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Jim Griffin214.953.5827
Jim Griffin214.953.5827
Tye Andersen512.236.2007
Tye Andersen512.236.2007
Form 5500 Electronic Filing—The Only Way to File
Form 5500 Electronic Filing—The Only Way to File
OverviewOverview
Part I: Review of the Basics
Part II: Form 5500 Revisions
Part III: EFAST2
Part I: Review of the Basics
Part II: Form 5500 Revisions
Part III: EFAST2
PART IPART IReview of the BasicsReview of the Basics
PART IPART IReview of the BasicsReview of the Basics
What is Form 5500?What is Form 5500?
The Form 5500 annual return/report is used to report information concerning employee benefit plans to:• IRS
• DOL
• PBGC
The Form 5500 annual return/report is used to report information concerning employee benefit plans to:• IRS
• DOL
• PBGC
What employee benefit plans must have a Form 5500?
What employee benefit plans must have a Form 5500?
Every pension benefit plan
Every welfare benefit plan
Every pension benefit plan
Every welfare benefit plan
How many plans can be included within each Form 5500?
How many plans can be included within each Form 5500?
One Form 5500 is generally required for each plan
One Form 5500 is generally required for each plan
Can several benefit arrangements be included within one plan for Form 5500 filing purposes?Can several benefit arrangements be included within one plan for Form 5500 filing purposes?
Plan sponsors can offer benefits through various structures and combinations
Governing documents and actual operations must be reviewed to determine whether welfare benefits are being provided under a single plan or separate plans
Having separate insurance policies for each different welfare benefit does not necessarily mean that the employer has separate plans
Plan sponsors can offer benefits through various structures and combinations
Governing documents and actual operations must be reviewed to determine whether welfare benefits are being provided under a single plan or separate plans
Having separate insurance policies for each different welfare benefit does not necessarily mean that the employer has separate plans
What is a wrap plan?What is a wrap plan?
A document that incorporates various benefits and insurance policies into one comprehensive plan
A document that incorporates various benefits and insurance policies into one comprehensive plan
What is a plan number and how is it assigned?
What is a plan number and how is it assigned?
Plan numbers are self-assigned by the employer For pension benefit plans, start at 001 for the first plan
and then consecutively number other plans as 002, 003, etc.
For welfare benefit plans, start at 501 for the first plan and then consecutively number other plans as 502, 503, etc.
Once you use a plan number for a plan, continue to use it for that plan on all future filings with IRS, DOL and PBGC
Do not re-use a plan number even if the plan is terminated.
Plan numbers are self-assigned by the employer For pension benefit plans, start at 001 for the first plan
and then consecutively number other plans as 002, 003, etc.
For welfare benefit plans, start at 501 for the first plan and then consecutively number other plans as 502, 503, etc.
Once you use a plan number for a plan, continue to use it for that plan on all future filings with IRS, DOL and PBGC
Do not re-use a plan number even if the plan is terminated.
What is the Form 5500 filing status of a plan that covers employees of a parent
corporation and its subsidiaries?
What is the Form 5500 filing status of a plan that covers employees of a parent
corporation and its subsidiaries?
Multiemployer Plan—No
Multiple-Employer Plan—No
Single-Employer Plan--Yes
Multiemployer Plan—No
Multiple-Employer Plan—No
Single-Employer Plan--Yes
What are pension benefit plans?What are pension benefit plans?
Profit sharing, stock bonus, money purchase and 401(k) plans
403(b) plans Defined benefit plans Cash balance plans
Profit sharing, stock bonus, money purchase and 401(k) plans
403(b) plans Defined benefit plans Cash balance plans
Are any pension benefit plans excluded from filing Form 5500?
Are any pension benefit plans excluded from filing Form 5500? Governmental plans Church plans SIMPLE plans funded with SIMPLE IRAs SEP Top hat plans that benefit a select group of
management or highly compensated employees but only if a registration statement is timely filed with DOL
Governmental plans Church plans SIMPLE plans funded with SIMPLE IRAs SEP Top hat plans that benefit a select group of
management or highly compensated employees but only if a registration statement is timely filed with DOL
What are welfare benefit plans?What are welfare benefit plans?
