Close Help Page | View Official Instructions | Quick Reference Chart | Business Codes | Characteristics Codes
General Instructions
Code section references are to the Internal Revenue Code unless otherwise noted. ERISA refers to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
Under the computerized ERISA Filing Acceptance System (EFAST2), you must electronically file your 2020 Form 5500. Your Form 5500 entries will be initially screened electronically. For more information, see the instructions for Electronic Filing Requirement and the EFAST2 website at www.efast.dol.gov. You cannot file a paper Form 5500 by mail or other delivery service.
The Form 5500, Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan, including all required schedules and attachments (Form 5500 return/report), is used to report information concerning employee benefit plans and Direct Filing Entities (DFEs). Any administrator or sponsor of an employee benefit plan subject to ERISA must file information about each benefit plan every year (pursuant to Code section 6058 and ERISA sections 104 and 4065). Some plans participate in certain trusts, accounts, and other investment arrangements that file a Form 5500 Annual Return/Report as DFEs. See Who Must File and When To File.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Department of Labor (DOL), and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) have consolidated certain returns and report forms to reduce the filing burden for plan administrators and employers. Employers and administrators who comply with the instructions for the Form 5500 generally will satisfy the annual reporting requirements for the IRS and DOL.
Defined contribution and defined benefit pension plans may have to file additional information with the IRS including Form 5330, Return of Excise Taxes Related to Employee Benefit Plans, Form 5310-A, Notice of Plan Merger or Consolidation, Spinoff, or Transfer of Plan Assets or Liabilities; Notice of Qualified Separate Lines of Business, and Form 8955-SSA, Annual Registration Statement Identifying Separated Participants with Deferred Vested Benefits. See www.irs.gov for more information.
Plans covered by the PBGC have special additional requirements, including premiums and reporting certain transactions directly with that agency. See PBGC's website www.pbgc.gov/practitioners/) for information on premium payments and reporting and disclosure.
Each Form 5500 must accurately reflect the characteristics and operations that applied during the reporting year of the plan or arrangement. The requirements for completing the Form 5500 will vary according to the type of plan or arrangement. The section What To File summarizes what information must be reported for different types of plans and arrangements. The Quick Reference Chart of Form 5500, Schedules and Attachments, gives a brief guide to the annual return/report requirements of the 2020 Form 5500. See also the "Troubleshooters Guide to Filing the ERISA Annual Reports" available on www.dol.gov/ebsa, which is intended to help filers comply with the Form 5500 and Form 5500-SF annual reporting requirements and avoid common reporting errors.
The Form 5500 must be filed electronically as noted above. See Section 3 - Electronic Filing Requirement and the EFAST2 website at www.efast.dol.gov. Your Form 5500 entries will be initially screened electronically. Your entries must satisfy this screening for your filing to be received. Once received, your form may be subject to further detailed review, and your filing may be rejected based upon this further review.
ERISA and the Code provide for the assessment or imposition of penalties for not submitting the required information when due. See Penalties.
Annual reports filed under Title I of ERISA must be made available by plan administrators to plan participants and beneficiaries and by the DOL to the public pursuant to ERISA sections 104 and 106. Pursuant to Section 504 of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA) Pub. L. 109-280, this availability for defined benefit pension plans must include the posting of identification and basic plan information and actuarial information (Form 5500, Schedule SB or MB, and all of the Schedule SB or MB attachments) on any plan sponsor intranet website (or website maintained by the plan administrator on behalf of the plan sponsor) that is used for the purpose of communicating with employees and not the public. Section 504 also requires DOL to display such information on DOL's website within 90 days after the filing of the plan's annual return/report. To see plan year 2009 and later Forms 5500, including actuarial information, see www.dol.gov/ebsa. See www.dol.gov/ebsa/actuarialsearch.html for 2008 and short plan year 2009 actuarial information filed under the previous paper-based system.
Instructions for Form 5500. The instructions have been revised to reflect that, effective for plan years beginning after 2019, a one-participant plan or a foreign plan required to file an annual return can file Form 5500-EZ electronically using the EFAST2 filing system in place of filing Form 5500-EZ on paper with the IRS. Form 5500-SF is no longer used by a one-participant plan or a foreign plan in place of Form 5500-EZ.
Administrative Penalties. The instructions have been updated to reflect an increase to $2,233 per day in the maximum civil penalty amount assessable under Employee Retirement Income Security Act section 502(c)(2), as required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015. The increased penalty under section 502(c)(2) is applicable for civil penalties assessed after Jan. 15, 2020, whose associated violation(s) occurred after Nov. 2, 2015. (85 FR 2292 (January 15, 2020)).
