement of Amendment Made by Section 1151 of Pub. L. 99–514 for Fiscal Year 1990

No monies appropriated by Pub. L. 101–136 to be used to implement or enforce section 1151 of Pub. L. 99–514 or the amendments made by such section, see section 528 of Pub. L. 101–136, set out as a note under section 89 of this title.

Study Reflecting Allocation of Assets

Pub. L. 100–647, title VI, § 6067(b), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3703, directed Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate, in consultation with Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, to conduct a study with respect to proper method of allocating assets in case of a transaction to which the amendment made by such section and, not later than Jan. 1, 1990 (due date extended to Jan. 1, 1992, by Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, § 11831(b), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–559) to report results of such study to Committee on Ways and Means of House of Representatives and to Committee on Finance of Senate.

Plan Amendments Not Required Until January 1, 1998

For provisions directing that if any amendments made by subtitle D [§§ 1401–1465] of title I of Pub. L. 104–188 require an amendment to any plan or annuity contract, such amendment shall not be required to be made before the first day of the first plan year beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1998, see section 1465 of Pub. L. 104–188, set out as a note under section 401 of this title.

Plan Amendments Not Required Until January 1, 1994

For provisions directing that if any amendments made by subtitle B [§§ 521–523] of title V of Pub. L. 102–318 require an amendment to any plan, such plan amendment shall not be required to be made before the first plan year beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1994, see section 523 of Pub. L. 102–318, set out as a note under section 401 of this title.

Plan Amendments Not Required Until January 1, 1989

For provisions directing that if any amendments made by subtitle A or subtitle C of title XI [§§ 1101–1147 and 1171–1177] or title XVIII [§§ 1800–1899A] of Pub. L. 99–514 require an amendment to any plan, such plan amendment shall not be required to be made before the first plan year beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1989, see section 1140 of Pub. L. 99–514, as amended, set out as a note under section 401 of this title.