IRS Extends Deadline for Retirement Account Updates

February 26, 2026

The Internal Revenue Service announced more time to update certain retirement account documents under the SECURE 2.0 Act. Under new guidance (Notice 2026-9), the deadline to amend IRA documents has moved to December 31, 2027.

This change also applies to certain employer-sponsored IRA plans.

This extension applies to:

●     Traditional and Roth IRAs

●     SEP IRAs

●     SIMPLE IRA plans

While this change primarily affects paperwork behind the scenes, it’s important to understand what has changed—and what hasn’t—when it comes to your retirement planning.

A quick refresher on SECURE 2.0

The SECURE 2.0 Act introduced a wide range of updates to retirement rules, many of which are already in effect. These changes touched areas such as:

●     Required minimum distribution (RMD) ages

●     Catch-up contribution rules

●     New emergency savings features

●     Other participant-focused retirement enhancements

Although these rules changed how retirement accounts operate, retirement plan documents and IRA agreements also need to be formally updated to reflect them. That documentation process is what the IRS has now delayed.

What the new deadline actually does

Previously, retirement account providers were working toward a 2026 deadline to update written IRA and plan documents. The IRS has now extended that deadline by one year, giving custodians and plan sponsors until the end of 2027 to complete those updates.

The extension applies to the formal governing documents for:

●     Individual retirement accounts

●     IRA annuity contracts

●     SEP arrangements

●     SIMPLE IRA plans

The IRS has also indicated that it could adjust the deadline again if future guidance warrants it.

Why the IRS made this change

One of the main reasons for the extension is practical timing. Financial institutions and plan providers have been waiting for more detailed guidance and model language from the IRS and Treasury before finalizing updated documents.

Rather than forcing rushed updates, the IRS opted to allow more time—while still requiring that all accounts ultimately be brought into compliance.

The most important takeaway: the rules already apply

While the paperwork deadline has moved, the SECURE 2.0 rules themselves have not been delayed.

That means:

●     RMD age changes still apply

●     Updated contribution rules are in effect

●     Retirement planning decisions should be based on current law

Even if your IRA agreement hasn’t yet been formally revised, your account is expected to operate under the new rules. This distinction—between how an account operates and when documents are updated—is common in retirement plan administration.

How this affects retirement account owners

For most individuals, this extension won’t require any immediate action. Your custodian or plan provider will handle document updates as new IRS guidance becomes available.

What does matter is continuing to:

●     Follow current retirement distribution and contribution rules

●     Make planning decisions based on today’s regulations

●     Review retirement strategies regularly as laws evolve

We’ll continue to monitor IRS guidance and coordinate with custodians to ensure accounts are updated appropriately when the time comes.

Bottom line

The IRS has given the retirement industry more time to update formal documents—but retirement rules under SECURE 2.0 are already in force. By staying focused on how your accounts operate today, while allowing documentation to catch up later, we can help ensure your retirement strategy stays compliant and on track.

If you have questions about how recent retirement law changes affect your situation, we’re here to help.

Sources:

Appleby, Denise. “IRS Extends SECURE 2.0 Amendment Deadline for IRAs, SEP, and SIMPLE Plans.” Horsesmouth, n.d., www.horsesmouth.com. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.

Disclosure:

This information is an overview and should not be considered as specific guidance or recommendations for any individual or business.

This material is provided as a courtesy and for educational purposes only.

These are the views of the author, not the named Representative or Advisory Services Network, LLC, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named Representative nor Advisory Services Network, LLC gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your Financial Advisor for further information.