According to the Journal of Accountancy, the IRS has issued new guidance aimed at simplifying and standardizing the process for rolling over assets between retirement plans and individual retirement accounts.

Notice 2026-49, issued Aug. 12, provides sample forms and proposed procedures for completing certain rollovers, as required under Section 324 of the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022. The guidance applies to rollovers between retirement plans and between a retirement plan and an IRA, but does not apply to IRA-to-IRA transfers.

According to the IRS, the sample forms are intended to reduce the burden on retirement plan participants while protecting their personal identifying information. Plan sponsors would not be required to use the forms or proposed procedures, making their adoption optional.

The guidance responds to a provision of SECURE 2.0 directing the Treasury Department to develop standardized forms that participants and receiving plans or IRA providers can use to facilitate rollovers. By creating a more uniform process, the proposed procedures are intended to make it easier to move retirement savings between eligible accounts.

The IRS is also considering additional guidance that could further expedite the rollover process and is seeking public feedback on both the sample forms and proposed procedures.

Comments are due by Oct. 23, giving retirement plan sponsors, administrators and other stakeholders an opportunity to weigh in before the IRS determines how to move forward with the proposed process.