Unless otherwise specifically provided, the definitions and qualifications of deferred compensation plans shall be determined for purposes of this part in accordance with Subchapter D (commencing with Section 401) of Chapter 1 of Subtitle A of the Internal Revenue Code. When applying the Internal Revenue Code for the purposes of this part, any reference to regulations of the Internal Revenue Service shall not apply if the Employment Development Department has adopted and issued regulations on this subject. In the absence of regulations issued by the Employment Development Department, regulations issued under the Internal Revenue Code shall govern the

interpretation of this part.