[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 143 (Wednesday, July 24, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 38409-38420]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-18608]
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PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORPORATION
29 CFR Parts 4001, 4043, 4065
RIN 1212-AA80
Reportable Events; Annual Report
AGENCY: Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
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SUMMARY: The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation is proposing
amendments to its reportable events regulation. The Retirement
Protection Act of 1994 made significant changes to the reportable
events requirements, including adding four new events. This proposed
rule addresses the RPA changes and provides extensions of time and
waivers for certain filings. The rule reflects the consensus of a
negotiated rulemaking committee consisting of representatives of
employers, participants, pension practitioners, and the PBGC.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 23, 1996.
ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to the Office of the General Counsel,
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, 1200 K Street, NW., Washington,
DC 20005-4026, or delivered to Suite 340 at the above address. Comments
also may be sent by Internet e-mail to reg.comments@pbgc.gov. Comments
will be available for public inspection at the PBGC's Communications
and Public Affairs Department, Suite 240.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Harold J. Ashner, Assistant General
Counsel, or James L. Beller, Attorney, Office of the General Counsel,
PBGC, 1200 K Street, NW., Washington, DC 20005-4026, 202-326-4024 (202-
326-4179 for TTY and TDD).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Section 4043 of ERISA requires reporting to the PBGC of certain
events that may indicate a need for the PBGC to take action to protect
participants and the termination insurance program. RPA expanded
section 4043 by adding four new reportable events involving: (1) a
company ceasing to be a member of a plan's controlled group; (2) a
group member liquidating; (3) a group member declaring an extraordinary
dividend or redeeming stock above certain thresholds; or (4) a plan
maintained by the group transferring 3 percent of its benefit
liabilities outside the group.
RPA also extended the reporting obligation to contributing sponsors
as well as plan administrators; imposed an advance reporting
requirement in certain limited circumstances for the new and certain
other reportable events; and provided that reportable event filings are
confidential.
In developing this proposed regulation, the PBGC for the first time
used a negotiated rulemaking committee. The committee, which first met
in October 1995, is made up of PBGC representatives and 14 private
parties representing the interests of large and small employers,
participants, and pension practitioners. The committee's consensus
recommendations are the basis for this proposed rule.
Filing Obligation
When a reportable event occurs for a plan, the plan administrator
and contributing sponsor must give the PBGC notice within 30 days after
that person knows or has reason to know of the event (post-event
notice). In the case of privately-held companies in controlled groups
maintaining plans with over $50 million in total underfunding and an
overall funded percentage below 90 percent, the contributing sponsor
must give 30 days advance notice of the four events added by RPA and
any events added by the regulation.
If an event occurs for more than one plan in a controlled group,
the reporting requirement applies to the contributing sponsor and, for
post-event notice, the plan administrator of each plan. When more than
one person is required to notify the PBGC of a reportable event, a
filing by one of those persons is treated as a filing by all of them.
Information Requirements
The regulation requires submission of general information (e.g.,
identifying information and a brief description of the event) for all
reportable events and
[[Page 38410]]
specific information tailored to each event. The PBGC has developed
optional reportable event forms that provide for reduced initial
information filings. The PBGC may request additional information.
Post-Event Notice
Active participant reduction: Reporting is required when the number
of active participants drops below 80 percent of the number at the
beginning of the current plan year or 75 percent of the number at the
beginning of the prior year. The proposed regulation tests the
reduction solely on a plan-by-plan basis, rather than (as under the
existing regulation) on both a plan-by-plan and controlled group basis.
Minimum funding payments and funding waivers: The proposed
regulation waives reporting for a missed minimum funding payment if
full payment is made by the time the reportable event notice would
ordinarily be due--30 days after the payment's due date. A separate
reportable event notice continues to be unnecessary if a Form 200 is
filed with respect to the same failure. Reporting is required without
regard to the funding status of the plan. The existing requirement to
report when a minimum funding waiver is granted is replaced by a
requirement to report when a waiver application is filed.
Inability to pay benefits when due: Plans not subject to the
liquidity requirement of section 412(m)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code
(100 or fewer participants) must report if there is a current or
projected inability to pay benefits. There is a projected inability if
the plan's liquid assets are less than twice its disbursements for a
quarter.
Distribution to a substantial owner: Reporting is required for
certain distributions to a substantial owner. The threshold for
reporting is raised from $10,000 to the annual limit on benefits under
Code section 415(b) ($120,000 for 1996) or, if greater, one percent of
plan assets.
Change in contributing sponsor or controlled group: Controlled
group changes are reportable under the existing regulation only if they
involve the contributing sponsor. RPA added a new reportable event for
transactions that result in any person ceasing to be a member of the
plan's controlled group. This event includes a transaction in which a
plan is transferred from one controlled group to another.
Liquidation: Liquidations are reportable under the existing
regulation only if the contributing sponsor is liquidating. RPA added
liquidation of a controlled group member as a new statutory event.
Extraordinary dividend or stock redemption: RPA added a new
reportable event related to extraordinary dividends (as defined in
section 1059(c) of the Code) and stock redemptions. The negotiated
rulemaking committee concluded that the reportable event rules and the
extraordinary dividend rules in the Code were so different in purpose
and structure that the cross-reference to the Code was unworkable. The
regulation waives this statutory event and replaces it with a new event
calling for notice when any member of the controlled group declares a
dividend that exceeds the company's income (in the case of cash
distributions) or 10 percent of the company's assets (in the case of
non-cash distributions). The same thresholds are used for stock
redemptions.
Transfer of benefit liabilities: Notice is required for a transfer
of 3 percent or more of a plan's benefit liabilities outside the
controlled group. No reporting is required if the transfer complies
with section 414(l) of the Code using PBGC assumptions (the safe harbor
under the section 414(l) regulations), if both the transferor and
transferee plans are fully funded after the transfer using PBGC
assumptions, if the transfer is a complete plan transfer, or if the
transfer is a de minimis transfer under the section 414(l) regulations
involving less than 3 percent of assets. The PBGC will consider, on a
case-by-case or class basis, whether other assumptions may be the basis
of a waiver.
Loan default: The regulation adds a new event requiring reporting
of certain loan defaults on loans with outstanding balances of $10
million or more. A default is reportable only if it results from a
debtor's failure to make a required loan payment when due (unless the
payment is made within 30 days after the due date), the lender
accelerates the loan, or the debtor receives a written notice of
default from the lender on account of specified circumstances--a drop
in the debtor's cash reserves below an agreed-upon level, an unusual or
catastrophic event experienced by the debtor, or a persisting failure
by the debtor to attain agreed-upon performance levels. (The PBGC
specifically invites comments on when such a failure is
``persisting.'') Reporting is waived if, among other things, the
default is cured within a specified time period. The regulation also
provides for several extensions, including ones keyed to time periods
for correcting the default.
Bankruptcy or similar settlement: The current requirement to report
bankruptcies is expanded to cover the bankruptcy of any controlled
group member. If the bankrupt member is not a contributing sponsor, the
deadline for reporting is extended until 30 days after the person
required to notify the PBGC has actual knowledge of the bankruptcy.
Advance Notice
Seven reportable events--controlled group change, liquidation,
extraordinary dividend and stock redemption, transfer of benefit
liabilities, application for minimum funding waiver, loan default, and
bankruptcy or similar settlement--are subject to advance reporting
requirements.
Waivers and Extensions
The existing regulation waives all reporting for the following
events: tax-disqualification, Title I noncompliance, amendment
decreasing benefits payable, termination or partial termination, and
plan merger. The proposed regulation preserves these waivers, as well
as the waiver for multiemployer plans.
For the other events, the regulation provides certain waivers and
extensions. For many events, post-event reporting is waived if the plan
for which the reportable event occurred meets one of the following
funding tests: (1) The plan is not required to pay a variable rate
premium; (2) the plan has less than $1 million in unfunded vested
benefits; (3) the plan has no unfunded vested benefits using the fair
market value of assets, the 30-year Treasury rate, and specified
mortality tables; or (4) the plan is at least 80 percent funded.
