Transitional Amendments To Satisfy the Market Rate of Return Rules for Hybrid Retirement Plans, 70680-70687 [2015-28915]

Agencies

• Internal Revenue Service
• DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 220 (Monday, November 16, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70680-70687]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-28915]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Internal Revenue Service

26 CFR Part 1

[TD 9743]
RIN 1545-BL62


Transitional Amendments To Satisfy the Market Rate of Return 
Rules for Hybrid Retirement Plans

AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury.

ACTION: Final regulations.

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SUMMARY: This document contains final regulations that provide guidance 
regarding certain amendments to applicable defined benefit plans. 
Applicable defined benefit plans are defined benefit plans that use a 
lump sum-based benefit formula, including cash balance plans and 
pension equity plans, as well as other plans that have formulas with an 
effect similar to a lump sum-based benefit formula. These final 
regulations relate to previously issued final regulations that specify 
permitted interest crediting rates for purposes of the requirement that 
an applicable defined benefit plan not provide for interest credits (or 
equivalent amounts) at an effective rate that is greater than a market 
rate of return. These final regulations permit a plan sponsor of an 
applicable defined benefit plan that does not comply with the market 
rate of return requirement to amend the plan in order to change to an 
interest crediting rate that is permitted under the previously issued 
final hybrid plan regulations without violating the anti-cutback rules 
of section 411(d)(6). These regulations affect sponsors, 
administrators, participants, and beneficiaries of these plans.

DATES: Effective Date: These regulations are effective on November 16, 
2015.
    Applicability Date: These regulations generally apply to plan 
amendments made on or after September 18, 2014 (or an earlier date as 
elected by the taxpayer). These regulations cease to apply for 
amendments made on or after the first day of the first plan year that 
begins on or after January 1, 2017 (or, for collectively bargained 
plans, on or after a later date specified in the regulations).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Neil S. Sandhu or Linda S.F. Marshall 
at (202) 317-6700 (not a toll-free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    This document contains amendments to the Income Tax Regulations (26 
CFR part 1) under sections 411(a)(13) and 411(b)(5) of the Internal 
Revenue Code (Code).
    Generally, a defined benefit pension plan must satisfy the minimum 
vesting standards of section 411(a) and the accrual requirements of 
section 411(b) in order to be qualified under section 401(a) of the 
Code. Sections 411(a)(13) and 411(b)(5), which modify the minimum 
vesting standards of section 411(a) and the accrual requirements of 
section 411(b), were added to the Code by section 701(b) of the Pension 
Protection Act of 2006, Public Law 109-280 (120 Stat. 780 (2006)) (PPA 
'06). Sections 411(a)(13) and 411(b)(5) and certain related effective 
date provisions were subsequently amended by the Worker, Retiree, and 
Employer Recovery Act of 2008, Public Law 110-458 (122 Stat. 5092 
(2008)) (WRERA '08).
    Under section 411(b)(5)(B)(i), a statutory hybrid plan is treated 
as failing to satisfy the requirements of section 411(b)(1)(H) (which 
provides that the rate of an employee's benefit accrual must not be 
reduced because of the attainment of any age) if the terms of the plan 
provide any interest credit (or an equivalent amount) for any plan year 
at a rate that is in excess of a market rate of return. Section 
411(b)(5)(B)(i) is generally effective for plan years beginning after 
December 31, 2007.
    Section 411(d)(6) provides generally that a plan does not satisfy 
section 411 if an amendment to the plan decreases a participant's 
accrued benefit. For this purpose, a plan amendment that has the effect 
of eliminating or reducing an early retirement benefit or a retirement-
type subsidy or eliminating an optional form of benefit with respect to 
benefits attributable to service before the amendment is treated as 
reducing accrued benefits.
    Sections 204(b)(5)(B)(i) and 204(g) of the Employee Retirement 
Income Security Act of 1974, Public Law 93-406 (88 Stat. 829 (1974)), 
as amended (ERISA), contain rules that are parallel to sections 
411(b)(5)(B)(i) and 411(d)(6), respectively. Under section 101 of 
Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1978 (43 FR 47713), the Secretary of the 
Treasury has interpretive jurisdiction over the subject matter 
addressed in these final regulations for purposes of ERISA, as well as 
the Code. Thus, these final regulations apply for purposes of sections 
411(b)(5)(B)(i) and 411(d)(6) of the Code, as well as for purposes of 
sections 204(b)(5)(B)(i) and 204(g) of ERISA.
    Section 1.411(d)-4, A-2(b)(1), of the Income Tax Regulations 
provides, in part, that the Commissioner may, consistent with the 
provisions of Sec.  1.411(d)-4, provide for the elimination or 
reduction of section 411(d)(6) protected benefits that have already 
accrued to the extent that such elimination or reduction is necessary 
to permit compliance with other requirements of section 401(a). The 
Commissioner may exercise this authority only through the publication 
of revenue rulings, notices, and other documents of general 
applicability.
    Section 1.411(d)-4, A-2(b)(2)(i), provides that a plan may be 
amended to eliminate or reduce a section 411(d)(6) protected benefit, 
within the meaning of Sec.  1.411(d)-4, A-1, if the following three 
requirements are met: The amendment constitutes timely compliance with 
a change in law affecting plan qualification; there is an exercise of 
section 7805(b) relief by the Commissioner; and the elimination or 
reduction of the section 411(d)(6) protected benefit is made only to 
the extent necessary to enable the plan to continue to satisfy the 
requirements for qualified plans.
    Final regulations (TD 9505) (2010 final hybrid plan regulations) 
were published by the Treasury Department and the IRS in the Federal 
Register on October 19, 2010 (75 FR 64123). Additional final 
regulations (TD 9693) (2014 final hybrid plan regulations) were 
published by the Treasury Department and the IRS in the Federal 
Register on September 19, 2014 (79 FR 56442) (collectively, the 2010 
and 2014 final hybrid plan regulations are referred to herein as the 
final hybrid plan regulations). The final hybrid plan regulations 
provide, effective for plan years that begin on or after January 1, 
2016, a list of interest crediting rates

