The IRS has issued final regulations relating to the increase from $3,500 to $5,000 of the limit on distributions from qualified retirement plans that can be made without participant or spousal consent. This increase is contained in the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. In addition, these regulations eliminate the "lookback rule" pursuant to which certain qualified plan benefits are deemed to exceed this limit on involuntary distributions.

The final regulations affect sponsors and administrators of qualified retirement plans, and participants in those plans. These regulations are effective October 17, 2000. Applicability Date: These regulations generally apply to distributions made on or after October 17, 2000.