Source credit, amendments & notes
(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §302, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 869; Pub. L. 96–364, title III, §304(b), Sept. 26, 1980, 94 Stat. 1293; Pub. L. 100–203, title IX, §§9301(b), 9303(b), (d)(2), 9304(a)(2), (b)(2), (e)(2), 9305(b)(2), 9307(a)(2), (b)(2), (e)(2), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–332, 1330–337, 1330–342, 1330–344, 1330–346, 1330–349, 1330–352, 1330–356 to 1330–358; Pub. L. 100–647, title II, §2005(a)(2)(B), (d)(2), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3610, 3612; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §§7881(a)(1)(B), (2)(B), (3)(B), (4)(B), (5)(B), (6)(B), (b)(1)(B), (2)(B), (3)(B), (4)(B), (6)(B)(i), (d)(1)(B), (2), (4), 7891(a)(1), 7892(b), 7894(d)(2), (5), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2435–2439, 2445, 2447, 2449, 2450; Pub. L. 101–508, title XII, §12012(c), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–572; Pub. L. 103–465, title VII, §§761(a)(1)–(9)(A), (10), 762(a), 763(a), 764(a), 768(b), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 5024–5031, 5033–5036, 5041.)
References in Text
The Social Security Act, referred to in subsecs. (c)(4)(A) and (d)(7)(C)(iii)(II), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 7 (§301 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Title II of the Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§401 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.
The Retirement Protection Act of 1994, referred to in subsec. (d)(11), is subtitle F (§§750–781) of title VII of Pub. L. 103–465, Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 5012. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1994 Amendment note set out under section 1 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, and Tables.
Section 1013(d) of this Act, referred to in subsec. (h), is section 1013(d) of Pub. L. 93–406, which is set out as an Alternative Amortization Method for Certain Multi-employer Plans note under section 412 of Title 26.
Codification
Section 2005(d)(2) of Pub. L. 100–647, which directed that subsec. (d)(3)(B) of this section be amended by striking out “October 17, 1987” in cl. (i) and inserting in lieu thereof “October 29, 1987”, and by striking out “October 16, 1987” in cl. (iii) and inserting in lieu thereof “October 28, 1987”, could not be executed because it did not contain cls. (i) and (iii).
Amendments
1994—Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 103–465, §762(a), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), inserted heading, and added subpar. (B).
Subsec. (c)(7)(A)(i). Pub. L. 103–465, §761(a)(10)(A), inserted “(including the expected increase in current liability due to benefits accruing during the plan year)” after “current liability”.
Subsec. (c)(7)(B). Pub. L. 103–465, §761(a)(10)(C), amended heading and text of subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “For purposes of subparagraphs (A) and (D), the term ‘current liability’ has the meaning given such term by subsection (d)(7) of this section (without regard to subparagraph (D) thereof).”
Subsec. (c)(7)(E). Pub. L. 103–465, §761(a)(10)(B), added subpar. (E).
Subsec. (c)(12). Pub. L. 103–465, §763(a), added par. (12).
Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 103–465, §761(a)(1)(A), (2)(B), substituted “to which this subsection applies under paragraph (9)” for “which has an unfunded current liability” in introductory provisions and substituted last sentence for one which read “Such increase shall not exceed the amount necessary to increase the funded current liability percentage to 100 percent.”
Subsec. (d)(1)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 103–465, §761(a)(2)(A), amended cl. (ii) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (ii) read as follows: “the sum of the charges for such plan year under subparagraphs (B) (other than clauses (iv) and (v) thereof), (C), and (D) of subsection (b)(2) of this section, reduced by the sum of the credits for such plan year under subparagraph (B)(i) of subsection (b)(3) of this section, plus”.
Subsec. (d)(2)(C), (D). Pub. L. 103–465, §761(a)(3), (7)(B)(i), added subpars. (C) and (D).
Subsec. (d)(3)(D), (E). Pub. L. 103–465, §761(a)(4)(A), added subpars. (D) and (E).
Subsec. (d)(4)(B)(i). Pub. L. 103–465, §761(a)(4)(B), (7)(B)(iii), inserted “, the unamortized portion of the additional unfunded old liability, the unamortized portion of each unfunded mortality increase,” after “the unfunded old liability”.
Subsec. (d)(4)(C). Pub. L. 103–465, §761(a)(5), substituted “.40” for “.25” in cl. (i) and “60” for “35” in cl. (ii).
Subsec. (d)(5)(A). Pub. L. 103–465, §761(a)(6)(A)(i), substituted “greatest of” for “greater of” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (d)(5)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 103–465, §761(a)(6)(A)(ii)–(iv), added cl. (iii).