[[Page 70681]]

and combinations of rates that satisfy the requirement of section 
411(b)(5)(B)(i) that a plan not provide an effective rate of return in 
excess of a market rate of return, while not permitting other rates. 
The provisions that provide for a list of rates are set forth at Sec.  
1.411(b)(5)-1(d)(1)(iii), (d)(1)(vi), and (d)(6)(i).
    Interest crediting rates can be broadly characterized as either 
investment-based rates or rates that are not investment-based rates. An 
investment-based rate is a rate of return provided by actual 
investments, taking into account the return attributable to any change 
in the value of the underlying investments. A rate of return that is 
based on the rate of return for an index that measures the change in 
the value of investments can also be considered to be an investment-
based rate. Rates that are not investment-based rates are either fixed 
rates of interest or bond-based rates (such as yields to maturity of 
bonds).
    Section 1.411(b)(5)-1(d)(3) and (d)(4) sets forth permitted rates 
that are not investment-based rates, such as the third segment rate 
described in section 417(e)(3)(D) or 430(h)(2)(C)(iii), the yield on 
30-year Treasury Constant Maturities, and a fixed 6 percent rate of 
interest. Section 1.411(b)(5)-1(d)(5) sets forth permitted investment-
based rates, such as the rate of return on certain regulated investment 
companies (RICs), as defined in section 851, and the rate of return on 
plan assets. As provided in Sec.  1.411(b)(5)-1(d)(6), certain annual 
(or more frequent) floors are permitted in combination with the bond-
based rates and cumulative floors (in excess of the cumulative zero 
floor required under section 411(b)(5)(i)(II)) are permitted in 
combination with either the bond-based rates or the investment-based 
rates.
    Section 1.411(b)(5)-1(e)(3) provides that the right to future 
interest credits determined in the manner specified under the plan and 
not conditioned on future service is a factor that is used to determine 
the participant's accrued benefit for purposes of section 411(d)(6). 
Accordingly, section 411(d)(6) protection applies not only to interest 
credits that have already been credited but also to future interest 
credits that are not conditioned on future service.
    Proposed hybrid plan transition regulations (REG-111839-13) (2014 
proposed regulations) were published by the Treasury Department and the 
IRS in the Federal Register on September 19, 2014 (79 FR 56305). The 
2014 proposed regulations would permit an amendment to change the 
interest crediting rate under a hybrid plan from a rate not on the list 
to a rate on the list of interest crediting rates and combinations of 
rates that satisfy the requirement of section 411(b)(5)(B)(i) for plan 
years that begin on or after January 1, 2016.
    Written comments in response to the 2014 proposed regulations were 
received, and a public hearing was held on January 9, 2015. After 
consideration of the comments received, the provisions in the 2014 
proposed regulations are adopted by this Treasury decision, subject to 
a number of changes that are summarized in this preamble.

Explanation of Provisions

    A number of commenters requested that the regulations provide for 
sufficient time for plan sponsors to implement amendments pursuant to 
these regulations to change a plan's interest crediting rate to a 
permissible rate. In addition, these commenters pointed out that these 
amendments are often interrelated with amendments required to comply 
with the 2014 final hybrid plan regulations, and that plan sponsors 
often consider and implement all of the required amendments at the same 
time. In response to these comments, these final regulations delay the 
applicability date of certain provisions under sections 411(a)(13) and 
411(b)(5) in the final hybrid plan regulations, including those 
provisions that provide a list of interest crediting rates and 
combinations of rates that satisfy the requirement of section 
411(b)(5)(B)(i) that the plan not provide an effective rate of return 
in excess of a market rate of return. Under these regulations, these 
provisions are generally effective for plan years that begin on or 
after January 1, 2017.
    Prior to the first day of the first plan year that begins on or 
after January 1, 2017, a plan that uses an interest crediting rate that 
is not permitted under the final hybrid plan regulations must be 
amended to change to an interest crediting rate that is permitted under 
those regulations. Although a plan is permitted to be amended to change 
the interest crediting rate with respect to benefits that have not yet 
accrued, an amendment that reduces the interest crediting rate with 
respect to benefits that have already accrued would ordinarily be 
impermissible under section 411(d)(6).
    In order to resolve the conflict between the market rate of return 
rules of section 411(b)(5)(B)(i) and the anti-cutback rules of section 
411(d)(6), these regulations permit a plan with a noncompliant interest 
crediting rate to be amended with respect to benefits that have already 
accrued so that its interest crediting rate complies with the market 
rate of return rules. If the applicable requirements of these 
regulations are satisfied, such an amendment is permitted with respect 
to benefits that have already accrued, but only with respect to 
interest credits that are credited for interest crediting periods that 
begin on or after the later of the effective date of the amendment or 
the date the amendment is adopted (the applicable amendment date within 
the meaning of Sec.  1.411(d)-3(g)(4)).\1\ To qualify for this 
treatment, the amendment must be adopted prior to and effective no 
later than the applicability date of the regulatory market rate of 
return rules (generally, the first day of the first plan year that 
begins on or after January 1, 2017, with a delayed applicability date 
for collectively bargained plans).
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    \1\ Thus, these regulations do not permit a reduction in the 
hypothetical account balance as of the applicable amendment date.
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    Like the 2014 proposed regulations, these regulations permit 
amendments that bring the plan into compliance by changing the specific 
feature that causes the plan's interest crediting rate to be 
noncompliant, while not changing other features of the existing rate. 
If the noncompliant interest crediting rate has more than one 
noncompliant feature, then each noncompliant feature must be addressed 
separately in the prescribed manner. Examples are included to 
illustrate the application of these rules.
    The standard in these final regulations for resolving this conflict 
between section 411(d)(6) and section 411(b)(5)(B)(i) is generally 
comparable to the standard under the rules of Sec.  1.411(d)-4, A-
2(b)(1) and (b)(2)(i) with respect to the Commissioner's exercise of 
authority to resolve a conflict between section 411(d)(6) and another 
qualification requirement under section 401(a). The Treasury Department 
and the IRS believe this approach is the most appropriate manner to 
resolve the conflict between the market rate of return rules of section 
411(b)(5)(B)(i) and the anti-cutback rules of section 411(d)(6).\2\
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    \2\ A plan may have been amended to change its interest 
crediting rate under the rules of section 1107 of PPA '06. Section 
1107 of PPA '06 provided relief from the requirements of section 
411(d)(6) for amendments made pursuant to a change in law under PPA 
'06 if the amendment was adopted by the last day of the first plan 
year that began on or after January 1, 2009 (or 2011, in the case of 
a governmental plan as defined in section 414(d)). If an interest 
crediting rate adopted under the rules of section 1107 of PPA '06 is 
not permitted under the final hybrid plan regulations, then these 
final regulations permit a subsequent amendment to change the rate 
to a rate permitted under the final hybrid plan regulations.
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    If a noncompliant rate involves one or more variable rates or a 
variable rate together with a fixed rate, it is not

