Compensation and severance plan rule changes may impact your credit union

by: Kirk D. Sherman and James S. Patterson

After almost eight years and several false alarms, the IRS may finally issue the new Section 457(f) regulations addressing nonqualified deferred compensation plans and severance plans. Two IRS attorneys speaking at separate events have expressed hope that the regulations will be released by this summer.

Credit unions at greatest risk of having to modify their plans are those that sponsor:

  • Nonqualified deferral plans (other than 457(b) eligible plans) that allow elective deferrals,
  • Nonqualified deferral plans that use noncompete restrictions as substantial risks of forfeiture, and
  • Severance plans providing severance benefits greater than two times compensation.

For other credit unions, the new regulations may be a non-event.

What Should Your Credit Union Do Now?

  • While awaiting the new 457(f) regulations, credit union boards and management can determine whether the credit union sponsors 457(f) plans that use noncompetes or elective deferrals, and whether it has promised severance greater than the two-times limit.
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