IRS issues final rule on mortality tables for defined benefit plans

The Treasury Department and the IRS released a final rule updating the mortality assumptions that single-employer defined benefit pension plans must use to calculate the actuarial liabilities for minimum funding requirements, benefit restrictions, and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBCG) variable-rate premiums. Plan sponsors should review with their actuaries the final rule for its specific effects on their plan’s minimum funding projections, PBGC variable-rate premiums, and benefit distribution calculations, including lump-sum distributions.