Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 26 AUGUST 2021

Benefits Counselor – August 2021

Reinhart, Boerner, Van Deuren SC
Explore more from Reinhart, Boerner, Van Deuren SC

On July 30, 2021, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released Notice 2021‑48, providing guidance regarding changes made under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) to the...

United StatesEmployment and HR
Employee Benefits Group
Employee Benefits Group
Author LinkedIn connections

RETIREMENT PLAN DEVELOPMENTS

IRS Releases Guidance Regarding Changes to Single-Employer Defined Benefit Plan Funding under ARPA

On July 30, 2021, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released Notice 2021 48, providing guidance regarding changes made under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) to the funding rules for single employer defined benefit pension plans. ARPA made two significant changes affecting defined benefit pension plans: (1) extending the amortization period for unfunded liabilities from seven to 15 years; and (2) reinstating the pre ARPA interest rate stabilization program, which was set to phase out beginning in 2021. For more information refer to our alert, Impact of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 on Corporate Sponsored Retirement and Executive Compensation Plans.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

IRS Issues New Revenue Procedure

The IRS has released Revenue Procedure 2026-24, establishing new inflation-adjusted limits for Health Savings Accounts and high-deductible health plans effective in 2027. These updates include increased contribution limits, higher minimum deductibles, and expanded out-of-pocket maximums, along with new provisions for direct primary care service arrangements under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act. How will these changes impact employee benefit planning and healthcare coverage strategies?
United StatesEmployment and HR
Winston Taylor
Winston Taylor
Article

Treasury Issues Temporary Regulations On Trump Accounts And Contributions

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and IRS recently issued temporary regulations that provide an immediately effective framework for establishing and administering “Trump Accounts,” including broad automatic enrollment and large-scale contributions funded by governmental and charitable donors. The regulations became effective September 30, 2026, apply to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, and expire September 30, 2029.
United StatesEmployment and HR
Fennemore Craig, P.C.
Fennemore Craig, P.C.
Article

Allegheny County Council Passes Paid Parental Leave Policy

On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the Allegheny County Council passed legislation requiring employers with at least 15 workers to provide 12 weeks of paid parental leave, ending months-long debate on the proposal. We previously reported on the initial 18-week proposal in May 2026 (summarized here), the revised proposed legislation (summarized here), and the Allegheny County Board of Health passing the legislation (summarized here). The measure was passed in an 11-4 vote. It will become effective in one year, as County Executive Sara Innamorato signed the bill on, October 22, 2026.
United StatesEmployment and HR
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Article

DOL Announces Enforcement Actions Against Employers In H-1B And PERM Fraud Probe

The Trump Administration has launched an unprecedented enforcement action suspending permanent labor certification processing for eight major employers, linking immigration sponsorship to layoff histories and recruitment practices. This development signals a fundamental shift in how the government evaluates employer access to H-1B and green card programs, with investigations already underway and subpoenas served.
United StatesEmployment and HR
Mayer Brown
Mayer Brown
Article

Countdown To Compliance: Employer Preparations For Nov. 2026 OSHA HazCom Deadlines

OSHA's revised Hazard Communication Standard requires covered employers to update chemical labels, written hazard communication programs, and employee training by November 20, 2026. The revisions align with the UN's Globally Harmonized System and introduce new hazard classifications, downstream use considerations, and updated requirements for compressed gases and aerosols. Employers must navigate separate compliance timelines for chemical mixtures while ensuring their workplace practices meet the updated st
United StatesEmployment and HR
Jackson Lewis P.C.
Jackson Lewis P.C.
Article

Maryland’s Ban On Mandatory Employer Meetings: Notice Deadline Looms

Maryland employers must comply with new posting requirements under the Worker Freedom Act, which prohibits penalizing employees who decline attendance at employer-sponsored meetings on religious or political matters. The Maryland Department of Labor has released official notices in English and Spanish that must be displayed prominently in workplaces and provided to new hires starting November 1, 2026.
United StatesEmployment and HR
Jackson Lewis P.C.
Jackson Lewis P.C.
Article

USPTO And Federal Circuit Decisions Reveal Patent Eligibility Parameters For AI Use

As businesses rapidly adopt artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive analytics across their operations, many overlook critical intellectual property considerations. Recent federal court decisions reveal the nuanced distinction between simply automating existing processes with AI versus creating patentable innovations that improve how AI systems themselves operate.
United StatesIntellectual Property
Reinhart, Boerner, Van Deuren SC
Reinhart, Boerner, Van Deuren SC