TSP bulletins provide guidance to TSP Agency and Service representatives for implementing the provisions of law, regulations, and procedures relating to the TSP.
The Thrift Savings Plan is happy to offer a free email subscription service. This service allows TSP representatives to receive automatic notifications by email when new or updated information is available in the "Agency and Service Representative resources" section of the TSP Web site.
2021 TSP Contribution Limits — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the contribution limits for 2021:
2021 and 2020 TSP contribution limits
Limit Name
IRC
2021 Limit
2020 Limit
Elective Deferral Limit
§ 402(g)
$19,500
$19,500
Catch-up Contribution Limit
§ 414(v)
$6,500
$6,500
Annual Additions Limit
§ 415(c)
$58,000
$57,000
These limits define the contributions that can be made to individ
Spillover Method for Catch-Up Contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan - UPDATE — Beginning January 1, 2021, the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) will implement a new method for catch-up contributions called the “spillover” method. (Participants will continue using the TSP’s current catch-up program through the end of 2020.) Spillover will apply to all active civilian and uniformed services members turning age 50 or older. It will help simplify our catch-up pr
Implementation of 5% Automatic Enrollment Percentage for Thrift Savings Plan Participants — On October 1, 2020, the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) will increase the automatic enrollment percentage from 3% to 5% of pay for all Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), and Blended Retirement System (BRS) participants who are automatically enrolled in the TSP on or after October 1, 2020, and for BRS participants automatically re-
Subject: CARES Act Withdrawal — The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act became law on March 27, 2020 (Public Law No. 116-136). The CARES Act allows the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) to create special withdrawal rules for Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants affected by COVID-19. In accordance with this law, the TSP has added a CARES Act withdrawal to its withdrawal options. A CARES A
Default Investment Fund for Blended Retirement System (BRS) and Beneficiary TSP Participants — On January 1, 2018, the default investment fund for newly enrolled uniformed services Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) members (and spouse beneficiaries of deceased uniformed services members) changed from the Government Securities Investment (G) Fund to an age-appropriate Lifecycle (L) Fund. This change went into effect for those service members who joined the uniformed services on or after January 1, 2
Retirement of the L 2020 Fund and the Launch of New L Funds — The Lifecycle (L) Funds are designed to provide participants with an easy, convenient way of investing their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) accounts among the five individual TSP funds based on when the participants will need the money in retirement. One of the principal characteristics of the funds is that their investment mixes become progressively more conservative as they reach their target dates.
Default Investment Fund for Civilian and Beneficiary TSP Participants — On September 5, 2015, the default investment fund for newly enrolled civilian Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants (and spouse beneficiaries of deceased civilian participants) changed from the Government Securities Investment (G) Fund to an age-appropriate Lifecycle (L) Fund, in accordance with the Smart Savings Act, Public Law 113-255, which was signed into law on December 18, 2014.
This bulle
CARES Act: Impact to Thrift Savings Plan Loans — UPDATE — This bulletin has been updated to clarify eligibility requirements and to include the new record types agencies and services will see on the 19401 Report.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act became law on March 27, 2020 (Public Law No. 116-136). The CARES Act allows the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) to create special loan rules for Thrift Savings Pl
Effect of Nonpay Status on Thrift Savings Plan Participation — TSP Bulletin for Agency and Service representatives
This bulletin explains how placement in nonpay status (i.e., leave without pay (LWOP)) affects an employee’s Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participation. It supersedes TSP Bulletin 12-20, Effect of Nonpay Status on Thrift Savings Plan Participation, dated August 16, 2012.
Note:
This bulletin does not apply to participants who are furloughed (or hav
2020 TSP contribution limits — 2020 TSP Contribution Limits
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the contribution limits for 2020:
Limit NameIRC2020 Limit2019 Limit
Elective Deferral Limit
§ 402(g)
$19,500
$19,000
Catch-up Contribution Limit
§ 414(v)
$6,500
$6,000
Annual Addition Limit
§ 415(c)
$57,000
$56,000
These limits affect the amount of contributions that can be made to individual Thrift Savings
2020 TSP contribution limits — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the contribution limits for 2020:
Limit NameIRC2020 Limit2019 Limit
Elective Deferral Limit
§ 402(g)
$19,500
$19,000
Catch-up Contribution Limit
§ 414(v)
$6,500
$6,000
Annual Addition Limit
§ 415(c)
$57,000
$56,000
These limits affect the amount of contributions that can be made to individual Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) accounts for the ca
New Rules and Processes for Financial Hardship In-Service Withdrawals — The purpose of this bulletin is to notify agencies/services that the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) has implemented new withdrawal rules and processes for financial hardship in-service withdrawals as a result of the TSP Modernization Act of 2017. These changes take effect on September 15, 2019.
This bulletin supersedes TSP Bulletins 12-14 and 12-U-12, Consolidation of Forms TSP
New Rules and Processes for Age-Based In-Service Withdrawals — The purpose of this bulletin is to notify agencies/services that the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) has implemented new withdrawal rules and processes for age-based in-service withdrawals as a result of the TSP Modernization Act of 2017. These changes take effect on September 15, 2019.
This bulletin supersedes TSP Bulletins 12-13 and 12-U-11, Consolidation of Forms TSP-75, Age-
New Options and Processes for Changes to Installment Payments — The purpose of this bulletin is to notify agencies/services that the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) has implemented new options and processes for participants receiving installment payments (previously called monthly payments) as a result of the TSP Modernization Act of 2017. These changes take effect on September 15, 2019.
This bulletin supersedes TSP Bulletins 12-21 and 12-U-
New Options and Processes for Withdrawal Requests for Separated and Beneficiary Participants — The purpose of this bulletin is to notify agencies/services that the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) has implemented new withdrawal options and processes for separated and beneficiary participants as a result of the TSP Modernization Act of 2017. These changes take effect on September 15, 2019.
This bulletin supersedes TSP Bulletins 12-16 and 12-U-14, Consolidation of Post-Separ
Consolidated List of Obsolete, Replacement, and Combined TSP Forms and New Online Tools — Consolidated List of Obsolete, Replacement, and Combined TSP Forms and New Online Tools
</section>
The purpose of this bulletin is to notify agencies/services that the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) has created new forms and online tools and declared prior versions of old forms obsolete as a result of the changes to the TSP withdrawal options associated with the TSP Mode
Announcement of Upcoming Change to the Automatic Enrollment Percentage for Thrift Savings Plan Participants — UPDATE — This bulletin has been updated to include information about automatic re-enrollment.
The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB), the agency that administers the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), will increase the automatic enrollment percentage from 3% to 5% of pay for all participants who are automatically enrolled in the TSP on or after October 1, 2020, and for Blended Retirement System (B
Introduction of the Spillover Method for Catch-Up Contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB), which administers the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), plans to switch to the “spillover” method for catch-up contributions beginning with the first pay period of 2021. (Participants will continue using the TSP’s current catch-up program through the final pay period of 2020.) Spillover, which is used by many retirement plans and is available under
Announcement of Upcoming Change to the Automatic Enrollment Percentage for Thrift Savings Plan Participants — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB), the agency that administers the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), will increase the automatic enrollment percentage from 3% to 5% of pay for all participants who are automatically enrolled in the TSP on or after October 1, 2020. The Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009 grants us the authority for this change. This change will not affect the c
Upcoming Change to Eliminate Financial Hardship In-Service Withdrawal Six-Month Suspension Rule — The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) will soon eliminate the six-month suspension of TSP contributions for participants who have taken a financial hardship in-service withdrawal. Implementation of this rule change will occur on September 15, 2019, at the same time that withdrawal changes related to the TSP Modernization Act of 2017 take effect. Legislation to allow this change came under the Bipartisan B
Upcoming Change to Eliminate Financial Hardship In-Service Withdrawal Six-Month Suspension Rule — The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) will soon eliminate the six-month suspension of TSP contributions for participants who have taken a financial hardship in-service withdrawal. Implementation of this rule change will occur on September 15, 2019, at the same time that withdrawal changes related to the TSP Modernization Act of 2017 take effect. Legislation to allow this change came under the Bipartisan B
Revision of Form TSP-19, Transfer of Information Between Agencies — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) has revised Form TSP-19, Transfer of Information Between Agencies. The revision clarifies to agency payroll officers the need to provide the full loan account number on the form when applicable. This bulletin, dated April 18, 2019, will supersede TSP Bulletin 12-11 and all prior versions of the TSP-19 form. A copy of this form, which agencies
Effect of the retroactive pay increase on the Thrift Savings Plan — On February 15, 2019, President Donald J. Trump signed Public Law 116-6, “The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019”, which authorizes appropriations to fund the operation of a number of agencies in the federal government through September 30, 2019. This legislation mandates a 1.9 percent average pay increase for most federal civilian employees retroactive to January 1, 2019. President Trump signe
TSP Forfeitures and Forfeiture Restoration Procedures — The purpose of this bulletin is to provide agency Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) representatives with detailed instructions for requesting a forfeiture restoration, and to provide a revised version of the Form TSP-5-R, Request to Restore Forfeiture.
Background
Forfeitures of a participant’s Agency Automatic (1%) and/or Agency Matching Contributions, along with associated earnings, occasionally occurs
New Guidance on the Use of Journal Voucher, TSP-U-2-G — Effective immediately, the journal voucher, TSP-U-2-G, should no longer be used to submit records for back pay awards.
The TSP has changed its regulations regarding the calculation of breakage on back pay awards. All breakage for back pay awards must be calculated based on the participant’s contribution allocation on file for the “as of” date of the correction.
Services should stop using the TSP
New Guidance on the Use of Journal Voucher TSP-2-G — Effective immediately, the journal voucher TSP-2-G should no longer be used to submit records for back pay awards or USERRA makeup contributions.
Back Pay Awards
In September 2015, with the beginning of the L Fund default investment for newly enrolled and rehired participants, the TSP changed its regulations regarding the calculation of breakage on back pay awards. All breakage for back pay award
Revision to Implementation of the Blended Retirement System — The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016, Public Law 114-92, signed into law November 25, 2015, authorized the uniformed services1 to change their traditional retirement plan from one that relied primarily on a cliff-vested defined benefit to one that blends a reduced defined benefit with enhanced Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) benefits, continuation pay, and retention bonuses paid a
2017 Thrift Savings Plan Payroll Office Reports for the Blended Retirement System — With the implementation of the Blended Retirement System (BRS) on January 1, 2018, the various reports that payroll offices receive from the Thrift Savings Plan recordkeeping system, as well as those reports that are available on an ad hoc basis through the web-based data submission and reports retrieval application (“web-based application”), will be updated to incorporate the BRS contributions an
Implementation of the Blended Retirement System — The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016, Public Law 114-92, signed into law November 25, 2015, authorized the uniformed services1 to change their traditional retirement plan from one that relied primarily on a cliff-vested defined benefit to one that blends a reduced defined benefit with enhanced Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) benefits, continuation pay, and retention bonuses paid a
Public Safety Employees’ Exemption to the Early Withdrawal Penalty — Public Law 114-26, the Defending Public Safety Employees’ Retirement Act, was signed by the President on June 29, 2015. This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow specified federal law enforcement officers, customs and border protection officers, federal firefighters, and air traffic controllers (“public safety employees”) who separate from service during or after the year they turn age 5
New Default Investment Fund for Civilian and Beneficiary TSP Participants — Effective September 5, 2015, the default investment fund for newly enrolled civilian Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants and beneficiary participants changes from the Government Securities Investment (G) Fund to an age-appropriate Lifecycle (L) Fund, in accordance with the Smart Savings Act, Public Law 113-255, which was signed into law on December 18, 2014. The purpose of this bulletin is to d
Thrift Savings Plan Vesting Requirements and the TSP Service Computation Date — This bulletin explains the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) vesting requirement found in 5 CFR § 1603. It also discusses the TSP Vesting Code and TSP Service Computation Date, which are used to determine whether or not the vesting requirement has been met.
The TSP Vesting Requirement
The term “vested” refers to the eligibility of participants in an employer-sponsored retirement plan to keep all the mon
Payroll Submission Process via IPAC — This bulletin explains an upcoming change in the way the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) collects and reconciles funds it receives from Federal Agencies for TSP contributions and loan payments.
