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Get ready to connect, learn, and stay ahead! The Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) is excited to welcome employers back for our annual Employer Conference this September.

Whether you are new to ASRS reporting or a longtime employer partner, this conference is designed with you in mind. Join us for a day of learning, collaboration, and helpful insights to strengthen your understanding of ASRS processes and support your continued success as an employer.

As we begin a new fiscal year, it's the perfect time to review contribution reporting practices and ensure all Fiscal Year 2026 payrolls and adjustments have been completed accurately.

While most payrolls are submitted correctly, a few common reporting errors continue to create delays, require additional employer follow-up, and can affect a member's retirement record. The good news? Most of these mistakes are easy to prevent, and just as easy to correct when addressed promptly.

Here are the most common issues we see and some helpful tips to resolve them.

The Wait is Almost Over!

After months of planning, development, testing, and collaboration, the new ASRS Premium Benefit Employer Portal is expected to launch in early August, bringing employers a faster, easier, and more transparent way to manage Premium Benefit transactions online.

Arizona summers are known for sunshine and soaring temps. While the heat can make it tempting to stay indoors, summer is also a great opportunity to recharge, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy everything our great state has to offer. Whether you’re taking a well-earned vacation, enjoying weekends close to home, or simply looking for a change of pace, here are a few ideas to help you make the most of the season. 

Members receiving Long-Term Disability (LTD) benefit payments, are eligible to elect health coverage through the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) Retiree Group Health Insurance Program. 

To qualify for the Health Insurance Premium Benefit Program which supplements their health insurance costs, the member must have at least five years of credited ASRS service and receive their group health insurance coverage either through an ASRS employer or through the ASRS Retiree Group Health Insurance Program.

One of the most important employer responsibilities when reporting ASRS contributions is ensuring that compensation subject to the IRS maximum compensation limits is reported accurately. While these limits affect a relatively small number of employees, incorrect reporting can have a significant impact on member benefits, employer records, and future retirement calculations.

What Are the 401(a)(17) and 415 Limits?

Retirement is one of the most important milestones in an employee's career. Whether an employee is retiring, resigning, participating in a Reduction in Force (RIF), or separating from employment for any reason, accurate and timely reporting by employers plays a critical role in ensuring a smooth transition.

When was the last time you reviewed your beneficiary information? For many members, beneficiary designations are completed when they first enroll and then forgotten. However, life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the passing of a loved one can make it important to revisit those choices and ensure they still reflect your wishes.

Updating your beneficiary information is one of the simplest steps you can take to help protect your loved ones and avoid complications in the future.

As we prepare for the new fiscal year, we would like to share an update regarding contribution rates.

Effective July 1, 2026, the total contribution rate will decrease slightly from 12.00% to 11.98%. This change is primarily the result of a reduction in the Long-Term Disability (LTD) contribution rate, which offsets a small increase in the retirement contribution rate.

2026-2027 Contribution Rates

The Arizona State Retirement System is excited to announce a major enhancement to the Premium Benefit (PB) process for ASRS employers who provide retiree and COBRA insurance coverage eligible for the ASRS PB.

As a result of valuable feedback from our employer partners, combined with a detailed analysis of process improvement opportunities, the ASRS has successfully migrated the PB process into the Employer Portal for the new fiscal year.