Benefits Payable in Terminated Single-Employer Plans; Interest Assumptions for Paying Benefits, 68739-68741 [2013-27385]

Download as PDF emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 221 / Friday, November 15, 2013 / Rules and Regulations (f) * * * (1) * * * In addition, except as provided in paragraph (h) of this section or in guidance of general applicability published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin (see § 601.601(d)(2)(ii)(b) of this chapter), a plan which includes provisions that satisfy the rules of this section will not satisfy the requirements of § 1.401(m)– 1(b) if it is amended to change such provisions for that plan year. * * * * * * * * (4) * * * (i) The plan would satisfy the requirements of paragraph (h) of this section, treating the termination of the plan as a reduction or suspension of safe harbor contributions, other than the requirements of paragraph (h)(1)(i)(A) or (h)(1)(ii)(A) of this section (relating to the employer’s financial condition and information included in the initial notice for the plan year) and paragraph (h)(1)(i)(D) or (h)(1)(ii)(D) of this section (requiring that employees have a reasonable opportunity to change their cash or deferred elections and, if applicable, employee contribution elections); or (ii) The plan termination is in connection with a transaction described in section 410(b)(6)(C) or the employer incurs a substantial business hardship, comparable to a substantial business hardship described in section 412(c). * * * * * (h) Permissible reduction or suspension of safe harbor contributions—(1) General rule—(i) Matching contributions. A plan that provides for safe harbor matching contributions intended to satisfy the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section for a plan year will not fail to satisfy the requirements of section 401(m)(2) merely because the plan is amended during the plan year to reduce or suspend safe harbor matching contributions on future elective deferrals (and, if applicable, employee contributions) provided that— (A) In the case of plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2015, the employer either— (1) Is operating at an economic loss as described in section 412(c)(2)(A) for the plan year; or (2) Includes in the notice described in paragraph (e) of this section, a statement that the plan may be amended during the plan year to reduce or suspend safe harbor matching contributions and that the reduction or suspension will not apply until at least 30 days after all eligible employees are provided notice of the reduction or suspension; (B) All eligible employees are provided a supplemental notice that VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:51 Nov 14, 2013 Jkt 232001 satisfies the requirements of paragraph (h)(2) of this section; (C) The reduction or suspension of safe harbor matching contributions is effective no earlier than the later of the date the amendment is adopted or 30 days after eligible employees are provided the supplemental notice described in paragraph (h)(2) of this section; (D) Eligible employees are given a reasonable opportunity (including a reasonable period after receipt of the supplemental notice) prior to the reduction or suspension of safe harbor matching contributions to change their cash or deferred elections and, if applicable, their employee contribution elections; (E) The plan is amended to provide that the ACP test will be satisfied for the entire plan year in which the reduction or suspension occurs using the current year testing method described in § 1.401(m)–2(a)(2)(ii); and (F) The plan satisfies the requirements of this section (other than this paragraph (h)) with respect to amounts deferred through the effective date of the amendment. (ii) Nonelective contributions. For plan amendments adopted after May 18, 2009, a plan that provides for safe harbor nonelective contributions intended to satisfy the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section will not fail to satisfy the requirements of section 401(m)(2) for the plan year merely because the plan is amended during the plan year to reduce or suspend safe harbor nonelective contributions provided that— (A) The employer either— (1) Is operating at an economic loss as described in section 412(c)(2)(A) for the plan year; or (2) Includes in the notice described in paragraph (e) of this section a statement that the plan may be amended during the plan year to reduce or suspend safe harbor nonelective contributions and that the reduction or suspension will not apply until at least 30 days after all eligible employees are provided notice of the reduction or suspension; (B) All eligible employees are provided a supplemental notice that satisfies the requirements of paragraph (h)(2) of this section; (C) The reduction or suspension of safe harbor nonelective contributions is effective no earlier than the later of the date the amendment is adopted or 30 days after eligible employees are provided the supplemental notice described in paragraph (h)(2) of this section; (D) Eligible employees are given a reasonable opportunity (including a PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 68739 reasonable period after receipt of the supplemental notice) prior to the reduction or suspension of nonelective contributions to change their cash or deferred elections and, if applicable, their employee contribution elections; (E) The plan is amended to provide that the ACP test will be satisfied for the entire plan year in which the reduction or suspension occurs using the current year testing method described in § 1.401(m)–2(a)(2)(ii); and (F) The plan satisfies the requirements of this section (other than this paragraph (h)) with respect to safe harbor compensation paid through the effective date of the amendment. (2) Supplemental notice. The supplemental notice requirement of this paragraph (h)(2) is satisfied if each eligible employee is given a notice that satisfies