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ASBO International thanks these Platinum-level sponsors for their 403(b) resources: Find resources from AXA Equitable. Find resources from ING Find resources from MetLife. Find Resources from VALIC. ASBO also offers two free Webcasts that provide a "point-counterpoint" exploration of how you can meet current regulations and prepare for the coming changes.  Find these free Webcasts here.

ASBO Appeals to U.S. Treasury for Extension of 403(b) Transfers Deadline    On August 29th, ASBO International issued an Alert (see below) to inform school business officials of two early deadlines in the 403(b) final regulations that may warrant immediate action.  As promised in the Alert, a Comment Letter to the U.S. Treasury has been submitted on behalf of all ASBO International members to appeal for an extension of the deadlines.   Bookmark this page for quick access to our constantly updated pool of resources for IRS 403(b) compliance.        Alert!  Early Effective Dates for 403(b) Transfers and Life Insurance Contracts May Require Quick Action!     The final 403(b) regulations include two early effective dates that may require action to limit fund transfers.  Download this alert, developed by your ASBO International Retirement Plan Council, to clarify the issues and what you might consider doing immediately.                403(b) Final Regulations Released!   The highly anticipated IRS 403(b) final regulations were released July 23 and are now available on the IRS Website.   Preview of Changes for ASBO International Members ASBO International will provide up-to-the-minute resources to help you prepare for implementing the new regulations. The first resources are:   An UPDATED three-page summary of what your school district needs to know, developed by ASBO legislative affairs committee member and employee benefits counsel, Martha Hutzelman, Esq.  (Updated August 16, 2007)  A PowerPoint presentation for school administrators (converted to .PDF format) created by Robert J. Architect, TEGE, of the IRS.  The IRS’ Employee Plans News, special July 2007 edition, with highlights of the new regulations.  The complete text of the final regulations from the July 26 Federal Register in .PDF format, or as text-only. Changes to 403(b) Retirement Plans ... In late 2004, the Internal Revenue Service posted new comprehensive regulations on 403(b) retirement plans for the first time in 40 years. Although released in proposed form, the new guidelines will require profound changes to the 403(b) plans of many school districts. In August 2006, the Internal Revenue Service announced that the general effective date for the regulations regarding section 403(b) arrangements (including the related controlled group regulations under section 414(c)) will be extended.  Browse a list of the latest links and downloads from the IRS and the Federal Government concerning 403(b) Regulations.

403(b) Tools from AXA Equitable

AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company can provide 403(b) plan sponsors with the level of support you need to comply with the final regulations. If you have any questions or need assistance, you can call our toll free number 866/ 786-0856, contact your local AXA Advisors financial professional, or email Employer.Support@axa-equitable.com.

Click the links below to learn about… New!  Your Options  Read the Retirement Plan Solutions brochure to learn about the options you have for complying with the regulations including internal resources, providers, third-party administrators, or a combination of these resources. New!  Model Plan Language and Two Compliance Reminders  The IRS has issued model plan language that may be used by public schools in developing a written plan. AXA Equitable recommends that employers wait to adopt a plan document for several reasons and reminds employers of two important compliance activities to address now. Read this Employer Alert for details. New!  403(b) Compliance Checklist  Read this Checklist to learn what you should be doing before and after January 1, 2009 to comply with the final 403(b) regulations. New!  Universal Availability Rules  These rules explain which employees can be included or excluded from participating in your 403(b) plan. Read this Universal Availability fact card to learn what you should be doing now to comply with current rules and the new rules beginning January 1, 2009. It includes a sample annual meaningful notice you can use with eligible employees. Please Note: You will need Adobe Acrobat to view the files above. Click here to find a FREE download of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

403(b) Tools from ING

Looking for resources to get your school system ready for the 403(b) Regulations?

By going to: www.ing.com/us/403bregs you’ll find a wealth of valuable information on ING’s Website dedicated to 403(b) Regulations.

ING's Web resources include:

Tune in to ING's recorded Webcast to hear about the new 403(b) Rules directly from industry expert Linda Segal Blinn, JD, Vice President of Technical Services for ING.

Playback automatically configures to standards available on the viewer’s desktop, including Microsoft Windows Media Player or Macromedia Flash.



The 403(b) Regulations: "A Little Less Conversation — A Little More Action"

..  After meeting the first requirements of the 403(b) Regulations, what's next?

 Download Getting Public Schools Ready for the Final IRS 403(b) Rules, a handy one-page checklist (117K file).



View ING’s Comprehensive Resource for Public Schools:

 Download 403(b) Programs – A Guide for Public School Systems, a comprehensive 54-page description of the proposed 403(b) guidance in Adobe Acrobat (.PDF) format (320K file).

Includes a glossary of commonly used terminology relating to 403(b) programs, and much, much more!


Please Note: You will need Adobe Acrobat to view these files.
Click here to find a FREE download of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

403(b) Tools from MetLife MetLife has kindly provided the following materials to ASBO International. MetLife ComplyNow SM Program — Compliance services from MetLife: The landscape of 403(b) plan administration changed permanently with the release of new IRS regulations in 2007. Employers are assuming a new and unfamiliar compliance role necessary to maintain the tax-deferred status of their 403(b) plans. MetLife understands that employers must find a sensible way to comply with the new regulations based on their own unique circumstances. Some employers may opt to handle their administrative responsibilities internally with existing staff or minimal additional resources. Other employers may look to obtain support from a third party.  Download information on MetLife Services for the K-12 School District (115K file) Offers you an easy way to manage your employee benefits program.  Download information on MetLife's Flexible 403(b) Administrative Support Program (95K file) MetLife's ComplyNowSM program gives you flexible 403(b) administrative and compliance support.

Download the following white papers provided by MetLife: Download Information Sharing Agreements(204K file). This white paper is designed to help 403(b) employers understand some of the more technical aspects of the IRS additional guidance (Revenue Procedure 2007-71 released Nov 2007). Download Meeting Universal Availability Requirements for 403(b) Plans (183K file). An in-depth discussion on the “universal availability” requirement as it impacts an employer’s 403(b) plan.  Get more information on retirement programs for nonprofit organizations from the MetLife Website. Please Note: You will need Adobe Acrobat to view some of the files above. Click here to find a FREE download of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

403(b) Tools from VALIC VALIC has kindly provided the following resources to ASBO International. Final 403(b) Regulations including new December 2007 IRS issued Revenue Procedures  Setting the Story Straight for Public Organizations  (133K file) This four-page brochure provides a summary of the final regulations, addressing key components and what the IRS expects of plan sponsors.  Q&A for Public Organizations (85K file) This multiple-page brochure provides a more detailed look at the final regulations, answering questions about the plan sponsors' responsibilities and potential compliance concerns. 403(b) Web Resource Center    For more information on universal availability or our VALIC Retirement Manager® compliance services, visit the VALIC Retirement 403(b) Web Resource Center at: www2.aigretirement.com/aigr/403buniversity.nsf For questions or to schedule a meeting to discuss the final 403(b) regulations contact your information source on 403(b) regulations today at 1-877/ 403bREG (x2734) or 403bREG@AIGRetirement.com Please Note: You will need Adobe Acrobat to view this file. Click here to find a FREE download of Adobe Acrobat Reader.   Bookmark This Page:  Bookmark this page and check back for updates. Browse these links for additional 403(b) resources:     IRS Video:  403(b) Regulations     IRS Video:What Educational Employers Need to Know to Do Their Jobs    403(b) Video Presentation   403(b) Webcasts   403(b) Publications