[[Page 70682]]

always readily apparent which specific feature or component rate causes 
the rate to be noncompliant. In addition, if either the existing rate 
or any of the potential corrections involves variable components, it is 
impossible to determine with certainty at the time of amendment the 
single amendment that in all cases that will result in the least 
reduction to the participant's accrued benefit as of the participant's 
annuity starting date. Thus, in response to a number of comments on the 
2014 proposed regulations that more flexibility to amend noncompliant 
features be provided, the final regulations in many cases permit a plan 
sponsor to choose one of two or more alternative amendments in order to 
bring a plan into compliance.
    A number of commenters specifically requested that the rules in the 
transition regulations permit any noncompliant bond-based rate to be 
capped at the third segment rate. The Treasury Department and the IRS 
agree that this is an appropriate approach. Accordingly, an additional 
option has been added in each case involving bond-based rates so that 
any noncompliant variable rate that is not an investment-based rate 
(including the greater of two or more non-investment based variable 
rates) may be capped at the third segment rate. If this approach is 
used, the third segment rate cap would have to satisfy the rules that 
apply to the use of the third segment rate as an interest crediting 
rate. Thus, the cap could be any of the third segment rates that may be 
used as an interest crediting rate and the cap would have to use a 
permissible lookback month and stability period. Note, however, that if 
any noncompliant composite rate is limited so that it does not exceed a 
third segment rate cap, that limit would also apply with respect to any 
annual fixed minimum rate that is part of the noncompliant composite 
rate. Therefore, the annual interest crediting rate (taking into 
account the cap) could be lower than the otherwise applicable fixed 
minimum rate.\3\
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    \3\ This limitation on an otherwise applicable minimum rate may 
have implications for plans that require an annual minimum rate in 
order to satisfy the anti-backloading rules of section 411(b)(1).
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    A special rule has been added to the regulations to clarify that an 
amendment to correct a noncompliant feature that provides for a greater 
interest crediting rate than the specific amendment set forth in the 
regulations also does not violate section 411(d)(6). Thus, for example, 
in any case in which it is permissible to address a noncompliant rate 
by capping the rate at the third segment rate, it would also be 
permissible to address the noncompliant rate simply by switching to the 
third segment rate. Similarly, an amendment to switch to the third 
segment rate together with a permitted fixed minimum rate would be 
permissible.
    These final regulations also provide flexibility with respect to 
noncompliant investment-based rates. In particular, if a plan credits 
interest using a noncompliant investment-based rate and there is no 
permitted investment-based rate with similar risk and return 
characteristics as the plan's impermissible rate, then, as an 
alternative to the specified corrective amendment that was in the 
proposed regulations, an amendment to switch to the third segment rate 
with a 4 percent fixed minimum rate is permitted. The regulations also 
clarify the specified corrective amendment that was in the proposed 
regulations by providing that it is permissible in such a case to 
switch to a permitted investment-based rate that is otherwise similar 
to the plan's impermissible investment-based rate but without the risk 
and return characteristics of the impermissible rate that caused it to 
be impermissible (generally requiring the use of a rate that is less 
volatile than the plan's impermissible investment-based rate but is 
otherwise similar to that rate).
    The preamble to the 2014 final hybrid plan regulations contained a 
discussion of statutory hybrid plans that permit participants to choose 
from among a menu of hypothetical investment options. Because of the 
significant concerns relating to the use of these plan designs, the 
Treasury Department and the IRS continue to study the issues raised in 
the preamble to the 2014 final hybrid plan regulations related to these 
plans, and it is possible that the Treasury Department and the IRS will 
conclude that such plan designs are not permitted. Nevertheless, the 
Treasury Department and the IRS understand that some of these plans 
contain one or more hypothetical investment options that provide for a 
rate of return that is not permitted under the final hybrid plan 
regulations. A special rule is included in these regulations in order 
to address the noncompliance that results from the availability of at 
least one hypothetical investment option that provides for an 
impermissible rate of return. This special rule provides that the rules 
of these final regulations may be applied separately to correct each 
impermissible hypothetical investment option. Alternatively, with 
respect to such a plan that permitted a participant to choose an 
interest crediting rate from among a menu of hypothetical investment 
options on September 18, 2014, pursuant to plan provisions that were 
adopted on or before September 18, 2014, this special rule provides 
that the entire menu of investment options may be treated as an 
impermissible investment-based rate for which there is no permitted 
investment-based rate with similar risk and return characteristics (so 
that the rule of Sec.  1.411(b)(5)-1(e)(3)(vi)(C)(7) does not apply). 
As a result, plans described in the preceding sentence may be amended 
to eliminate a participant's ability to choose an interest crediting 
rate from among a menu of hypothetical investment options in accordance 
with Sec.  1.411(b)(5)-1(e)(3)(vi)(C)(9). The inclusion of this special 
rule with respect to plan designs that permit participant direction of 
interest crediting rates is merely intended to address the 
noncompliance that results from the availability of a hypothetical 
investment option that provides for an impermissible rate of return, 
and should not be construed to create any inference as to the 
permissibility of these plan designs in general.
    The preamble to the 2014 proposed regulations specifically 
requested comments as to an amendment to bring a plan into compliance 
if the plan credits interest using a composite rate that is an 
investment-based rate of return with an impermissible annual (or more 
frequent) fixed or variable rate. Many commenters requested flexibility 
to choose among options in such a case because there is no single 
correction that is the best correction for all cases. The Treasury 
Department and the IRS agree that, for this type of interest crediting 
rate, no single correction method is the most appropriate method for 
all cases. Therefore, the final regulations provide that it is 
permissible either to eliminate the fixed minimum rate (or any variable 
non-investment based rate) and eliminate any reduction to the 
investment-based rate, or to switch to the third segment rate 
(preserving any fixed minimum rate to the maximum extent permitted).
    In response to comments inquiring about the treatment of plans that 
provide for a cumulative floor (such as, for example, in order to 
comply with section 411(d)(6) in connection with a prior amendment to 
change the plan's interest crediting rate on accrued pay credits), the 
regulations provide for a special rule that applies with respect to a 
participant under a plan that takes into account a minimum rate of 
return that applies less frequently than annually or that determines 
the participant's benefit as of the annuity