Medical Dental Life insurance Apprenticeship and training Scholarship funds Severance pay Disability
Medical Dental Life insurance Apprenticeship and training Scholarship funds Severance pay Disability
Are any welfare benefit plans excluded from filing Form 5500?
Are any welfare benefit plans excluded from filing Form 5500? Welfare benefit plans that covered fewer
than 100 participants as of the beginning of the plan year and are:• Unfunded• Fully insured• A combination of insured and unfunded
Governmental plans Church plans
Welfare benefit plans that covered fewer than 100 participants as of the beginning of the plan year and are:• Unfunded• Fully insured• A combination of insured and unfunded
Governmental plans Church plans
What is the 80/120 rule?What is the 80/120 rule?
If the number of participants that is reported on Line 6 of Form 5500 is between 80 and 120, and a Form 5500 was filed for the prior plan year, the employer may elect to complete the Form 5500 in the same category (“large plan” or “small plan”) as was filed for the prior year Form 5500.
If the number of participants that is reported on Line 6 of Form 5500 is between 80 and 120, and a Form 5500 was filed for the prior plan year, the employer may elect to complete the Form 5500 in the same category (“large plan” or “small plan”) as was filed for the prior year Form 5500.
When does an employee become a participant?
When does an employee become a participant?
For welfare benefit plan purposes, an employee becomes a participant on the earlier of:• The date specified in the plan document• The date the individual becomes eligible for a
benefit, subject only to the occurrence of a contingency for which the benefit is provided
• The date the individual makes a contribution to the plan, whether voluntary or mandatory
For welfare benefit plan purposes, an employee becomes a participant on the earlier of:• The date specified in the plan document• The date the individual becomes eligible for a
benefit, subject only to the occurrence of a contingency for which the benefit is provided
• The date the individual makes a contribution to the plan, whether voluntary or mandatory
What is an unfunded plan?What is an unfunded plan? Benefits are paid as needed directly from the
general assets of the employer that sponsors the plan
Plans that are not “unfunded”:• Plans that receive employee contributions• Plans that use a trust to hold plan assets
Plans are “unfunded”:• Plans with employee contributions that are associated
with a cafeteria plan• Plans with COBRA premiums
Benefits are paid as needed directly from the general assets of the employer that sponsors the plan
Plans that are not “unfunded”:• Plans that receive employee contributions• Plans that use a trust to hold plan assets
Plans are “unfunded”:• Plans with employee contributions that are associated
with a cafeteria plan• Plans with COBRA premiums
Schedule A information Schedule A information If an insurance company refuses to provide
information for Schedule A, ER should report the refusal on line 2a of the Schedule A
If an insurance company refuses to provide information for Schedule A, ER should report the refusal on line 2a of the Schedule A
Administrative services only
(ASO) contract Administrative services only
(ASO) contract An ER should not file a Schedule A for an
ASO contract In a self-insured health plan, ERs often
contract with an insurance company to process claims
However, insurance company is acting as a service provider and is not insuring the benefits
An ER should not file a Schedule A for an ASO contract
In a self-insured health plan, ERs often contract with an insurance company to process claims
However, insurance company is acting as a service provider and is not insuring the benefits
Stop loss contracts Stop loss contracts
ERs with self-insured welfare plans may purchase stop loss policies to help them manage the risk
If premiums are paid out of the ER’s general assets, the contracts are not reported on Schedule A
ERs with self-insured welfare plans may purchase stop loss policies to help them manage the risk
If premiums are paid out of the ER’s general assets, the contracts are not reported on Schedule A
Financial Schedules Financial Schedules
I – Small PlansH – Large PlansI – Small PlansH – Large Plans
When is the Form 5500 due?When is the Form 5500 due?
All required forms, schedules, statements and attachments must be filed by the last day of the 7th calendar month after the end of the plan year that began in 2009
July 31, 2010 for calendar year plans Next business day if the filing deadline is
on a Saturday, Sunday or Federal holiday; August 2, 2010
All required forms, schedules, statements and attachments must be filed by the last day of the 7th calendar month after the end of the plan year that began in 2009
July 31, 2010 for calendar year plans Next business day if the filing deadline is
on a Saturday, Sunday or Federal holiday; August 2, 2010
What is the plan year?What is the plan year?
12 month period Set out in plan document or SPD Policy year Calendar year
12 month period Set out in plan document or SPD Policy year Calendar year
Can the due date of Form 5500 be extended?
