IRS issues 401(k) match guidance for student loan payments

August 26, 2024

The IRS on Monday, Aug. 19, issued interim guidance on employer matching contributions made to retirement plans — including 401(k), 403(b), and similar plans — for student loan payments made by their workers.

The guidance in Notice 2024-63 implements Section 110 of the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022, which allows employees to receive a 401(k) match from their employer, but only if they’re making qualified student loan payments.

The interim guidance addresses a variety of plan-administration issues, such as

  • general student loan matching
  • what is required for employee certification to meet student loan matching contribution requirements

  • reasonable student loan matching contribution procedures that a plan may adopt
  • special nondiscrimination testing relief for 401(k) plans

The interim guidance applies for plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2024. The IRS welcomes public comments on the interim guidance. Learn more.

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