[[Page 70683]]

starting date as the benefit provided by the greatest of two or more 
account balances and that minimum rate or benefit based on two or more 
account balances does not satisfy the market rate of return rules. If 
this rule applies, the plan must be amended to provide that the benefit 
for a participant is based solely on the benefit (and the associated 
interest crediting rate with respect to that benefit) that is greatest 
for that participant as of the applicable amendment date for the 
amendment adopted pursuant to these regulations. In addition, the plan 
must be further amended pursuant to the other rules in these 
regulations if the remaining interest crediting rate does not satisfy 
the market rate of return rules.
    In response to comments as to the permissibility of rounding 
interest crediting rates and the need for the regulations to provide 
section 411(d)(6) relief for plans that use an impermissible rounding 
rule, the regulations provide for a rounding rule and also provide for 
section 411(d)(6) relief for transitional amendments to comply with 
this rounding rule. Under the rounding rule, a plan is not treated as 
failing to meet the requirement that a plan not credit interest at a 
rate that exceeds a market rate of return merely because the plan 
determines interest credits for an interest crediting period by 
rounding the calculated interest rate or rate of return. Under this 
rule, an annual rate may be rounded to the nearest multiple of 25 basis 
points (or a smaller rounding interval). If a plan provides for the 
crediting of interest more frequently than annually, then the rounding 
interval must not exceed a pro-rata portion of 25 basis points. 
Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, a plan is permitted to round to 
the nearest basis point regardless of the length of the interest 
crediting period.
    Several commenters identified the need for section 411(d)(6) relief 
for plans that provide for rules that apply upon plan termination that 
do not comply with the plan termination rules in the final hybrid plan 
regulations. In response to these comments, the regulations provide for 
section 411(d)(6) relief for transitional amendments made to enable a 
plan to comply with the plan termination rules in the final hybrid plan 
regulations.
    In response to the comment request included in the 2014 proposed 
regulations with respect to all aspects of those proposed rules, the 
Department of Treasury and the IRS received a number of comments with 
respect to provisions of the 2014 final hybrid plan regulations instead 
of the 2014 proposed regulations. These final regulations delay the 
applicability date of certain provisions in the 2014 final hybrid plan 
regulations (and provide for a special delayed applicability date for 
collectively bargained plans), but do not otherwise address comments on 
provisions of the 2014 final hybrid plan regulations.\4\
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    \4\ Proposed regulations (REG-132554-08) under sections 
411(a)(13), 411(b)(1), and 411(b)(5) (2010 proposed hybrid plan 
regulations) were published by the Treasury Department and the IRS 
in the Federal Register on October 19, 2010 (75 FR 64197). The 
Treasury Department and the IRS received written comments on the 
2010 proposed hybrid plan regulations, and a public hearing was held 
on January 26, 2011. The 2014 final hybrid plan regulations, which 
finalized the 2010 proposed hybrid plan regulations, took into 
account the comments received prior to publication of the 2014 final 
hybrid plan regulations.
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Effective/Applicability Dates

    These regulations generally apply to plan amendments made on or 
after September 18, 2014 (or an earlier date as elected by the 
taxpayer), and they do not apply for amendments made on or after the 
first day of the first plan year that begins on or after January 1, 
2017. However, for collectively bargained plans, these regulations 
continue to apply for amendments made before the first day of the first 
plan year that begins on or after January 1, 2019, unless the last 
collective bargaining agreement ratified on or before November 13, 2015 
expires before January 1, 2019, in which case these regulations cease 
to apply to amendments made on or after the first day of the first plan 
year that begins on or after the later of the date on which the last 
applicable collective bargaining agreement expires or January 1, 2017.

Special Analyses

    Certain IRS regulations, including this one, are exempt from the 
requirements of Executive Order 12866, as supplemented and reaffirmed 
by Executive Order 13563. Therefore, a regulatory impact assessment is 
not required. It also has been determined that section 553(b) of the 
Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 5) does not apply to 
these regulations, and because these regulations do not impose a 
collection of information on small entities, the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 6) does not apply. Pursuant to section 7805(f) of 
the Code, the notice of proposed rulemaking preceding these regulations 
was submitted to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration for comment on its impact on small business.

Drafting Information

    The principal authors of these regulations are Neil S. Sandhu and 
Linda S.F. Marshall, Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and 
Government Entities). However, other personnel from the IRS and the 
Treasury Department participated in the development of these 
regulations.

List of Subjects in 26 CFR Part 1

    Income taxes, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

Adoption of Amendments to the Regulations

    Accordingly, 26 CFR part 1 is amended as follows:

PART 1--INCOME TAXES

0
Paragraph 1. The authority citation for part 1 continues to read in 
part as follows:

    Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * *


Sec.  1.411(a)(13)-1  [Amended]

0
Par. 2. For each entry listed in the ``Location'' column, remove the 
language in the ``Remove'' column and add the language in the ``Add'' 
column in its place.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Location                   Remove                  Add
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec.   1.411(a)(13)-          for plan years that   for plan years
 1(d)(3)(i), third sentence.   begin on or after     described in
                               January 1, 2016.      paragraph
                                                     (e)(2)(ii)(A) or
                                                     (e)(2)(ii)(B) of
                                                     this section, as
                                                     applicable.
Sec.   1.411(a)(13)-          for plan years that   for plan years
 1(d)(3)(i), fifth and sixth   begin on or after     described in
 sentences.                    January 1, 2016.      paragraph
                                                     (e)(2)(ii)(A) or
                                                     (e)(2)(ii)(B) of
                                                     this section (as
                                                     applicable).
Sec.   1.411(a)(13)-          for plan years that   for plan years
 1(d)(4)(ii)(A), second        begin on or after     described in
 sentence.                     January 1, 2016.      paragraph
                                                     (e)(2)(ii)(A) or
                                                     (e)(2)(ii)(B) of
                                                     this section (as
                                                     applicable).
Sec.   1.411(a)(13)-          For plan years that   For plan years
 1(d)(4)(ii)(C), second        begin on or after     described in
 sentence.                     January 1, 2016.      paragraph
                                                     (e)(2)(ii)(A) or
                                                     (e)(2)(ii)(B) of
                                                     this section (as
                                                     applicable).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 70684]]


0
Par. 3. Section 1.411(a)(13)-1 is amended by revising paragraph 
(e)(2)(ii) to read as follows:


Sec.  1.411(a)(13)-1  Statutory hybrid plans.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) Special effective date--(A) In general. Except as otherwise 
provided in this paragraph (e)(2)(ii), paragraphs (b)(2), (3), and (4) 
of this section apply to plan years that begin on or after January 1, 
2017.
    (B) Collectively bargained plans. In the case of a plan maintained 
pursuant to one or more collective bargaining agreements between 
employee representatives and one or more employers ratified on or 
before November 13, 2015, that constitutes a collectively bargained 
plan under the rules of Sec.  1.436-1(a)(5)(ii)(B), paragraphs (b)(2), 
(3), and (4) of this section apply to plan years that begin on or after 
the later of--
    (1) January 1, 2017; and
    (2) The earlier of--
    (i) January 1, 2019; and
    (ii) The date on which the last of those collective bargaining 
agreements terminates (determined without regard to any extension 
thereof on or after November 13, 2015).
* * * * *