the requirements of § 1.401(k)– 3(g)(2). * * * * * Beth Tucker, Deputy Commissioner for Operations Support. Approved: June 17, 2013. Mark J. Mazur, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury (Tax Policy). [FR Doc. 2013–27452 Filed 11–14–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830–01–P PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORPORATION 29 CFR Part 4022 Benefits Payable in Terminated SingleEmployer Plans; Interest Assumptions for Paying Benefits Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This final rule amends the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation’s regulation on Benefits Payable in Terminated Single-Employer Plans to prescribe interest assumptions under the regulation for valuation dates in December 2013. The interest assumptions are used for paying benefits under terminating singleemployer plans covered by the pension insurance system administered by PBGC. SUMMARY: DATES: Effective December 1, 2013. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine B. Klion (Klion.Catherine@ pbgc.gov), Assistant General Counsel for Regulatory Affairs, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, 1200 K Street NW., Washington, DC 20005, 202–326– E:\FR\FM\15NOR1.SGM 15NOR1 68740 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 221 / Friday, November 15, 2013 / Rules and Regulations 4024. (TTY/TDD users may call the Federal relay service toll-free at 1–800– 877–8339 and ask to be connected to 202–326–4024.) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PBGC’s regulation on Benefits Payable in Terminated Single-Employer Plans (29 CFR Part 4022) prescribes actuarial assumptions — including interest assumptions—for paying plan benefits under terminating single-employer plans covered by title IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The interest assumptions in the regulation are also published on PBGC’s Web site (https://www.pbgc.gov). PBGC uses the interest assumptions in Appendix B to Part 4022 to determine whether a benefit is payable as a lump sum and to determine the amount to pay. Appendix C to Part 4022 contains interest assumptions for private-sector pension practitioners to refer to if they wish to use lump-sum interest rates determined using PBGC’s historical methodology. Currently, the rates in Appendices B and C of the benefit payment regulation are the same. The interest assumptions are intended to reflect current conditions in the financial and annuity markets. Assumptions under the benefit Rate set For plans with a valuation date On or after * 242 payments regulation are updated monthly. This final rule updates the benefit payments interest assumptions for December 2013.1 The December 2013 interest assumptions under the benefit payments regulation will be 1.75 percent for the period during which a benefit is in pay status and 4.00 percent during any years preceding the benefit’s placement in pay status. In comparison with the interest assumptions in effect for November 2013, these interest assumptions are unchanged. PBGC has determined that notice and public comment on this amendment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest. This finding is based on the need to determine and issue new interest assumptions promptly so that the assumptions can reflect current market conditions as accurately as possible. Because of the need to provide immediate guidance for the payment of benefits under plans with valuation dates during December 2013, PBGC finds that good cause exists for making the assumptions set forth in this amendment effective less than 30 days after publication. * 12–1–13 3. In appendix C to part 4022, Rate Set 242, as set forth below, is added to the table. ■ For plans with a valuation date On or after * emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with RULES 242 * 12–1–13 VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:51 Nov 14, 2013 * * * 01–1–14 1 Appendix B to PBGC’s regulation on Allocation of Assets in Single-Employer Plans (29 CFR Part 4044) prescribes interest assumptions for valuing Jkt 232001 PART 4022—BENEFITS PAYABLE IN TERMINATED SINGLE-EMPLOYER PLANS 1. The authority citation for part 4022 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 29 U.S.C. 1302, 1322, 1322b, 1341(c)(3)(D), and 1344. 2. In appendix B to part 4022, Rate Set 242, as set forth below, is added to the table. ■ Appendix B to Part 4022—Lump Sum Interest Rates for PBGC Payments * * * * * i3 4.00 n1 * * 4.00 n2 * 7 8 n1 n2 Appendix C to Part 4022—Lump Sum Interest Rates For Private-Sector Payments Immediate annuity rate percent) Before Employee benefit plans, Pension insurance, Pensions, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. In consideration of the foregoing, 29 CFR part 4022 is amended as follows: i2 * 4.00 1.75 * Rate set i1 * 01–1–14 List of Subjects in 29 CFR Part 4022 Deferred annuities (percent) Immediate annuity rate percent) Before PBGC has determined that this action is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under the criteria set forth in Executive Order 12866. Because no general notice of proposed rulemaking is required for this amendment, the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 does not apply. See 5 U.S.C. 601(2). 1.75 * * Deferred annuities (percent) i1 i2 * 4.00 i3 4.00 * benefits under terminating covered single-employer plans for purposes of allocation of assets under PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 * 4.00 * 7 8 ERISA section 4044. Those assumptions are updated quarterly. E:\FR\FM\15NOR1.SGM 15NOR1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 221 / Friday, November 15, 2013 / Rules and Regulations Issued in Washington, DC, on this day of November 12, 2013. Judith Starr, General Counsel, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. [FR Doc. 2013–27385 Filed 11–14–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7709–02–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 180 [EPA–HQ–OPP–2012–0427; FRL–9392–1] Tebuconazole; Pesticide Tolerances Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of tebuconazole in or on the fruiting vegetable group 8– 10 and amends the existing tolerances for barley grain and the cucurbit vegetable group 9. