The IRS has issued guidance (Notice 2026-33) on qualified long-term care (LTC) distributions from defined contribution retirement plans, such as 401(k)s. If a plan permits, distributions made after Dec. 29, 2025, to pay LTC insurance premiums are exempt from the 10% early withdrawal penalty but included in gross income. Distributions are limited to the lesser of the insurance premium paid, 10% of the employee’s vested plan benefit or $2,600 (adjusted for inflation after 2026). The guidance also extends the deadline for plan administrators to amend plans to permit LTC distributions to Dec. 31, 2027.
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