Schedule H Part III- Accountant's Opinion. The Auditing Standards Board issued a new auditing standard to improve the Accountant's Opinion, Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) 136, Forming an Opinion and Reporting on Financial Statements of Employee Benefits Plans Subject to ERISA, that addresses the auditor's responsibility to form an opinion on the financial statements of employee benefit plans subject to ERISA. SAS 136 also addresses the form and content of the auditor's report issued as a result of an audit of an ERISA plan's financial statements. The SAS applies audits of single employer, multiple employer, and multiemployer plans subject to ERISA. Among other improvements, SAS 136 permits the IQWPA to issue a form of an unmodified opinion when the IQPA to issue a form of an unmodified opinion when the IQPA has performed an audit pursuant to 29 CFA 2520.109-8 and/or 29 CFR 2520.103-12 (an ERISA section 103(a)(3)(C) audit). Schedule H, Line 3b now replaces a "yes"/"no" question with the appropriate check boxes to indicate whether the ERISA section 103(a)(3)(C) audit supporting the Accountant's Opinion was performed pursuant to 29 CFR 2520.103-8 or 29 CFR 2520.103-12, pursuant to both, or not performed pursuant to either of those sections. The instructions for the questions on the Accountant's Opinion have also been revised to reflect SAS 136.
Schedules H and I, Line 4l. The instructions for Line 4l have been revised to increase the required minimum distribution age from 70½ to 72, as amended by the "Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019" (SECURE Act).
Schedules H and I, Line 5c. Line 5c has been revised to clarify that the "yes" box is the appropriate box to check if the plan was covered by PBGC at any time during the plan year.
Schedule R. Line 14 has been revised to provide multiemployer plans with a choice of three counting methods to count inactive participants and to require that an attachment be provided depending on the counting method chosen. A plan that reports a number on lines 14b or 14c that differs from the corresponding number it reported for the plan year immediately preceding the current plan year also much attach an explanation of the reason for the difference.
If you need help completing this form or have related questions, call the EFAST2 Help Line at 1-866-GO-EFAST (1-866-463-3278) (toll-free) or access the EFAST2 or IRS websites. The EFAST2 Help Line is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Eastern Time.
You can access the EFAST2 website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at www.efast.dol.gov to:
You can access the IRS website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at www.irs.gov to:
You can order other IRS forms and publications at http://www.irs.gov/orderforms. You can order EBSA publications by calling 1-866-444-EBSA (3272).
A return/report must be filed every year for every pension benefit plan, welfare benefit plan, and for every entity that files as a DFE as specified below (pursuant to Code section 6058 and ERISA sections 104 and 4065).
If you are a small plan (generally under 100 participants at the beginning of the plan year), you may be eligible to file the Form 5500-SF instead of the Form 5500. For more information, see the instructions to the Form 5500-SF.
All pension benefit plans covered by ERISA must file an annual return/report except as provided in this section. The return/report must be filed whether or not the plan is "tax-qualified," benefits no longer accrue, contributions were not made this plan year, or contributions are no longer made. Pension benefit plans required to file include both defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans.
The following are among the pension benefit plans for which a return/report must be filed.
See What To File for more information about what must be completed for pension plans.
See the instructions to the Form 5500-EZ for eligibility conditions and filing requirements. For more information, go to www.irs.gov/ep.
All welfare benefit plans covered by ERISA are required to file a Form 5500 except as provided in this section. Welfare benefit plans provide benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, apprenticeship and training, scholarship funds, severance pay, disability, etc. See What To File for more information.
Reminder: The administrator of an employee welfare benefit plan that provides benefits wholly or partially through a Multiple-Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA) as defined in ERISA section 3(40) must file a Form 5500, unless otherwise exempt. Plans required to file a Form M-1, Report for Multiple-Employer Welfare Arrangements (MEWAs) and Certain Entities Claiming Exception (ECEs), are not eligible for the filing exemption in 29 CFR 2520.104-20 described below. Such plans are required to file the Form 5500 regardless of the plan size or type of funding.
Note. To determine whether the plan covers fewer than 100 participants for purposes of these filing exemptions for insured and unfunded welfare plans, see instructions for lines 5 and 6 on counting participants in a welfare plan. See also 29 CFR 2510.3-3(d).
