IRS Encourages “Paycheck Checkup” for Taxpayers’ Withholding
Due to the passage of a major tax law effective with the 2018 tax year, the IRS is encouraging taxpayers to do a “paycheck check-up” to help you determine the amount of tax to be withheld from your employee paycheck or your monthly benefit payment. Additional IRS guidance, including the calculator, and links to IRS YouTube videos, can be found on the IRS’ website.
If you decide to update your withholding, city employees need to submit a new W-4 to their city employer, and TMRS retirees should either change their withholding on MyTMRS or submit a new W-4P to TMRS.
Prevent Payment Delays
Retirees, if you’ve recently opened a new bank account or changed banks, don’t forget to let TMRS know! If you haven’t notified TMRS, you may not get your monthly payment on time. Update your direct deposit information by mailing or faxing a new Direct Deposit Authorization Form (TMRS-80E). If you send your bank’s form, make sure the TMRS form is attached in order to prevent any payment delays.
City GASB 75 Reporting Packages Now Available for Download
The Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 75 (GASB 75) OPEB disclosure information for 2018 fiscal years is now available on the Eye on GASB page of our website. The GASB 75 Employer Reporting Package is based on the December 31, 2017 (measurement date) actuarial valuation. Cities with Supplemental Death Benefits for their retirees should report under GASB 75, which is first applicable for fiscal years ending on or after June 30, 2018. Select the GASB 75 Reporting Package button and then your city from the drop-down menu to download the package.
City GASB 68 Reporting Packages Now Available for Download
The Governmental Accounting Standard’s Board Statement No. 68 (GASB 68) pension disclosure information for 2018 fiscal years is now available on our website. GASB 75 Reporting Packages will be available next week. The “GASB 68 Employer Reporting Package” is based on the December 31, 2017 (measurement date) actuarial valuation. Topics under the “2018 What You Need for GASB 68 Compliance” page are grouped under: Financial Statement Audit, Financial Reporting, Actuarial Resources, and General GASB Resources. Please be sure your finance officer is aware of this resource. In addition, TMRS' SOC-1 Audit Report (PDF; for use with GASB 68) and your city’s census data (Excel; for use with both GASB 68 and 75) are available as downloads from the City Portal. If you have questions about these materials, send an email to pensionaccounting@tmrs.com.
2017 Financial Reports Posted
In its June meeting, the TMRS Board of Trustees approved the TMRS Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The CAFR, posted on the Financial Reports web page, is prepared annually by the TMRS Finance staff and may be downloaded by sections or as a full PDF (156 pages). In addition to the CAFR, a 4-page “digest” financial report, called the Summary Annual Financial Report, is also posted on the Financial Reports page.
The TMRS Board of Trustees will meet in our headquarters building (1200 N. Interstate 35, Austin) on Thursday, June 28, at 1:30 p.m. and on Friday, June 29, at 9 a.m. The agenda, meeting calendar, and post-meeting presentations are found on the Board of Trustees page.
Want TMRS and other pension news delivered to your inbox?
TMRS offers five different e-newsletters by online subscription: Pension Intelligence, TMRS E-Bulletin for Cities, TMRSDirect News for Members, TMRSDirect News for Retirees, and Executive E-News. TMRS’ newest e-newsletter, Pension Intelligence, summarizes relevant pension news each month. Read the June issue and past issues on the TMRS Highlights page of the website. Sign up for and manage your e-newsletters using your email address and optional password.
City Contribution Rate Letters Now Available for Download
The 2019 Rate Letters for cities are now available online. Choose your city’s name from the dropdown menu and view or download your rate letter. The letters contain detailed information on city contribution rates for the year beginning January 1, 2019. Please call 800-924-8677 if you have questions. Please note that the information cities will need for financial disclosures (the GASB 68 and GASB 75 reporting packages) will be available as separate downloads on the TMRS website by July 31.