Plan funding is determined as of the same date used in determining
the plan's variable rate premium for the year in which the reportable
event occurs, generally the last day of the prior plan year. Because
the information necessary to determine whether a funding test is met
for the current year may not be available by the time the notice would
be due, the regulation provides an extension for plans that met a
funding test for the prior year until 30 days after the plan's variable
rate premium filing is due for the current year.
Reporting is also waived if the companies involved are only a de
minimis portion (either 5 or 10 percent, depending on the event) of the
plan's controlled group. The regulation provides a number of waivers
and extensions, including ones relating to foreign entities and several
extensions that are keyed to other filing or reporting requirements
(e.g., Form 5500).
For advance notice, the waivers and extensions relating to plan
funding and foreign entities do not apply. De
[[Page 38411]]
minimis waivers apply for some events, but only at the 5 percent level.
Small plan (500 or fewer participants) waivers apply for controlled
group change and transfer of benefit liabilities. For certain events
(application for minimum funding waiver, loan default, and bankruptcy),
the deadline for reporting is extended to 10 days after the reportable
event occurs.
The regulation provides that the PBGC may waive any reportable
event requirement on a case-by-case or class basis.
Effective Date
Any new reportable events requirements in the final rule will be
effective prospectively. The PBGC will treat any new waivers or
extensions as if they had been in effect as of the effective date of
the RPA amendments to section 4043 of ERISA. Accordingly, the PBGC does
not intend to assess penalties or to pursue any other equitable or
legal remedies with respect to any failure to meet a reportable event
requirement to the extent reporting is waived or extended under the
final rule.
Paperwork Reduction Act
The collection of information requirements in this proposed rule
and the related forms and instructions have been submitted to the
Office of Management and Budget for review under section 3507(d) of the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The collection of information
requirements contained in the PBGC's existing regulation on reportable
events were approved by the Office of Management and Budget under
control number 1212-0013. The collection of information requirements
contained in PBGC's existing regulation on notice of failure to make
required contributions were approved under control number 1212-0041.
The PBGC needs the information so that it can take action to
protect participants and the termination insurance program in
appropriate cases. The PBGC estimates that it will take an average of
8.7 hours to comply with the collection of information requirements
under subparts B and C of the proposed regulation and, based on its
experience, that about 355 persons will be required to comply each
year. Accordingly, the estimated burden of the collection of
information under subparts B and C is 3075 hours. The respective
numbers for subpart D (Form 200) are 3.35 hours to comply and 50
responses for a total estimated burden of 167.5 hours
Comments on the paperwork provisions of the proposed rule and on
the forms and instructions should be mailed to the Office of
Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget,
Attention: Desk Officer for the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation,
Washington, DC 20503. Comments may address (among other things)--
Whether the proposed collection of information is needed
for the proper performance of the PBGC's functions and will have
practical utility;
The accuracy of the PBGC's estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information, including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used;
Enhancement of the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and
Minimizing the burden of the collection of information on
respondents through the use of automated collection techniques (or
other forms of information technology) or in other ways.
In particular, the PBGC invites suggestions regarding procedures
for submitting some or all of the required information electronically.
Compliance With Rulemaking Guidelines
The PBGC is submitting this action as a ``significant regulatory
action'' under Executive Order 12866 because the rule is the product of
the PBGC's first use of the negotiated rulemaking process. The rule
reflects the consensus of a negotiated rulemaking committee consisting
of representatives of employers, participants, pension practitioners,
and the PBGC. The action is not economically significant.
The PBGC certifies under section 605(b) of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act that this rule will not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small entities. For most reportable
events, waivers based on plan size or funding level will exempt
reporting for small plans. Even where reporting is required, there is
no significant economic impact because the filing burden averages only
8.7 hours. Accordingly, sections 603 and 604 of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act do not apply.
List of Subjects
29 CFR Part 4001
Pension insurance, Pensions, Reporting and Recordkeeping
requirements.
29 CFR Part 4043
Pension insurance, Pensions, Reporting and Recordkeeping
requirements.
29 CFR Part 4065
Pension insurance, Pensions, Reporting and Recordkeeping
requirements.
For the reasons set forth above, the PBGC proposes to amend parts
4001, 4043, and 4065 of 29 CFR chapter LX as follows.
PART 4001--[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for Part 4001 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 29 U.S.C. 1301, 1302 (b)(3).
1a. Section 4001.2 is amended by adding the following definitions
after the definition of distribution date:
* * * * *
EIN means the nine digit employer identification number assigned by
the Internal Revenue Service to the contributing sponsor of the plan.
EIN/PN means, as last filed with the PBGC, the nine-digit employer
identification number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to the
contributing sponsor of the plan and the three-digit plan number
assigned by the contributing sponsor to the plan.
* * * * *
2. Section 4001.2 is further amended by adding the following to the
end of the definition of controlled group:
* * * * *
Controlled group * * * any reference to a plan's controlled group
means all contributing sponsors of the plan and all members of each
contributing sponsor's controlled group.
* * * * *
3. Part 4043 is revised to read as follows:
PART 4043--REPORTABLE EVENTS AND CERTAIN OTHER NOTIFICATION
REQUIREMENTS
Subpart A--General Provisions
Sec.
4043.1 Purpose and scope.
4043.2 Definitions.
4043.3 Requirement of notice.
4043.4 Waivers and extensions.
4043.5 Where to file.
4043.6 Date of filing.
4043.7 Computation of time.
4043.8 Confidentiality.
Subpart B--Post-Event Notice of Reportable Events
4043.20 Post-event filing obligation.
4043.21 Tax disqualification and Title I noncompliance.
4043.22 Amendment decreasing benefits payable.
4043.23 Active participant reduction.
4043.24 Termination or partial termination.
4043.25 Failure to make required minimum funding payments.
4043.26 Inability to pay benefits when due.
[[Page 38412]]
4043.27 Distribution to a substantial owner.
4043.28 Plan merger, consolidation, or transfer.
4043.29 Change in contributing sponsor or controlled group.
4043.30 Liquidation.
4043.31 Extraordinary dividend or stock redemption.
4043.32 Transfer of benefit liabilities.
4043.33 Application for minimum funding waiver.
4043.34 Loan default.
4043.35 Bankruptcy or similar settlement.
Subpart C--Advance Notice of Reportable Events
4043.61 Advance reporting filing obligation.
4043.62 Change in contributing sponsor or controlled group.
4043.63 Liquidation.
4043.64 Extraordinary dividend or stock redemption.
4043.65 Transfer of benefit liabilities.
4043.66 Application for minimum funding waiver.
4043.67 Loan default.
4043.68 Bankruptcy or similar settlement.
Subpart D--Notice of Failure to Make Required Contributions
4043.81 PBGC Form 200, notice of failure to make required
contributions; supplementary information.
Authority: 29 U.S.C. 1082(f), 1302(b)(3), 1343.
Subpart A--General Provisions
Sec. 4043.1 Purpose and scope.
This part prescribes the requirements for notifying the PBGC of a
reportable event under section 4043 of ERISA or of a failure to make
certain required contributions under section 302(f)(4) of ERISA or
section 412(n)(4) of the Code. Subpart A contains definitions and
general rules. Subpart B contains rules for post-event notice of a
reportable event. Subpart C contains rules for advance notice of a
reportable event. Subpart D contains rules for notifying the PBGC of
failure to make certain required contributions.
Sec. 4043.2 Definitions.
The following terms are defined in Sec. 4001.2 of this chapter:
Code, contributing sponsor, controlled group, ERISA, fair market value,
irrevocable commitment, multiemployer plan, notice of intent to
terminate, PBGC, person, plan, plan administrator, proposed termination
date, single-employer plan, and substantial owner. For purposes of this
part:
De minimis 10-percent segment means, in connection with a plan's
controlled group, one or more entities that in the aggregate have for a
fiscal year--
(1) Revenue not exceeding 10 percent of the controlled group's
revenue;
(2) Annual operating income not exceeding the greatest of--
(i) 10 percent of the controlled group's annual operating income;
(ii) 5 percent of the controlled group's first $200 million in net
tangible assets at the end of the fiscal year(s); or
(iii) $5 million; and
(3) Net tangible assets at the end of the fiscal year(s) not
exceeding the greater of--
(i) 10 percent of the controlled group's net tangible assets at the
end of the fiscal year(s); or
(ii) $5 million.
