The MTRS will mail 1099-R tax forms to benefit recipients by January 31, 2025. We conduct a benefit verification process every other year to determine continued eligibility. While 2025 is a benefit verification year, we want to inform you of an important change to the process: benefit recipients who are PERMANENT RESIDENTS of Massachusetts are now excluded.
This amendment follows a recent regulatory change that eliminates the requirement for Massachusetts retirement systems to conduct a biennial benefit verification process, provided the system uses a third-party death match service. The MTRS employs such a service and receives comprehensive vital statistics from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As a result, moving forward, the MTRS will only send benefit verification forms—enclosed with the 1099-R form—to benefit recipients whose permanent address is outside Massachusetts.
Please note: If a benefit recipient has a permanent address in Massachusetts but an active temporary address during the mailing period, they will receive the 1099-R at their temporary address. However, they will not receive a benefit verification form, nor will they be required to complete one.
If your Retirees have questions about the benefit verification process, please direct them to our contact page.