Sec.  1.411(b)(5)-1  [Amended]

0
Par. 4. For each entry listed in the ``Location'' column, remove the 
language in the ``Remove'' column and add the language in the ``Add'' 
column in its place.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Location                   Remove                  Add
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec.   1.411(b)(5)-           For plan years that   For plan years
 1(b)(1)(ii)(F).               begin on or after     described in
                               January 1, 2016.      paragraph
                                                     (f)(2)(i)(B)(1) or
                                                     (f)(2)(i)(B)(3) of
                                                     this section (as
                                                     applicable).
Sec.   1.411(b)(5)-           for plan years that   for plan years
 1(b)(1)(iii), third           begin on or after     described in
 sentence.                     January 1, 2016.      paragraph
                                                     (f)(2)(i)(B)(1) or
                                                     (f)(2)(i)(B)(3) of
                                                     this section (as
                                                     applicable).
Sec.   1.411(b)(5)-           for plan years that   for plan years
 1(b)(2)(i), third sentence.   begin on or after     described in
                               January 1, 2016.      paragraph
                                                     (f)(2)(i)(B)(1) or
                                                     (f)(2)(i)(B)(3) of
                                                     this section, as
                                                     applicable.
Sec.   1.411(b)(5)-           the first plan year   the first plan year
 1(e)(2)(ii)(B)(1), second     that begins on or     described in
 sentence.                     after January 1,      paragraph
                               2016.                 (f)(2)(i)(B)(1) or
                                                     (f)(2)(i)(B)(3) of
                                                     this section (as
                                                     applicable).
Sec.   1.411(b)(5)-           For plan years that   For plan years
 1(e)(3)(ii)(D).               begin on or after     described in
                               January 1, 2016.      paragraph
                                                     (f)(2)(i)(B)(1) or
                                                     (f)(2)(i)(B)(3) of
                                                     this section (as
                                                     applicable).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


0
Par. 5. Section 1.411(b)(5)-1 is amended by:
0
1. Adding a new sentence between the second and third sentences of 
paragraph (d)(1)(iv)(A);
0
2. Adding paragraph (d)(1)(iv)(E);
0
3. Adding paragraphs (e)(3)(vi) and (vii); and
0
4. Revising paragraph (f)(2)(i)(B).
    The additions and revisions read as follows:


Sec.  1.411(b)(5)-1  Reduction in rate of benefit accrual under a 
defined benefit plan.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iv) * * *
    (A) * * * In addition, a plan is permitted to round the calculated 
interest rate or rate of return in accordance with paragraph 
(d)(1)(iv)(E) of this section.
* * * * *
    (E) Rounding of interest crediting rate. A plan is not treated as 
failing to meet the requirements of this paragraph (d) merely because 
the plan determines interest credits for an interest crediting period 
by rounding the calculated interest rate or rate of return in 
accordance with this paragraph (d)(1)(iv)(E). An annual rate may be 
rounded to the nearest multiple of 25 basis points (or a smaller 
rounding interval). If a plan provides for the crediting of interest 
more frequently than annually, then the rounding interval must not 
exceed a pro-rata portion of 25 basis points. Notwithstanding the 
preceding sentence, a plan is permitted to round to the nearest basis 
point regardless of the length of the interest crediting period.
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (vi) Transitional amendments needed to satisfy the market rate of 
return rules--(A) In general. Notwithstanding the requirements of 
section 411(d)(6), if the requirements set forth in this paragraph 
(e)(3)(vi) are satisfied, a plan may be amended to change its interest 
crediting rate with respect to benefits that have already accrued in 
order to comply with the requirements of section 411(b)(5)(B)(i) and 
paragraph (d) of this section. A plan amendment is eligible for the 
treatment provided under this paragraph (e)(3)(vi)(A) to the extent 
that the amendment modifies an interest crediting rate that does not 
satisfy the requirements of section 411(b)(5)(B)(i) and paragraph (d) 
of this section in the manner specified in paragraph (e)(3)(vi)(C) of 
this section.
    (B) Rules of application--(1) Multiple noncompliant features. If a 
plan's interest crediting rate has more than one noncompliant feature 
as described in paragraph (e)(3)(vi)(C) of this section, then each 
noncompliant feature must be addressed separately in the manner 
specified in paragraph (e)(3)(vi)(C) of this section.
    (2) Definition of investment-based rate. The application of the 
rules of paragraph (e)(3)(vi)(C) of this section to an interest 
crediting rate depends on whether the interest crediting rate is an 
investment-based rate. For purposes of this paragraph (e)(3)(vi), an 
investment-based rate is a rate based on either a rate of return 
provided by actual investments (taking into account the return 
attributable to any change in the value of the underlying investments) 
or a rate of return for an index that measures the change in the value 
of investments. A rate is an investment-based rate even if it is based 
only in part on a rate described in the preceding sentence.
    (3) Timing rules for permitted amendments. The rules under this 
paragraph (e)(3)(vi) apply only to a plan amendment that is adopted 
prior to and effective no later than the first day of the first plan 
year described in paragraph (f)(2)(i)(B)(1) or (f)(2)(i)(B)(3) of this 
section, as applicable. In addition, the rules under this paragraph 
(e)(3)(vi) apply to a plan amendment only with respect to interest 
credits that are credited for interest crediting periods that begin on 
or after the applicable amendment date (within the meaning of Sec.  
1.411(d)-3(g)(4)).
    (4) Amendments that provide for greater interest crediting rates. 
If a plan is amended in accordance with paragraphs (e)(3)(vi)(C)(1) 
through (10) of this section to switch from a noncompliant rate to a 
compliant rate and is subsequently amended to switch to a second 
compliant rate that can