De minimis 5-percent segment has the same meaning as a de minimis
10-percent segment, except that ``5 percent'' is substituted for ``10
percent'' each time it appears.
Event year means the plan year in which the reportable event
occurs.
Fair market value of the plan's assets means the fair market value
of the plan's assets as of the testing date for the applicable plan
year including contributions attributable to the previous plan year for
funding purposes under section 302(c)(10) of ERISA or section
412(c)(10) of the Code if made by the earlier of the due date or filing
date of the variable rate premium for the applicable plan year, but not
to the extent contributions are used to satisfy the quarterly
contribution requirements under section 302(e) of ERISA or section
412(m) of the Code for the applicable plan year.
Foreign entity means a member of a controlled group that--
(1) Is not a contributing sponsor of a plan;
(2) Is not organized under the laws of (or, if an individual, is
not a domiciliary of) any state (as defined in section 3(10) of ERISA);
and
(3) For the fiscal year that includes the date the reportable event
occurs, meets one of the following tests--
(i) Is not required to file any United States federal income tax
form;
(ii) Has no income reportable on any United States federal income
tax form other than passive income not exceeding $1,000; or
(iii) Does not own substantial assets in the United States
(disregarding stock of a member of the plan's controlled group) and is
not required to file any quarterly United States tax returns for
employee withholding.
Foreign-linked entity means a person that--
(1) Is neither a foreign entity nor a contributing sponsor of a
plan; and
(2) Is a member of the plan's controlled group only because of
ownership interests in or by foreign entities.
Foreign parent means a foreign entity that is a direct or indirect
parent of a person that is a contributing sponsor.
Form 5500 due date means the deadline (including extensions) for
filing the annual report under section 103 of ERISA.
Notice date means the deadline (including extensions) for filing
notice of the reportable event with the PBGC.
Participant means a participant as defined in Sec. 4006.2 .
Public company means a person subject to the reporting requirements
of section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or a
subsidiary (as defined for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934) of a person subject to such reporting requirements.
Testing date means, with respect to a plan year--
(1) The last day of the prior plan year, except as provided in
paragraphs (2) or (3) of this definition;
(2) In the case of a new or newly-covered plan (as defined in
Sec. 4006.2 of this chapter), the first day of the plan year or, if
later, the date on which the plan becomes effective for benefit
accruals for future service; or
(3) In the case of a plan described in Sec. 4006.5(e)(2) of this
chapter (relating to certain mergers or spinoffs), the first day of the
plan year.
Ultimate parent means the parent at the highest level in the chain
of corporations and/or other organizations constituting the parent-
subsidiary controlled group.
Unfunded vested benefits means unfunded vested benefits determined
in accordance with Sec. 4006.4 of this chapter, without regard to the
exemptions and special rules in Sec. 4006.5 (a)-(c) of this chapter.
For purposes of subpart B only, unfunded vested benefits may be
determined by subtracting the fair market value of the plan's assets
from the plan's vested benefits amount.
Variable rate premium means the portion of the premium determined
under section 4006(a)(3)(E) of ERISA and Sec. 4006.3(b) of this
chapter.
Vested benefits amount means the vested benefits amount determined
under Sec. 4006.4(b)(1) of this chapter.
Sec. 4043.3 Requirement of notice.
(a) Obligation to file. Each person that is required to file a
notice under this part, or a duly authorized representative, shall
submit the information required by this part by the time specified in
Sec. 4043.20 (for post-event notice), Sec. 4043.61 (for advance
notice), or Sec. 4043.81 (for Form 200 filings). Any information
previously filed with the PBGC may be
[[Page 38413]]
incorporated by reference. If a reportable event occurs for more than
one plan, the filing obligation with respect to each plan is
independent of the filing obligation with respect to any other plan.
(b) Contents of reportable event notice. A person required to file
a reportable event notice shall provide, by the notice date, the
following general information, along with any other information
required for each reportable event under subpart B or C of this part:
(1) The name of the plan;
(2) The name, address, and telephone number of the contributing
sponsor(s) and the name of an individual that should be contacted;
(3) The name, address, and telephone number of the plan
administrator and the name of an individual that should be contacted;
(4) The EIN of the contributing sponsor and the EIN/PN of the plan;
(5) A brief statement of the pertinent facts relating to the
reportable event;
(6) A copy of the plan document in effect, i.e., the last
restatement of the plan and all amendments thereto;
(7) A copy of the most recent actuarial statement and opinion (if
any) relating to the plan; and
(8) A statement of any material change in the assets or liabilities
of the plan occurring after the date of the most recent actuarial
statement and opinion.
(c) Optional reportable event forms. The PBGC shall issue optional
reportable events forms, which may provide for reduced initial
information submissions.
(d) Requests for additional information. The PBGC may, in any case,
require the submission of additional information. Any such information
shall be submitted for subpart B of this part within 30 days, and for
subpart C or D of this part within 7 days, after the date of a written
request by the PBGC, or within a different time period specified
therein. The PBGC may in its discretion shorten the time period where
it determines that the interests of the PBGC or participants may be
prejudiced by a delay in receipt of the information.
(e) Optional consolidated filing. If more than one person is
required to notify the PBGC under this part, a filing by one of those
persons will be deemed to be a filing by the other person(s). If
notices are required for two or more events, the notices may be
combined in one filing.
(f) Effect of failure to file. If a notice (or any other
information required under this part) is not provided within the
specified time limit, the PBGC may assess against each person required
to provide the notice a separate penalty under section 4071 of ERISA of
up to $1,000 a day for each day that the failure continues. The PBGC
may pursue any other equitable or legal remedies available to it under
the law.
Sec. 4043.4 Waivers and extensions.
(a) Specific events. For specific reportable events, waivers from
reporting and information requirements and extensions of time are
provided in subparts B and C of this part. If an occurrence constitutes
two or more reportable events, reporting requirements for each event
are determined independently. For example, any event reportable under
more than one section will be exempt from reporting only if it
satisfies the requirements for a waiver under each section.
(b) Multiemployer plans. The requirements of section 4043 of ERISA
are waived with respect to multiemployer plans.
(c) Terminating plans. No notice is required from the plan
administrator or contributing sponsor of a plan if the notice date is
on or after the date on which--
(1) All of the plan's assets (other than any excess assets) are
distributed pursuant to a termination; or
(2) A trustee is appointed for the plan under section 4042(c) of
ERISA.
(d) Other waivers and extensions. The PBGC may extend any deadline
or waive any other requirement under this part where it finds
convincing evidence that the waiver or extension is appropriate under
the circumstances. Any waiver or extension may be subject to
conditions. A request for a waiver or extension must be filed in
writing with the PBGC and must state the facts and circumstances on
which the request is based.
Sec. 4043.5 Where to file.
Requests and information shall be filed as follows--
(a) Post-event notice under subpart B of this part: Reports
Processing, Insurance Operations Department, Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation, 1200 K Street NW., Washington, DC 20005-4026; and
(b) Advance notice under subpart C of this part and Form 200
filings under subpart D of this part: Corporate Finance and
Negotiations Department, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, 1200 K
Street NW., Washington, DC 20005-4026.
Sec. 4043.6 Date of filing.
(a) Post-event notice. Information filed under subpart B of this
part is considered filed--
(1) On the date of the United States postmark stamped on the cover
in which the information is mailed, if--
(i) The postmark was made by the United States Postal Service; and
(ii) The document was mailed postage prepaid, properly addressed to
the PBGC; or
(2) On the date it is received by the PBGC, if the conditions
stated in paragraph (a)(1) of this section are not met.
(b) Advance notice and Form 200 filings. Information filed under
subpart C or D of this part is considered filed on the date it is
received by PBGC. A reportable event notice under subpart C of this
part will be deemed filed on the date a facsimile transmission is sent
to the PBGC, provided--
(1) The facsimile transmission contains the information required by
Sec. 4043.3(b) (1)-(6); and
(2) The remaining initial information is received by the PBGC on
the next regular business day.
(c) Receipt date. Information received on a weekend or Federal
holiday or after 5:00 p.m. on a weekday is considered filed on the next
regular business day.
Sec. 4043.7 Computation of time.
In computing any period of time, the day of the event from which
the period of time begins to run shall not be included. The last day so
computed shall be included, unless it is a weekend or Federal holiday,
in which case the period runs until the end of the next regular
business day.
