On Dec. 4, 2018, the IRS released Notice 2018-95, clarifying 403(b) plan eligibility requirements. As background, 403(b) plans are subject to a universal availability rule which requires employers to offer the 403(b) plan to all their employees. There is an exception that allows employers to exclude part-time employees who are expected to work less than 20 hours per week if they work less than 1,000 in their first year and in any year that the person worked less than 1,000 hours per week in the immediately preceding plan year.

Many employers read those rules to allow for an employer to potentially stop 403(b) plan deferrals for a part-time employee that might have been in the plan before, but later had a year where they worked less than 1,000 hours. However, the IRS released model 403(b) plan language in 2013 and 2015 that made it clear that they don’t acknowledge that reading of the rule. Instead, the IRS recognizes a “once in, always in” rule that mandates that a part-time employee that gains eligibility cannot lose it later, even if they work less than 1,000 hours in a subsequent year.

Notice 2018-95 provides relief to employers that subscribe to the incorrect reading of the rule. Specifically, as long as those employers correct their practice by Jan. 1, 2019, they will not be held accountable for failing to comply with the universal availability rule for the years preceding 2018. Keep in mind, though, that they will need to offer any part-time employees that were improperly excluded the opportunity to contribute to the plan in 2019.

403(b) plan sponsors that have improperly excluded part-time employees should work with their TPA or other service provider to come into compliance, including amending plan documents if necessary.

Notice 2018-95 »