Note. Plans that are NOT unfunded include those plans that received employee (or former employee) contributions during the plan year and/or used a trust or separately maintained fund (including a Code section 501(c)(9) trust) to hold plan assets or act as a conduit for the transfer of plan assets during the year. A welfare benefit plan with employee contributions that is associated with a cafeteria plan under Code section 125 may be treated for annual reporting purposes as an unfunded welfare plan if it meets the requirements of DOL Technical Release 92-01, 57 Fed. Reg. 23272 (June 2, 1992) and 58 Fed. Reg. 45359 (Aug. 27, 1993). The mere receipt of COBRA contributions or other after-tax participant contributions (e.g., retiree contributions) by a cafeteria plan would not by itself affect the availability of the relief provided for cafeteria plans that otherwise meet the requirements of DOL Technical Release 92-01. See 61 Fed. Reg. 41220, 41222-23 (Aug. 7, 1996).
Some plans participate in certain trusts, accounts, and other investment arrangements that file the Form 5500 Annual Return/Report as a DFE in accordance with the Direct Filing Entity (DFE) Filing Requirements. A Form 5500 must be filed for a master trust investment account (MTIA). A Form 5500 is not required but may be filed for a common/collective trust (CCT), pooled separate account (PSA), 103-12 investment entity (103-12 IE), or group insurance arrangement (GIA). Plans that participate in CCTs, PSAs, 103-12 IEs, or GIAs that file as DFEs, however, generally are eligible for certain annual reporting relief. For reporting purposes, a CCT, PSA, 103-12 IE, or GIA is not considered a DFE unless a Form 5500 and all required attachments are filed for it in accordance with the Direct Filing Entity (DFE) Filing Requirements.
Note. Special requirements also apply to Schedules D and H attached to the Form 5500 filed by plans participating in MTIAs, CCTs, PSAs, and 103-12 IEs. See these schedules and their instructions.
Plans and GIAs. File 2020 returns/reports for plan and GIA years that began in 2020. 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 or GIA year (not to exceed 12 months in length) that began in 2020. If the plan or GIA year differs from the 2020 calendar year, fill in the fiscal year beginning and ending dates in the space provided.
DFEs other than GIAs. File 2020 returns/reports no later than 9½ months after the end of the DFE year that ended in 2020. A Form 5500 filed for a DFE must report information for the DFE year (not to exceed 12 months in length). If the DFE year differs from the 2020 calendar year, fill in the fiscal year beginning and ending dates in the space provided.
Short Years. For a plan year of less than 12 months (short plan year), file the form and applicable schedules by the last day of the 7th calendar month after the short plan year ends or by the extended due date, if filing under an authorized extension of time. Fill in the short plan year beginning and ending dates in the space provided and check the appropriate box in Part I, line B, of the Form 5500. For purposes of this return/report, the short plan year ends on the date of the change in accounting period or upon the complete distribution of assets of the plan. Also see the instructions for Final Return/Report to determine if "the final return/report" box in line B should be checked.
Notes. (1) If the filing due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, the return/report may be filed on the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday. (2) If the 2021 Form 5500 is not available before the plan or DFE filing is due, use the 2020 Form 5500 and enter the 2021 fiscal year beginning and ending dates on the line provided at the top of the form.
A plan or GIA may obtain a one-time extension of time to file a Form 5500 Annual Return/Report (up to 2½ months) by filing IRS Form 5558, Application for Extension of Time To File Certain Employee Plan Returns, on or before the normal due date (not including any extensions) of the return/report. You MUST file Form 5558 with the IRS. Approved copies of the Form 5558 will not be returned to the filer. A copy of the completed extension request must, however, be retained with the filer's records.
File Form 5558 with the Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center, Ogden, UT 84201-0045.
Using Extension of Time To File Federal Income Tax Return top
An automatic extension of time to file the Form 5500 Annual Return/Report until the due date of the federal income tax return of the employer will be granted if all of the following conditions are met: (1) the plan year and the employer's tax year are the same; (2) the employer has been granted an extension of time to file its federal income tax return to a date later than the normal due date for filing the Form 5500; and (3) a copy of the application for extension of time to file the federal income tax return is maintained with the filer's records. An extension granted by using this automatic extension procedure CANNOT be extended further by filing a Form 5558, nor can it be extended beyond a total of 9½ months beyond the close of the plan year.
Note. An extension of time to file the Form 5500 does not operate as an extension of time to file a Form 5500 filed for a DFE (other than a GIA), to file PBGC premiums or annual financial and actuarial reports (if required by section 4010 of ERISA) or to file the Form 8955-SSA (Annual Registration Statement Identifying Separated Participants with Deferred Vested Benefits) (required to be filed with the IRS under Code section 6057(a)).