Can the due date of Form 5500 be extended?
File Form 5558 before the Form 5500 filing deadline to obtain an extension of up to 2 ½ months
October 15, 2010 www.irs.gov
File Form 5558 before the Form 5500 filing deadline to obtain an extension of up to 2 ½ months
October 15, 2010 www.irs.gov
Are other extensions possible?Are other extensions possible?
An automatic extension of the Form 5500 filing deadline will be granted until the due date of the employer’s Federal income tax return if:• The plan year and the employer’s tax year are the
same• The employer has been granted an extension of time
to file its Federal income tax return• A copy of the application for extension of the time to
file the Federal income tax return is attached to the Form 5500
September 15, 2010
An automatic extension of the Form 5500 filing deadline will be granted until the due date of the employer’s Federal income tax return if:• The plan year and the employer’s tax year are the
same• The employer has been granted an extension of time
to file its Federal income tax return• A copy of the application for extension of the time to
file the Federal income tax return is attached to the Form 5500
September 15, 2010
Are there any more extensions?Are there any more extensions?
Special extensions under certain circumstances
Presidentially-declared disaster areas
Special extensions under certain circumstances
Presidentially-declared disaster areas
What penalties apply if a Form 5500 is filed late?
What penalties apply if a Form 5500 is filed late?
$1,100 a day for each day that a plan administrator fails or refuses to file a complete Form 5500
$25 a day (up to $15,000) for not filing returns required to be filed with IRS
Willful violation of ERISA—fine of not more than $100,000 or not more than 10 years in prison or both
Making any false statement or representation of fact, knowing it to be false, or for knowingly concealing or not disclosing any fact required by ERISA—fine of not more than $10,000 or 5 years prison or both
$1,100 a day for each day that a plan administrator fails or refuses to file a complete Form 5500
$25 a day (up to $15,000) for not filing returns required to be filed with IRS
Willful violation of ERISA—fine of not more than $100,000 or not more than 10 years in prison or both
Making any false statement or representation of fact, knowing it to be false, or for knowingly concealing or not disclosing any fact required by ERISA—fine of not more than $10,000 or 5 years prison or both
Audit not completed Audit not completed File 5500 timely
• With draft of audit or an explanation of why audit not completed
When completed, file amended 5500 DOL may assess $50,000 penalty
File 5500 timely• With draft of audit or an explanation of why audit not
completed
When completed, file amended 5500 DOL may assess $50,000 penalty
Is there any way to reduce the penalties?
Is there any way to reduce the penalties?
Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance Program
http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/FAQs/faq_DFVC.html
Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance Program
http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/FAQs/faq_DFVC.html
What other penalties apply to Form 5500?
What other penalties apply to Form 5500?
Under penalties of perjury and other penalties set forth in the instructions, I declare that I have examined this return/report, including accompanying schedules, statements and attachments, as well as the electronic version of this return/report if it is being filed electronically, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct and complete.
Under penalties of perjury and other penalties set forth in the instructions, I declare that I have examined this return/report, including accompanying schedules, statements and attachments, as well as the electronic version of this return/report if it is being filed electronically, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct and complete.
Who is the Plan Administrator?Who is the Plan Administrator?
The person specifically so designated by the terms of the instrument under which the plan is operated
If an administrator is not so designated, the plan sponsor
In the case of a plan for which an administrator is not designated and a plan sponsor cannot be identified, such other person as the Secretary may by regulation prescribe.
The person specifically so designated by the terms of the instrument under which the plan is operated
If an administrator is not so designated, the plan sponsor
In the case of a plan for which an administrator is not designated and a plan sponsor cannot be identified, such other person as the Secretary may by regulation prescribe.
Fidelity Bond Fidelity Bond
Every plan official who handles plan funds must be covered under a fidelity bond
Certain exemption for banks and insurance companies
Fiduciary liability insurance is not reported on line 4e (Sch. H or I)
Every plan official who handles plan funds must be covered under a fidelity bond
Certain exemption for banks and insurance companies
Fiduciary liability insurance is not reported on line 4e (Sch. H or I)
How long should I keep previously filed Form 5500s?
How long should I keep previously filed Form 5500s?