The change only applies to departments and agencies that prepare and submit the monthly FMS 224, Statement of Transactions, to Treasury’s Financial Management Service (FMS). Those entiti
Phased Retirement and the TSP — Section 100121 of Public Law 112-141 added new provisions in 5 U.S.C. 8336a and 8412a that provide authority for a new phased retirement program. This bulletin provides information on the responsibilities and actions agencies must take regarding TSP eligibility and participation for their employees who transition to phased retirement status.
I. Eligibility
For TSP purposes, the employment status
Thrift Savings Plan Death Benefits — This bulletin contains information about Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) death benefits. It consolidates and supersedes several bulletins detailing various death benefits topics, including the statutory order of precedence, Beneficiary Participant Accounts for spousal beneficiaries, payment options for non-spousal beneficiaries, Form TSP-3, Designation of Beneficiary, and Form TSP-17, Information Relati
Thrift Savings Plan Death Benefits — This bulletin contains information about Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) death benefits. It consolidates and supersedes several bulletins detailing various death benefits topics, including the statutory order of precedence, Beneficiary Participant Accounts for spousal beneficiaries, payment options for non-spousal beneficiaries, Form TSP-3, Designation of Beneficiary, and
Form TSP-17, Information Relati
Service Responsibilities When Thrift Savings Plan Participants Separate From the Uniformed Services — This bulletin discusses the actions that service representatives must take when a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participant separates from the uniformed services.
TSP participants are uniformed service members who have TSP accounts, even if they are not currently contributing. If you cannot verify the existence of a TSP account by any other means, contact your Agency Technical Services (ATS) represen
Agency Responsibilities When Thrift Savings Plan Participants Separate From Federal Service — This bulletin discusses the actions that agency representatives must take when a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participant separates from Federal service.
TSP participants are FERS and CSRS1 employees who have TSP accounts, even if they are not currently contributing. FERS employees receive Agency Automatic (1%) Contributions, so all FERS employees are TSP participants. CSRS employees may or may not
Submitting New Retirement Codes to the Thrift Savings Plan — The “Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013” (Pub. L. No. 113-67, § 401), signed by the president on December 26, 2013, amended the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS). Beginning January 1, 2014, new employees will make higher employee retirement contributions towards the FERS basic annuity. The new FERS employees will be covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System as Further Revised Annu
Change to Thrift Savings Plan Error Report 1701 to Accommodate the New FERS-RAE Retirement Codes — This bulletin outlines the changes to the TSP Error Report 1701, which identifies data records that were not processed and records that were processed but appear suspect. Public Law 112-96, Section 5001, the “Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012,” made two significant amendments to the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS).
Submitting New Retirement Codes to the Thrift Savings Plan — This bulletin outlines changes to the Civilian Employee Data (06) Record (EDR) used when processing agency submissions to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Form TSP-U-1, Thrift Savings Plan Election Form, and Form TSP-U-1-C, CatchUp Contribution Election Form, Revised for Roth Implementation of Army, Air Force, and Navy — On May 7, 2012, the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Board) implemented Roth TSP and released the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Election Form (TSP-U-1) and Catch-Up Contribution Election Form (TSP-U-1-C) for elections submitted by uniformed service members. Form TSP‑U-1 was revised in October 2012 to include the Roth election options for active duty members of the Army, Air Force and Navy.
Effect of Nonpay Status on Thrift Savings Plan Participation — This bulletin explains how placement in nonpay status, e.g., leave without pay (LWOP) or furlough, affects an employee’s Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participation. It supersedes TSP Bulletin 03-18, Effect of Nonpay Status on Thrift Savings Plan Participation, dated August 6, 2003, and TSP Bulletin 11-4, Thrift Savings Plan Fact Sheet, Effect of Nonpay Status on Your TSP Account, dated March 28, 2011
Consolidated List of Obsolete, Replacement, and Combined TSP Forms — The Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009, Public Law 111-31, signed into law on
June 22, 2009, authorized the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to add a Roth feature to the plan.
This benefit allows participants to contribute on an after-tax basis to their TSP accounts and
receive tax-free earnings when they withdraw the funds (assuming certain Internal Revenue
Service criteria are met). To accommo
Consolidated List of Obsolete, Replacement, and Combined TSP Forms — The Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009, Public Law 111-31, signed into law on June 22, 2009, authorized the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to add a Roth feature to the plan.
Elimination of Form TSP-U-50 — Effective the date of the implementation of the TSP Roth feature on May 7, 2012, Form TSP-U-50, Investment Allocation, will be obsolete. We are asking services to destroy (recycle) any copies of the form they may possess effective that date. The TSP will not honor a form received from either the participant or their service after the Roth implementation date.
Journal Voucher Submission Requirement after Implementation of Roth TSP and Notification by Services of Date They Are Ready to Receive Reports and Submit Contributions in the New Roth Format —
Consolidation of Form TSP-60, Request For A Transfer Into The TSP (Civilian) and Form TSP-U-60 (Uniformed Services), and New Combined Form TSP-60-R, Request For A Roth Transfer Into The TSP — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) has consolidated Form TSP-60,
Request For A Transfer Into The TSP (civilian) and Form TSP-U-60 (uniformed services)
into a single form, effective May 7, 2012. The combined form supersedes all prior versions
of Forms TSP-60 and TSP-U-60 with dates prior to April 2012. Previous versions of the form
must be immediately discarded (recycled), and
Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan — This bulletin provides information on the responsibilities and actions agencies must take regarding TSP eligibility and participation for their employees who are appointed or reappointed after July 31, 2010 to a position that is covered by the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS) (and its equivalent retirement systems) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) (and its equivalent retir
Journal Voucher Submission Requirement after Implementation of Roth TSP — This bulletin outlines the requirements agency payroll offices will have upon implementation of Roth TSP with regard to the data/contribution submission and receipt of reports from those submissions.
Consolidation of Form TSP-60 (Civilian) and Form TSP-U-60 (Uniformed Services), and New Combined Form TSP-60-R, Request For A Roth Transfer Into The TSP — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) has consolidated Form TSP-60, Request For A Transfer Into The TSP (civilian) and Form TSP-U-60 (uniformed services) into a single form, effective May 7, 2012. The combined form supersedes all prior versions of Forms TSP-60 and TSP-U-60 with dates prior to April 2012.
Form TSP-1, Thrift Savings Plan Election Form, and Form TSP-1-C, Catch-up Contribution Election Form, Revised for Roth Implementation — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Board) has released the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Election Form (TSP-1) and Catch-up Contribution Election Form (TSP-1-C) for elections submitted by TSP participants upon Roth implementation.
Elimination of Form TSP-50 — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) issues the Thrift Saving Plan (TSP) bulletins to provide guidance and assistance to agency representatives responsible for administering agency aspects of the TSP.
Implementation Date for Roth Thrift Savings Plan Contributions — The Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009, Public Law 111-31, signed into law on
June 22, 2009, authorized the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to add a Roth feature to the plan.
This benefit allows participants to contribute on an after-tax basis to their TSP accounts and
receive tax-free earnings when they withdraw the funds (assuming certain criteria are met).
The Roth TSP feature is similar to
Implementation Date for Roth Thrift Savings Plan Contributions — The Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009, Public Law 111-31, signed into law on June 22, 2009, authorized the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to add a Roth feature to the plan. This benefit allows participants to contribute on an after-tax basis to their TSP accounts and receive tax-free earnings when they withdraw the funds (assuming certain criteria are met).
Special TSP Poster - "April is Financial Literacy Month" — In support of Financial Literacy Month, April 2012, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is pleased to announce the publication of its special poster, “Will Roth TSP fit into your future?”
Relocation of Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board Office — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (the Agency) moved its offices effective
March 16, 2012. The new address is:
77 K Street, NE
Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20002
Included in this bulletin is current information available to service/payroll representatives to
assist them in implementing the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), including points of contact and
services available through the Agency
Relocation of Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board Office — Included in this bulletin is current information available to agency/payroll representatives to assist them in implementing the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), including points of contact and services available through the Agency and its record keeper.
Revision of Form TSP-1 and Form TSP-1-C for Roth Implementation — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Board) has revised the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Election Form (TSP-1) and Catch-up Contribution Election Form (TSP-1-C) for elections submitted by TSP participants upon Roth implementation in the second quarter of 2012.
2011 Thrift Savings Plan Annual Participant Statements with Roth Introductory Information Enclosed — The Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009, signed June 22, 2009, provided for the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Roth feature. This bulletin contains copies of and information about the inserts the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) will enclose with 2011 annual participant statements to begin to educate participants about the new Roth feature. The statement mailing will begin th
2011 Thrift Savings Plan Annual Participant Statements with Roth Introductory Information Enclosed — This bulletin contains copies of and information about the inserts the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) will enclose with 2011 annual participant statements to begin to educate participants about the new Roth feature. The statement mailing will begin the second week of February 2012.
America Saves Week and Military Saves Week Poster February 19 - 26, 2012 — America Saves is a nationwide campaign in which a diversified coalition of nonprofit, government, and corporate entities assist individuals and families to save and build wealth for their future. Military Saves is a social marketing campaign designed to motivate and encourage military families to save toward both their short and long term financial goals.
Revision of Form TSP-U-1, Thrift Savings Plan Election Form and Form TSP-U-1-C, Catch-up Contribution Election Form — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Board) has revised the Thrift Savings Plan
(TSP) Election Form (TSP-U-1) and Catch-up Contribution Election Form (TSP-U-1-C) for elections submitted by TSP members for the beginning of 2012. The TSP-U-1 is revised to reflect the increase to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) annual elective deferral limit to $17,000 in 2012. This revision also reflects
Consolidation of Forms TSP-76 (Civilian) and TSP-U-76 (Uniformed Services), and changes to TSP Financial Hardship In-Service Withdrawal Processing — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) has made a number of changes to the TSP financial hardship in-service withdrawal process to provide for notarized spouse and participant signatures and to reduce the number of forms rejected because they are incomplete or invalid.
Revision of Form TSP-1, Thrift Savings Plan Election Form and Form TSP-1-C, Catch-up Contribution Election Form — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Board) has revised the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Form TSP-1, Election Form and Form TSP-1-C, Catch-up Contribution Election for elections submitted by TSP participants for the beginning of 2012.
Thrift Savings Plan Payroll Office Reports — With the implementation of the TSP Roth feature in second quarter 2012, the various reports that payroll offices receive from the Thrift Savings Plan record keeping system, as well as those reports that are available on an ad hoc basis through the Web-based data submission and reports retrieval application (Web-based application), will be updated to incorporate the Roth contributions and associate
TSP Contribution Limits for 2012 — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the contribution limits for 2012. These limits affect the amount of contributions participants can make to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for the year.
Thrift Savings Plan Payroll Office Reports — With the implementation of the TSP Roth feature in second quarter 2012, the various reports that payroll offices receive from the Thrift Savings Plan record keeping system, as well as those reports that are available on an ad hoc basis through the Web-based data submission and reports retrieval application (Web-based application), will be updated to incorporate the Roth contributions and associate
Revision of the Returned Mail Report for Agencies and Uniformed Services — On October 12, 2010, the TSP issued Bulletin 10-U-7, Returned Mail Report for Agencies and Uniformed Services. This bulletin provided instructions for agencies and services to identify and submit corrected address information for TSP participants who were identified as actively employed, and for whom the TSP had received at least one materials mailing returned as undeliverable.
Revision of the Returned Mail Report for Agencies and Uniformed Services — On October 12, 2010, the TSP issued Bulletin 10-10, Returned Mail Report for Agencies and Uniformed Services. This bulletin provided instructions for agencies and services to identify and submit corrected address information for TSP participants who were identified as actively employed, and for whom the TSP had received at least one materials mailing returned as undeliverable.
Revision of the TSP Fact Sheet, TSP Benefits That Apply to Members of the Military Who Return to Federal Civilian Service — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board has revised the fact sheet TSP Benefits That Apply to Members of the Military Who Return to Federal Civilian Service. This fact sheet provides participants with information on the provisions of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) that pertain to the TSP.
Revision of the TSP Fact Sheet, TSP Benefits That Apply to Members of the Military Who Return to Federal Civilian Service — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board has revised the fact sheet TSP Benefits That Apply to Members of the Military Who Return to Federal Civilian Service. This fact sheet provides participants with information on the provisions of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) that pertain to the TSP.