Subsec. (d)(5)(E). Pub. L. 103–465, §761(a)(6)(B), added subpar. (E).
Subsec. (d)(7)(C). Pub. L. 103–465, §761(a)(7)(A), amended heading and text of subpar. (C) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “The rate of interest used to determine current liability shall be the rate of interest used under subsection (b)(5) of this section.”
Subsec. (d)(9) to (11). Pub. L. 103–465, §761(a)(1)(B), (7)(B)(ii), (8), added pars. (9) to (11).
Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 103–465, §764(a), in introductory provisions, inserted “which has a funded current liability percentage (as defined in subsection (d)(8) of this section) for the preceding plan year of less than 100 percent” before “fails to pay” and substituted “the plan year” for “any plan year”.
Subsec. (e)(4)(D)(ii). Pub. L. 103–465, §761(a)(6)(C)(i), substituted “greatest of” for “greater of” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (e)(4)(D)(ii)(III). Pub. L. 103–465, §761(a)(6)(C)(ii)–(iv), added subcl. (III).
Subsec. (e)(5), (6). Pub. L. 103–465, §761(a)(9)(A), added par. (5) and redesignated former par. (5) as (6).
Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 103–465, §768(b)(1), substituted “covered under section 4021 of this title” for “to which this section applies” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 103–465, §768(b)(2), amended heading and text of par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “For purposes of paragraph (1), the amount of the lien shall be equal to the lesser of—
“(A) the amount by which the unpaid balances described in paragraph (1)(B) (including interest) exceed $1,000,000, or
“(B) the aggregate unpaid balance of required installments and other payments required under this section (including interest)—
“(i) for plan years beginning after 1987, and
“(ii) for which payment has not been made before the due date.”
Subsec. (f)(4)(B). Pub. L. 103–465, §768(b)(3), struck out “60th day following the” before “due date”.
1990—Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 101–508 added subsec. (g) and redesignated former subsec. (g) as (h).
1989—Subsec. (b)(3)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(d)(2), substituted comma for period at end.
Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(d)(2)(B), struck out introductory provision which read as follows: “For purposes of determining a plan's current liability and for purposes of determining a plan's required contribution under section 412(l) of title 26 for any plan year—”.
Subsec. (b)(5)(B). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(d)(2)(A), inserted introductory provision “For purposes of determining a plan's current liability and for purposes of determining a plan's required contribution under subsection (d) of this section for any plan year—”.
Subsec. (b)(5)(B)(ii)(I). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(d)(2)(C), substituted “the weighted average of the rates” for “average rate”.
Subsec. (b)(5)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(d)(1)(B), struck out “for purposes of this section and for purposes of determining current liability,” before “the interest rate” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (b)(7)(B), (E). Pub. L. 101–239, §7891(a)(1), substituted “Internal Revenue Code of 1986” for “Internal Revenue Code of 1954”, which for purposes of codification was translated as “title 26” thus requiring no change in text.
Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(d)(4), realigned margins.
Subsec. (c)(4)(B). Pub. L. 101–239, §7891(a)(1), substituted “Internal Revenue Code of 1986” for “Internal Revenue Code of 1954”, which for purposes of codification was translated as “title 26” thus requiring no change in text.
Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(d)(5), substituted “section 1085 of this title” for “subsection (g) of this section”.
Subsec. (c)(7). Pub. L. 101–239, §7892(b), realigned margins.
Subsec. (c)(9). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(a)(6)(B), substituted “every year” for “every 3 years”.
Subsec. (c)(10)(A). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(b)(1)(B), inserted “defined benefit” before “plan other”.
Subsec. (c)(10)(B). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(b)(2)(B), substituted “plan not described in subparagraph (A)” for “multiemployer plan”.
Subsec. (d)(3)(C)(ii)(II). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(a)(1)(B), inserted “(but not below zero)” after “reducing”.
Subsec. (d)(4)(B)(i). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(a)(2)(B), inserted “and the unamortized portion of the unfunded existing benefit increase liability” after “liability”.
Subsec. (d)(5)(C). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(a)(3)(B), substituted “the first plan year beginning after December 31, 1988” for “October 17, 1987”.
Subsec. (d)(7)(D)(iii)(III). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(a)(4)(B)(i), added subcl. (III).
Subsec. (d)(7)(D)(iv). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(a)(4)(B)(ii), added cl. (iv).
Subsec. (d)(8)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(a)(5)(B)(i), struck out “reduced by any credit balance in the funding standard account” after “this section”.
Subsec. (d)(8)(E). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(a)(5)(B)(ii), added subpar. (E).
Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(b)(3)(B), inserted “defined benefit” before “plan (other”.