All plan-related materials should be kept for a period of at least six years after the date of filing of an ERISA-related return or report, and the materials should be preserved in a manner and format (electronic or otherwise) that permits ready retrieval
All records that support the plan’s annual reporting and disclosure should be retained for the same period of at least six years
All plan-related materials should be kept for a period of at least six years after the date of filing of an ERISA-related return or report, and the materials should be preserved in a manner and format (electronic or otherwise) that permits ready retrieval
All records that support the plan’s annual reporting and disclosure should be retained for the same period of at least six years
PART IIPART IIForm 5500 RevisionsForm 5500 Revisions
PART IIPART IIForm 5500 RevisionsForm 5500 Revisions
2009 Forms Revisions2009 Forms Revisions
Facilitate move to fully electronic filing system.
Streamline and simplify small plan filing. Better disclosure on plan fees & expenses. Includes Pension Protection Act (PPA)
reporting changes first required in 2008.
Facilitate move to fully electronic filing system.
Streamline and simplify small plan filing. Better disclosure on plan fees & expenses. Includes Pension Protection Act (PPA)
reporting changes first required in 2008.
New Form 5500-SFNew Form 5500-SF Two Page “Short Form” 5500 for Small plans (under 100
participants). Can use if:• Exempt from annual audit requirement;• 100% invested in secure investments that have a readily
determinable fair value;• Hold no employer securities; and• Not multiemployer plan.
No Schedules required except DB plans required to file actuarial schedule.
NOTE: IRS giving many 5500-EZ filers choice of e-filing 5500-SF with EFAST or paper 5500-EZ with IRS.
Two Page “Short Form” 5500 for Small plans (under 100 participants). Can use if:• Exempt from annual audit requirement;• 100% invested in secure investments that have a readily
determinable fair value;• Hold no employer securities; and• Not multiemployer plan.
No Schedules required except DB plans required to file actuarial schedule.
NOTE: IRS giving many 5500-EZ filers choice of e-filing 5500-SF with EFAST or paper 5500-EZ with IRS.
Form 5500 RevisionsForm 5500 Revisions IRS-only Schedules (E, SSA) removed to enable mandatory e-filing. Enhanced disclosures on plan fees & expenses. Put 403(b) plans on par with 401(k) plans. Better info on DB pension funding and
multiemployer plans (including PPA changes). Focused compliance questions added. Questions & instructions clarified/improved.
IRS-only Schedules (E, SSA) removed to enable mandatory e-filing. Enhanced disclosures on plan fees & expenses. Put 403(b) plans on par with 401(k) plans. Better info on DB pension funding and
multiemployer plans (including PPA changes). Focused compliance questions added. Questions & instructions clarified/improved.
New Schedule C ReportingNew Schedule C Reporting Identify each service provider who received
$5,000 or more in comp (direct & indirect). Includes new codes describing services & types
of compensation. Report total direct comp paid by plan separately
from total indirect comp received by provider. Prior rule requiring plan to identify only top “40”
highest paid service providers is eliminated.
Identify each service provider who received $5,000 or more in comp (direct & indirect).
Includes new codes describing services & types of compensation.
Report total direct comp paid by plan separately from total indirect comp received by provider.
Prior rule requiring plan to identify only top “40” highest paid service providers is eliminated.
Schedule C GuidanceSchedule C Guidance
Two Sets of Frequently Asked Questions available on EBSA website to help filers apply the instructions
Forms and instructions Preamble to Notice of Adoption of Final
Forms Revisions
Two Sets of Frequently Asked Questions available on EBSA website to help filers apply the instructions
Forms and instructions Preamble to Notice of Adoption of Final
Forms Revisions
Small Plan Fee and Expense ReportingSmall Plan Fee and Expense Reporting
Schedule I filers not subject to Schedule C indirect compensation reporting rules.
Must break out fees on Schedule I paid directly by plan to administrative service providers.
Small plans filing Schedule A must still report information on insurance fees and commissions.
Short Form has questions on direct compensation paid by plan and insurance fees & commissions.
Schedule I filers not subject to Schedule C indirect compensation reporting rules.
Must break out fees on Schedule I paid directly by plan to administrative service providers.
Small plans filing Schedule A must still report information on insurance fees and commissions.
Short Form has questions on direct compensation paid by plan and insurance fees & commissions.