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested this tolerance and amendment under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). DATES: This regulation is effective November 15, 2013. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before January 14, 2014, and must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION). ADDRESSES: The docket for this action, identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA–HQ–OPP–2012–0427, is available at https://www.regulations.gov or at the Office of Pesticide Programs Regulatory Public Docket (OPP Docket) in the Environmental Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001. The Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744, and the telephone number for the OPP Docket is (703) 305–5805. Please review the visitor instructions and additional information about the docket available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lois Rossi, Registration Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001; telephone number: (703) 305–7090; email address: RDFRNotices@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:51 Nov 14, 2013 Jkt 232001 I. General Information A. Does this action apply to me? You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer. The following list of North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) codes is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a guide to help readers determine whether this document applies to them. Potentially affected entities may include: • Crop production (NAICS code 111). • Animal production (NAICS code 112). • Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311). • Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532). B. How can I get electronic access to other related information? You may access a frequently updated electronic version of EPA’s tolerance regulations at 40 CFR part 180 through the Government Printing Office’s eCFR site at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/textidx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/ 40tab_02.tpl. C. How can I file an objection or hearing request? Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21 U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an objection to any aspect of this regulation and may also request a hearing on those objections. You must file your objection or request a hearing on this regulation in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must identify docket ID number EPA–HQ– OPP–2012–0427 in the subject line on the first page of your submission. All objections and requests for a hearing must be in writing, and must be received by the Hearing Clerk on or before January 14, 2014. Addresses for mail and hand delivery of objections and hearing requests are provided in 40 CFR 178.25(b). In addition to filing an objection or hearing request with the Hearing Clerk as described in 40 CFR part 178, please submit a copy of the filing (excluding any Confidential Business Information (CBI)) for inclusion in the public docket. Information not marked confidential pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be disclosed publicly by EPA without prior notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your objection or hearing request, identified by docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP– 2012–0427, by one of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 68741 instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. • Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/ DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001. • Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the instructions at https:// www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.htm. Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along with more information about dockets generally, is available at https://www.epa.gov/ dockets. II. Summary of Petitioned-for Tolerance In the Federal Register of August 22, 2012 (77 FR 50661) (FRL–9358–9), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP 2E8012) by Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4), 500 College Road East, Suite 201W., Princeton, NJ 08540. The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.474 be amended by establishing tolerances for residues of the fungicide tebuconazole, alpha-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-alpha(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1ethanol, including its metabolites and degradates, in or on barley, grain at 0.3 parts per million (ppm); vegetable, cucurbit group 9 at 0.4 ppm; and vegetable, fruiting group 8–10 at 1.3 ppm. The petition also requested the removal of the established tolerance, in or on vegetable, fruiting, group 8 at 1.3 ppm once the proposed tolerance for vegetable, fruiting group 8–10 at 1.3 ppm, has been established since the proposed new tolerance will supersede the existing tolerance. That document referenced a summary of the petition prepared by Bayer CropScience, the registrant, which is available in the docket, https://www.regulations.gov. There were no comments received in response to the notice of filing. III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish a tolerance (the legal limit for a pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that the tolerance is ‘‘safe.’’ Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue, including all anticipated dietary exposures and all other exposures for which there is E:\FR\FM\15NOR1.SGM 15NOR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 221 (Friday, November 15, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68739-68741]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-27385]