Thrift Savings Plan Fact Sheet, Effect of Nonpay Status on Your TSP Account — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board has modified the attached Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) fact sheet, Effect of Nonpay Status on your TSP Account, to highlight procedures required by participants and agency representatives to suspend loan payments during the period that a participant is placed in nonpay status. Agency representatives should provide a copy of this fact sheet when a partici
Retirement of the L 2010 Fund and the Launch of the L 2050 Fund — The first of the funds to reach its time horizon is the L 2010 Fund. This bulletin describes the activities associated with the process of retiring the L 2010 Fund and its impact on agencies and payroll offices.
Retirement of the L 2010 Fund and the Launch of the L 2050 Fund — The first of the funds to reach its time horizon is the L 2010 Fund. This bulletin describes the activities associated with the process of retiring the L 2010 Fund and its impact on agencies and payroll offices.
Returned Mail Report for Agencies and Uniformed Services — TSP is asking agency/service payroll offices to help us ensure that correct addresses are maintained in TSP records. In preparation for the 2010 Annual Statement mailing in February 2011, the TSP will be providing agency and uniformed services payroll offices with the Returned Mail Report for Agencies and the Uniformed Services (“the report”).
Returned Mail Report for Agencies and Uniformed Services — TSP is asking agency/service payroll offices to help us ensure that correct addresses are maintained in TSP records. In preparation for the 2010 Annual Statement mailing in February 2011, the TSP will be providing agency and uniformed services payroll offices with the Returned Mail Report for Agencies and the Uniformed Services (“the report”).
Revision of Form TSP-19, Transfer of Information Between Agencies — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) has revised Form TSP-19, Transfer of Information Between Agencies, to include automatic enrollment contributions. This form, dated August 2010, will supersede all prior versions of Form TSP-19.
Consolidation of Forms TSP-3, Designation of Beneficiary (Civilian), and TSP-U-3, Designation of Beneficiary (Uniformed Services) — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) has combined Forms TSP-3, Designation of Beneficiary (Civilian), and TSP-U-3, Designation of Beneficiary (Uniformed Services), into a single form. This combined Form TSP-3, Designation of Beneficiary, will supersede all prior versions.
Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan — This bulletin provides information on the responsibilities and actions agencies must take regarding TSP eligibility and participation for their employees who are appointed or reappointed after July 31, 2010 to a position that is covered by the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS) (and its equivalent retirement systems) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) (and its equivalent retir
Thrift Savings Plan Error Codes and Messages for Payroll Offices — In August 2010, the Federal civilian agencies will implement automatic enrollment in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Although the uniformed services are excluded from the automatic enrollment program, we are taking this opportunity to update, consolidate, and reissue the list of TSP error codes and messages associated with the processing reports we provide to both civilian and uniformed services pa
Implementation of Automatic Enrollment in the Thrift Savings Plan — Updated Error Messages Listing for TSP Payroll Office Reports — TSP Bulletin 10-3, Implementation of Automatic Enrollment in the Thrift Savings Plan, dated February 24, 2010, provided guidance to agencies and their servicing payroll offices on this program. This bulletin supplements that guidance.
Implementation of Automatic Enrollment in the Thrift Savings Plan — This bulletin provides information on the actions the agencies must take to implement automatic enrollment in their human resource and payroll systems.
Thrift Savings Plan Leaflet — “What's Stopping You” — In July 2009, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and agencies implemented the provision of Public Law 111-31, the Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009, which authorized immediate agency contributions for TSP participants covered by the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS) and other equivalent retirement plans. Although the year-to-date growth rate of 6.4% for contributing FERS participant
Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan — Public Law 111-31, the Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009 (the Act), was signed on June 22, 2009. It authorizes a number of changes to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), including the elimination of the waiting period for agency contributions for participants covered by the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS) and other equivalent retirement plans.
H.R. 1256 — Implementation of Immediate Agency Contributions for Participants Covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System and Equivalent Federal Retirement Plans — H.R. 1256, which includes the Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009, passed the U.S. Senate on June 11, 2009, and the U.S. House of Representatives on June 12, 2009. The White House has indicated that the President will sign the Act into law.
Consolidation of Forms TSP-15, Change in Name for Separated Participant (Civilian), and TSP-U-15, Change in Name for Separated Participant (Uniformed Services) — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board has combined Forms TSP-15, Change in Name for Separated Participant (Civilian), and TSP-U-15, Change in Name for Separated Participant (Uniformed Services), into a single form. This combined form, TSP-15, Change in Name of Separated Participant, will supersede all prior versions.
Consolidation of Forms TSP-9, Change of Address for Separated Participant (Civilian), and TSP-U-9, Change of Address for Separated Participant (Uniformed Services) — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board has combined Forms TSP-9, Change of Address for Separated Participant (Civilian), and TSP-U-9, Change of Address for Separated Participant (Uniformed Services), into a single form. This combined form, TSP-9, Change in Address for Separated Participant, will supersede all prior versions of the change of address forms.
Interfund Transfer (IFT) Program Change — Limits on IFT Requests — The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) has announced a change to the interfund transfer (IFT) program
which will impose limits on the IFT requests a participant may make each month. The final
regulation for the IFT limit was published in the Federal Register on April 24, 2008; the change
will be implemented on May 1, 2008.
Interfund Transfer (IFT) Program Change — Limits on IFT Requests — The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) has announced a change to the interfund transfer (IFT) program
which will impose limits on the IFT requests a participant may make each month. The final
regulation for the IFT limit was published in the Federal Register on April 24, 2008; the change
will be implemented on May 1, 2008.
TSP Loan Default Process — The Thrift Saving Plan (TSP) has implemented its loan default program. This program is mandated by Internal Revenue Service regulations which apply to all 401(k) plans, including
the TSP. Essentially, the regulations provide that at the end of each calendar quarter, plans like the TSP must identify loan accounts that are missing payments and notify participants
that they have until the end of the
TSP Loan Default Process — This bulletin explains how placement in nonpay status, e.g., leave without pay (LWOP) or furlough, affects an employee’s Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participation. It supersedes TSP Bulletin 03-18, Effect of Nonpay Status on Thrift Savings Plan Participation, dated August 6, 2003, and TSP Bulletin 11-4, Thrift Savings Plan Fact Sheet, Effect of Nonpay Status on Your TSP Account, dated March 28, 2011
Changes to the Procedures for Processing Retirement Benefits Court Orders Affecting Thrift Savings Plan Accounts — On September 20, 2006, the Executive Director of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) issued regulations in 5 C.F.R. Part 1653, redefining the retirement benefits court orders that will be accepted by the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Changes to the Procedures for Processing Retirement Benefits Court Orders Affecting Thrift Savings Plan Accounts — On September 20, 2006, the Executive Director of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) issued regulations in 5 C.F.R. Part 1653, redefining the retirement benefits court orders that will be accepted by the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Transition of Thrift Savings Plan Record Keeping Services — During the week of May 22, 2006, we will move those Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) services currently remaining at NFC to our other record keeping service providers, primarily the staff at SI International, Inc., located in Fairfax, VA. These functions include agency payroll office services, legal processing (e.g., court orders), and death benefits processing.
Transition of Thrift Savings Plan Record Keeping Services — During the week of May 22, 2006, we will move those Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) services currently remaining at NFC to our other record keeping service providers, primarily the staff at SI International, Inc., located in Fairfax, VA. These functions include agency payroll office services, legal processing (e.g., court orders), and death benefits processing.
Catch-Up Contributions for TSP Participants Age 50 or Older (Uniformed Services) — On November 27, 2002, the President signed Public Law 107-304, which permits eligible Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants who are age 50 or older to make tax-deferred “catchup” contributions from their taxable basic pay to their TSP accounts.
Elimination of Percentage Restrictions on Employee Contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan — The percentage limitations on Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) employee contributions will be lifted in 2006. Effective in January 2006, employee contributions to the TSP will be limited only by the restrictions imposed by the Internal Revenue Code (see Section IV).
Processing Thrift Savings Plan Loan Payments in the TSP Record Keeping System — This bulletin outlines the procedures that services must use to report Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) loan payments to the TSP. It supersedes TSP Bulletin 02-U-22 to announce a change to the rules regarding TSP loan payments under chapter 13 bankruptcy. As addressed in Section III, payroll offices must continue making TSP loan payments for participants who have filed chapter 13 bankruptcy petitions on
Processing Thrift Savings Plan Loan Payments in the TSP Record Keeping System — This bulletin outlines the procedures that agencies must use to report Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) loan payments to the TSP. It supersedes TSP Bulletin 02-20 to announce a change to the rules regarding TSP loan payments under chapter 13 bankruptcy. As addressed in Section III, payroll offices must continue making TSP loan payments for participants who have filed chapter 13 bankruptcy petitions on or
Catch-up Contributions for TSP Participants Age 50 and Older — On November 27, 2002, the President signed Public Law 107-304, which permits eligible Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants who are age 50 or older to make tax-deferred “catch-up” contributions from their basic pay to their TSP accounts.
Processing Agency Submissions in the New Record Keeping System — On November 27, 2002, the President signed Public Law 107-304, which permits eligible Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants who are age 50 or older to make tax-deferred “catch-up” contributions from their basic pay to their TSP accounts.
Earnings Adjustments to Thrift Savings Plan Accounts Requested By Employing Agencies — This bulletin discusses “earnings adjustments” and introduces the journal voucher that payroll offices must use to request such adjustments.
Elimination of Percentage Restrictions on Employee Contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan — The percentage limitations on Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) employee contributions will be lifted in 2006. Effective in January 2006, employee contributions to the TSP will be limited only by the restrictions imposed by the Internal Revenue Code (see Section IV).
Information Provided to New TSP Participants by the TSP Record Keeper — When a TSP account is established, the TSP record keeper sends the new participant a package that contains a welcome letter, an Investment Allocation form (TSP-U-50), the Web/ThriftLine Information card, and the booklet Managing Your Account.
Information Provided to New TSP Participants by the TSP Record Keeper — When a TSP account is established, the TSP record keeper sends the new participant a package that contains a welcome letter, an Investment Allocation form (TSP-50), the Web/ThriftLine Information card, and the booklet Managing Your Account.
Thrift Savings Plan Data Employee Code — This bulletin discusses the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) “employment code” and “employment code date.” When the employment status of a TSP participant changes, the payroll office must submit to the TSP record keeper an Employee Data Record (06-Record) containing the employment code and the employment code date.
Revision of Form TSP-U-1, Thrift Savings Plan Election Form — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Board) has revised the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Election Form (TSP-U-1) to reflect the elimination of TSP open seasons.
Uniformed Services Participation in the TSP — Public Law 108-469, signed into law on December 21, 2004, eliminates TSP open seasons and the restrictions on contribution elections which are tied to open seasons. The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board will implement this law July 1, 2005.
Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan — Public Law 108-469, signed into law December 21, 2004, eliminates TSP open seasons and the restrictions on contribution elections which are tied to open seasons. However, the law does not eliminate the waiting period that FERS employees must serve before they can begin to receive agency contributions.
Thrift Savings Plan Participant Statements — This bulletin contains information about the quarterly Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participant statements that are currently being mailed to participants.
Thrift Savings Plan Participant Statements — This bulletin contains information about the quarterly Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participant statements that are currently being mailed to participants.
Effect of Nonpay Status on TSP Participation — This bulletin explains how placement in nonpay status, e.g., furlough or leave without pay (LWOP), affects an employee’s Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participation.
Revision of Form TSP-U-17, Information Relating to Deceased Participant — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board has revised Form TSP-U-17, Information Relating to Deceased Participant, for use in the new record keeping system.
Processing Submissions From Uniformed Services Payroll Offices in the New Record Keeping System — This bulletin explains how payroll office submissions of employee data and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions will be processed after the new record keeping system is implemented in September 2002.
Payroll Office Reports Produced by New Record Keeping System — This bulletin discusses the reports that payroll offices will receive after the new Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) record keeping system is implemented.
Payroll Office Reports Produced by New Record Keeping System — This bulletin discusses the reports that payroll offices will receive after the new Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) record keeping system is implemented later this year.
TSP Participation of Individuals Who Return to Civilian Service or Pay Status Following Military Service — The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) allows certain employees who separate from civilian service to perform military service to make up missed Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions if they return to civilian service under the provisions of USERRA.
Regulations on Uniformed Services Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan — The Executive Director of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Board) has issued regulations at 5 C.F.R. Part 1604 explaining the rules under which members of the
uniformed services can participate in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Processing Submissions from the Uniformed Services — This bulletin outlines the procedures that the uniformed services must use to report employee data and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions to the TSP record keeper, the National Finance Center (NFC).