New Compliance & Technical Questions
New Compliance & Technical Questions
Whether plan paid benefits when due. Whether plan complied with blackout
notice regulations. New feature codes for plans with
automatic enrollment or default investment options.
Standard supplemental schedule for Schedule H reporting delinquent participant contributions.
Whether plan paid benefits when due. Whether plan complied with blackout
notice regulations. New feature codes for plans with
automatic enrollment or default investment options.
Standard supplemental schedule for Schedule H reporting delinquent participant contributions.
No EFAST Correspondence Under New System
No EFAST Correspondence Under New System
Filers and service providers/submitters should pay close attention to the EFAST2 automatically generated list of errors/warnings.
Filers will no longer receive post-filing written correspondence from EFAST requesting voluntary corrections of errors/incomplete filings within 30 days.
Filers and service providers/submitters should pay close attention to the EFAST2 automatically generated list of errors/warnings.
Filers will no longer receive post-filing written correspondence from EFAST requesting voluntary corrections of errors/incomplete filings within 30 days.
5500-EZ5500-EZ Form 5500-EZ (paper return) must be filed by –
• Any one-participant plan, unless the plan is eligible to file and chooses to file Form
5500-SF electronically thru EFAST2, or the plan is not required to file a return because the
plan has assets (alone or in combination with the employer’s other one-participant plans) of $250,000 or less at the end of the PY and the return is not for the final PY.
Form 5500-EZ (paper return) must be filed by –• Any one-participant plan, unless
the plan is eligible to file and chooses to file Form 5500-SF electronically thru EFAST2, or
the plan is not required to file a return because the plan has assets (alone or in combination with the employer’s other one-participant plans) of $250,000 or less at the end of the PY and the return is not for the final PY.
Form 5500-EZForm 5500-EZ
One-participant plan means:• Plan covers owner/owner & spouse and
owner/owner & spouse own entire business, whether incorporated or unincorporated; or
• Plan covers one or more partners/partners and spouses of a partnership.
• Plan does not provide benefits for anyone except owner/owner & spouse or partner(s)/partner(s) & spouse(s).
One-participant plan means:• Plan covers owner/owner & spouse and
owner/owner & spouse own entire business, whether incorporated or unincorporated; or
• Plan covers one or more partners/partners and spouses of a partnership.
• Plan does not provide benefits for anyone except owner/owner & spouse or partner(s)/partner(s) & spouse(s).
Form 5500-EZForm 5500-EZ One-participant plan is eligible to file Form
5500-SF electronically thru EFAST2 if:• Plan is a one-participant plan as defined
earlier, and• Plan covered fewer than 100 participants at
the beginning of the PY. One-participant plan filers of Form 5500-
SF complete only those parts of the form that correspond to Form 5500-EZ.
One-participant plan is eligible to file Form 5500-SF electronically thru EFAST2 if:• Plan is a one-participant plan as defined
earlier, and• Plan covered fewer than 100 participants at
the beginning of the PY. One-participant plan filers of Form 5500-
SF complete only those parts of the form that correspond to Form 5500-EZ.