The IRS, DOL, and PBGC may announce special extensions of time under certain circumstances, such as extensions for Presidentially-declared disasters or for service in, or in support of, the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat zone. See www.irs.gov, www.efast.dol.gov, and www.pbgc.gov/practitioners for announcements regarding such special extensions. If you are relying on one of these announced special extensions, check the appropriate box on Form 5500, Part I, line D, and enter a description of the announced authority for the extension.
Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance (DFVC) Program top
The DFVC Program facilitates voluntary compliance by plan administrators who are delinquent in filing annual reports under Title I of ERISA by permitting administrators to pay reduced civil penalties for voluntarily complying with their DOL annual reporting obligations. If the Form 5500 is being filed under the DFVC Program, check the appropriate box in Form 5500, Part I, line D, to indicate that the Form 5500 is being filed under the DFVC Program. See www.efast.dol.gov for additional information.
Plan administrators are reminded that they can use the online calculator available at www.dol.gov/ebsa/calculator/dfvcpmain.html to compute the penalties due under the program. Payments under the DFVC Program also may be submitted electronically. For information on how to pay DFVC Program payments online, go to www.dol.gov/ebsa.
Caution! Filers who wish to participate in the DFVC Program for plan years prior to 2016 must use the 2020 version of Form 5500 or, if applicable, Form 5500-SF. Use the Form 5500 Version Selection Tool available at www.efast.dol.gov for further information.
Under the computerized ERISA Filing Acceptance System (EFAST2), you must file your 2020 Form 5500 Annual Return/Report electronically. You may file online using EFAST2's web based filing system or you may file through an EFAST2-approved vendor. Detailed information on electronic filing is available at www.efast.dol.gov. For telephone assistance, call the EFAST2 Help Line at 1-866-GO-EFAST (1-866-463-3278). The EFAST2 Help Line is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Eastern Time.
Caution! Annual returns/reports filed under Title I of ERISA must be made available by plan administrators to plan participants and beneficiaries and by the DOL to the public pursuant to ERISA sections 104 and 106. Even though the Form 5500 must be filed electronically, the administrator must keep a copy of the Form 5500, including schedules and attachments, with all required signatures on file as part of the plan's records and must make a paper copy available upon request to participants, beneficiaries, and the DOL as required by section 104 of ERISA and 29 CFR 2520.103-1. Filers may use electronic media for record maintenance and retention, so long as they meet the applicable requirements (See 29 CFR 2520.107.1).
Note. Effective for plan years beginning after 2019, a one-participant plan or a foreign plan can file Form 5500-EZelectronically using the EFAST2 filing system. Information filed on Form 5500-EZ using EFAST2 is required to be made available to the public. However, information filed with EFAST2 using Form 5500-EZ will not be published on the internet.
Generally, questions on the Form 5500 relate to the plan year entered at the top of the first page of the form. Therefore, answer all questions on the 2020 Form 5500 with respect to the 2020 plan year unless otherwise explicitly stated in the instructions or on the form itself.
Your entries must be in the proper format in order for the EFAST2 system to process your filing. For example, if a question requires you to enter a dollar amount, you cannot enter a word. Your software will not let you submit your return/report unless all entries are in the proper format. To reduce the possibility of correspondence and penalties:
All schedules and attachments to the Form 5500 must be properly identified, and must include the name of the plan or DFE, EIN, and plan number (PN) as found on the Form 5500, lines, 1a, 2b, and 1b, respectively. At the top of each attachment, indicate the schedule and line, if any (e.g., Schedule H, line 4i) to which the attachment relates.
Check your return/report for errors before signing or submitting it to EFAST2. Your filing software or, if you are using it, the EFAST2 web-based filing system will allow you to check your return/report for errors. If, after reasonable attempts to correct your filing to eliminate any identified problem or problems, you are unable to address them, or you believe that you are receiving the message in error, call the EFAST2 Help Line at 1-866-GO-EFAST (1-866-463-3278) or contact the service provider you used to help prepare and file your annual return/report.
Once you complete the return/report and finish the electronic signature process, you can electronically submit it to EFAST2. When you electronically submit your return/report, EFAST2 is designed to immediately notify you if your submission was received and whether the return/report is ready to be processed by EFAST2. If EFAST2 does not notify you that your submission was successfully received and is ready to be processed, you will need to take steps to correct the problem or you may be deemed a non-filer subject to penalties from DOL, IRS, and/or PBGC.