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PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORPORATION

29 CFR Part 4022


Benefits Payable in Terminated Single-Employer Plans; Interest 
Assumptions for Paying Benefits

AGENCY: Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This final rule amends the Pension Benefit Guaranty 
Corporation's regulation on Benefits Payable in Terminated Single-
Employer Plans to prescribe interest assumptions under the regulation 
for valuation dates in December 2013. The interest assumptions are used 
for paying benefits under terminating single-employer plans covered by 
the pension insurance system administered by PBGC.

DATES: Effective December 1, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine B. Klion 
(Klion.Catherine@pbgc.gov), Assistant General Counsel for Regulatory 
Affairs, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, 1200 K Street NW., 
Washington, DC 20005, 202-326-

[[Page 68740]]

4024. (TTY/TDD users may call the Federal relay service toll-free at 1-
800-877-8339 and ask to be connected to 202-326-4024.)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PBGC's regulation on Benefits Payable in 
Terminated Single-Employer Plans (29 CFR Part 4022) prescribes 
actuarial assumptions -- including interest assumptions--for paying 
plan benefits under terminating single-employer plans covered by title 
IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The interest 
assumptions in the regulation are also published on PBGC's Web site 
(https://www.pbgc.gov).
    PBGC uses the interest assumptions in Appendix B to Part 4022 to 
determine whether a benefit is payable as a lump sum and to determine 
the amount to pay. Appendix C to Part 4022 contains interest 
assumptions for private-sector pension practitioners to refer to if 
they wish to use lump-sum interest rates determined using PBGC's 
historical methodology. Currently, the rates in Appendices B and C of 
the benefit payment regulation are the same.
    The interest assumptions are intended to reflect current conditions 
in the financial and annuity markets. Assumptions under the benefit 
payments regulation are updated monthly. This final rule updates the 
benefit payments interest assumptions for December 2013.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Appendix B to PBGC's regulation on Allocation of Assets in 
Single-Employer Plans (29 CFR Part 4044) prescribes interest 
assumptions for valuing benefits under terminating covered single-
employer plans for purposes of allocation of assets under ERISA 
section 4044. Those assumptions are updated quarterly.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The December 2013 interest assumptions under the benefit payments 
regulation will be 1.75 percent for the period during which a benefit 
is in pay status and 4.00 percent during any years preceding the 
benefit's placement in pay status. In comparison with the interest 
assumptions in effect for November 2013, these interest assumptions are 
unchanged.
    PBGC has determined that notice and public comment on this 
amendment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest. This 
finding is based on the need to determine and issue new interest 
assumptions promptly so that the assumptions can reflect current market 
conditions as accurately as possible.
    Because of the need to provide immediate guidance for the payment 
of benefits under plans with valuation dates during December 2013, PBGC 
finds that good cause exists for making the assumptions set forth in 
this amendment effective less than 30 days after publication.
    PBGC has determined that this action is not a ``significant 
regulatory action'' under the criteria set forth in Executive Order 
12866.
    Because no general notice of proposed rulemaking is required for 
this amendment, the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 does not apply. 
See 5 U.S.C. 601(2).

List of Subjects in 29 CFR Part 4022

    Employee benefit plans, Pension insurance, Pensions, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    In consideration of the foregoing, 29 CFR part 4022 is amended as 
follows:

PART 4022--BENEFITS PAYABLE IN TERMINATED SINGLE-EMPLOYER PLANS

0
1. The authority citation for part 4022 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  29 U.S.C. 1302, 1322, 1322b, 1341(c)(3)(D), and 
1344.


0
2. In appendix B to part 4022, Rate Set 242, as set forth below, is 
added to the table.

Appendix B to Part 4022--Lump Sum Interest Rates for PBGC Payments

* * * * *

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  For plans with a  valuation date     Immediate                                 Deferred annuities (percent)
    Rate set     ----------------------------------   annuity rate  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    On or after         Before         (percent)            i1               i2               i3               n1               n2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
          242           12-1-13          01-1-14             1.75             4.00             4.00             4.00                7                8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

0
3. In appendix C to part 4022, Rate Set 242, as set forth below, is 
added to the table.

Appendix C to Part 4022--Lump Sum Interest Rates For Private-Sector 
Payments

* * * * *

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  For plans with a  valuation date     Immediate                                 Deferred annuities (percent)
    Rate set     ----------------------------------   annuity rate  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    On or after         Before         (percent)            i1               i2               i3               n1               n2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
          242           12-1-13          01-1-14             1.75             4.00             4.00             4.00                7                8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



[[Page 68741]]

    Issued in Washington, DC, on this day of November 12, 2013.
Judith Starr,
General Counsel, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
[FR Doc. 2013-27385 Filed 11-14-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7709-02-P
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