Form 8955-SSAForm 8955-SSA
Schedule SSA (Form 5500) removed from the Form 5500 series
New, stand-alone 2009 form being established
Do not file with the Form 5500 using EFAST2
Schedule SSA (Form 5500) removed from the Form 5500 series
New, stand-alone 2009 form being established
Do not file with the Form 5500 using EFAST2
Retain Paper CopyRetain Paper Copy
Plan administrators must maintain an original of the Form 5500 with all required signatures as part of their records
Plan administrators must maintain an original of the Form 5500 with all required signatures as part of their records
Extension of Time to FileExtension of Time to File
No longer required to attach a copy of Form 5558
Now, merely check the box on 5500, and if applicable, enter a description of the special extension
No longer required to attach a copy of Form 5558
Now, merely check the box on 5500, and if applicable, enter a description of the special extension
Form 5500Form 5500 One-participant plan may not file an annual
return on Form 5500 for 2009 New plan characteristic codes have been added
to line 8 Plan characteristic code 3E has been removed Code 3D will identify all pre-approved pension
plans for 2009 Feature codes for certain types of plans have
been eliminated
One-participant plan may not file an annual return on Form 5500 for 2009
New plan characteristic codes have been added to line 8
Plan characteristic code 3E has been removed Code 3D will identify all pre-approved pension
plans for 2009 Feature codes for certain types of plans have
been eliminated
Schedule ASchedule A
A new Part IV has been added for plan administrators to report insurance companies that fail or refuse to provide the information necessary to complete Schedule A
A new Part IV has been added for plan administrators to report insurance companies that fail or refuse to provide the information necessary to complete Schedule A
Schedule CSchedule C
On Schedule C, you must now report all service providers who receive $5,000 or more in direct or indirect compensation
On Schedule C, you must now report all service providers who receive $5,000 or more in direct or indirect compensation
Schedule HSchedule H
Line 2b(2)(C) has been added for reporting dividends on registered investment company shares (mutual fund)
Line 2b(2)(C) has been added for reporting dividends on registered investment company shares (mutual fund)
Schedule H and ISchedule H and I
A new standardized schedule is now provided for reporting delinquent participant contributions on line 4a
Line 4(l) has been added to report whether the plan failed to provide any benefit when due
Lines 4(m) and 4(n) added to report a blackout
A new standardized schedule is now provided for reporting delinquent participant contributions on line 4a
Line 4(l) has been added to report whether the plan failed to provide any benefit when due
Lines 4(m) and 4(n) added to report a blackout
PART IIIPART IIIEFAST2EFAST2PART IIIPART IIIEFAST2EFAST2
Electronic Filing with EFAST2Electronic Filing with EFAST2
Two ways to create & submit filings:• 3rd Party Certified Software• IFILE (free web-based filing application)
Combinations OK List of approved third party software is
posted at www.efast.dol.gov
Two ways to create & submit filings:• 3rd Party Certified Software• IFILE (free web-based filing application)
Combinations OK List of approved third party software is
posted at www.efast.dol.gov
Electronic Filing MandateElectronic Filing Mandate
All Form 5500 and Form All Form 5500 and Form 5500-SF must be submitted through EFAST2 except filings which have a plan year begin date in 2008 may be submitted on paper through EFAST.
This includes plan year 2007 and prior returns/reports. See EFAST2 FAQ #4.
All Form 5500 and Form All Form 5500 and Form 5500-SF must be submitted through EFAST2 except filings which have a plan year begin date in 2008 may be submitted on paper through EFAST.
This includes plan year 2007 and prior returns/reports. See EFAST2 FAQ #4.
EFAST2 HelpEFAST2 Help
EFAST2 website at www.efast.dol.gov • FAQs• Users guides• Web-based tutorial
Staffed help desk at 1-866-GO-EFAST during business hours
Third party software certification & support
EFAST2 website at www.efast.dol.gov • FAQs• Users guides• Web-based tutorial
Staffed help desk at 1-866-GO-EFAST during business hours
Third party software certification & support
Using EFAST2Using EFAST2
Register for credentials Create a filing Check the filing for errors Sign the filing Submit the filing and check the status View filings on DOL website
Register for credentials Create a filing Check the filing for errors Sign the filing Submit the filing and check the status View filings on DOL website
Register for CredentialsRegister for Credentials All plan sponsors & administrators must register
for credentials to sign filings (Filing Signer role) Anyone wishing to fill out the forms/schedules
through IFILE must register for credentials to author (Filing Author or Schedule Author role)
Anyone wishing to transmit completed filings through third party software MAY need to register for credentials (Transmitter role)
Actuaries and accountants do not need to register but may do so if they wish
You can not use EFAST credentials for EFAST2
All plan sponsors & administrators must register for credentials to sign filings (Filing Signer role)
Anyone wishing to fill out the forms/schedules through IFILE must register for credentials to author (Filing Author or Schedule Author role)
Anyone wishing to transmit completed filings through third party software MAY need to register for credentials (Transmitter role)
Actuaries and accountants do not need to register but may do so if they wish
You can not use EFAST credentials for EFAST2
Summary of Steps to RegisterSummary of Steps to Register
Go to www.efast.dol.gov and click “Register” Enter contact information and select role Follow the screens Check your email (and spam folder) for a
message from EFAST2 Click on the link in the EFAST2 message to
complete your registration Keep track of your UserID and password
Go to www.efast.dol.gov and click “Register” Enter contact information and select role Follow the screens Check your email (and spam folder) for a
message from EFAST2 Click on the link in the EFAST2 message to
complete your registration Keep track of your UserID and password
Register – 1st ScreenRegister – 1st Screen
Register – 2nd ScreenRegister – 2nd Screen
Register – 2nd Screen (Continued)
Register – 2nd Screen (Continued)
Register – 3rd ScreenRegister – 3rd Screen
Register - EmailRegister - Email
Register - VerificationRegister - Verification
Register – PIN AgreementRegister – PIN Agreement
Register – Signature AgreementRegister – Signature Agreement
Register - FinalRegister - Final
Registration TipsRegistration Tips Use your business email address when registering,
rather than your personal address. Check your spam folder if you do not receive the
EFAST2 email within 5 minutes. You can change your addresses (including email), phone
number, PIN, Password, and roles at any time. Just login to the website and click “User Profile”.