Introduction of TSP Bulletins — Public Law 106-398 extended participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for Federal civilian employees to members of the uniformed services. The first contributions to the TSP will begin in January 2002.
TSP Participation of Individuals Who Are Reemployed Following Transfers to International Organizations — Employees who transfer to international organizations cannot participate in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) while they are employed by the international organization. This is true even if the employee continues to make contributions to the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS), the Foreign Service Pension System (FSPS), the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), or the Foreign Service Retirem
Effect of Transferring to Position Covered By A Retirement System Under Which Thrift Savings Plan Participation Is Not Authorized — The Federal Employees’ Retirement System Act of 1984 (FERSA), which authorized the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), has been amended to allow employees who transfer to positions covered by retirement systems under which TSP participation is not authorized to withdraw their TSP accounts.
Changes to the Error Correction Procedures — This bulletin provides agency representatives with information regarding changes to the procedures for correcting certain administrative errors
Immediate Investment of TSP Contributions — This bulletin provides agency representatives with information regarding changes to the procedures for correcting certain administrative errors.
Legislative Changes to the Thrift Savings Plan — On September 30, 1996, the President signed P.L. 104-208, which makes a number of significant changes to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). This bulletin summarizes the changes and the schedule for implementing them.
Agency Responsibilities Resulting from a Disaster Affecting the TSP Recordkeeper — The purpose of this bulletin is to provide agency representatives with information describing the actions that may be required by the agency during and after a disaster that affects operations at the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Recordkeeper.
Summary of Audit Recommendations Provided to Agencies to Fulfill Their Thrift Savings Plan Responsibilities — The Federal Employees’ Retirement System Act of 1986 requires the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to establish a program to carry out audits of fiduciary compliance in connection with the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Legislative and Policy Changes to the Thrift Savings Plan — Public Law 101-335 (H.R. 2514), enacted July 17, 1990, makes a number of significant changes to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Board) will be issuing regulations and detailed information to agencies to implement these changes.
Technical Amendments Relating to Eligibility to Participate in the Thrift Savings Plan — The Executive Director of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board has published interim regulations regarding Public Law 100-238 which made technical amendments to the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS) Act of 1986.
Income Deferral of TSP Contributions for State of California — The purpose of this bulletin is to provide agency representatives with information regarding income deferral of Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions made by California residents.
Fiduciary Insurance — Public Law 100-238, dated January 8, 1988, modified the original Thrift Savings Plan statute, Public Law 99-335, Federal Employees’ Retirement System Act of 1986 (FERS), with respect to the financial liability of fiduciaries of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board.
Taxation of TSP Contributions for Residents of Puerto Rico — The purpose of this bulletin is to correct information provided in Thrift Savings Plan Bulletin 87-61, Guidelines on Tax Reporting for Employee Contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan, dated December 23, 1987.
Procedures for Establishing or Modifying TSP Agency Clearing Accounts for the Thrift Savings Plan — The purpose of this bulletin is to provide agency representatives procedures for establishing or modifying Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) agency clearing accounts submitted on Form TSP-2, Certification of Transfer of Funds and Journal Voucher.
Relationship Between TSP and Wages Reported on Certain Employment Reports and Forms — The Department of Labor has advised the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (the Board) that a number of Federal agencies are not reporting the correct amount of Federal wages on Form ES-931, Request for Wage and Separation Information — UCFE.
Use of Electronic Funds Transfer for TSP Deductions and Contributions — The purpose of this bulletin is to provide agency offices guidance concerning the use of electronic funds transfer (EFT) for transmitting Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) deductions and contributions to the Treasury Department.
Order of Precedence for TSP Deductions — The General Accounting Office (GAO) has confirmed that “other voluntary deductions” is the appropriate category in the order of precedence for TSP deductions. Agencies may determine the order of precedence of other voluntary deductions, including allotments and assignments.
Second Conversion Process — All employees covered under the Federal Employees’ Retirement System who are on board as of January 1, 1987, are entitled to the 1 percent Government basic contribution.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) One Percent Government Basic Contribution Conversion Computation — The purpose of this bulletin is to provide agency representatives with instructions to aid in the computation of the 1 percent Government basic contribution amount for which the Federal Government is liable for the period January 1, 1984, through December 31, 1986.
2021 TSP Contribution Limits — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the contribution limits for 2021:
2021 and 2020 TSP contribution limits
Limit Name
IRC
2021 Limit
2020 Limit
Elective Deferral Limit
§ 402(g)
$19,500
$19,500
Catch-up Contribution Limit
§ 414(v)
$6,500
$6,500
Annual Additions Limit
§ 415(c)
$58,000
$57,000
These limits define the contributions that can be made to individ
Spillover Method for Catch-Up Contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan - UPDATE — Beginning January 1, 2021, the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) will implement a new method for catch-up contributions called the “spillover” method. (Participants will continue using the TSP’s current catch-up program through the end of 2020.) Spillover will apply to all active civilian and uniformed services members turning age 50 or older. It will help simplify our catch-up pr
Implementation of 5% Automatic Enrollment Percentage for Thrift Savings Plan Participants — On October 1, 2020, the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) will increase the automatic enrollment percentage from 3% to 5% of pay for all Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), and Blended Retirement System (BRS) participants who are automatically enrolled in the TSP on or after October 1, 2020, and for BRS participants automatically re-
Subject: CARES Act Withdrawal — The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act became law on March 27, 2020 (Public Law No. 116-136). The CARES Act allows the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) to create special withdrawal rules for Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants affected by COVID-19. In accordance with this law, the TSP has added a CARES Act withdrawal to its withdrawal options. A CARES A
Default Investment Fund for Blended Retirement System (BRS) and Beneficiary TSP Participants — On January 1, 2018, the default investment fund for newly enrolled uniformed services Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) members (and spouse beneficiaries of deceased uniformed services members) changed from the Government Securities Investment (G) Fund to an age-appropriate Lifecycle (L) Fund. This change went into effect for those service members who joined the uniformed services on or after January 1, 2
Retirement of the L 2020 Fund and the Launch of New L Funds — The Lifecycle (L) Funds are designed to provide participants with an easy, convenient way of investing their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) accounts among the five individual TSP funds based on when the participants will need the money in retirement. One of the principal characteristics of the funds is that their investment mixes become progressively more conservative as they reach their target dates.
Default Investment Fund for Civilian and Beneficiary TSP Participants — On September 5, 2015, the default investment fund for newly enrolled civilian Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants (and spouse beneficiaries of deceased civilian participants) changed from the Government Securities Investment (G) Fund to an age-appropriate Lifecycle (L) Fund, in accordance with the Smart Savings Act, Public Law 113-255, which was signed into law on December 18, 2014.
This bulle
CARES Act: Impact to Thrift Savings Plan Loans — UPDATE — This bulletin has been updated to clarify eligibility requirements and to include the new record types agencies and services will see on the 19401 Report.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act became law on March 27, 2020 (Public Law No. 116-136). The CARES Act allows the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) to create special loan rules for Thrift Savings Pl
Effect of Nonpay Status on Thrift Savings Plan Participation — TSP Bulletin for Agency and Service representatives
This bulletin explains how placement in nonpay status (i.e., leave without pay (LWOP)) affects an employee’s Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participation. It supersedes TSP Bulletin 12-20, Effect of Nonpay Status on Thrift Savings Plan Participation, dated August 16, 2012.
Note:
This bulletin does not apply to participants who are furloughed (or hav
2020 TSP contribution limits — 2020 TSP Contribution Limits
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the contribution limits for 2020:
Limit NameIRC2020 Limit2019 Limit
Elective Deferral Limit
§ 402(g)
$19,500
$19,000
Catch-up Contribution Limit
§ 414(v)
$6,500
$6,000
Annual Addition Limit
§ 415(c)
$57,000
$56,000
These limits affect the amount of contributions that can be made to individual Thrift Savings
2020 TSP contribution limits — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the contribution limits for 2020:
Limit NameIRC2020 Limit2019 Limit
Elective Deferral Limit
§ 402(g)
$19,500
$19,000
Catch-up Contribution Limit
§ 414(v)
$6,500
$6,000
Annual Addition Limit
§ 415(c)
$57,000
$56,000
These limits affect the amount of contributions that can be made to individual Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) accounts for the ca
New Rules and Processes for Financial Hardship In-Service Withdrawals — The purpose of this bulletin is to notify agencies/services that the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) has implemented new withdrawal rules and processes for financial hardship in-service withdrawals as a result of the TSP Modernization Act of 2017. These changes take effect on September 15, 2019.
This bulletin supersedes TSP Bulletins 12-14 and 12-U-12, Consolidation of Forms TSP
New Rules and Processes for Age-Based In-Service Withdrawals — The purpose of this bulletin is to notify agencies/services that the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) has implemented new withdrawal rules and processes for age-based in-service withdrawals as a result of the TSP Modernization Act of 2017. These changes take effect on September 15, 2019.
This bulletin supersedes TSP Bulletins 12-13 and 12-U-11, Consolidation of Forms TSP-75, Age-
New Options and Processes for Changes to Installment Payments — The purpose of this bulletin is to notify agencies/services that the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) has implemented new options and processes for participants receiving installment payments (previously called monthly payments) as a result of the TSP Modernization Act of 2017. These changes take effect on September 15, 2019.
This bulletin supersedes TSP Bulletins 12-21 and 12-U-
New Options and Processes for Withdrawal Requests for Separated and Beneficiary Participants — The purpose of this bulletin is to notify agencies/services that the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) has implemented new withdrawal options and processes for separated and beneficiary participants as a result of the TSP Modernization Act of 2017. These changes take effect on September 15, 2019.
This bulletin supersedes TSP Bulletins 12-16 and 12-U-14, Consolidation of Post-Separ
Consolidated List of Obsolete, Replacement, and Combined TSP Forms and New Online Tools — Consolidated List of Obsolete, Replacement, and Combined TSP Forms and New Online Tools
</section>
The purpose of this bulletin is to notify agencies/services that the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) has created new forms and online tools and declared prior versions of old forms obsolete as a result of the changes to the TSP withdrawal options associated with the TSP Mode
Announcement of Upcoming Change to the Automatic Enrollment Percentage for Thrift Savings Plan Participants — UPDATE — This bulletin has been updated to include information about automatic re-enrollment.
The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB), the agency that administers the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), will increase the automatic enrollment percentage from 3% to 5% of pay for all participants who are automatically enrolled in the TSP on or after October 1, 2020, and for Blended Retirement System (B
Introduction of the Spillover Method for Catch-Up Contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB), which administers the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), plans to switch to the “spillover” method for catch-up contributions beginning with the first pay period of 2021. (Participants will continue using the TSP’s current catch-up program through the final pay period of 2020.) Spillover, which is used by many retirement plans and is available under
Announcement of Upcoming Change to the Automatic Enrollment Percentage for Thrift Savings Plan Participants — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB), the agency that administers the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), will increase the automatic enrollment percentage from 3% to 5% of pay for all participants who are automatically enrolled in the TSP on or after October 1, 2020. The Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009 grants us the authority for this change. This change will not affect the c
Upcoming Change to Eliminate Financial Hardship In-Service Withdrawal Six-Month Suspension Rule — The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) will soon eliminate the six-month suspension of TSP contributions for participants who have taken a financial hardship in-service withdrawal. Implementation of this rule change will occur on September 15, 2019, at the same time that withdrawal changes related to the TSP Modernization Act of 2017 take effect. Legislation to allow this change came under the Bipartisan B
Upcoming Change to Eliminate Financial Hardship In-Service Withdrawal Six-Month Suspension Rule — The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) will soon eliminate the six-month suspension of TSP contributions for participants who have taken a financial hardship in-service withdrawal. Implementation of this rule change will occur on September 15, 2019, at the same time that withdrawal changes related to the TSP Modernization Act of 2017 take effect. Legislation to allow this change came under the Bipartisan B
Revision of Form TSP-19, Transfer of Information Between Agencies — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) has revised Form TSP-19, Transfer of Information Between Agencies. The revision clarifies to agency payroll officers the need to provide the full loan account number on the form when applicable. This bulletin, dated April 18, 2019, will supersede TSP Bulletin 12-11 and all prior versions of the TSP-19 form. A copy of this form, which agencies
Effect of the retroactive pay increase on the Thrift Savings Plan — On February 15, 2019, President Donald J. Trump signed Public Law 116-6, “The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019”, which authorizes appropriations to fund the operation of a number of agencies in the federal government through September 30, 2019. This legislation mandates a 1.9 percent average pay increase for most federal civilian employees retroactive to January 1, 2019. President Trump signe
TSP Forfeitures and Forfeiture Restoration Procedures — The purpose of this bulletin is to provide agency Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) representatives with detailed instructions for requesting a forfeiture restoration, and to provide a revised version of the Form TSP-5-R, Request to Restore Forfeiture.
