Much has been written regarding the exception from the hardship distributions rules resulting from retirement plan distributions and loans that have resulted from Hurricane Sandy.  IRS announcement 2012-44 fully addresses the rules governing these hardship distributions and loans. CPAs need to make their clients aware of this relief , but equally as important make them aware of the misconceptions ,and the tax impact of such a distribution. Many professional liability claims originate from the failure to clearly explain and document to clients the projected tax effect of retirement plan distributions.

This article addresses the IRS announcement and several misconceptions associated with the announcement.