Sec. 4043.8 Confidentiality.
In accordance with section 4043(f) of ERISA and Sec. 4901.21(a)(3)
of this chapter, any information or documentary material that is not
publicly available and is submitted to the PBGC pursuant to this part
shall not be made public, except as may be relevant to any
administrative or judicial action or proceeding or for disclosures to
either body of Congress or to any duly authorized committee or
subcommittee of the Congress.
Subpart B--Post-Event Notice of Reportable Events
Sec. 4043.20 Post-event filing obligation.
The plan administrator and each contributing sponsor of a plan for
which a reportable event under this subpart has occurred is required to
notify the PBGC within 30 days after that person knows or has reason to
know that the reportable event has occurred, unless a waiver or
extension applies.
[[Page 38414]]
Sec. 4043.21 Tax disqualification and Title I noncompliance.
(a) Reportable event. A reportable event occurs when the Secretary
of the Treasury issues notice that a plan has ceased to be a plan
described in section 4021(a)(2) of ERISA, or when the Secretary of
Labor determines that a plan is not in compliance with title I of
ERISA.
(b) Waivers. Notice is waived for this event.
Sec. 4043.22 Amendment decreasing benefits payable.
(a) Reportable event. A reportable event occurs when an amendment
to a plan is adopted under which the retirement benefit payable from
employer contributions with respect to any participant may be
decreased.
(b) Waivers. Notice is waived for this event.
Sec. 4043.23 Active participant reduction.
(a) Reportable event. A reportable event occurs when the number of
active participants under a plan is reduced to less than 80 percent of
the number of active participants at the beginning of the plan year, or
to less than 75 percent of the number of active participants at the
beginning of the previous plan year.
(b) Initial information required. In addition to the information in
Sec. 4043.3(b), the notice shall include--
(1) A statement explaining the cause of the reduction (e.g.,
facility shutdown or sale); and
(2) The number of active participants at the date the reportable
event occurs, at the beginning of the plan year, and at the beginning
of the prior plan year.
(c) Waivers.
(1) Small plan. Notice is waived if the plan has fewer than 100
participants at the beginning of either the current or the previous
plan year.
(2) Plan funding. Notice is waived if--
(i) No variable rate premium. No variable rate premium is required
to be paid for the plan for the event year;
(ii) $1 million unfunded vested benefits. As of the testing date
for the event year, the plan has less than $1 million in unfunded
vested benefits; or
(iii) No unfunded vested benefits. As of the testing date for the
event year, the plan would have no unfunded vested benefits if unfunded
vested benefits were determined in accordance with the assumptions and
methodology in Sec. 4010.4(b)(2) of this chapter.
(3) No facility closing event/80-percent funded. Notice is waived
if--
(i) The active participant reduction would not be reportable if
only those active participant reductions resulting from cessation of
operations at one or more facilities were taken into account; and
(ii) As of the testing date for the event year, the fair market
value of the plan's assets is at least 80 percent of the plan's vested
benefits amount.
(d) Extensions. The notice date is extended to the latest of--
(1) Form 1 extension. 30 days after the plan's variable rate
premium filing due date for the event year if a waiver under any of
paragraphs (c)(2)(i) through (c)(2)(iii) or (c)(3) of this section
would apply if ``the plan year preceding the event year'' were
substituted for ``the event year'';
(2) Form 5500 extension. 30 days after the plan's Form 5500 due
date that next follows the date the reportable event occurs, provided
the event would not be reportable counting only those participant
reductions resulting from cessation of operations at a single facility;
and
(3) Form 1-ES extension. The due date for the Form 1-ES for the
plan year following the event year if--
(i) The plan is required to file a Form 1-ES for the plan year
following the event year;
(ii) The event would not be reportable counting only those
participant reductions resulting from cessation of operations at a
single facility; and
(iii) The participant reduction represents no more than 20 percent
of the total active participants (at the beginning of the plan year(s)
in which the reduction occurs) in all plans maintained by any member of
the plan's controlled group.
(e) Determination of the number of active participants.--(1)
Determination date. The number of active participants at the beginning
of a plan year may be determined at the end of the previous plan year.
(2) Active participant. ``Active participant'' means a participant
who--
(i) Is receiving compensation for work performed;
(ii) Is on paid or unpaid leave granted for a reason other than a
layoff;
(iii) Is laid off from work for a period of time that has lasted
less than 30 days; or
(iv) Is absent from work due to a recurring reduction in employment
that occurs at least annually.
Sec. 4043.24 Termination or partial termination.
(a) Reportable event. A reportable event occurs when the Secretary
of the Treasury determines that there has been a termination or partial
termination of a plan within the meaning of section 411(d)(3) of the
Code.
(b) Waivers. Notice is waived for this event.
Sec. 4043.25 Failure to make required minimum funding payment.
(a) Reportable event. A reportable event occurs when a required
installment or a payment required under section 302 of ERISA or section
412 of the Code (including a payment required as a condition of a
funding waiver) is not made by the due date for the payment. In the
case of a payment needed to avoid a deficiency in the plan's funding
standard account, the due date is the latest date such payment may be
made under section 302(c)(10)(A) of ERISA or section 412(c)(10)(A) of
the Code.
(b) Initial information required. In addition to the information in
Sec. 4043.3(b), the notice shall include--
(1) The due date and amount of the required minimum funding payment
that was not made and of the next payment due;
(2) The name of each member of the plan's controlled group and its
ownership relationship to other members of that controlled group; and
(3) For each other plan maintained by any member of the plan's
controlled group, identification of the plan and its contributing
sponsor(s) by name and EIN/PN or EIN, as appropriate.
(c) Waiver. Notice is waived if the required minimum funding
payment is made by the 30th day after its due date.
(d) Form 200 filed. If, with respect to the same failure, a Form
200 has been completed and submitted in accordance with Sec. 4043.81,
the Form 200 filing shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of this
section.
Sec. 4043.26 Inability to pay benefits when due.
(a) Reportable event. A reportable event occurs when a plan is
currently unable or projected to be unable to pay benefits.
(1) Current inability. A plan is currently unable to pay benefits
if it fails to provide any participant or beneficiary the full benefits
to which the person is entitled under the terms of the plan, at the
time the benefit is due and in the form in which it is due. A plan
shall not be treated as being currently unable to pay benefits if its
failure to pay is caused solely by the need to verify the person's
eligibility for benefits; the inability to locate the person; or any
other administrative delay if the delay is for less than the shorter of
two months or two full benefit payment periods.
(2) Projected inability. A plan is projected to be unable to pay
benefits when, as of the last day of any quarter of a plan year, the
plan's ``liquid assets'' are less than two times the amount of
[[Page 38415]]
the ``disbursements from the plan'' for such quarter. Liquid assets and
disbursements from the plan have the same meaning as under section
302(e)(5)(E) of ERISA and section 412(m)(5)(E) of the Code.
(b) Initial information required. In addition to the information in
Sec. 4043.3(b), the notice shall include--
(1) The date of any current inability and the amount of benefit
payments not made;
(2) The next date on which the plan is expected to be unable to pay
benefits, the amount of the projected shortfall, and the number of plan
participants and beneficiaries expected to be affected by the inability
to pay benefits;
(3) For a projected inability described in paragraph (a)(2), the
amount of the plan's liquid assets at the end of the quarter, and the
amount of its disbursements for the quarter; and
(4) The name, address, and phone number of the trustee of the plan
(and of any custodian).
(c) Waivers. Notice is waived unless the reportable event occurs
during a plan year for which the plan is described in section
302(d)(6)(A) of ERISA or section 412(l)(6)(A) of the Code.
Sec. 4043.27 Distribution to a substantial owner.
(a) Reportable event. A reportable event occurs for a plan when--
(1) There is a distribution to a substantial owner of a
contributing sponsor of the plan;
(2) The total of all distributions made to the substantial owner
within the one-year period ending with the date of such distribution
exceeds $10,000;
(3) The distribution is not made by reason of the substantial
owner's death; and
(4) Immediately after the distribution, the plan has nonforfeitable
benefits (as provided in Sec. 4022.5) that are not funded.