Background
Forfeitures of a participant’s Agency Automatic (1%) and/or Agency Matching Contributions, along with associated earnings, occasionally occurs
New Guidance on the Use of Journal Voucher, TSP-U-2-G — Effective immediately, the journal voucher, TSP-U-2-G, should no longer be used to submit records for back pay awards.
The TSP has changed its regulations regarding the calculation of breakage on back pay awards. All breakage for back pay awards must be calculated based on the participant’s contribution allocation on file for the “as of” date of the correction.
Services should stop using the TSP
New Guidance on the Use of Journal Voucher TSP-2-G — Effective immediately, the journal voucher TSP-2-G should no longer be used to submit records for back pay awards or USERRA makeup contributions.
Back Pay Awards
In September 2015, with the beginning of the L Fund default investment for newly enrolled and rehired participants, the TSP changed its regulations regarding the calculation of breakage on back pay awards. All breakage for back pay award
Revision to Implementation of the Blended Retirement System — The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016, Public Law 114-92, signed into law November 25, 2015, authorized the uniformed services1 to change their traditional retirement plan from one that relied primarily on a cliff-vested defined benefit to one that blends a reduced defined benefit with enhanced Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) benefits, continuation pay, and retention bonuses paid a
2017 Thrift Savings Plan Payroll Office Reports for the Blended Retirement System — With the implementation of the Blended Retirement System (BRS) on January 1, 2018, the various reports that payroll offices receive from the Thrift Savings Plan recordkeeping system, as well as those reports that are available on an ad hoc basis through the web-based data submission and reports retrieval application (“web-based application”), will be updated to incorporate the BRS contributions an
Implementation of the Blended Retirement System — The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016, Public Law 114-92, signed into law November 25, 2015, authorized the uniformed services1 to change their traditional retirement plan from one that relied primarily on a cliff-vested defined benefit to one that blends a reduced defined benefit with enhanced Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) benefits, continuation pay, and retention bonuses paid a
Public Safety Employees’ Exemption to the Early Withdrawal Penalty — Public Law 114-26, the Defending Public Safety Employees’ Retirement Act, was signed by the President on June 29, 2015. This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow specified federal law enforcement officers, customs and border protection officers, federal firefighters, and air traffic controllers (“public safety employees”) who separate from service during or after the year they turn age 5
New Default Investment Fund for Civilian and Beneficiary TSP Participants — Effective September 5, 2015, the default investment fund for newly enrolled civilian Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants and beneficiary participants changes from the Government Securities Investment (G) Fund to an age-appropriate Lifecycle (L) Fund, in accordance with the Smart Savings Act, Public Law 113-255, which was signed into law on December 18, 2014. The purpose of this bulletin is to d
Thrift Savings Plan Vesting Requirements and the TSP Service Computation Date — This bulletin explains the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) vesting requirement found in 5 CFR § 1603. It also discusses the TSP Vesting Code and TSP Service Computation Date, which are used to determine whether or not the vesting requirement has been met.
The TSP Vesting Requirement
The term “vested” refers to the eligibility of participants in an employer-sponsored retirement plan to keep all the mon
Payroll Submission Process via IPAC — This bulletin explains an upcoming change in the way the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) collects and reconciles funds it receives from Federal Agencies for TSP contributions and loan payments.
The change only applies to departments and agencies that prepare and submit the monthly FMS 224, Statement of Transactions, to Treasury’s Financial Management Service (FMS). Those entiti
Phased Retirement and the TSP — Section 100121 of Public Law 112-141 added new provisions in 5 U.S.C. 8336a and 8412a that provide authority for a new phased retirement program. This bulletin provides information on the responsibilities and actions agencies must take regarding TSP eligibility and participation for their employees who transition to phased retirement status.
I. Eligibility
For TSP purposes, the employment status
Thrift Savings Plan Death Benefits — This bulletin contains information about Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) death benefits. It consolidates and supersedes several bulletins detailing various death benefits topics, including the statutory order of precedence, Beneficiary Participant Accounts for spousal beneficiaries, payment options for non-spousal beneficiaries, Form TSP-3, Designation of Beneficiary, and Form TSP-17, Information Relati
Thrift Savings Plan Death Benefits — This bulletin contains information about Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) death benefits. It consolidates and supersedes several bulletins detailing various death benefits topics, including the statutory order of precedence, Beneficiary Participant Accounts for spousal beneficiaries, payment options for non-spousal beneficiaries, Form TSP-3, Designation of Beneficiary, and
Form TSP-17, Information Relati
Service Responsibilities When Thrift Savings Plan Participants Separate From the Uniformed Services — This bulletin discusses the actions that service representatives must take when a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participant separates from the uniformed services.
TSP participants are uniformed service members who have TSP accounts, even if they are not currently contributing. If you cannot verify the existence of a TSP account by any other means, contact your Agency Technical Services (ATS) represen
Agency Responsibilities When Thrift Savings Plan Participants Separate From Federal Service — This bulletin discusses the actions that agency representatives must take when a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participant separates from Federal service.
TSP participants are FERS and CSRS1 employees who have TSP accounts, even if they are not currently contributing. FERS employees receive Agency Automatic (1%) Contributions, so all FERS employees are TSP participants. CSRS employees may or may not
Submitting New Retirement Codes to the Thrift Savings Plan — The “Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013” (Pub. L. No. 113-67, § 401), signed by the president on December 26, 2013, amended the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS). Beginning January 1, 2014, new employees will make higher employee retirement contributions towards the FERS basic annuity. The new FERS employees will be covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System as Further Revised Annu
Change to Thrift Savings Plan Error Report 1701 to Accommodate the New FERS-RAE Retirement Codes — This bulletin outlines the changes to the TSP Error Report 1701, which identifies data records that were not processed and records that were processed but appear suspect. Public Law 112-96, Section 5001, the “Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012,” made two significant amendments to the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS).
Submitting New Retirement Codes to the Thrift Savings Plan — This bulletin outlines changes to the Civilian Employee Data (06) Record (EDR) used when processing agency submissions to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Form TSP-U-1, Thrift Savings Plan Election Form, and Form TSP-U-1-C, CatchUp Contribution Election Form, Revised for Roth Implementation of Army, Air Force, and Navy — On May 7, 2012, the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Board) implemented Roth TSP and released the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Election Form (TSP-U-1) and Catch-Up Contribution Election Form (TSP-U-1-C) for elections submitted by uniformed service members. Form TSP‑U-1 was revised in October 2012 to include the Roth election options for active duty members of the Army, Air Force and Navy.
Effect of Nonpay Status on Thrift Savings Plan Participation — This bulletin explains how placement in nonpay status, e.g., leave without pay (LWOP) or furlough, affects an employee’s Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participation. It supersedes TSP Bulletin 03-18, Effect of Nonpay Status on Thrift Savings Plan Participation, dated August 6, 2003, and TSP Bulletin 11-4, Thrift Savings Plan Fact Sheet, Effect of Nonpay Status on Your TSP Account, dated March 28, 2011
Consolidated List of Obsolete, Replacement, and Combined TSP Forms — The Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009, Public Law 111-31, signed into law on
June 22, 2009, authorized the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to add a Roth feature to the plan.
This benefit allows participants to contribute on an after-tax basis to their TSP accounts and
receive tax-free earnings when they withdraw the funds (assuming certain Internal Revenue
Service criteria are met). To accommo
Consolidated List of Obsolete, Replacement, and Combined TSP Forms — The Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009, Public Law 111-31, signed into law on June 22, 2009, authorized the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to add a Roth feature to the plan.
Elimination of Form TSP-U-50 — Effective the date of the implementation of the TSP Roth feature on May 7, 2012, Form TSP-U-50, Investment Allocation, will be obsolete. We are asking services to destroy (recycle) any copies of the form they may possess effective that date. The TSP will not honor a form received from either the participant or their service after the Roth implementation date.
Journal Voucher Submission Requirement after Implementation of Roth TSP and Notification by Services of Date They Are Ready to Receive Reports and Submit Contributions in the New Roth Format —
Consolidation of Form TSP-60, Request For A Transfer Into The TSP (Civilian) and Form TSP-U-60 (Uniformed Services), and New Combined Form TSP-60-R, Request For A Roth Transfer Into The TSP — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) has consolidated Form TSP-60,
Request For A Transfer Into The TSP (civilian) and Form TSP-U-60 (uniformed services)
into a single form, effective May 7, 2012. The combined form supersedes all prior versions
of Forms TSP-60 and TSP-U-60 with dates prior to April 2012. Previous versions of the form
must be immediately discarded (recycled), and
Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan — This bulletin provides information on the responsibilities and actions agencies must take regarding TSP eligibility and participation for their employees who are appointed or reappointed after July 31, 2010 to a position that is covered by the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS) (and its equivalent retirement systems) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) (and its equivalent retir
Journal Voucher Submission Requirement after Implementation of Roth TSP — This bulletin outlines the requirements agency payroll offices will have upon implementation of Roth TSP with regard to the data/contribution submission and receipt of reports from those submissions.
Consolidation of Form TSP-60 (Civilian) and Form TSP-U-60 (Uniformed Services), and New Combined Form TSP-60-R, Request For A Roth Transfer Into The TSP — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) has consolidated Form TSP-60, Request For A Transfer Into The TSP (civilian) and Form TSP-U-60 (uniformed services) into a single form, effective May 7, 2012. The combined form supersedes all prior versions of Forms TSP-60 and TSP-U-60 with dates prior to April 2012.
Form TSP-1, Thrift Savings Plan Election Form, and Form TSP-1-C, Catch-up Contribution Election Form, Revised for Roth Implementation — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Board) has released the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Election Form (TSP-1) and Catch-up Contribution Election Form (TSP-1-C) for elections submitted by TSP participants upon Roth implementation.
Elimination of Form TSP-50 — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) issues the Thrift Saving Plan (TSP) bulletins to provide guidance and assistance to agency representatives responsible for administering agency aspects of the TSP.
Implementation Date for Roth Thrift Savings Plan Contributions — The Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009, Public Law 111-31, signed into law on
June 22, 2009, authorized the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to add a Roth feature to the plan.
This benefit allows participants to contribute on an after-tax basis to their TSP accounts and
receive tax-free earnings when they withdraw the funds (assuming certain criteria are met).
The Roth TSP feature is similar to
Implementation Date for Roth Thrift Savings Plan Contributions — The Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009, Public Law 111-31, signed into law on June 22, 2009, authorized the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to add a Roth feature to the plan. This benefit allows participants to contribute on an after-tax basis to their TSP accounts and receive tax-free earnings when they withdraw the funds (assuming certain criteria are met).
Special TSP Poster - "April is Financial Literacy Month" — In support of Financial Literacy Month, April 2012, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is pleased to announce the publication of its special poster, “Will Roth TSP fit into your future?”
Relocation of Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board Office — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (the Agency) moved its offices effective
March 16, 2012. The new address is:
77 K Street, NE
Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20002
Included in this bulletin is current information available to service/payroll representatives to
assist them in implementing the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), including points of contact and
services available through the Agency
Relocation of Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board Office — Included in this bulletin is current information available to agency/payroll representatives to assist them in implementing the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), including points of contact and services available through the Agency and its record keeper.
Revision of Form TSP-1 and Form TSP-1-C for Roth Implementation — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Board) has revised the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Election Form (TSP-1) and Catch-up Contribution Election Form (TSP-1-C) for elections submitted by TSP participants upon Roth implementation in the second quarter of 2012.
2011 Thrift Savings Plan Annual Participant Statements with Roth Introductory Information Enclosed — The Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009, signed June 22, 2009, provided for the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Roth feature. This bulletin contains copies of and information about the inserts the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) will enclose with 2011 annual participant statements to begin to educate participants about the new Roth feature. The statement mailing will begin th
2011 Thrift Savings Plan Annual Participant Statements with Roth Introductory Information Enclosed — This bulletin contains copies of and information about the inserts the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) will enclose with 2011 annual participant statements to begin to educate participants about the new Roth feature. The statement mailing will begin the second week of February 2012.