Subsec. (e)(1)(B). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(b)(6)(B)(i), amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: “the rate under subsection (b)(5) of this section.”
Subsec. (e)(4)(D). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(b)(4)(B), amended subpar. (D) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (D) read as follows: “In the case of a plan with any unpredictable contingent event benefit liabilities—
“(i) such liabilities shall not be taken into account in computing the required annual payment under subparagraph (B), and
“(ii) each required installment shall be increased by the greater of—
“(I) the amount of benefits described in subsection (d)(5)(A)(i) of this section paid during the 3-month period preceding the month in which the due date for such installment occurs, or
“(II) 25 percent of the amount determined under subsection (d)(5)(A)(ii) of this section for the plan year.”
1988—Subsec. (d)(3)(C). Pub. L. 100–647, §2005(a)(2)(B), substituted “October 29” for “October 17” in cl. (i) and “October 28” for “October 16” in cl. (iii).
1987—Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(iv), (C), (3)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 100–203, §9307(a)(2)(A), substituted “5 plan years (15 plan years in the case of a multiemployer plan)” for “15 plan years”.
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(v), (3)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 100–203, §9307(a)(2)(B), substituted “10 plan years (30 plan years in the case of a multiemployer plan)” for “30 plan years”.
Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 100–203, §9307(e)(2), amended par. (5) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (5) read as follows: “The funding standard account (and items therein) shall be charged or credited (as determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury) with interest at the appropriate rate consistent with the rate or rates of interest used under the plan to determine costs.”
Subsec. (c)(2)(B). Pub. L. 100–203, §9303(d)(2), inserted at end “In the case of a plan other than a multiemployer plan, this subparagraph shall not apply, but the Secretary of the Treasury may by regulations provide that the value of any dedicated bond portfolio of such plan shall be determined by using the interest rate under subsection (b)(5) of this section.”
Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 100–203, §9307(b)(2), amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) read as follows: “For purposes of this part, all costs, liabilities, rates of interest, and other factors under the plan shall be determined on the basis of actuarial assumptions and methods which, in the aggregate, are reasonable (taking into account the experience of the plan and reasonable expectations) and which, in combination, offer the actuary's best estimate of anticipated experience under the plan.”
Subsec. (c)(7). Pub. L. 100–203, §9301(b), amended par. (7) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (7) read as follows: “For purposes of paragraph (6), the term ‘full funding limitation’ means the excess (if any) of—
“(A) the accrued liability (including normal cost) under the plan (determined under the entry age normal funding method if such accrued liability cannot be directly calculated under the funding method used for the plan), over
“(B) the lesser of the fair market value of the plan's assets or the value of such assets determined under paragraph (2).”
Subsec. (c)(10). Pub. L. 100–203, §9304(a)(2), amended par. (10) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (10) read as follows: “For purposes of this part, any contributions for a plan year made by an employer after the last day of such plan year, but not later than 21/2 months after such day, shall be deemed to have been made on such last day. For purposes of this paragraph, such 21/2 month period may be extended for not more than 6 months under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury.”
Subsec. (c)(11). Pub. L. 100–203, §9305(b)(2), added par. (11).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–203, §9303(b)(1), added subsec. (d). Former subsec. (d) “Cross reference” redesignated (e).
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–203, §9304(b)(2), added subsec. (e). Former subsec. (e) “Cross reference” redesignated (f).
Pub. L. 100–203, §9303(b)(1), redesignated former subsec. (d) as (e).
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 100–203, §9304(e)(2), added subsec. (f). Former subsec. (f) “Cross reference” redesignated (g).
Pub. L. 100–203, §9304(b)(2), redesignated former subsec. (e) as (f).
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 100–203, §9304(e)(2), redesignated former subsec. (f) as (g).
1980—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 96–364, §304(b)(3), added par. (3).
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 96–364, §304(b)(1), struck out in par. (B)(ii) and (iii) “(40 plan years in the case of a multiemployer plan)” after “30 plan years” and in par. (B)(iv) “(20 plan years in the case of a multiemployer plan)” after “15 plan years”.
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 96–364, §304(b)(1), struck out in par. (B)(i) “(40 plan years in the case of a multiemployer plan)” after “30 plan years” and in par. (B)(ii) “(20 plan years in the case of a multiemployer plan)” after “15 plan years”.
Subsec. (b)(6), (7). Pub. L. 96–364, §304(b)(2), added pars. (6) and (7).
Effective Date of 1994 Amendment
Amendment by section 761(a)(1)–(9)(A), (10) of Pub. L. 103–465 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1994, see section 761(b)(1) of Pub. L. 103–465, set out as a note under section 1056 of this title.