(b) Initial information required. In addition to the information in
Sec. 4043.3(b), the notice shall include--
(1) The name, address and telephone number of the substantial owner
receiving the distribution(s); and
(2) The amount, form, and date of each distribution.
(c) Waivers.--(1) Distribution up to section 415 limit. Notice is
waived if the total of all distributions made to the substantial owner
within the one-year period ending with the date of the distribution
does not exceed the limitation (as of the date the reportable event
occurs) under section 415(b)(1)(A) of the Code (as adjusted in
accordance with section 415(d)) when expressed as an annual benefit in
the form of a straight life annuity to a participant beginning at
Social Security retirement age ($120,000 for calendar year 1996).
(2) Plan funding. Notice is waived if--
(i) No variable rate premium. No variable rate premium is required
to be paid for the plan for the event year;
(ii) No unfunded vested benefits. As of the testing date for the
event year, the plan would have no unfunded vested benefits if unfunded
vested benefits were determined in accordance with the assumptions and
methodology in Sec. 4010.4(b)(2) of this chapter; or
(iii) 80-percent funded. As of the testing date for the event year,
the fair market value of the plan's assets is at least 80 percent of
the plan's vested benefits amount.
(3) Distribution up to one percent of assets. Notice is waived if
the sum of the values of all distributions that are made to the
substantial owner within the one-year period ending with the date of
the distribution is one percent or less of the end-of-year current
value of the plan's assets (as required to be reported on the plan's
Form 5500) for either of the two plan years immediately preceding the
event year.
(d) Form 1 extension. The notice date is extended until 30 days
after the plan's variable rate premium filing due date for the event
year, provided that a waiver under any of paragraphs (c)(2)(i) through
(c)(2)(iii) of this section would apply if ``the plan year preceding
the event year'' were substituted for ``the event year.''
(e) Determination rules.--(1) Valuation of distribution. The value
of a distribution under this section is the sum of--
(i) The cash amounts actually received by the substantial owner;
(ii) The purchase price of any irrevocable commitment; and
(iii) The fair market value of any other assets distributed,
determined as of the date of distribution to the substantial owner.
(2) Date of substantial owner distribution. The date of
distribution to a substantial owner of a cash distribution is the date
it is received by the substantial owner. The date of distribution to a
substantial owner of an irrevocable commitment is the date on which the
obligation to provide benefits passes from the plan to the insurer. The
date of any other distribution to a substantial owner is the date when
the plan relinquishes control over the assets transferred directly or
indirectly to the substantial owner.
(3) Determination date. The determination of whether a participant
is (or has been in the preceding 60 months) a substantial owner is made
on the date when there has been a distribution that would be reportable
under this section if made to a substantial owner.
Sec. 4043.28 Plan merger, consolidation or transfer.
(a) Reportable event. A reportable event occurs when a plan merges,
consolidates, or transfers its assets or liabilities under section 208
of ERISA or section 414(1) of the Code.
(b) Waivers. Notice is waived for this event. However, notice may
be required under Sec. 4043.29 (for a controlled group change) or
Sec. 4043.32 (for a transfer of benefit liabilities).
Sec. 4043.29 Change in contributing sponsor or controlled group.
(a) Reportable event. A reportable event occurs for a plan when, as
a result of a transaction, one or more persons will cease to be members
of the plan's controlled group. This does not include a transaction
that will result solely in a reorganization involving a mere change in
identity, form, or place of organization, however effected.
(b) Initial information required. In addition to the information in
Sec. 4043.3(b), the notice shall include--
(1) The name of each member of the plan's old and new controlled
groups and the member's ownership relationship to other members of
those groups;
(2) For each other plan maintained by any member of the plan's old
or new controlled group, identification of the plan and its
contributing sponsor(s) by name and EIN/PN or EIN, as appropriate; and
(3) A copy of the most recent audited (or if not available,
unaudited) financial statements, and the most recent interim financial
statements, of the plan's contributing sponsor (both old and new, in
the case of a change in the contributing sponsor) and any persons that
will cease to be in the plan's controlled group.
(c) Waivers.--(1) De minimis 10-percent segment. Notice is waived
if the person or persons that will cease to be members of the plan's
controlled group represent a de minimis 10-percent segment of the
plan's old controlled group for the most recent fiscal year(s) ending
on or before the date the reportable event occurs.
(2) Foreign entity. Notice is waived if each person that will cease
to be a member of the plan's controlled group is a foreign entity other
than a foreign parent.
(3) Plan funding. Notice is waived if--
[[Page 38416]]
(i) No variable rate premium. No variable rate premium is required
to be paid for the plan for the event year;
(ii) $1 million unfunded vested benefits. As of the testing date
for the event year, the plan has less than $1 million in unfunded
vested benefits; or
(iii) No unfunded vested benefits. As of the testing date for the
event year, the plan would have no unfunded vested benefits if unfunded
vested benefits were determined in accordance with the assumptions and
methodology in Sec. 4010.4(b)(2) of this chapter.
(4) Public company/80-percent funded. Notice is waived if--
(i) The plan's contributing sponsor before the effective date of
the transaction is a public company; and
(ii) As of the testing date for the event year, the fair market
value of the plan's assets is at least 80 percent of the plan's vested
benefits amount.
(d) Extensions. The notice date is extended to the latest of--
(1) Form 1 extension. 30 days after the plan's variable rate
premium filing due date for the event year if a waiver under any of
paragraphs (c)(3)(i) through (c)(3)(iii) or (c)(4) of this section
would apply if ``the plan year preceding the event year'' were
substituted for ``the event year'';
(2) Foreign parent and foreign-linked entities. With respect to a
transaction in which only foreign parents or foreign-linked entities
will cease to be members of the plan's controlled group, 30 days after
the plan's first Form 5500 due date after the person required to notify
the PBGC has actual knowledge of the transaction and of the controlled
group relationship; and
(3) Press releases; Forms 10Q. If the plan's contributing sponsor
before the effective date of the transaction is a public company, 30
days after the earlier of--
(i) The first Form 10Q filing deadline that occurs after the
transaction; or
(ii) The date (if any) when a press release with respect to the
transaction is issued.
(e) Transaction. For purposes of this section, the term
``transaction'' includes, but is not limited to, a legally binding
agreement, whether or not written, to transfer, a transfer, and a
change in ownership that occurs as a matter of law or through the
exercise or lapse of pre-existing rights.
(f) Examples. The following examples assume that no waivers apply.
(1) Controlled group breakup. Plan A's controlled group consists of
Company A (its contributing sponsor), Company B (which maintains Plan
B), and Company C. As a result of a transaction, the controlled group
will break into two separate controlled groups--one segment consisting
of Company A and the other segment consisting of Companies B and C.
Both Company A (Plan A's contributing sponsor) and the plan
administrator of plan A are required to report that Companies B and C
will leave plan A's controlled group. Company B (Plan B's contributing
sponsor) and the plan administrator of Plan B are required to report
that Company A will leave Plan B's controlled group. Company C is not
required to report because it is not a contributing sponsor or a plan
administrator.
(2) Change in contributing sponsor. Plan Q is maintained by Company
Q. In connection with a sale of Company Q's assets and the transfer of
employees, Plan Q will be transferred to Company R, which is not a
member of Company Q's controlled group. There is no change in the
structure of Company Q's controlled group. The plan administrator and
contributing sponsor of Plan Q are required to report that Company Q
(and any other member of Company Q's controlled group) will cease to be
a member of Plan Q's controlled group.
(3) Merger/consolidation within a controlled group. Company X and
Company Y are subsidiaries of Company Z, which maintains Plan Z.
Company Y merges into Company X (only Company X survives). Company Z
and the plan administrator of Plan Z must report that Company Y has
ceased to be a member of Plan Z's controlled group.
Sec. 4043.30 Liquidation.
(a) Reportable event. A reportable event occurs for a plan when a
member of the plan's controlled group--
(1) Is involved in any transaction to implement its complete
liquidation (including liquidation into another controlled group
member);
(2) Institutes or has instituted against it a proceeding to be
dissolved or is dissolved, whichever occurs first; or
(3) Liquidates in a case under the Bankruptcy Code, or under any
similar law.