You can not modify the UserID or secret knowledge (place or date of birth). This may change in the future.
Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) is personal and not to be shared.
Use your business email address when registering, rather than your personal address.
Check your spam folder if you do not receive the EFAST2 email within 5 minutes.
You can change your addresses (including email), phone number, PIN, Password, and roles at any time. Just login to the website and click “User Profile”.
You can not modify the UserID or secret knowledge (place or date of birth). This may change in the future.
Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) is personal and not to be shared.
Create a FilingCreate a Filing
IFILE is a free, optional, ‘no-frills’ web based filing application available on the EFAST website
Approved third party software should provide filers with added value
Must obtain “Filing Author” credentials before creating a filing in IFILE
IFILE is a free, optional, ‘no-frills’ web based filing application available on the EFAST website
Approved third party software should provide filers with added value
Must obtain “Filing Author” credentials before creating a filing in IFILE
Summary of Steps to Create a Filing in IFILE
Summary of Steps to Create a Filing in IFILE
Go to www.efast.dol.gov portal and click “Login” Click “Create a Filing” Select the form year & type you want to
complete Provide a name for your filing (only for your use,
does not get sent to Gov’t) Complete the form Add schedules and attachments as needed Validate the filing to see if there are errors
Go to www.efast.dol.gov portal and click “Login” Click “Create a Filing” Select the form year & type you want to
complete Provide a name for your filing (only for your use,
does not get sent to Gov’t) Complete the form Add schedules and attachments as needed Validate the filing to see if there are errors
IFILE - HomepageIFILE - Homepage
Create a Filing – Form 5500Create a Filing – Form 5500
IFILE WorkspaceIFILE Workspace
Add AttachmentAdd Attachment
Validating a FilingValidating a Filing
Validating a Filing – List of Errors
Validating a Filing – List of Errors
Filing Creation TipsFiling Creation Tips You can view or print the filing at any time to see it in the
“forms”. Follow the forms instructions, consider printing these out
before you start. Don’t forget to Validate and correct errors. Call the help desk if you need assistance. You don’t need to include the Form 5558 extension as
an attachment in your filing. NEVER include Schedule SSA, Form 8955-SSA, or
social security number in your EFAST2 filing. Don’t scan paper unless you must to minimize the filing
size.
You can view or print the filing at any time to see it in the “forms”.
Follow the forms instructions, consider printing these out before you start.
Don’t forget to Validate and correct errors. Call the help desk if you need assistance. You don’t need to include the Form 5558 extension as
an attachment in your filing. NEVER include Schedule SSA, Form 8955-SSA, or
social security number in your EFAST2 filing. Don’t scan paper unless you must to minimize the filing
size.
Sign the FilingSign the Filing
Signatures can be applied through approved third party software or IFILE.
Needed signatures are specified in Form 5500 and 5500-SF instructions.
Signatures in EFAST2 mean UserID and PIN.
One process for signing filings in iFile; one size fits all.
Signatures can be applied through approved third party software or IFILE.
Needed signatures are specified in Form 5500 and 5500-SF instructions.
Signatures in EFAST2 mean UserID and PIN.
One process for signing filings in iFile; one size fits all.