Actuarial Valuation Available
The TMRS Actuarial Valuation for the year ending December 31, 2017, is now available for download from the TMRS website. The valuation contains rate information for cities for the year beginning January 1, 2019. A detailed video presentation by TMRS actuary GRS is available.
Board and Advisory Committee Meetings this Week
The TMRS Board of Trustees will meet in our headquarters building (1200 N. Interstate 35, Austin) on Thursday, May 24, at 1:30 p.m. and will hold a Joint Meeting with the Advisory Committee on Benefit Design on Friday, May 25, at 8:00 a.m. The agenda, meeting calendar, and post-meeting presentations are located on the Board of Trustees page.
City Rate Letters Will Be Posted Soon
The 2019 Rate Letters for cities will be available online by June 8. The letters will contain detailed information on city contribution rates for the year beginning January 1, 2019. If you need information before then, the Actuarial Valuation will be posted immediately after the TMRS Board meeting on May 25. Also, the information cities will need for financial disclosures (the GASB reporting package) will be available as a separate download on the TMRS website in late July.
Plano’s 457 Plan Receives Award
Congratulations to the City of Plano for receiving the Plan Sponsor of the Year award. The City’s 457 plan was chosen as the best Public Defined Contribution (DC) plan for 2018 by Plansponsor magazine. This supplemental plan is offered to Plano employees in addition to the TMRS plan.
Return to Work Video Now Available!
Are you a retiree interested in returning to active employment? This short video explains how working after retiring with TMRS may affect your benefits.
Want TMRS and Other Pension News Delivered to Your Inbox?
TMRS offers five different e-newsletters by online subscription: Pension Intelligence, TMRS E-Bulletin for Cities, TMRSDirect News for Members, TMRSDirect News for Retirees, and Executive E-News. TMRS’ newest e-newsletter, Pension Intelligence, summarizes relevant pension news each month (April 2018 issue now available). Sign up for and manage your e-newsletters online, using your email address and optional password.
Member Statements Viewable Online
All groups of 2017 Member Annual Statements have been mailed. If you did not receive your statement in the mail, there may be an issue with your address. You may view your statement online in MyTMRS, and you may also update your mailing address there. If you need additional help, call the TMRS Phonecenter at 800-924-8677 or send a message with our secure web form: Need Help?
Mailing Schedule for Member Annual Statements
TMRS will mail Annual Statements to active TMRS members (contributing and non-contributing) in four groups this month according to the schedule below. The statements will also be available on MyTMRS at the time they mail. These statements reflect each member’s account balance for the 2017 calendar year and provide beneficiary information and estimates of future retirement.
Mail Date
Member ZIP Code
March 13
00000-75999
March 16
76000-77499
March 20
77500-78299
March 23
78300-99999
TMRS Receives Outstanding Achievement Award
The Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for the the past fiscal year received the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting from the Governmental Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the quality of information presented, reader appeal, understandability, distribution, and other elements. This is a prestigious national award, recognizing conformance with the highest standards for preparation of state and local government popular reports. In addition to posting the PAFR online, TMRS sends it to our members and retirees each year in INSIGHT and RetirementWise.
2017 Member Annual Statements
Member Annual Statements will be mailed in March to all members with a TMRS account (contributing and noncontributing). The annual statements reflect each member’s account balance for the 2017 calendar year and provide beneficiary information and estimates of your future retirement annuities.
Governor Appoints Two to TMRS Board
Governor Abbott has announced two appointments to the Board of Trustees of the Texas Municipal Retirement System. The Governor reappointed TMRS Chair Jim Parrish, Deputy City Manager for the City of Plano, for a second term and Jesús A. Garza, City Manager of the City of Kingsville, for his first term. Both terms end February 1, 2023. Mr. Garza replaces Roy Rodriguez, City Manager of the City of McAllen, who has provided exemplary service to the system, its members, and our cities since 2005.