(b) Initial information required. In addition to the information in
Sec. 4043.3(b), the notice shall include--
(1) The name of each member of the plan's controlled group before
and after the liquidation and its ownership relationship to other
members of that controlled group; and
(2) For each other plan maintained by any member of the plan's
controlled group, identification of the plan and its contributing
sponsor(s) by name and EIN/PN or EIN, as appropriate.
(c) Waivers.-- (1) De minimis 10-percent segment. Notice is waived
if--
(i) The person or persons that liquidate represent a de minimis 10-
percent segment of the plan's controlled group for the most recent
fiscal year(s) ending on or before the date the reportable event
occurs; and
(ii) Each plan that was maintained by the liquidating member is
maintained by another member of the plan's controlled group after the
liquidation.
(2) Foreign entity. Notice is waived if each person that liquidates
is a foreign entity other than a foreign parent.
(3) Plan funding. Notice is waived if any plan that was maintained
by the liquidating member is maintained by another member of the plan's
controlled group after the liquidation and--
(i) No variable rate premium. No variable rate premium is required
to be paid for the plan for the event year;
(ii) $1 million unfunded vested benefits. As of the testing date
for the event year, the plan has less than $1 million in unfunded
vested benefits; or
(iii) No unfunded vested benefits. As of the testing date for the
event year, the plan would have no unfunded vested benefits if unfunded
vested benefits were determined in accordance with the assumptions and
methodology in Sec. 4010.4(b)(2) of this chapter.
(4) Public company/80-percent funded. Notice is waived if--
(i) The plan's contributing sponsor is a public company; and
(ii) As of the testing date for the event year, the fair market
value of the plan's assets is at least 80 percent of the plan's vested
benefits amount.
(d) Extensions. The notice date is extended to the latest of--
(1) Form 1 extension. 30 days after the plan's variable rate
premium filing due date for the event year if a waiver under any of
paragraphs (c)(3)(i) through (c)(3)(iii) or (c)(4) of this section
would apply if ``the plan year preceding the event year'' were
substituted for ``the event year'';
(2) Foreign parent and foreign-linked entity. 30 days after the
plan's first Form 5500 due date after the person required to notify the
PBGC has actual knowledge of the transaction and of the controlled
group relationship, if the person liquidating is a foreign parent or
foreign-linked entity; and
(3) Press releases; Forms 10Q. If the plan's contributing sponsor
is a public company, 30 days after the earlier of--
(i) The first Form 10 filing deadline that occurs after the
transaction; or
(ii) The date (if any) when a press release with respect to the
transaction is issued.
[[Page 38417]]
Sec. 4043.31 Extraordinary dividend or stock redemption.
(a) Reportable event. A reportable event occurs for a plan when any
member of the plan's controlled group declares a dividend or redeems
its own stock, if the resulting distribution is reportable under this
paragraph.
(1) Cash distributions. A cash distribution is reportable if--
(i) The distribution, when combined with any other cash
distributions to shareholders previously made during the fiscal year,
exceeds the adjusted net income (as defined in paragraph (e)(1) of this
section) of the person making the distribution for the preceding fiscal
year; and
(ii) The distribution, when combined with any other cash
distributions to shareholders previously made during the fiscal year or
during the three prior fiscal years, exceeds the adjusted net income
(as defined in paragraph (e)(1) of this section) of the person making
the distribution for the four preceding fiscal years.
(2) Non-cash distributions. A non-cash distribution is reportable
if its net value (as defined in paragraph (e)(4) of this section), when
combined with the net value of any other non-cash distributions to
shareholders previously made during the fiscal year, exceeds 10 percent
of the total net assets (as defined in paragraph (e)(6) of this
section) of the person making the distribution.
(3) Combined distributions. If both cash and non-cash distributions
to shareholders are made during a fiscal year, a distribution is
reportable when the sum of the cash distribution percentage and the
non-cash distribution percentages for the fiscal year exceeds 100
percent.
(b) Information required. In addition to the information in
Sec. 4043.5(b), the notice shall include--
(1) Identification of the person making the distribution (by name
and EIN); and
(2) The date and amount of any cash distribution during the fiscal
year;
(3) A description of any non-cash distribution during the fiscal
year, the fair market value of each asset distributed, and the date or
dates of distribution; and
(4) A statement as to whether the recipient was a member of the
plan's controlled group.
(c) Waivers--(1) Extraordinary dividends and stock redemptions. The
reportable event described in section 4043(c)(11) of ERISA related to
extraordinary dividends and stock redemptions is waived except to the
extent reporting is required under this section.
(2) De minimis 5-percent segment. Notice is waived if the person
making the distribution is a de minimis 5-percent segment of the plan's
controlled group for the most recent fiscal year(s) ending on or before
the date the reportable event occurs.
(3) Foreign entity. Notice is waived if the person making the
distribution is a foreign entity other than a foreign parent.
(4) Foreign parent. Notice is waived if the person making the
distribution is a foreign parent, and the distribution is made solely
to other members of the plan's controlled group.
(5) Plan funding. Notice is waived if--
(i) No variable rate premium. No variable rate premium is required
to be paid for the plan for the event year;
(ii) $1 million unfunded vested benefits. As of the testing date
for the event year, the plan has less than $1 million in unfunded
vested benefits;
(iii) No unfunded vested benefits. As of the testing date for the
event year, the plan would have no unfunded vested benefits if unfunded
vested benefits were determined in accordance with the assumptions and
methodology in Sec. 4010.4(b)(2) of this chapter; or
(iv) 80-percent funded. As of the testing date for the event year,
the fair market value of the plan's assets is at least 80 percent of
the plan's vested benefits amount.
(d) Extensions. The notice date is extended to the latest of--
(1) Form 1 extension. 30 days after the plan's variable rate
premium filing due date for the event year if a waiver under any of
paragraphs (c)(5)(i) through (c)(5)(iv) of this section would apply if
``the plan year preceding the event year'' were substituted for ``the
event year'';
(2) Foreign parent and foreign-linked entity. 30 days after the
plan's first Form 5500 due date after the person required to notify the
PBGC has actual knowledge of the distribution and the controlled group
relationship, if the person making the distribution is a foreign parent
or foreign-linked entity; and
(3) Press releases; Forms 10Q. If the plan's contributing sponsor
is a public company, 30 days after the earlier of--
(i) The first Form 10Q filing deadline that occurs after the
distribution; or
(ii) The date (if any) when a press release with respect to the
distribution is issued.
(e) Definitions.
(1) Adjusted net income means the net income before after-tax gain
or loss on any sale of assets, as determined in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles and practices.
(2) Cash distribution percentage means, for a fiscal year, the
lesser of--
(i) The percentage that all cash distributions to one or more
shareholders made during that fiscal year bears to the adjusted net
income (as defined in paragraph (e)(1) of this section) of the person
making the distributions for the preceding fiscal year, or
(ii) The percentage that all cash distributions to one or more
shareholders made during that fiscal year and the three preceding
fiscal years bears to the adjusted net income (as defined in paragraph
(e)(1) of this section) of the person making the distributions for the
four preceding fiscal years.
(3) Dividend means a distribution to one or more shareholders. A
payment by a person to a member of its controlled group is treated as a
distribution to its shareholder(s).
(4) Net value of non-cash distribution means the fair market value
of assets transferred by the person making the distribution, reduced by
the fair market value of any liabilities assumed or consideration given
by the recipient in connection with the distribution. A distribution of
stock that one controlled group member holds in another controlled
group member is disregarded. Net value determinations should be based
on readily available fair market value(s) or independent appraisal(s)
performed within one year before the distribution is made. To the
extent that fair market values are not readily available and no such
appraisals exist, the fair market value of an asset transferred in
connection with a distribution or a liability assumed by a recipient of
a distribution shall be deemed to be equal to 200 percent of the book
value of the asset or liability on the books of the person making the
distribution. Stock redeemed is deemed to have no value.
(5) Non-cash distribution percentage means the percentage that the
net value of the non-cash distribution bears to one-tenth of the value
of the total net assets (as defined in paragraph (e)(6) of this
section) of the person making the distribution.