America Saves Week and Military Saves Week Poster February 19 - 26, 2012 — America Saves is a nationwide campaign in which a diversified coalition of nonprofit, government, and corporate entities assist individuals and families to save and build wealth for their future. Military Saves is a social marketing campaign designed to motivate and encourage military families to save toward both their short and long term financial goals.
Revision of Form TSP-U-1, Thrift Savings Plan Election Form and Form TSP-U-1-C, Catch-up Contribution Election Form — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Board) has revised the Thrift Savings Plan
(TSP) Election Form (TSP-U-1) and Catch-up Contribution Election Form (TSP-U-1-C) for elections submitted by TSP members for the beginning of 2012. The TSP-U-1 is revised to reflect the increase to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) annual elective deferral limit to $17,000 in 2012. This revision also reflects
Consolidation of Forms TSP-76 (Civilian) and TSP-U-76 (Uniformed Services), and changes to TSP Financial Hardship In-Service Withdrawal Processing — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) has made a number of changes to the TSP financial hardship in-service withdrawal process to provide for notarized spouse and participant signatures and to reduce the number of forms rejected because they are incomplete or invalid.
Revision of Form TSP-1, Thrift Savings Plan Election Form and Form TSP-1-C, Catch-up Contribution Election Form — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Board) has revised the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Form TSP-1, Election Form and Form TSP-1-C, Catch-up Contribution Election for elections submitted by TSP participants for the beginning of 2012.
Thrift Savings Plan Payroll Office Reports — With the implementation of the TSP Roth feature in second quarter 2012, the various reports that payroll offices receive from the Thrift Savings Plan record keeping system, as well as those reports that are available on an ad hoc basis through the Web-based data submission and reports retrieval application (Web-based application), will be updated to incorporate the Roth contributions and associate
TSP Contribution Limits for 2012 — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the contribution limits for 2012. These limits affect the amount of contributions participants can make to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for the year.
Thrift Savings Plan Payroll Office Reports — With the implementation of the TSP Roth feature in second quarter 2012, the various reports that payroll offices receive from the Thrift Savings Plan record keeping system, as well as those reports that are available on an ad hoc basis through the Web-based data submission and reports retrieval application (Web-based application), will be updated to incorporate the Roth contributions and associate
Revision of the Returned Mail Report for Agencies and Uniformed Services — On October 12, 2010, the TSP issued Bulletin 10-U-7, Returned Mail Report for Agencies and Uniformed Services. This bulletin provided instructions for agencies and services to identify and submit corrected address information for TSP participants who were identified as actively employed, and for whom the TSP had received at least one materials mailing returned as undeliverable.
Revision of the Returned Mail Report for Agencies and Uniformed Services — On October 12, 2010, the TSP issued Bulletin 10-10, Returned Mail Report for Agencies and Uniformed Services. This bulletin provided instructions for agencies and services to identify and submit corrected address information for TSP participants who were identified as actively employed, and for whom the TSP had received at least one materials mailing returned as undeliverable.
Revision of the TSP Fact Sheet, TSP Benefits That Apply to Members of the Military Who Return to Federal Civilian Service — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board has revised the fact sheet TSP Benefits That Apply to Members of the Military Who Return to Federal Civilian Service. This fact sheet provides participants with information on the provisions of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) that pertain to the TSP.
Revision of the TSP Fact Sheet, TSP Benefits That Apply to Members of the Military Who Return to Federal Civilian Service — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board has revised the fact sheet TSP Benefits That Apply to Members of the Military Who Return to Federal Civilian Service. This fact sheet provides participants with information on the provisions of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) that pertain to the TSP.
Thrift Savings Plan Fact Sheet, Effect of Nonpay Status on Your TSP Account — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board has modified the attached Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) fact sheet, Effect of Nonpay Status on your TSP Account, to highlight procedures required by participants and agency representatives to suspend loan payments during the period that a participant is placed in nonpay status. Agency representatives should provide a copy of this fact sheet when a partici
Retirement of the L 2010 Fund and the Launch of the L 2050 Fund — The first of the funds to reach its time horizon is the L 2010 Fund. This bulletin describes the activities associated with the process of retiring the L 2010 Fund and its impact on agencies and payroll offices.
Retirement of the L 2010 Fund and the Launch of the L 2050 Fund — The first of the funds to reach its time horizon is the L 2010 Fund. This bulletin describes the activities associated with the process of retiring the L 2010 Fund and its impact on agencies and payroll offices.
Returned Mail Report for Agencies and Uniformed Services — TSP is asking agency/service payroll offices to help us ensure that correct addresses are maintained in TSP records. In preparation for the 2010 Annual Statement mailing in February 2011, the TSP will be providing agency and uniformed services payroll offices with the Returned Mail Report for Agencies and the Uniformed Services (“the report”).
Returned Mail Report for Agencies and Uniformed Services — TSP is asking agency/service payroll offices to help us ensure that correct addresses are maintained in TSP records. In preparation for the 2010 Annual Statement mailing in February 2011, the TSP will be providing agency and uniformed services payroll offices with the Returned Mail Report for Agencies and the Uniformed Services (“the report”).
Revision of Form TSP-19, Transfer of Information Between Agencies — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) has revised Form TSP-19, Transfer of Information Between Agencies, to include automatic enrollment contributions. This form, dated August 2010, will supersede all prior versions of Form TSP-19.
Consolidation of Forms TSP-3, Designation of Beneficiary (Civilian), and TSP-U-3, Designation of Beneficiary (Uniformed Services) — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) has combined Forms TSP-3, Designation of Beneficiary (Civilian), and TSP-U-3, Designation of Beneficiary (Uniformed Services), into a single form. This combined Form TSP-3, Designation of Beneficiary, will supersede all prior versions.
Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan — This bulletin provides information on the responsibilities and actions agencies must take regarding TSP eligibility and participation for their employees who are appointed or reappointed after July 31, 2010 to a position that is covered by the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS) (and its equivalent retirement systems) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) (and its equivalent retir
Thrift Savings Plan Error Codes and Messages for Payroll Offices — In August 2010, the Federal civilian agencies will implement automatic enrollment in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Although the uniformed services are excluded from the automatic enrollment program, we are taking this opportunity to update, consolidate, and reissue the list of TSP error codes and messages associated with the processing reports we provide to both civilian and uniformed services pa
Implementation of Automatic Enrollment in the Thrift Savings Plan — Updated Error Messages Listing for TSP Payroll Office Reports — TSP Bulletin 10-3, Implementation of Automatic Enrollment in the Thrift Savings Plan, dated February 24, 2010, provided guidance to agencies and their servicing payroll offices on this program. This bulletin supplements that guidance.
Implementation of Automatic Enrollment in the Thrift Savings Plan — This bulletin provides information on the actions the agencies must take to implement automatic enrollment in their human resource and payroll systems.
Thrift Savings Plan Leaflet — “What's Stopping You” — In July 2009, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and agencies implemented the provision of Public Law 111-31, the Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009, which authorized immediate agency contributions for TSP participants covered by the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS) and other equivalent retirement plans. Although the year-to-date growth rate of 6.4% for contributing FERS participant
Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan — Public Law 111-31, the Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009 (the Act), was signed on June 22, 2009. It authorizes a number of changes to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), including the elimination of the waiting period for agency contributions for participants covered by the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS) and other equivalent retirement plans.
H.R. 1256 — Implementation of Immediate Agency Contributions for Participants Covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System and Equivalent Federal Retirement Plans — H.R. 1256, which includes the Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009, passed the U.S. Senate on June 11, 2009, and the U.S. House of Representatives on June 12, 2009. The White House has indicated that the President will sign the Act into law.
Consolidation of Forms TSP-15, Change in Name for Separated Participant (Civilian), and TSP-U-15, Change in Name for Separated Participant (Uniformed Services) — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board has combined Forms TSP-15, Change in Name for Separated Participant (Civilian), and TSP-U-15, Change in Name for Separated Participant (Uniformed Services), into a single form. This combined form, TSP-15, Change in Name of Separated Participant, will supersede all prior versions.
Consolidation of Forms TSP-9, Change of Address for Separated Participant (Civilian), and TSP-U-9, Change of Address for Separated Participant (Uniformed Services) — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board has combined Forms TSP-9, Change of Address for Separated Participant (Civilian), and TSP-U-9, Change of Address for Separated Participant (Uniformed Services), into a single form. This combined form, TSP-9, Change in Address for Separated Participant, will supersede all prior versions of the change of address forms.
Interfund Transfer (IFT) Program Change — Limits on IFT Requests — The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) has announced a change to the interfund transfer (IFT) program
which will impose limits on the IFT requests a participant may make each month. The final
regulation for the IFT limit was published in the Federal Register on April 24, 2008; the change
will be implemented on May 1, 2008.
Interfund Transfer (IFT) Program Change — Limits on IFT Requests — The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) has announced a change to the interfund transfer (IFT) program
which will impose limits on the IFT requests a participant may make each month. The final
regulation for the IFT limit was published in the Federal Register on April 24, 2008; the change
will be implemented on May 1, 2008.
TSP Loan Default Process — The Thrift Saving Plan (TSP) has implemented its loan default program. This program is mandated by Internal Revenue Service regulations which apply to all 401(k) plans, including
the TSP. Essentially, the regulations provide that at the end of each calendar quarter, plans like the TSP must identify loan accounts that are missing payments and notify participants
that they have until the end of the
TSP Loan Default Process — This bulletin explains how placement in nonpay status, e.g., leave without pay (LWOP) or furlough, affects an employee’s Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participation. It supersedes TSP Bulletin 03-18, Effect of Nonpay Status on Thrift Savings Plan Participation, dated August 6, 2003, and TSP Bulletin 11-4, Thrift Savings Plan Fact Sheet, Effect of Nonpay Status on Your TSP Account, dated March 28, 2011
Changes to the Procedures for Processing Retirement Benefits Court Orders Affecting Thrift Savings Plan Accounts — On September 20, 2006, the Executive Director of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) issued regulations in 5 C.F.R. Part 1653, redefining the retirement benefits court orders that will be accepted by the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Changes to the Procedures for Processing Retirement Benefits Court Orders Affecting Thrift Savings Plan Accounts — On September 20, 2006, the Executive Director of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) issued regulations in 5 C.F.R. Part 1653, redefining the retirement benefits court orders that will be accepted by the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Transition of Thrift Savings Plan Record Keeping Services — During the week of May 22, 2006, we will move those Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) services currently remaining at NFC to our other record keeping service providers, primarily the staff at SI International, Inc., located in Fairfax, VA. These functions include agency payroll office services, legal processing (e.g., court orders), and death benefits processing.
Transition of Thrift Savings Plan Record Keeping Services — During the week of May 22, 2006, we will move those Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) services currently remaining at NFC to our other record keeping service providers, primarily the staff at SI International, Inc., located in Fairfax, VA. These functions include agency payroll office services, legal processing (e.g., court orders), and death benefits processing.
Catch-Up Contributions for TSP Participants Age 50 or Older (Uniformed Services) — On November 27, 2002, the President signed Public Law 107-304, which permits eligible Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants who are age 50 or older to make tax-deferred “catchup” contributions from their taxable basic pay to their TSP accounts.
Elimination of Percentage Restrictions on Employee Contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan — The percentage limitations on Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) employee contributions will be lifted in 2006. Effective in January 2006, employee contributions to the TSP will be limited only by the restrictions imposed by the Internal Revenue Code (see Section IV).
Processing Thrift Savings Plan Loan Payments in the TSP Record Keeping System — This bulletin outlines the procedures that services must use to report Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) loan payments to the TSP. It supersedes TSP Bulletin 02-U-22 to announce a change to the rules regarding TSP loan payments under chapter 13 bankruptcy. As addressed in Section III, payroll offices must continue making TSP loan payments for participants who have filed chapter 13 bankruptcy petitions on
Processing Thrift Savings Plan Loan Payments in the TSP Record Keeping System — This bulletin outlines the procedures that agencies must use to report Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) loan payments to the TSP. It supersedes TSP Bulletin 02-20 to announce a change to the rules regarding TSP loan payments under chapter 13 bankruptcy. As addressed in Section III, payroll offices must continue making TSP loan payments for participants who have filed chapter 13 bankruptcy petitions on or
Catch-up Contributions for TSP Participants Age 50 and Older — On November 27, 2002, the President signed Public Law 107-304, which permits eligible Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants who are age 50 or older to make tax-deferred “catch-up” contributions from their basic pay to their TSP accounts.
