Compliance Stuff

The Internal Revenue Service has released updated frequently asked questions addressing educational assistance programs under Section 127 of the Internal Revenue Code, along with a revised sample plan document, Publication 5993 (Rev. 4-2026). The updated guidance represents changes made by the One Big Beautiful Bill of 2025, providing clarification for employers that offer—or are considering offering—tuition assistance or student loan repayment benefits. Chance to Revamp : The updated guidance, reformed by the One Big Beautiful Bill , gives employers a timely opportunity to modernize Section 127 programs, including by revising plan documents, expanding or formalizing student loan repayment features, and reassessing compliance with notice and nondiscrimination requirements. Section 127 permits employers to provide certain educational benefits to employees on a tax-free basis through a written educational assistance program. Employees may currently exclude up to $5,250 per year from gro...

In an environment where public scrutiny is high and enforcement expectations are rising, investing in strong corporate ethics and oversight frameworks has become a strategic necessity for public companies. Effective compliance programs are no longer merely regulatory check-the-box exercises. They are essential tools for managing risk, safeguarding reputation, and meeting the expectations of regulators, investors, and other stakeholders. In this Insight, we explore core elements of ethical governance for public companies, focusing on compliance programs, oversight and governance, codes of ethics, reporting mechanisms, investigations, and the nuanced landscape of code waivers and disclosures. COMPLIANCE STILL MATTERS Despite speculation about regulatory fatigue, compliance remains central to corporate governance. As  emphasized by the head of the US Department of Justice’s (DOJ’s) Criminal Division  at SIFMA’s Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crimes Conference earlier this ye...