(6) Total net assets means, with respect to the person declaring a
non-cash distribution--
(i) If all classes of the person's securities are publicly traded,
the total market value (immediately before the distribution is made) of
the publicly-traded securities of the person making the distribution;
(ii) If no classes of the person's securities are publicly traded,
the excess (immediately before the distribution is made) of the book
value of the person's assets over the book value of the
[[Page 38418]]
person's liabilities, adjusted to reflect the net value of the non-cash
distribution; or
(iii) If some but not all classes of the person's securities are
publicly traded, the greater of the amounts in paragraphs (e)(6)(i) or
(ii) of this section.
Sec. 4043.32 Transfer of benefit liabilities.
(a) Reportable event--(1) In general. A reportable event occurs for
a plan when--
(i) The plan or any other plan maintained by a person in the plan's
controlled group makes a transfer of benefit liabilities to a person,
or to a plan or plans maintained by a person or persons, that are not
members of the transferor plan's controlled group; and
(ii) The amount of benefit liabilities transferred, in conjunction
with other benefit liabilities transferred during the 12-month period
ending on the date of the transfer, is 3 percent or more of the plan's
total benefit liabilities. Both the benefit liabilities transferred and
the plan's total benefit liabilities shall be valued as of any one date
in the plan year in which the transfer occurs, using actuarial
assumptions that comply with section 414(l) of the Code.
(2) Date of transfer. The date of transfer shall be determined on
the basis of the facts and circumstances of the particular situation.
For transfers subject to the requirements of section 414(l) of the
Code, a date determined in accordance with 26 CFR 1.414(l)-1(b)(11)
will be considered the date of transfer.
(b) Initial information required. In addition to the information
required in Sec. 4043.3(b), the notice shall include--
(1) Identification of the transferee(s) and each contributing
sponsor of each transferee plan by name and EIN/PN or EIN, as
appropriate;
(2) An explanation of the actuarial assumptions used in determining
the value of benefit liabilities (and, if appropriate, the value of
plan assets) for each transfer; and
(3) An estimate of the amounts of assets and liabilities being
transferred, and the number of participants whose benefits are
transferred.
(c) Waivers. (1) Complete plan transfer. Notice is waived if the
transfer is a transfer of all of the transferor plan's benefit
liabilities and assets to one other plan.
(2) Transfer of less than 3 percent of assets. Notice is waived if
the value of the assets being transferred--
(i) Equals the present value of the accrued benefits (whether or
not vested) being transferred, using actuarial assumptions that comply
with section 414(l) of the Code; and
(ii) In conjunction with other assets transferred during the same
plan year, is less than 3 percent of the assets of the transferor plan
as of at least one day in that year.
(3) Section 414(l) safe harbor. Notice is waived if the transfer
complies with section 414(l) of the Code using the actuarial
assumptions prescribed for valuing benefits in trusteed plans under
Sec. 4044.51-57 of this chapter.
(4) Fully funded plans. Notice is waived if the transfer complies
with section 414(l) of the Code using reasonable actuarial assumptions
and, after the transfer, the transferor and transferee plans are fully
funded (using the actuarial assumptions prescribed for valuing benefits
in trusteed plans under Sec. 4044.51-57) of this chapter.
(d) Who must file. Only the plan administrator and contributing
sponsor of the plan that made the transfer described in paragraph
(a)(1) of this section are required to file a notice of a reportable
event under this section. Notice by any other contributing sponsor or
plan administrator is waived.
Sec. 4043.33 Application for minimum funding waiver.
(a) Reportable event. A reportable event for a plan occurs when an
application for a minimum funding waiver for the plan is submitted
under section 303 of ERISA or section 412(d) of the Code.
(b) Initial information required. In addition to the information in
Sec. 4043.3(b), the notice shall include a copy of the waiver
application, including all attachments.
Sec. 4043.34 Loan default.
(a) Reportable event. A reportable event occurs for a plan whenever
there is a default by a member of the plan's controlled group with
respect to a loan with an outstanding balance of $10 million or more,
if--
(1) The default results from the debtor's failure to make a
required loan payment when due (unless the payment is made within 30
days after the due date);
(2) The lender accelerates the loan; or
(3) The debtor receives a written notice of default from the lender
(and does not establish the notice was issued in error) on account of:
(i) A drop in the debtor's cash reserves below an agreed-upon
level;
(ii) An unusual or catastrophic event experienced by the debtor; or
(iii) A persisting failure by the debtor to attain agreed-upon
performance levels.
(b) Initial information required. In addition to the information in
Sec. 4043.3(b), the notice shall include--
(1) A copy of the relevant loan documents (e.g., promissory note,
security agreement);
(2) The due date and amount of any missed payment;
(3) A copy of any notice of default from the lender; and
(4) A copy of any notice of acceleration from the lender.
(c) Waivers.--(1) Default cured. Notice is waived if the default is
cured, or waived by the lender, within 30 days or, if later, by the end
of any cure period provided by the loan agreement.
(2) Foreign entity. Notice is waived if the debtor is a foreign
entity other than a foreign parent.
(3) Plan funding. Notice is waived if--
(i) No variable rate premium. No variable rate premium is required
to be paid for the plan for the event year;
(ii) $1 million unfunded vested benefits. As of the testing date
for the event year, the plan has less than $1 million in unfunded
vested benefits;
(iii) No unfunded vested benefits. As of the testing date for the
event year, the plan would have no unfunded vested benefits if unfunded
vested benefits were determined in accordance with the assumptions and
methodology in Sec. 4010.4(b)(2) of this chapter; or
(iv) 80-percent funded. As of the testing date for the event year,
the fair market value of the plan's assets is at least 80 percent of
the plan's vested benefits amount.
(d) Notice date and extensions.
(1) In general. Except as provided in paragraph (d)(2) or (d)(3) of
this section, the notice date is 30 days after the person required to
report knows or has reason to know of the occurrence of the default,
without regard to the time of any other conditions required for the
default to be reportable.
(2) Cure period extensions. The notice date is extended to one day
after--
(i) The applicable cure period provided in the loan agreement (in
the case of a reportable event described in paragraph (a)(1) of this
section);
(ii) The date the loan is accelerated (in the case of a reportable
event described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section); or
(iii) The date the debtor receives written notice of the default
(in the case of a reportable event described in paragraph (a)(3) of
this section).
(3) Form 1 extension. The notice date is extended to 30 days after
the plan's variable rate premium filing due date for the event year, if
a waiver under any of paragraphs (c)(3)(i) through (c)(3)(iv) of this
section would apply if ``the plan year preceding the event year'' were
substituted for ``the event year.''
(4) Foreign parent and foreign-linked entities. With respect to a
loan default
[[Page 38419]]
involving only a foreign parent or a foreign-linked entity, the notice
date is extended to 30 days after the plan's first Form 5500 due date
after the person required to notify the PBGC has actual knowledge of
the default and of the controlled group relationship.
(5) Example. Company A has a debt with an outstanding balance of
$20 million, for which a payment is due on October 1. Under the terms
of the loan, the default may be cured within 10 days. Company A does
not make the payment until October 31. Because Company A has made the
payment within 30 days of the due date, no reportable event has
occurred. If Company A does not make the payment by October 31, a
reportable event will have occurred on October 1, and notice will be
due by October 31.
Sec. 4043.35 Bankruptcy or similar settlement.
(a) Reportable event. A reportable event occurs for a plan when any
member of the plan's controlled group--
(1) Commences a bankruptcy case (under the Bankruptcy Code), or has
a bankruptcy case commenced against it;
(2) Commences or has commenced against it any other type of
insolvency proceeding (including, but not limited to, the appointment
of a receiver);
(3) Commences, or has commenced against it, a proceeding to effect
a composition, extension, or settlement with creditors;
(4) Executes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or
(5) Undertakes to effect any other nonjudicial composition,
extension, or settlement with substantially all its creditors.
(b) Initial information required. In addition to the information in
Sec. 4043.3(b), the notice shall include--
(1) A copy of all papers filed in the relevant proceeding,
including, but not limited to, petitions and supporting schedules;
(2) The last date for filing claims;
(3) The name, address, and phone number of any trustee or receiver
(or similar person);
(4) The name of each member of the plan's controlled group and its
ownership relationship to other members of that controlled group; and
(5) For each other plan maintained by any member of the plan's
controlled group, identification of the plan and its contributing
sponsor(s) by name and EIN/PN or EIN, as appropriate.
