On May 1, 2019, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued
guidance re-opening its storied determination letter program to
hybrid plans and certain plans impacted by plan mergers.
Expansion of Determination Letter Program for Hybrid Plans
For twelve months beginning September 1, 2019 and ending August
31, 2020, the IRS will accept determination letter applications for
statutory hybrid plans (e.g., cash balance plans and
pension equity plans). The IRS will review any hybrid plan
submissions based on the 2017 required amendments list. Its
review will also take into consideration all required amendments
lists and cumulative lists issued prior to 2016. The normal
determination letter application procedures for individually
designed plans will apply.