Processing Agency Submissions in the New Record Keeping System — On November 27, 2002, the President signed Public Law 107-304, which permits eligible Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants who are age 50 or older to make tax-deferred “catch-up” contributions from their basic pay to their TSP accounts.
Earnings Adjustments to Thrift Savings Plan Accounts Requested By Employing Agencies — This bulletin discusses “earnings adjustments” and introduces the journal voucher that payroll offices must use to request such adjustments.
Elimination of Percentage Restrictions on Employee Contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan — The percentage limitations on Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) employee contributions will be lifted in 2006. Effective in January 2006, employee contributions to the TSP will be limited only by the restrictions imposed by the Internal Revenue Code (see Section IV).
Information Provided to New TSP Participants by the TSP Record Keeper — When a TSP account is established, the TSP record keeper sends the new participant a package that contains a welcome letter, an Investment Allocation form (TSP-U-50), the Web/ThriftLine Information card, and the booklet Managing Your Account.
Information Provided to New TSP Participants by the TSP Record Keeper — When a TSP account is established, the TSP record keeper sends the new participant a package that contains a welcome letter, an Investment Allocation form (TSP-50), the Web/ThriftLine Information card, and the booklet Managing Your Account.
Thrift Savings Plan Data Employee Code — This bulletin discusses the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) “employment code” and “employment code date.” When the employment status of a TSP participant changes, the payroll office must submit to the TSP record keeper an Employee Data Record (06-Record) containing the employment code and the employment code date.
Revision of Form TSP-U-1, Thrift Savings Plan Election Form — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Board) has revised the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Election Form (TSP-U-1) to reflect the elimination of TSP open seasons.
Uniformed Services Participation in the TSP — Public Law 108-469, signed into law on December 21, 2004, eliminates TSP open seasons and the restrictions on contribution elections which are tied to open seasons. The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board will implement this law July 1, 2005.
Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan — Public Law 108-469, signed into law December 21, 2004, eliminates TSP open seasons and the restrictions on contribution elections which are tied to open seasons. However, the law does not eliminate the waiting period that FERS employees must serve before they can begin to receive agency contributions.
Thrift Savings Plan Participant Statements — This bulletin contains information about the quarterly Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participant statements that are currently being mailed to participants.
Thrift Savings Plan Participant Statements — This bulletin contains information about the quarterly Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participant statements that are currently being mailed to participants.
Effect of Nonpay Status on TSP Participation — This bulletin explains how placement in nonpay status, e.g., furlough or leave without pay (LWOP), affects an employee’s Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participation.
Revision of Form TSP-U-17, Information Relating to Deceased Participant — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board has revised Form TSP-U-17, Information Relating to Deceased Participant, for use in the new record keeping system.
Processing Submissions From Uniformed Services Payroll Offices in the New Record Keeping System — This bulletin explains how payroll office submissions of employee data and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions will be processed after the new record keeping system is implemented in September 2002.
Payroll Office Reports Produced by New Record Keeping System — This bulletin discusses the reports that payroll offices will receive after the new Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) record keeping system is implemented.
Payroll Office Reports Produced by New Record Keeping System — This bulletin discusses the reports that payroll offices will receive after the new Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) record keeping system is implemented later this year.
TSP Participation of Individuals Who Return to Civilian Service or Pay Status Following Military Service — The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) allows certain employees who separate from civilian service to perform military service to make up missed Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions if they return to civilian service under the provisions of USERRA.
Regulations on Uniformed Services Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan — The Executive Director of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Board) has issued regulations at 5 C.F.R. Part 1604 explaining the rules under which members of the
uniformed services can participate in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Processing Submissions from the Uniformed Services — This bulletin outlines the procedures that the uniformed services must use to report employee data and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions to the TSP record keeper, the National Finance Center (NFC).
Introduction of TSP Bulletins — Public Law 106-398 extended participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for Federal civilian employees to members of the uniformed services. The first contributions to the TSP will begin in January 2002.
TSP Participation of Individuals Who Are Reemployed Following Transfers to International Organizations — Employees who transfer to international organizations cannot participate in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) while they are employed by the international organization. This is true even if the employee continues to make contributions to the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS), the Foreign Service Pension System (FSPS), the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), or the Foreign Service Retirem
Effect of Transferring to Position Covered By A Retirement System Under Which Thrift Savings Plan Participation Is Not Authorized — The Federal Employees’ Retirement System Act of 1984 (FERSA), which authorized the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), has been amended to allow employees who transfer to positions covered by retirement systems under which TSP participation is not authorized to withdraw their TSP accounts.
Changes to the Error Correction Procedures — This bulletin provides agency representatives with information regarding changes to the procedures for correcting certain administrative errors
Immediate Investment of TSP Contributions — This bulletin provides agency representatives with information regarding changes to the procedures for correcting certain administrative errors.
Legislative Changes to the Thrift Savings Plan — On September 30, 1996, the President signed P.L. 104-208, which makes a number of significant changes to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). This bulletin summarizes the changes and the schedule for implementing them.
Agency Responsibilities Resulting from a Disaster Affecting the TSP Recordkeeper — The purpose of this bulletin is to provide agency representatives with information describing the actions that may be required by the agency during and after a disaster that affects operations at the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Recordkeeper.
Summary of Audit Recommendations Provided to Agencies to Fulfill Their Thrift Savings Plan Responsibilities — The Federal Employees’ Retirement System Act of 1986 requires the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to establish a program to carry out audits of fiduciary compliance in connection with the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Legislative and Policy Changes to the Thrift Savings Plan — Public Law 101-335 (H.R. 2514), enacted July 17, 1990, makes a number of significant changes to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Board) will be issuing regulations and detailed information to agencies to implement these changes.
Technical Amendments Relating to Eligibility to Participate in the Thrift Savings Plan — The Executive Director of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board has published interim regulations regarding Public Law 100-238 which made technical amendments to the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS) Act of 1986.
Income Deferral of TSP Contributions for State of California — The purpose of this bulletin is to provide agency representatives with information regarding income deferral of Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions made by California residents.
Fiduciary Insurance — Public Law 100-238, dated January 8, 1988, modified the original Thrift Savings Plan statute, Public Law 99-335, Federal Employees’ Retirement System Act of 1986 (FERS), with respect to the financial liability of fiduciaries of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board.
Taxation of TSP Contributions for Residents of Puerto Rico — The purpose of this bulletin is to correct information provided in Thrift Savings Plan Bulletin 87-61, Guidelines on Tax Reporting for Employee Contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan, dated December 23, 1987.
Procedures for Establishing or Modifying TSP Agency Clearing Accounts for the Thrift Savings Plan — The purpose of this bulletin is to provide agency representatives procedures for establishing or modifying Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) agency clearing accounts submitted on Form TSP-2, Certification of Transfer of Funds and Journal Voucher.
Relationship Between TSP and Wages Reported on Certain Employment Reports and Forms — The Department of Labor has advised the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (the Board) that a number of Federal agencies are not reporting the correct amount of Federal wages on Form ES-931, Request for Wage and Separation Information — UCFE.
Use of Electronic Funds Transfer for TSP Deductions and Contributions — The purpose of this bulletin is to provide agency offices guidance concerning the use of electronic funds transfer (EFT) for transmitting Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) deductions and contributions to the Treasury Department.
Order of Precedence for TSP Deductions — The General Accounting Office (GAO) has confirmed that “other voluntary deductions” is the appropriate category in the order of precedence for TSP deductions. Agencies may determine the order of precedence of other voluntary deductions, including allotments and assignments.
Second Conversion Process — All employees covered under the Federal Employees’ Retirement System who are on board as of January 1, 1987, are entitled to the 1 percent Government basic contribution.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) One Percent Government Basic Contribution Conversion Computation — The purpose of this bulletin is to provide agency representatives with instructions to aid in the computation of the 1 percent Government basic contribution amount for which the Federal Government is liable for the period January 1, 1984, through December 31, 1986.
Default Investment Fund for Blended Retirement System (BRS) and Beneficiary TSP Participants — On January 1, 2018, the default investment fund for newly enrolled uniformed services Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) members (and spouse beneficiaries of deceased uniformed services members) changed from the Government Securities Investment (G) Fund to an age-appropriate Lifecycle (L) Fund. This change went into effect for those service members who joined the uniformed services on or after January 1, 2
Default Investment Fund for Civilian and Beneficiary TSP Participants — On September 5, 2015, the default investment fund for newly enrolled civilian Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants (and spouse beneficiaries of deceased civilian participants) changed from the Government Securities Investment (G) Fund to an age-appropriate Lifecycle (L) Fund, in accordance with the Smart Savings Act, Public Law 113-255, which was signed into law on December 18, 2014.
This bulle
Announcement of Upcoming Change to the Automatic Enrollment Percentage for Thrift Savings Plan Participants — UPDATE — This bulletin has been updated to include information about automatic re-enrollment.
The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB), the agency that administers the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), will increase the automatic enrollment percentage from 3% to 5% of pay for all participants who are automatically enrolled in the TSP on or after October 1, 2020, and for Blended Retirement System (B
Announcement of Upcoming Change to the Automatic Enrollment Percentage for Thrift Savings Plan Participants — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB), the agency that administers the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), will increase the automatic enrollment percentage from 3% to 5% of pay for all participants who are automatically enrolled in the TSP on or after October 1, 2020. The Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009 grants us the authority for this change. This change will not affect the c
Revision of Form TSP-19, Transfer of Information Between Agencies — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) has revised Form TSP-19, Transfer of Information Between Agencies. The revision clarifies to agency payroll officers the need to provide the full loan account number on the form when applicable. This bulletin, dated April 18, 2019, will supersede TSP Bulletin 12-11 and all prior versions of the TSP-19 form. A copy of this form, which agencies
TSP Forfeitures and Forfeiture Restoration Procedures — The purpose of this bulletin is to provide agency Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) representatives with detailed instructions for requesting a forfeiture restoration, and to provide a revised version of the Form TSP-5-R, Request to Restore Forfeiture.
Background
Forfeitures of a participant’s Agency Automatic (1%) and/or Agency Matching Contributions, along with associated earnings, occasionally occurs
Revision of Form TSP-19, Transfer of Information Between Agencies — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) has revised Form TSP-19, Transfer of Information Between Agencies, to include automatic enrollment contributions. This form, dated August 2010, will supersede all prior versions of Form TSP-19.
Catch-Up Contributions for TSP Participants Age 50 or Older (Uniformed Services) — On November 27, 2002, the President signed Public Law 107-304, which permits eligible Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants who are age 50 or older to make tax-deferred “catchup” contributions from their taxable basic pay to their TSP accounts.
Elimination of Percentage Restrictions on Employee Contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan — The percentage limitations on Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) employee contributions will be lifted in 2006. Effective in January 2006, employee contributions to the TSP will be limited only by the restrictions imposed by the Internal Revenue Code (see Section IV).
Catch-up Contributions for TSP Participants Age 50 and Older — On November 27, 2002, the President signed Public Law 107-304, which permits eligible Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants who are age 50 or older to make tax-deferred “catch-up” contributions from their basic pay to their TSP accounts.
Processing Agency Submissions in the New Record Keeping System — On November 27, 2002, the President signed Public Law 107-304, which permits eligible Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants who are age 50 or older to make tax-deferred “catch-up” contributions from their basic pay to their TSP accounts.
Earnings Adjustments to Thrift Savings Plan Accounts Requested By Employing Agencies — This bulletin discusses “earnings adjustments” and introduces the journal voucher that payroll offices must use to request such adjustments.
Elimination of Percentage Restrictions on Employee Contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan — The percentage limitations on Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) employee contributions will be lifted in 2006. Effective in January 2006, employee contributions to the TSP will be limited only by the restrictions imposed by the Internal Revenue Code (see Section IV).
Thrift Savings Plan Data Employee Code — This bulletin discusses the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) “employment code” and “employment code date.” When the employment status of a TSP participant changes, the payroll office must submit to the TSP record keeper an Employee Data Record (06-Record) containing the employment code and the employment code date.
Revision of Form TSP-U-1, Thrift Savings Plan Election Form — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Board) has revised the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Election Form (TSP-U-1) to reflect the elimination of TSP open seasons.
Processing Submissions From Uniformed Services Payroll Offices in the New Record Keeping System — This bulletin explains how payroll office submissions of employee data and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions will be processed after the new record keeping system is implemented in September 2002.