[[Page 70685]]

never be less than the first compliant rate, then the second amendment 
does not violate section 411(d)(6). If, instead, the plan is amended to 
switch from the noncompliant rate to the second compliant rate in a 
single amendment, that amendment also does not violate section 
411(d)(6). For example, if it is permitted under paragraph 
(e)(3)(vi)(C) of this section to first amend the plan to credit 
interest using the lesser of the current rate and a rate described in 
paragraph (d)(3) of this section, it is then permissible to amend the 
plan to credit interest using that rate described in paragraph (d)(3) 
of this section. In such a case, it is also permissible to amend the 
plan to switch from the current rate to a rate described in paragraph 
(d)(3) of this section in a single amendment.
    (5) Cumulative floors, including floors resulting from a prior 
change in rates with section 411(d)(6) protection. This paragraph 
(e)(3)(vi)(B)(5) applies to a plan that takes into account a minimum 
rate of return that applies less frequently than annually. This 
paragraph (e)(3)(vi)(B)(5) also applies to a plan that determines the 
participant's benefit as of the annuity starting date as the benefit 
provided by the greatest of two or more account balances (for example, 
in order to comply with section 411(d)(6) in connection with a prior 
amendment to change the plan's interest crediting rate). In either 
case, this paragraph (e)(3)(vi)(B)(5) applies with respect to a 
participant only if the requirements of paragraph (d)(6) of this 
section are not satisfied with respect to that participant. If this 
paragraph (e)(3)(vi)(B)(5) applies with respect to a participant, the 
plan must be amended to provide that the benefit for the participant is 
based solely on the benefit (and the associated interest crediting rate 
with respect to that benefit) that is greatest for that participant as 
of the applicable amendment date for the amendment made pursuant to 
this paragraph (e)(3)(vi). In addition, the plan must be further 
amended pursuant to the other rules in this paragraph (e)(3)(vi) if the 
remaining interest crediting rate does not satisfy the requirements of 
paragraph (d) of this section.
    (6) Plans that permit participant direction of interest crediting 
rates. This paragraph (e)(3)(vi)(B)(6) applies in the case in which a 
plan permits a participant to choose an interest crediting rate from 
among a menu of hypothetical investment options and at least one of 
those hypothetical investment options provides for an interest 
crediting rate that is not permitted under paragraph (d) of this 
section (so that the plan fails to satisfy the requirements of 
paragraph (d) of this section). In such a case, the rules of this 
paragraph (e)(3)(vi) may be applied separately to correct each 
impermissible investment option. Alternatively, with respect to such a 
plan that permitted a participant to choose an interest crediting rate 
from among a menu of hypothetical investment options on September 18, 
2014, pursuant to plan provisions that were adopted on or before 
September 18, 2014, the entire menu of investment options may be 
treated as an impermissible investment-based rate for which there is no 
permitted investment-based rate with similar risk and return 
characteristics (so that the rule of paragraph (e)(3)(vi)(C)(7) of this 
section does not apply). As a result, plans described in the preceding 
sentence may be amended to eliminate a participant's ability to choose 
an interest crediting rate from among a menu of hypothetical investment 
options in accordance with paragraph (e)(3)(vi)(C)(9) of this section.
    (C) Noncompliant feature and amendment to bring plan into 
compliance--(1) Timing or other rules related to determining interest 
credits not satisfied. If a plan has an underlying interest rate that 
generally satisfies the rules of paragraph (d) of this section but that 
does not satisfy the rules relating to how interest credits are 
determined and credited as set forth in paragraph (d)(1)(iv) of this 
section, then the plan must be amended either--
    (i) To correct the aspect of the plan's interest crediting rate 
that fails to comply with the rules of paragraph (d)(1)(iv) of this 
section with respect to its underlying interest crediting rate; or
    (ii) If the plan's interest crediting rate is a variable rate that 
is not an investment-based rate of return, to provide that the plan's 
interest crediting rate is the lesser of that variable rate and a rate 
described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section that satisfies the rules 
of paragraph (d)(1)(iv) of this section.
    (2) Fixed rate in excess of 6 percent. If a plan's interest 
crediting rate is a fixed rate in excess of the rate described in 
paragraph (d)(4)(v) of this section, then the plan must be amended to 
reduce the interest crediting rate to an annual interest crediting rate 
of 6 percent.
    (3) Bond-based rate with margin exceeding maximum permitted margin. 
If a plan's interest crediting rate is a noncompliant rate that 
consists of an underlying rate described in paragraph (d)(3) or (d)(4) 
of this section except that the plan applies a margin that exceeds the 
maximum permitted margin under paragraph (d)(3) or (d)(4) of this 
section to the underlying rate, then the plan must be amended either--
    (i) To reduce the margin to the maximum permitted margin for the 
underlying rate used by the plan; or
    (ii) To provide that the plan's interest crediting rate is the 
lesser of the plan's noncompliant rate and a rate described in 
paragraph (d)(3) of this section (together with any fixed minimum rate 
that was part of the noncompliant rate, reduced to the extent necessary 
to comply with paragraph (d)(6)(ii) of this section).
    (4) Bond-based rate with fixed minimum rate applied on an annual or 
more frequent basis in excess of the highest permitted fixed minimum 
rate. If a plan's interest crediting rate is a composite rate that 
consists of a variable rate described in paragraph (d)(3) or (d)(4) of 
this section in combination with a fixed minimum rate in excess of the 
highest permitted fixed minimum rate under paragraph (d)(6)(ii)(A)(2) 
or (B)(2) of this section (as applicable), then the plan must be 
amended in one of the following manners:
    (i) To reduce the fixed minimum rate to the highest permitted fixed 
minimum rate that may be used in combination with the plan's variable 
rate;
    (ii) To credit interest using an annual interest crediting rate of 
6 percent; or
    (iii) To provide that the plan's interest crediting rate is the 
lesser of the plan's noncompliant composite rate and a rate described 
in paragraph (d)(3) of this section (together with a fixed minimum rate 
of 4 percent).
    (5) Greatest of two or more variable bond-based rates. If a plan's 
interest crediting rate is a composite rate that is the greatest of two 
or more variable rates described in paragraph (d)(3) or (d)(4) of this 
section, then the plan must be amended to provide for an interest 
crediting rate that is the lesser of the composite rate and a rate 
described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section.
    (6) Other impermissible bond-based rates. If, after application of 
the rules of paragraphs (e)(3)(vi)(C)(1) through (5) of this section, a 
plan's interest crediting rate is a variable rate that is not an 
investment-based rate of return and is not described in paragraph 
(d)(3) or (d)(4) of this section, then the plan must be amended 
either--
    (i) To provide for an interest crediting rate based on a variable 
rate described in paragraph (d)(3) or (d)(4) of this section that has 
similar duration and quality characteristics as the plan's variable 
rate, if such a rate can be selected; or
    (ii) To provide for an interest crediting rate that is the lesser 
of the plan's

