Calendar

Post-Retirement Employment and HB 1023XX

Some current members and recent retirees have contacted TRS to ask if the increases in the salary schedules in HB 1023XX that were passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor, will affect any applicable salary caps that apply to retirees who return to work. The short answer is “no” but this is a good time to talk about options.

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Many Retirees to Receive One-time Stipend

The Legislature authorized a one-time payment for many TRS retirees in HB 1340. This bill provides a “stipend” to members who were retired as of October 1, 2013. The amount will be 2% of the gross annual benefit up to a maximum of $1,000 to TRS retirees. It provides a minimum stipend of $350 for retirees who had at least 20 years of service credit as of their retirement. The law takes effect October 1, 2018. Please read the frequently asked questions for answers to some questions TRS has received from several members.

One-time Stipend Frequently Asked Questions

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR RETIREES

1099-R Forms

OTRS will mail each retiree a Form 1099-R at the end of January of every year. This form will show: 1) the gross amount of your retirement benefit for the previous calendar year; 2) the amount of state and federal income tax wihheld from your retirement benefit; and, 3) the federal taxable amount of your retirement benefit for the year. The information contained on your Form 1099-R should be used in completing your state and federal income tax returns.

Please allow for normal postal delivery time. If you have not received your Form 1099-R by February 16, contact OTRS.

Frequently asked questions about the 1099-R can be found by clicking on the following link:

IRS Form 1099-R Frequently Asked Questions

Taxes and Your Retirement Benefit

Your TRS retirement benefit is considered income for tax purposes. The tax rate applied to your benefit is based on withholding tables provided by the Internal Revenue Service. Recently signed federal legislation changed the federal tax withholding tables beginning on February 1, 2018. Additionally, the IRS no longer allows a free-standing flat withholding amount. The IRS does allow for an additional flat amount to be withheld if the recipient also withholds pursuant to IRS tax withholding tables.

You should seek advice from your tax professional and submit a new Tax Withholding form if appropriate. This form can be found on our website at https://www.ok.gov/TRS/documents/Tax-Withholding-Website.pdf and must be received before the 15^th of the month for the change to be in effect for the next monthly benefit payment.

2018 Retiree Health Insurance Rates (Employees Group Insurance Division)

If you have retiree health insurance premiums through the Employees Group Insurance Division (EGID) deducted from your OTRS benefit, be aware that EGID has adopted a change in 2018 health insurance premium rates. For more information on the 2018 rate changes, visit the EGID website at www.ok.gov/sib/Member/Premiums. OTRS cannot answer questions related to 2018 rate changes or coverage. If you have specific questions about your coverage, please contact EGID at 1-800-752-9475.

SB 428 Allows Some TRS Retired Teachers to Return

to teaching Without Salary Limitations

Senate Bill 428 was passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor. It is effective July 1, 2017. The purpose of the bill is to provide an incentive for bona fide retired classroom teachers to come back to work as classroom teachers without impacting their retirement benefits. Click on the link below for the emergency rule related to SB 428.

SB 428 Emergency Rule

SB 428 FAQs

TRS Publishes Financial Reports

The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for FY 2017 are both available on this website. Please take a few moments to look at these reports showing the financial condition of the Teachers' Retirement System.

FY 2017 CAFR

FY 2017 PAFR

GASB 68 Allocation Schedules Now Available

The link below is to the TRS “Schedule of Employer Allocations and Collective Pension Amounts” required by GASB 68. These audited schedules indicate each participating employer’s share of the “Net Pension Liability” of OTRS from its FY 2017 financial statements. The amounts in these schedules are to be used for employers’ FY 2018 financial statements.

2017 Schedule of Employer Allocations and Collective Pension Amounts

GASB 75 Allocation Schedules Now Available

The link below is to the TRS "Schedule of Employer Allocations and Collective Other Postemployment Benefit (OPEB) Amounts" required by GASB 75. These audited schedules indicate each participating employer's share of the "Net OPEB Liability (Asset)" of TRS from its FY 2017 financial statements. The amounts in these schedules are to be used for employers' FY 2018 financial statements.

2017 Schedule of Employer Allocations and Collective Other Postemployment Benefit (OPEB) Amounts