Payroll Office Reports Produced by New Record Keeping System — This bulletin discusses the reports that payroll offices will receive after the new Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) record keeping system is implemented.
Payroll Office Reports Produced by New Record Keeping System — This bulletin discusses the reports that payroll offices will receive after the new Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) record keeping system is implemented later this year.
TSP Participation of Individuals Who Return to Civilian Service or Pay Status Following Military Service — The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) allows certain employees who separate from civilian service to perform military service to make up missed Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions if they return to civilian service under the provisions of USERRA.
Processing Submissions from the Uniformed Services — This bulletin outlines the procedures that the uniformed services must use to report employee data and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions to the TSP record keeper, the National Finance Center (NFC).
TSP Participation of Individuals Who Are Reemployed Following Transfers to International Organizations — Employees who transfer to international organizations cannot participate in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) while they are employed by the international organization. This is true even if the employee continues to make contributions to the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS), the Foreign Service Pension System (FSPS), the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), or the Foreign Service Retirem
Changes to the Error Correction Procedures — This bulletin provides agency representatives with information regarding changes to the procedures for correcting certain administrative errors
Immediate Investment of TSP Contributions — This bulletin provides agency representatives with information regarding changes to the procedures for correcting certain administrative errors.
Summary of Audit Recommendations Provided to Agencies to Fulfill Their Thrift Savings Plan Responsibilities — The Federal Employees’ Retirement System Act of 1986 requires the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to establish a program to carry out audits of fiduciary compliance in connection with the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Legislative and Policy Changes to the Thrift Savings Plan — Public Law 101-335 (H.R. 2514), enacted July 17, 1990, makes a number of significant changes to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Board) will be issuing regulations and detailed information to agencies to implement these changes.
Income Deferral of TSP Contributions for State of California — The purpose of this bulletin is to provide agency representatives with information regarding income deferral of Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions made by California residents.
Procedures for Establishing or Modifying TSP Agency Clearing Accounts for the Thrift Savings Plan — The purpose of this bulletin is to provide agency representatives procedures for establishing or modifying Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) agency clearing accounts submitted on Form TSP-2, Certification of Transfer of Funds and Journal Voucher.
Relationship Between TSP and Wages Reported on Certain Employment Reports and Forms — The Department of Labor has advised the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (the Board) that a number of Federal agencies are not reporting the correct amount of Federal wages on Form ES-931, Request for Wage and Separation Information — UCFE.
Use of Electronic Funds Transfer for TSP Deductions and Contributions — The purpose of this bulletin is to provide agency offices guidance concerning the use of electronic funds transfer (EFT) for transmitting Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) deductions and contributions to the Treasury Department.
Order of Precedence for TSP Deductions — The General Accounting Office (GAO) has confirmed that “other voluntary deductions” is the appropriate category in the order of precedence for TSP deductions. Agencies may determine the order of precedence of other voluntary deductions, including allotments and assignments.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) One Percent Government Basic Contribution Conversion Computation — The purpose of this bulletin is to provide agency representatives with instructions to aid in the computation of the 1 percent Government basic contribution amount for which the Federal Government is liable for the period January 1, 1984, through December 31, 1986.
Default Investment Fund for Blended Retirement System (BRS) and Beneficiary TSP Participants — On January 1, 2018, the default investment fund for newly enrolled uniformed services Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) members (and spouse beneficiaries of deceased uniformed services members) changed from the Government Securities Investment (G) Fund to an age-appropriate Lifecycle (L) Fund. This change went into effect for those service members who joined the uniformed services on or after January 1, 2
Default Investment Fund for Civilian and Beneficiary TSP Participants — On September 5, 2015, the default investment fund for newly enrolled civilian Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants (and spouse beneficiaries of deceased civilian participants) changed from the Government Securities Investment (G) Fund to an age-appropriate Lifecycle (L) Fund, in accordance with the Smart Savings Act, Public Law 113-255, which was signed into law on December 18, 2014.
This bulle
Announcement of Upcoming Change to the Automatic Enrollment Percentage for Thrift Savings Plan Participants — UPDATE — This bulletin has been updated to include information about automatic re-enrollment.
The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB), the agency that administers the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), will increase the automatic enrollment percentage from 3% to 5% of pay for all participants who are automatically enrolled in the TSP on or after October 1, 2020, and for Blended Retirement System (B
Announcement of Upcoming Change to the Automatic Enrollment Percentage for Thrift Savings Plan Participants — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB), the agency that administers the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), will increase the automatic enrollment percentage from 3% to 5% of pay for all participants who are automatically enrolled in the TSP on or after October 1, 2020. The Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009 grants us the authority for this change. This change will not affect the c
Revision of Form TSP-19, Transfer of Information Between Agencies — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) has revised Form TSP-19, Transfer of Information Between Agencies. The revision clarifies to agency payroll officers the need to provide the full loan account number on the form when applicable. This bulletin, dated April 18, 2019, will supersede TSP Bulletin 12-11 and all prior versions of the TSP-19 form. A copy of this form, which agencies
TSP Forfeitures and Forfeiture Restoration Procedures — The purpose of this bulletin is to provide agency Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) representatives with detailed instructions for requesting a forfeiture restoration, and to provide a revised version of the Form TSP-5-R, Request to Restore Forfeiture.
Background
Forfeitures of a participant’s Agency Automatic (1%) and/or Agency Matching Contributions, along with associated earnings, occasionally occurs
Revision of Form TSP-19, Transfer of Information Between Agencies — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) has revised Form TSP-19, Transfer of Information Between Agencies, to include automatic enrollment contributions. This form, dated August 2010, will supersede all prior versions of Form TSP-19.
Catch-Up Contributions for TSP Participants Age 50 or Older (Uniformed Services) — On November 27, 2002, the President signed Public Law 107-304, which permits eligible Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants who are age 50 or older to make tax-deferred “catchup” contributions from their taxable basic pay to their TSP accounts.
Elimination of Percentage Restrictions on Employee Contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan — The percentage limitations on Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) employee contributions will be lifted in 2006. Effective in January 2006, employee contributions to the TSP will be limited only by the restrictions imposed by the Internal Revenue Code (see Section IV).
Catch-up Contributions for TSP Participants Age 50 and Older — On November 27, 2002, the President signed Public Law 107-304, which permits eligible Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants who are age 50 or older to make tax-deferred “catch-up” contributions from their basic pay to their TSP accounts.
Processing Agency Submissions in the New Record Keeping System — On November 27, 2002, the President signed Public Law 107-304, which permits eligible Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants who are age 50 or older to make tax-deferred “catch-up” contributions from their basic pay to their TSP accounts.
Earnings Adjustments to Thrift Savings Plan Accounts Requested By Employing Agencies — This bulletin discusses “earnings adjustments” and introduces the journal voucher that payroll offices must use to request such adjustments.
Elimination of Percentage Restrictions on Employee Contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan — The percentage limitations on Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) employee contributions will be lifted in 2006. Effective in January 2006, employee contributions to the TSP will be limited only by the restrictions imposed by the Internal Revenue Code (see Section IV).
Thrift Savings Plan Data Employee Code — This bulletin discusses the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) “employment code” and “employment code date.” When the employment status of a TSP participant changes, the payroll office must submit to the TSP record keeper an Employee Data Record (06-Record) containing the employment code and the employment code date.
Revision of Form TSP-U-1, Thrift Savings Plan Election Form — The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Board) has revised the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Election Form (TSP-U-1) to reflect the elimination of TSP open seasons.
Processing Submissions From Uniformed Services Payroll Offices in the New Record Keeping System — This bulletin explains how payroll office submissions of employee data and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions will be processed after the new record keeping system is implemented in September 2002.
Payroll Office Reports Produced by New Record Keeping System — This bulletin discusses the reports that payroll offices will receive after the new Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) record keeping system is implemented.
Payroll Office Reports Produced by New Record Keeping System — This bulletin discusses the reports that payroll offices will receive after the new Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) record keeping system is implemented later this year.
TSP Participation of Individuals Who Return to Civilian Service or Pay Status Following Military Service — The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) allows certain employees who separate from civilian service to perform military service to make up missed Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions if they return to civilian service under the provisions of USERRA.
Processing Submissions from the Uniformed Services — This bulletin outlines the procedures that the uniformed services must use to report employee data and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions to the TSP record keeper, the National Finance Center (NFC).
TSP Participation of Individuals Who Are Reemployed Following Transfers to International Organizations — Employees who transfer to international organizations cannot participate in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) while they are employed by the international organization. This is true even if the employee continues to make contributions to the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS), the Foreign Service Pension System (FSPS), the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), or the Foreign Service Retirem
Changes to the Error Correction Procedures — This bulletin provides agency representatives with information regarding changes to the procedures for correcting certain administrative errors
Immediate Investment of TSP Contributions — This bulletin provides agency representatives with information regarding changes to the procedures for correcting certain administrative errors.
Summary of Audit Recommendations Provided to Agencies to Fulfill Their Thrift Savings Plan Responsibilities — The Federal Employees’ Retirement System Act of 1986 requires the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to establish a program to carry out audits of fiduciary compliance in connection with the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Legislative and Policy Changes to the Thrift Savings Plan — Public Law 101-335 (H.R. 2514), enacted July 17, 1990, makes a number of significant changes to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Board) will be issuing regulations and detailed information to agencies to implement these changes.
Income Deferral of TSP Contributions for State of California — The purpose of this bulletin is to provide agency representatives with information regarding income deferral of Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions made by California residents.
Procedures for Establishing or Modifying TSP Agency Clearing Accounts for the Thrift Savings Plan — The purpose of this bulletin is to provide agency representatives procedures for establishing or modifying Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) agency clearing accounts submitted on Form TSP-2, Certification of Transfer of Funds and Journal Voucher.
Relationship Between TSP and Wages Reported on Certain Employment Reports and Forms — The Department of Labor has advised the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (the Board) that a number of Federal agencies are not reporting the correct amount of Federal wages on Form ES-931, Request for Wage and Separation Information — UCFE.
Use of Electronic Funds Transfer for TSP Deductions and Contributions — The purpose of this bulletin is to provide agency offices guidance concerning the use of electronic funds transfer (EFT) for transmitting Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) deductions and contributions to the Treasury Department.
Order of Precedence for TSP Deductions — The General Accounting Office (GAO) has confirmed that “other voluntary deductions” is the appropriate category in the order of precedence for TSP deductions. Agencies may determine the order of precedence of other voluntary deductions, including allotments and assignments.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) One Percent Government Basic Contribution Conversion Computation — The purpose of this bulletin is to provide agency representatives with instructions to aid in the computation of the 1 percent Government basic contribution amount for which the Federal Government is liable for the period January 1, 1984, through December 31, 1986.
Changes to the Procedures for Processing Retirement Benefits Court Orders Affecting Thrift Savings Plan Accounts — On September 20, 2006, the Executive Director of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) issued regulations in 5 C.F.R. Part 1653, redefining the retirement benefits court orders that will be accepted by the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Changes to the Procedures for Processing Retirement Benefits Court Orders Affecting Thrift Savings Plan Accounts — On September 20, 2006, the Executive Director of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) issued regulations in 5 C.F.R. Part 1653, redefining the retirement benefits court orders that will be accepted by the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Changes to the Procedures for Processing Retirement Benefits Court Orders Affecting Thrift Savings Plan Accounts — On September 20, 2006, the Executive Director of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) issued regulations in 5 C.F.R. Part 1653, redefining the retirement benefits court orders that will be accepted by the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Changes to the Procedures for Processing Retirement Benefits Court Orders Affecting Thrift Savings Plan Accounts — On September 20, 2006, the Executive Director of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Agency) issued regulations in 5 C.F.R. Part 1653, redefining the retirement benefits court orders that will be accepted by the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Thrift Savings Plan Death Benefits — This bulletin contains information about Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) death benefits. It consolidates and supersedes several bulletins detailing various death benefits topics, including the statutory order of precedence, Beneficiary Participant Accounts for spousal beneficiaries, payment options for non-spousal beneficiaries, Form TSP-3, Designation of Beneficiary, and Form TSP-17, Information Relati
Thrift Savings Plan Death Benefits — This bulletin contains information about Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) death benefits. It consolidates and supersedes several bulletins detailing various death benefits topics, including the statutory order of precedence, Beneficiary Participant Accounts for spousal beneficiaries, payment options for non-spousal beneficiaries, Form TSP-3, Designation of Beneficiary, and
Form TSP-17, Information Relati