Section 762(b) of Pub. L. 103–465 provided that:
“(1) In general.—The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to changes in assumptions for plan years beginning after October 28, 1993.
“(2) Certain changes cease to be effective.—In the case of changes in assumptions for plan years beginning after December 31, 1992, and on or before October 28, 1993, such changes shall cease to be effective for plan years beginning after December 31, 1994, if—
“(A) such change would have required the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury had such amendment applied to such change, and
“(B) such change is not so approved.”
Section 763(b) of Pub. L. 103–465 provided that: “The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to plan years beginning after December 31, 1994 with respect to collective bargaining agreements in effect on or after January 1, 1995.”
Section 764(b) of Pub. L. 103–465 provided that: “The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to plan years beginning after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 8, 1994].
Amendment by section 768(b) of Pub. L. 103–465 effective for installments and other payments required under section 412 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, or under this part, that become due on or after Dec. 8, 1994, see section 768(c) of Pub. L. 103–465, set out as a note under section 412 of Title 26.
Effective Date of 1990 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 101–508 applicable to qualified transfers under section 420 of title 26 made after Nov. 5, 1990, see section 12012(e) of Pub. L. 101–508, set out as a note under section 1021 of this title.
Effective Date of 1989 Amendment
Amendment by section 7881(a)(1)(B), (2)(B), (3)(B), (4)(B), (5)(B), (6)(B), (b)(1)(B), (2)(B), (3)(B), (4)(B), (6)(B)(i), (d)(1)(B), (2), (4) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Pension Protection Act, Pub. L. 100–203, §§9302–9346, to which such amendment relates, see section 7882 of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.
Amendment by section 7891(a)(1) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 7891(f) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.
Amendment by section 7892(b) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective as if included in the provision of the Pension Protection Act, Pub. L. 100–203, §§9302–9346, to which such amendment relates, see section 7892(c) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1052 of this title.
Amendment by section 7894(d)(2), (5) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if originally included in the provision of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Pub. L. 93–406, to which such amendment relates, see section 7894(i) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.
Effective Date of 1988 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 100–647 effective as if included in the amendments made by the provisions of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987, Pub. L. 100–203, to which it relates, see section 2005(e) of Pub. L. 100–647, set out as a note under section 404 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.
Effective Date of 1987 Amendment
Amendment by section 9301(b) of Pub. L. 100–203 applicable to years beginning after Dec. 31, 1987, see section 9301(c)(1) of Pub. L. 100–203, set out as a note under section 412 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.
Amendment by section 9303(b) of Pub. L. 100–203 applicable with respect to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1988, see section 9303(e)(1) of Pub. L. 100–203, set out as a note under section 412 of Title 26.
Amendment by section 9303(d)(2) of Pub. L. 100–203 applicable with respect to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1987, see section 9303(e)(2) of Pub. L. 100–203, set out as a note under section 412 of Title 26.
Amendment by section 9304(a)(2) of Pub. L. 100–203 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1987, see section 9304(a)(3) of Pub. L. 100–203, set out as a note under section 412 of Title 26.
Amendment by section 9304(b)(2) of Pub. L. 100–203 applicable with respect to plan years beginning after 1988, see section 9304(b)(3) of Pub. L. 100–203, set out as a note under section 412 of Title 26.
Amendment by section 9304(e)(2) of Pub. L. 100–203 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1987, see section 9304(e)(3) of Pub. L. 100–203, set out as a note under section 412 of Title 26.
Amendment by section 9305(b)(2) of Pub. L. 100–203 applicable with respect to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1987, see section 9305(d) of Pub. L. 100–203, set out as a note under section 412 of Title 26.
Amendment by section 9307(a)(2), (b)(2), (e)(2) of Pub. L. 100–203 applicable to years beginning after Dec. 31, 1987, except that subsec. (b)(2)(B)(iv), (3)(B)(ii) of this section (as amended by section 9307(a)(2)(A) of Pub. L. 100–203) is applicable to gains and losses established in years beginning after Dec. 31, 1987, see section 9307(f) of Pub. L. 100–203, as amended, set out as a note under section 404 of Title 26.
Effective Date of 1980 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 96–364 effective Sept. 26, 1980, except as specifically provided, see section 1461(e) of this title.
Regulations
Secretary authorized, effective Sept. 2, 1974, to promulgate regulations wherever provisions of this subchapter call for the promulgation of regulations, see section 1031 of this title.
ERISA § 302 (29 U.S.C. § 1082) — Minimum funding standards · USC 1994 ed., current through 1995-01-04 · https://pensionresource.website/EAMain?content=EAMain.Law&id=usc29-1082&asof=1997-03-31 · printed Oct 16, 2026