Summary of Steps to Sign a Filing in IFILE
Summary of Steps to Sign a Filing in IFILE
Associate Signers• Open/Import a filing in iFile• Click associate signers• Enter one or more registered filing signer’s email
address
Apply Signature• Signer opens the filing in iFile and reviews the filing• Click sign filing• Enter UserID & PIN and select signature line
Associate Signers• Open/Import a filing in iFile• Click associate signers• Enter one or more registered filing signer’s email
address
Apply Signature• Signer opens the filing in iFile and reviews the filing• Click sign filing• Enter UserID & PIN and select signature line
Associating a SignerAssociating a Signer
Specifying Registered Signer(s)Specifying Registered Signer(s)
Signer(s) E-mail NotificationSigner(s) E-mail Notification
Signer Summary (Notification)Signer Summary (Notification)
Sign ButtonSign Button
Signature Legal LanguageSignature Legal Language
Application of SignatureApplication of Signature
Signature TipsSignature Tips Individuals must have registered as signers before you
can associate them to a filing and email address must match in IFILE.
If a required signature is missing you will receive a message AFTER you submit the filing – it won’t show up in the Validation check before you submit.
If the plan administrator signature is missing or incorrect, you will get a “STOP” message when you submit your filing.
If plan administrator is same as plan sponsor, that person only needs to register once and apply their signature to the plan administrator “line”.
Individuals must have registered as signers before you can associate them to a filing and email address must match in IFILE.
If a required signature is missing you will receive a message AFTER you submit the filing – it won’t show up in the Validation check before you submit.
If the plan administrator signature is missing or incorrect, you will get a “STOP” message when you submit your filing.
If plan administrator is same as plan sponsor, that person only needs to register once and apply their signature to the plan administrator “line”.
Submitting a FilingSubmitting a Filing EFAST2 automatically receives and tests filing
submissions. 100MB is the current file size limit. Filers will see an initial list of errors/warnings if they
validate before submission. Filers should receive an acknowledgment ID after
submitting. Filers must check the status of their filing and final
errors/warnings after receiving the acknowledgement ID. Filing status that includes the word “unprocessable”
means we did not receive a filing from you. See EFAST2 FAQ #38.
In IFILE, only the author can submit filings.
EFAST2 automatically receives and tests filing submissions. 100MB is the current file size limit.
Filers will see an initial list of errors/warnings if they validate before submission.
Filers should receive an acknowledgment ID after submitting.
Filers must check the status of their filing and final errors/warnings after receiving the acknowledgement ID.
Filing status that includes the word “unprocessable” means we did not receive a filing from you. See EFAST2 FAQ #38.
In IFILE, only the author can submit filings.
Summary of Steps to Submit a Filing in IFILE
Summary of Steps to Submit a Filing in IFILE
Open the signed filing in iFile. Click Submit. Click OK in the Acknowledgement popup
window. In the left hand navigation bar, click
Submissions. See the Status of the filing you submitted (click if
possible) to ensure EFAST2 received and could process what you sent.
Open the signed filing in iFile. Click Submit. Click OK in the Acknowledgement popup
window. In the left hand navigation bar, click
Submissions. See the Status of the filing you submitted (click if
possible) to ensure EFAST2 received and could process what you sent.
Ready for SubmissionReady for Submission
Submitting a FilingSubmitting a Filing
List of Submitted FilingsList of Submitted Filings
Submitting Filing TipsSubmitting Filing Tips
Check the filing status and list of errors after you submit (may differ from the pre-validation you did before you submitted).
If you are amending or want to make a copy of a filing, use the “amend” button in the submission list window.
Check the filing status and list of errors after you submit (may differ from the pre-validation you did before you submitted).
If you are amending or want to make a copy of a filing, use the “amend” button in the submission list window.
General Consideration when Using EFAST
General Consideration when Using EFAST
It’s a first-year Internet-based web application, it’s not bullet-proof.• If your Internet connection is fast, you will have a
better experience.• If you click something and it doesn’t do what you
expect or your screen freezes, close your browser and try it again.
Don’t get frustrated, help is available.• Use the information and guides on our website.• Call the help desk (1-866-463-3278) 8:00 a.m. to 8:00
p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except for federal holidays.
It’s a first-year Internet-based web application, it’s not bullet-proof.• If your Internet connection is fast, you will have a
better experience.• If you click something and it doesn’t do what you
expect or your screen freezes, close your browser and try it again.
Don’t get frustrated, help is available.• Use the information and guides on our website.• Call the help desk (1-866-463-3278) 8:00 a.m. to 8:00
p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except for federal holidays.