(c) Waivers. Notice is waived if the person described in paragraph
(a) of this section is a foreign entity other than a foreign parent.
(d) Extensions. Unless the controlled group member described in
paragraph (a) of this section is the contributing sponsor of the plan,
the notice date is extended until 30 days after the person required to
notify the PBGC has actual knowledge of the reportable event.
Subpart C--Advance Notice of Reportable Events
Sec. 4043.61 Advance reporting filing obligation.
(a) In general. Unless a waiver or extension applies with respect
to the plan, each contributing sponsor of a plan for which a reportable
event under this subpart is going to occur is required to notify the
PBGC no later than 30 days before the effective date of the reportable
event if the contributing sponsor is subject to advance reporting.
(b) Persons subject to advance reporting. A contributing sponsor is
subject to the advance reporting requirement under paragraph (a) of
this section if--
(1) Neither the contributing sponsor nor the member of the plan's
controlled group to which the event relates is a public company; and
(2) The contributing sponsor is a member of a controlled group
maintaining one or more plans that, in the aggregate (disregarding
plans with no unfunded vested benefits) have--
(i) Vested benefits amounts that exceed the actuarial values of
plan assets by more than $50 million; and
(ii) A funded vested benefit percentage of less than 90 percent.
(c) Funding determinations. For purposes of paragraph (b)(2) of
this section.
(1) Actuarial value of assets. The actuarial value of plan assets
is determined in accordance with Sec. 4006.4(b)(2) of this chapter;
(2) Funded vested benefit percentage. The aggregate funded vested
percentage of one or more plans is the percentage that the total
actuarial values of plan assets bears to the plans' total vested
benefits amounts; and
(3) Testing date. Each plan's assets and vested benefits amount are
determined as of that plan's testing date for the plan year that
includes the effective date of the reportable event.
(d) Shortening of 30-day period. Pursuant to Sec. 4043.3(d), the
PBGC may, upon review of an advance notice, shorten the notice period
to allow for an earlier effective date.
Sec. 4043.62 Change in contributing sponsor or controlled group.
(a) Reportable event and information required. Advance notice is
required for a change in a plan's contributing sponsor or controlled
group, as described in Sec. 4043.29(a), and the notice shall include
the information described in Sec. 4043.29(b) and, if known, the
expected effective date of the reportable event.
(b) Waivers--(1) Small plan. Notice is waived with respect to a
change of contributing sponsor if the transferred plan has 500 or fewer
participants.
(2) De minimis 5-percent segment. Notice is waived if the person or
persons that will cease to be members of the plan's controlled group
represent a de minimis 5-percent segment of the plan's old controlled
group for the most recent fiscal year(s) ending on or before the
effective date of the reportable event.
Sec. 4043.63 Liquidation.
(a) Reportable event and information required. Advance notice is
required for a liquidation of a member of a plan's controlled group, as
described in Sec. 4043.30(a), and the notice shall include the
information described in Sec. 4043.30(b) and, if known, the expected
effective date of the reportable event.
(b) Waiver. Notice is waived if the person that liquidates is a de
minimis 5-percent segment of the plan's controlled group for the most
recent fiscal year(s) ending on or before the effective date of the
reportable event, and any plan that was maintained by the liquidating
member is maintained by another member of the plan's controlled group.
Sec. 4043.64 Extraordinary dividend or stock redemption.
(a) Reportable event and information required. Advance notice is
required for a distribution by a member of a plan's controlled group
that would be described in Sec. 4043.31(a) if both assets and
liabilities were valued at fair market value. The notice shall include
the information described in Sec. 4043.31(b).
(b) Waiver. Notice is waived if the person making the distribution
is a de minimis 5-percent segment of the plan's controlled group for
the most recent fiscal year(s) ending on or before the effective date
of the reportable event.
Sec. 4043.65 Transfer of benefit liabilities.
(a) Reportable event and information required. Advance notice is
required for a transfer of benefit liabilities, as described in
Sec. 4043.32(a) (determined without regard to Sec. 4043.32(d)), and the
notice shall include the information described in Sec. 4043.32(b).
(b) Waivers. Notice is waived--
(1) In the circumstances described in Sec. 4043.32 (c)(1), (c)(2),
and (c)(4); and
(2) If the benefit liabilities of 500 or fewer participants are
transferred, in the circumstances described in Sec. 4043.32(c)(3).
[[Page 38420]]
Sec. 4043.66 Application for minimum funding waiver.
(a) Reportable event and information required. Advance notice is
required for an application for a minimum funding waiver, as described
in Sec. 4043.33(a), and the notice shall include the information
described in Sec. 4043.33(b).
(b) Extension. The notice date is extended until 10 days after the
reportable event has occurred.
Sec. 4043.67 Loan default.
(a) Reportable event and information required. Advance notice is
required for a loan default, as described in Sec. 4043.34(a) (or that
would be so described if ``10 days'' were substituted for ``30 days''
in Sec. 4043.34(a)(1)). The notice shall include the information
described in Sec. 4043.34(b).
(b) Waivers. Notice is waived if the reportable default is cured,
or the lender waives the default, within 10 days or, if later, by the
end of any cure period.
(c) Extensions. The notice date is extended to the later of--
(1) 10 days after default. 10 days after the default occurs
(without regard to the time of any other conditions required for the
default to be reportable); and
(2) One day after subsequent event. One day after--
(i) The applicable cure period provided in the loan agreement (in
the case of a default described in Sec. 4043.34(a)(1));
(ii) The date the loan is accelerated (in the case of a default
described in Sec. 4043.34(a)(2)); and
(iii) The date the debtor receives written notice of the default
(in the case of a default described in Sec. 4043.34(a)(3)).
Sec. 4043.68 Bankruptcy or similar settlement.
(a) Reportable event and information required. Advance notice is
required for a bankruptcy or similar settlement, as described in
Sec. 4043.35(a), and the notice shall include the information described
in Sec. 4043.35(b).
(b) Extension. The notice date is extended until 10 days after the
reportable event has occurred.
Subpart D--Notice of Failure to Make Required Contributions
Sec. 4043.81 PBGC Form 200, notice of failure to make required
contributions; supplementary information.
(a) General rules. To comply with the notification requirement in
section 302(f)(4) of ERISA and section 412(n)(4) of the Code, a
contributing sponsor of a single-employer plan that is covered under
section 4021 of ERISA and, if that contributing sponsor is a member of
a parent-subsidiary controlled group, the ultimate parent must complete
and submit in accordance with this section a properly certified Form
200 that includes all required documentation and other information, as
described in the related filing instructions. Notice is required
whenever the unpaid balance of a required installment or any other
payment required under section 302 of ERISA and section 412 of the Code
(including interest), when added to the aggregate unpaid balance of all
preceding such installments or other payments for which payment was not
made when due (including interest), exceeds $1 million.
(1) Form 200 must be filed with the PBGC no later than 10 days
after the due date for any required payment for which payment was not
made when due.
(2) If a contributing sponsor or the ultimate parent completes and
submits Form 200 in accordance with this section, the PBGC will
consider the notification requirement in section 302(f)(4) of ERISA and
section 412(n)(4) of the Code to be satisfied by all members of a
controlled group of which the person who has filed Form 200 is a
member.
(b) Supplementary information. If, upon review of a Form 200, the
PBGC concludes that it needs additional information in order to make
decisions regarding enforcement of a lien imposed by section 302(f) of
ERISA and section 412(n) of the Code, the PBGC may require any member
of the contributing sponsor's controlled group to supplement the Form
200 in accordance with Sec. 4043.3(d).
PART 4065--ANNUAL REPORT
4. The authority citation for part 4065 is revised to read as
follows:
Authority: 29 U.S.C. 1302(b)(3), 1365.
5. Section 4065.3 is amended by redesignating the existing text as
paragraph (b); and adding a new paragraph (a) to read as follows:
Sec. 4065.3 Filing requirement.
(a) The requirement to report the occurrence of a reportable event
under section 4043 of ERISA in the Annual Report is waived.
* * * * *
Issued in Washington, DC, this 17th day of July, 1996.
Martin Slate,
Executive Director, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
[FR Doc. 96-18608 Filed 7-23-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7708-01-P