2018 Retirement Account Statements
Statements for TMRS retirees/annuitants will be mailed February 8. These statements show the annuitant’s retirement option, retirement date, beneficiary information, and monthly TMRS retirement benefit payment (including withholding amount) in effect for 2018. Statements will be posted online by the mail date – viewable on MyTMRS.
Update on 2018 Tax Tables
The new tax tables for 2018 have been applied to retirement accounts. This means today’s first annuity payment for TMRS annuitants reflects the new withholding amount. To see their retirement payment amounts or to update withholding instructions, retirees/annuitants should log in to their accounts on MyTMRS.
1099-Rs and HLPS Statements Available on MyTMRS
2017 1099-R tax documents and HLPS statements (for public safety officers) are now available for download using MyTMRS. To download, save, and print, log in to your MyTMRS account and choose the Documents tab. Copies of these documents will also be mailed January 22.
With a new year and a new federal tax law, you may be wondering how the law will affect your monthly payments. The IRS has not released the new withholding table for 2018; therefore, TMRS will continue to use the 2017 tax table until we receive the 2018 table. We will notify annuitants when a change occurs or when we receive specific guidance from the IRS about this matter.
Happy New Year!
A new year means additional interest earned on your TMRS account. Interest credit was applied to all eligible member accounts on December 31. The interest allocation is 5% on the balance in your account January 1, 2017. To view your interest earned along with your 2017 transaction history, log in to your account on MyTMRS.
If you haven’t registered for MyTMRS, it’s time to put your account in your own hands! Creating your MyTMRS account (using a strong password and security questions) keeps your information safe while allowing you 24/7 access. With MyTMRS, you can do more than view your account information – now you can update your contact information, communications preferences, and beneficiary (in most cases) online!
TMRS extends its deepest sympathy to the family of San Marcos police officer Kenneth Copeland, killed in the line of duty on December 4.
New Video! Introduction to TMRS
TMRS has created a new video, Introduction to TMRS, that demonstrates how the TMRS plan works.
RetirementWise and Direct Deposit Calendar
The double-sized Fall/Winter 2017 issue of RetirementWise is now available on our website! The Direct Deposit Calendar is inside the issue, or you can download the "card" and print it.
Our Brand New Website Is Live!
We’ve redesigned our web experience with you in mind. The look and navigation of the website is new, and information has been made more accessible. Be sure to check in frequently for updates and announcements about TMRS, including new online tools for MyTMRS and the City Portal.
Hurricane Harvey Update
As the Texas coast continues its recovery from the hurricane, please remember that TMRS is here to help members and cities who may still be dealing with storm-related issues. Call us at 800.924.8677 during business hours or send a message using our Need Help? form if we can be of assistance.
New – Online Beneficiary Designation in MyTMRS
TMRS members who are registered users of MyTMRS® and whose beneficiary selection does not require spousal consent can now designate or update their beneficiaries online. Please log in to MyTMRS and click on the Beneficiaries button to verify your beneficiary selection. If you need to make any updates or changes, click the blue Update button, and MyTMRS will guide you through the steps. You’ll receive an immediate confirmation message, and you’ll also receive an email stating a change was made. The blue Update button will be available if you are eligible to make a change. If you’re not a MyTMRS user, there’s never been a better time to create an account.
City GASB Reporting Packages Now Available for Download
The Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 68 (GASB 68) pension disclosure information for 2017 fiscal years is now available on our website. This “GASB Employer Reporting Package” is based on the December 31, 2016 (measurement date) actuarial valuation.
Topics on the Eye on GASB page are grouped under: Financial Statement Audit, Financial Reporting, Actuarial Resources, and Other GASB Resources. Please be sure your finance office and external auditor are aware of this resource.
TMRS' SOC-1 Audit Report (PDF) and your city’s census data (Excel) are available via the TMRS City Portal. If your city is not yet on the City Portal, sign up now!
