New IRS proposed reliance regulations clarify when employers must allow long-term, part-time (LTPT) employees to participate in their 401(k) plans. The SECURE and SECURE 2.0 Acts changed the length of service needed before LTPT workers can participate. Starting in 2025, they’re eligible to contribute to their employer’s retirement plans after working 500 hours during two consecutive 12-month periods. The proposed regs confirm that employers don’t have to make contributions for these employees. But if they do, and contributions are subject to a vesting schedule, LTPT workers must receive one year of service credit for every 12-month period during which they worked at least 500 hours.