If you are reading this page you may need Form 5500 Preparation for business.
As of 2016, those who need to file Form 5500 for the employee Benefit Plan can do so electronically. This form and the need to file it was formulated by the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor as well as the PBG Corporation. It is for the purposes of collecting information about employee benefits provided by the companies they work for and the information includes pension plans and health plans.
Who Needs To File This Form?
Any company who sponsors any plan that falls under ERISA we’ll need to file this form. It can include plans for severance pay, profit-sharing, life insurance, 401K plans, dental and medical insurance, and stock bonuses. As well, it can include any type of retirement arrangements or pension plans including annuity agreements.
If a company has fewer than 100 employees that fall under these plans, then they only need to file the short form. If a company is outside of the US and its employees are nonresident aliens then they can file the EZ form. Any company needing the forms can find them at the Department of Labor website.
About Form 5500
ERISA is a term that references the ‘Employee Retirement Income Security Act’. This is an annual report of employee benefits provided by a company. Any company that falls under ERISA will be required to file this report annually. Among the plans that require the submission of this form, can include trust, various accounts, and other investment arrangements that would need reporting on this form.
The IRS and the Department of Labor along with the PBG corporation have worked together to consolidate some of the forms and reports to reduce the burden created by having too many different forms to submit. Those employers who comply with this new form submission will meet their reporting requirements and satisfy the IRS and the DOL.
Additional Requirements
Submission will need to reflect the accurate details of the particular year the form is being submitted for. Requirements related to submitting this form will vary depending on the type of plans being reported on and their particular arrangements. There is a quick reference chart to help employers understand their responsibilities and help guide them with filling out the report correctly.
Changes In The Report
There were changes in the maximum penalty that can be applied for a failure to report. Instructions on reporting have been updated. The penalty that can be applied to employers who refuse to comply with this reporting mechanism can be as much as $2,063 a day. These increases went into effect in August of 2016. From 2017 on, the penalty amount will be adjusted based on inflation each year on January 15th.
How To Get Help When You Need It
Any employer or administrator that has questions or is unsure how to correctly fill out the form can contact a help line at 1-866- GO-EFAST. It’s also possible to reach their website anytime of day or night and any day of the week. On the website, you’re able to check frequently asked questions as well as the status of your filing and view any filings that have been posted. As well, you can access the website for the IRS any time of day or night and view any forms or publications or instructions that they have as well as answers to frequently asked questions regarding taxation.
Reporting Welfare Benefits
Any employer or administrator who manages an employee welfare benefit plan, whether that plan provides all or part of the benefits, must file the Form 5500 unless they have been given a special exemption. There are some special provisions based around whether the plan covers less than 100 participants or more than that number, and this information can be found on lines 5 and 6 of the instructions.
When To File
Any forms and accompanying statements must be filed by the 7th calendar month of the end of the plan. None of the forms should include details that exceed 12 months. Include the beginning and ending dates of the information being provided and place that in the Box on part 1 in line B.
These are the basics of filing this form.
For more information and to avoid stiff penalties this form should be submitted annually as required by law.