TMRS Cities: Sign up for the Annual Training Seminar, “Strong by Design”
TMRS Cities: Sign up for the Annual Training Seminar, “Strong by Design”
City personnel who administer or make decisions about the TMRS plan are invited to register for the 2017 TMRS Annual Training Seminar, October 25-27, at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX (seminar webpage). This year registration for the Annual Training Seminar is online, and we now accept credit card payment for the $125 fee. In addition to event registration, if you need a room at the Gaylord, the “Location & Hotel Information” link on the seminar webpage explains how to reserve your room at the special $189 seminar rate. We look forward to seeing you at TMRS’ Annual Training Seminar!
TMRS Board Member Receives Honor from the Texas City Management Association
The Texas City Management Association (TCMA) named McAllen City Manager Roel "Roy" Rodriguez City Administrator of the Year for 2017. Mr. Rodriguez has served on the TMRS Board of Trustees since 2005. TMRS congratulates Mr. Rodriguez on his receipt of this honor and extends our thanks for his service to his city and to the municipal employees of Texas. Read the full story from the McAllen Monitor.
City Contribution Rate Letters Now Available for Download
The 2018 Rate Letters for cities are now available online. Choose your city’s name from the dropdown menu and view or download your rate letter. The letters contain detailed information on city contribution rates for the year beginning January 1, 2018. Please call 800-924-8677 if you have questions.
Please note that the information cities will need for financial disclosures (the GASB reporting package) will be available as a separate download on the TMRS website later this summer.
Actuarial Valuation Available
The TMRS Actuarial Valuation for the year ending December 31, 2016, is now available for download from the TMRS website. The valuation contains rate information for cities for the year beginning January 1, 2018.
Texas Senate Approves TMRS Board Appointments
The Governor’s appointments of Jim Jeffers, City Manager of Nacogdoches, and David Landis, City Manager of Perryton, to the TMRS Board of Trustees were approved on May 16 by the Texas Senate. Both Trustees’ terms expire February 1, 2021.
New Report Recognizes TMRS for Transparency
The Center for State and Local Government Excellence has just issued a report on reporting and disclosure by public pension systems. The report analyzes the practices of 83 U.S. public retirement systems and identifies five systems as having "developed effective approaches to offering financial, benefit, and other related information, while also maintaining ongoing communication with stakeholder groups." TMRS is proud to have been one of the five systems recognized.
My City Plan
A new feature on the TMRS website allows you to see a one-page description of the plan your TMRS city offers. The page is designed for phones and tablets as well as computer screens.
Mailing Schedule for Member Annual Statements
Annual statements to active TMRS members (contributing and non-contributing) will be sent in four groups this month according to the schedule below. The statements will also be available on MyTMRS at the time they mail. These statements reflect each member’s account balance for the 2016 calendar year and provide estimates of future retirement annuities and beneficiary information.
Mail Date
Member ZIP Codes
March 14
00000 - 75999
March 17
76000 - 77499
March 21
77500 - 78299
March 24
78300 - 99999
2017 Retirement Account Statements Now Available
Statements for TMRS retirees/annuitants will be mailed today, February 13. These statements are already posted online – you may view your statement by logging on to MyTMRS.
1099-Rs and HELPS Tax Statements for 2016
TMRS plans to mail 1099-R forms to all payees receiving 1099-Rs on January 23. The 1099-Rs will also be available on MyTMRS on January 23. In addition, the HELPS Tax Statements for 2016 are available on MyTMRS and were mailed on January 19.
TMRS would like to assure our members that the news stories about pension problems in certain Texas cities do not involve TMRS. Houston and Dallas have pension programs that are local and independent, not affiliated with TMRS. If you want more information about how TMRS works and how it is different from most other retirement programs, you may find this presentation helpful.
“Transparency Star” Resource Page for Cities
TMRS has posted an online resource page to help cities locate the information needed to apply for the public pension star, one of the five stars awarded under the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts’ Transparency Stars program (application process information here). The Transparency Stars program for local governments aims to recognize transparency in decision-making in several areas, including pensions. The City of Carrollton was the first TMRS city to obtain the Transparency Star for Public Pensions.