[[Page 70686]]

variable rate and a rate described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section.
    (7) Impermissible investment-based rate that can be replaced with a 
permissible rate that has similar risk and return characteristics. If a 
plan's interest crediting rate is an investment-based rate of return 
that is not described in paragraph (d)(5) of this section and a 
permitted investment-based rate described in paragraph (d)(5)(ii)(A), 
(d)(5)(ii)(B), or (d)(5)(iv) of this section that has similar risk and 
return characteristics as the plan's impermissible investment-based 
rate can be selected, then the plan must be amended to provide for an 
interest crediting rate based on such a permitted investment-based 
rate.
    (8) Investment-based rate with an annual or more frequent minimum 
rate that is either a fixed rate or a non-investment based variable 
rate. If a plan's interest crediting rate is an investment-based rate 
of return that would be described in paragraph (d)(5) of this section 
except that the plan uses an annual or more frequent minimum rate that 
is either a fixed rate or a non-investment based variable rate in 
conjunction with the investment-based rate, then the plan must be 
amended either--
    (i) To credit interest using that investment-based rate of return 
described in paragraph (d)(5) of this section without the minimum rate 
and eliminating any reduction (or other adjustment) to the investment-
based rate; or
    (ii) To provide that the plan's interest crediting rate is a rate 
described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section (together with any fixed 
minimum rate, reduced to the extent necessary to comply with paragraph 
(d)(6)(ii) of this section).
    (9) Other impermissible investment-based rates. If, after 
application of the rules of paragraphs (e)(3)(vi)(C)(1), (7), and (8) 
of this section, a plan's interest crediting rate is an investment-
based rate that is not described in paragraph (d)(5) of this section, 
then the plan must be amended either--
    (i) To provide for an interest crediting rate that is an 
investment-based rate that is described in paragraph (d)(5) of this 
section and that is otherwise similar to the plan's impermissible 
investment-based rate but without the risk and return characteristics 
of the impermissible investment-based rate that caused it to be 
impermissible (generally requiring the use of a rate that is less 
volatile than the plan's impermissible investment-based rate but is 
otherwise similar to that rate); or
    (ii) To provide that the plan's interest crediting rate is a rate 
described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section with a fixed minimum rate 
of 4 percent.
    (D) Examples. The following examples illustrate the application of 
the rules of this paragraph (e)(3)(vi). Each plan has a plan year that 
is the calendar year, and all amendments are adopted on October 1, 
2016, and become effective for interest crediting periods beginning on 
or after January 1, 2017. Except as otherwise provided, the interest 
crediting rate under the plan satisfies the timing and other rules 
related to crediting interest under paragraph (d)(1)(iv) of this 
section.

    Example 1. (i) Facts. A plan determines interest credits for a 
plan year using the average yield on 30-year Treasury Constant 
Maturities for the last week of the preceding plan year (which is an 
impermissible lookback period for this purpose pursuant to paragraph 
(d)(1)(iv)(B) of this section because it is not a month).
    (ii) Conclusion. Pursuant to paragraph (e)(3)(vi)(C)(1) of this 
section, the plan must be amended in one of two manners. It may be 
amended to determine interest credits for a plan year using the 
average yield on 30-year Treasury Constant Maturities for a lookback 
month that complies with the requirements of paragraph (d)(1)(iv)(B) 
of this section. Alternatively, the plan may be amended to cap the 
existing rate so that it cannot exceed a third segment rate 
described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section for a period that 
complies with the requirements of paragraph (d)(1)(iv)(B) of this 
section.
    Example 2. (i) Facts. A plan determines interest credits for a 
plan year using the average yield on 30-year Treasury Constant 
Maturities for the last week of the preceding plan year, plus 50 
basis points.
    (ii) Conclusion. Pursuant to paragraph (e)(3)(vi)(B)(1) of this 
section, the plan must be amended to correct both the impermissible 
lookback period and the excess margin. Accordingly, pursuant to 
paragraph (e)(3)(vi)(C)(1) and (3) of this section, the plan may be 
amended to determine interest credits for a plan year using the 
average yield on 30-year Treasury Constant Maturities (with no 
margin) for a period that complies with the requirements of 
paragraph (d)(1)(iv)(B) of this section. Alternatively, the plan may 
be amended to cap the existing rate so that it cannot exceed a third 
segment rate described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section for a 
period that complies with the requirements of paragraph 
(d)(1)(iv)(B) of this section.
    Example 3. (i) Facts. A plan credits interest for a plan year 
using the rate of return on plan assets for the preceding plan year.
    (ii) Conclusion. Pursuant to paragraph (e)(3)(vi)(C)(1) of this 
section, the plan must be amended to determine interest credits for 
each plan year using the rate of return on plan assets for that plan 
year.
    Example 4. (i) Facts. A plan credits interest using the average 
yield on 30-year Treasury Constant Maturities for December of the 
preceding plan year with a minimum rate of 5.5 percent per year.
    (ii) Conclusion. Pursuant to paragraph (e)(3)(vi)(C)(4) of this 
section, the plan must be amended to change the plan's interest 
crediting rate. The new interest crediting rate under the plan may 
be the average yield on 30-year Treasury Constant Maturities for 
December of the preceding plan year with a minimum rate of 5 percent 
per year. Alternatively, the new interest crediting rate under the 
plan may be an annual interest crediting rate of 6 percent. As 
another alternative, the existing noncompliant composite rate may be 
capped so that it cannot exceed a third segment rate described in 
paragraph (d)(3) of this section, with a minimum rate of 4 percent 
as a floor on the entire resulting rate.
    Example 5. (i) Facts. A plan credits interest using the greater 
of the unadjusted yield on 30-year Treasury Constant Maturities and 
the yield on 1-year Treasury Constant Maturities plus 100 basis 
points.
    (ii) Conclusion. Pursuant to paragraph (e)(3)(vi)(C)(5) of this 
section, the plan must be amended to cap the existing composite 
``greater-of'' rate so that the composite rate cannot exceed a third 
segment rate described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section.
    Example 6. (i) Facts. A plan credits interest using a broad-
based index that measures the yield to maturity on a group of 
intermediate-term investment grade corporate bonds.
    (ii) Conclusion. Pursuant to paragraph (e)(3)(vi)(C)(6) of this 
section, the plan must be amended in one of two manners. The plan 
may be amended to credit interest using a second segment rate 
described in paragraph (d)(4)(iv) of this section. Alternatively, 
the plan may be amended to cap the existing rate so that it cannot 
exceed a third segment rate described in paragraph (d)(3) of this 
section.
    Example 7. (i) Facts. A plan credits interest using the rate of 
return for a broad-based index that measures the yield to maturity 
on a group of short-term non-investment grade corporate bonds.
    (ii) Conclusion. Pursuant to paragraph (e)(3)(vi)(C)(6)(ii) of 
this section, the plan must be amended to cap the existing rate so 
that it cannot exceed a third segment rate described in paragraph 
(d)(3) of this section.
    Example 8. (i) Facts. A plan credits interest using the rate of 
return for the S&P 500 index. To bring the plan into compliance with 
the market rate of return rules, the plan sponsor amends the plan to 
credit interest based on the rate of return on a RIC that is 
designed to track the rate of return on the S&P 500 index.
    (ii) Conclusion. The amendment satisfies the rule of paragraph 
(e)(3)(vi)(C)(7) of this section.
    Example 9. (i) Facts. A plan credits interest based on the rate 
of return on a collective trust that holds a portfolio of equity 
investments, which provides a rate of return that is reasonably 
expected to be not significantly more volatile than the broad U.S. 
equities market or a similarly broad international equities market. 
To bring the plan into compliance with the market rate of return 
rules, the plan sponsor amends the plan to credit interest based on 
the actual rate of return on the assets within a specified subset of 
the plan's assets that is invested in the collective trust and that 
satisfies the requirements of paragraph (d)(5)(ii)(B) of this 
section.

