Compliance Stuff

The Internal Revenue Service recently announced its cost-of-living adjustments applicable to dollar limitations on benefits and contributions for retirement plans generally effective for Tax Year 2026 (see IRS  Notice 2025-67 ). Most notably, the limitation on annual salary deferrals into a 401(k) or 403(b) plan will increase to  $24,500,  and the dollar threshold for highly compensated employees will increase to  $160,000 .  The more significant dollar limits for 2026 are as follows: LIMIT 2025 2026 401(k)/403(b) Elective Deferral Limit (IRC § 402(g))  The annual limit on an employee’s elective deferrals to a 401(k) or 403(b) plan made through salary reduction. $23,500 $24,500 Government/Tax Exempt Deferral Limit (IRC § 457(e)(15))  The annual limit on an employee’s elective deferrals concerning Section 457 deferred compensation plans of state and local governments and tax-exempt organizations. $23,500 $24,500 401(k)/403(b)/457 Catch-up Limit (IRC § 4...

Ten years have passed since the Supreme Court of the United States granted all same-sex couples the right to marry and have their marriages recognized nationwide. In the decade since the Supreme Court’s landmark decision, protections for LGBTQ+ employees in the workplace continue to evolve, including the Supreme Court’s subsequent decision in  Bostock v. Clayton County  and the current administration’s enforcement priorities related to gender affirming care. Quick Hits June 26, 2025, marked the tenth anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision recognizing same-sex marriage nationwide. The  Obergefell v. Hodges  decision had important legal implications for employers’ benefit plans. Existing federal law bans discrimination in hiring and firing on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation, while twenty-two states and Washington, D.C., also have laws banning workplace discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Ten years ago, ...