[[Page 70687]]

    (ii) Conclusion. The amendment satisfies the rule of paragraph 
(e)(3)(vi)(C)(7) of this section.
    Example 10. (i) Facts. A plan credits interest for a plan year 
using the rate of return on a RIC that has most of its investments 
concentrated in the semiconductor industry.
    (ii) Conclusion. Pursuant to paragraph (e)(3)(vi)(C)(9) of this 
section, the plan must be amended in one of two manners. The plan 
may be amended to provide for an interest crediting rate that is an 
investment-based rate that is described in paragraph (d)(5) of this 
section and that is similar to the plan's impermissible investment-
based rate except to the extent that the risk and return 
characteristics of the impermissible investment-based rate caused it 
to be impermissible. Thus, the plan may be amended to provide for an 
interest crediting rate based on the rate of return on a RIC that is 
invested in a broader sector of the market than the semiconductor 
industry (such as the overall technology sector of the market), 
provided that the sector in which the RIC is invested is broad 
enough that the volatility requirements of paragraph (d)(5)(iv) of 
this section are satisfied. Alternatively, the plan may be amended 
to provide that the plan's interest crediting rate is a third 
segment rate described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section with a 
fixed minimum rate of 4 percent.
    Example 11. (i) Facts. A plan was amended in 2014 to change its 
interest crediting rate for all interest crediting periods after the 
applicable amendment date of the amendment. The amendment changed 
the rate from the yield on 30-year Treasury Constant Maturities to 
the rate of return on aggregate plan assets under paragraph 
(d)(5)(ii)(A) of this section. The amendment also provided for 
section 411(d)(6) protection with respect to the account balance as 
of the applicable amendment date (by providing that the account 
balance after the applicable amendment date will never be smaller 
than the account balance as of the applicable amendment date 
credited with interest using the yield on 30-year Treasury Constant 
Maturities).
    (ii) Conclusions. (A) Participants benefiting under the plan. 
With respect to those participants who were benefiting under the 
plan as of the applicable amendment date of the amendment described 
in paragraph (i) of this Example 11, the requirements of paragraph 
(e)(3)(iii) of this section (which provides a special market rate of 
return rule to permit certain changes in rates for participants 
benefiting under the plan) are satisfied. Accordingly, no amendment 
is required under this paragraph (e)(3)(vi) with respect to those 
participants.
    (B) Participants not benefiting under the plan. With respect to 
those participants who were not benefiting under the plan as of the 
applicable amendment date of the amendment described in paragraph 
(i) of this Example 11, the requirements of paragraph (e)(3)(iii) of 
this section are not satisfied and, accordingly, the ``greater-of'' 
rate resulting from the section 411(d)(6) protection does not 
satisfy the requirements of paragraph (d)(6) of this section. As a 
result, pursuant to paragraph (e)(3)(vi)(B)(5) of this section, it 
must be determined on a participant-by-participant basis which 
account balance provides the benefit that is greater as of the 
applicable amendment date for the amendment made pursuant to this 
paragraph (e)(3)(iv) (the transitional amendment). If, as of the 
applicable amendment date for the transitional amendment, the 
account balance credited with interest after the change in rates 
using the yield on 30-year Treasury Constant Maturities is greater, 
then the plan must be amended to provide that the participant's 
benefit is based solely on that account balance credited with 
interest using the yield on 30-year Treasury Constant Maturities. On 
the other hand, if, as of the applicable amendment date for the 
transitional amendment, the account balance using the rate of return 
on aggregate plan assets is greater, then the plan must be amended 
to provide that the participant's benefit is based solely on that 
account balance credited with interest at the rate of return on 
aggregate plan assets.

    (vii) Plan termination amendments. A plan amendment with an 
applicable amendment date on or before the first day of the first plan 
year described in paragraph (f)(2)(i)(B)(1) or (3) of this section (as 
applicable) is not treated as reducing accrued benefits in violation of 
section 411(d)(6) merely because the amendment changes the rules that 
apply upon plan termination in order to satisfy the requirements of 
paragraph (e)(2) of this section.
* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (B) Special effective date--(1) In general. Except as otherwise 
provided in this paragraph (f)(2)(i)(B), paragraphs (d)(1)(iii), 
(d)(1)(iv)(D) and (E), (d)(1)(vi), (d)(2)(ii) and (v), (d)(5)(ii)(B), 
(d)(5)(iv), (d)(6), (e)(2), (e)(3)(iii), (iv) and (v), and (e)(4) of 
this section apply to plan years that begin on or after January 1, 2017 
(or an earlier date as elected by the taxpayer).
    (2) Transitional amendments. Paragraphs (e)(3)(vi) and (vii) of 
this section apply to plan amendments made on or after September 18, 
2014 (or an earlier date as elected by the taxpayer).
    (3) Collectively bargained plans. In the case of a plan maintained 
pursuant to one or more collective bargaining agreements between 
employee representatives and one or more employers ratified on or 
before November 13, 2015, that constitutes a collectively bargained 
plan under the rules of Sec.  1.436-1(a)(5)(ii)(B), the paragraphs 
referenced in paragraph (f)(2)(i)(B)(1) of this section apply to plan 
years that begin on or after the later of--
    (i) January 1, 2017; and
    (ii) The earlier of January 1, 2019; and the date on which the last 
of those collective bargaining agreements terminates (determined 
without regard to any extension thereof on or after November 13, 2015).
* * * * *

John Dalrymple,
Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement.
    Approved: November 3, 2015.
Mark J. Mazur,
Assistant Secretary of the Treasury (Tax Policy).
[FR Doc. 2015-28915 Filed 11-13-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4830-01-P