Once EFAST2 receives your return/report, the EFAST2 system should be able to provide a filing status within 20 minutes. The person submitting the filing should check back into the EFAST2 system to determine the filing status of your return/report. The filing status message will include a list of any filing errors or warnings that EFAST2 may have identified in your filing. If EFAST2 did not identify any filing errors or warnings, EFAST2 will show the filing status of your return/report as "Filing_Received." Persons other than the submitter can check whether the filing was received by the system by calling the EFAST2 Help Line at 1-866-GO-EFAST (1-866-463-3278) and using the automated telephone system.
To reduce the possibility of correspondence and penalties from the DOL, IRS, and/or PBGC, you should do the following: (1) Before submitting your return/report to EFAST2, check it for errors, and (2) after you have submitted it to EFAST2, verify that you have received a filing status of "Filing Received" and attempt to correct and resolve any errors or warnings listed in the status report.
Note. Even after being received by the EFAST2 system, your return/report filing may be subject to further detailed review by DOL, IRS, and/or PBGC, and your filing may be deemed deficient based upon this further review. See Penalties on Page 7.
Caution! Do not enter social security numbers in response to questions asking for an employer identification number (EIN). Because of privacy concerns, the inclusion of a social security number or any portion thereof on the Form 5500 or on a schedule or attachment that is open to public inspection may result in the rejection of the filing. If you discover a filing disclosed on the EFAST2 website that contains a social security number, immediately call the EFAST2 Help Line at 1-866-GO-EFAST (1-866-463-3278).
Employers without an EIN must apply for one as soon as possible. The EBSA does not issue EINs. To apply for an EIN from the IRS:
Do not attach a copy of the annual registration statement (IRS Form 8955-SSA) identifying separated participants with deferred vested benefits, or a previous year's Schedule SSA (Form 5500) to your 2020 Form 5500 Annual Return/Report. The annual registration statement must be filed directly with the IRS and cannot be attached to a Form 5500 submission with EFAST2.
File an amended return/report to correct errors and/or omissions in a previously filed annual return/report for the 2020 plan year. The amended Form 5500 and any amended schedules and/or attachments must conform to the requirements in these instructions. See the DOL website at www.efast.dol.gov for information on filing amended returns/reports for prior years.
TIP. Check the line B box for "an amended return/report" if you filed a previous 2020 annual return/report that was given a "Filing_Received," "Filing_Error," or "Filing_Stopped" status by EFAST2. Do not check the line B box for "an amended return/report" if your previous submission attempts were not successfully received by EFAST2 because of problems with the transmission of your return/report. For more information, go to the EFAST2 website at www.efast.dol.gov or call the EFAST2 Help Line at 1-866-GO-EFAST (1-866-463-3278).
If all assets under the plan (including insurance/annuity contracts) have been distributed to the participants and beneficiaries or legally transferred to the control of another plan, and when all liabilities for which benefits may be paid under a welfare benefit plan have been satisfied, check the final return/report box in Part I, line B at the top of the Form 5500. Do not mark the final return/report box if you are reporting participants and/or assets at the end of the plan year. If a trustee is appointed for a terminated defined benefit plan pursuant to ERISA section 4042, the last plan year for which a return/report must be filed is the year in which the trustee is appointed. If you are in this situation you may contact PBGCTrusteedPlan@dol.gov for further information.
Mergers/Consolidations
A final return/report should be filed for the plan year (12 months or less) that ends when all plan assets were legally transferred to the control of another plan.
Pension and Welfare Plans That Terminated Without Distributing All Assets
If the plan was terminated, but all plan assets were not distributed, a return/report must be filed for each year the plan has assets. The return/report must be filed by the plan administrator, if designated, or by the person or persons who actually control the plan's assets/property.
Welfare Plans Still Liable To Pay Benefits
A welfare plan cannot file a final return/report if the plan is still liable to pay benefits for claims that were incurred prior to the termination date, but not yet paid. See 29 CFR 2520.104b-2(g)(2)(ii).
For purposes of Title I of ERISA, the plan administrator is required to file the Form 5500. If the plan administrator does not sign a filing, the filing status will indicate that there is an error with your filing, and your filing will be subject to further review, correspondence, rejection, and civil penalties.
The plan administrator must electronically sign the Form 5500 or 5500-SF submitted to EFAST2.
Caution! After submitting your filing, you must check the Filing Status. If the filing status is "Processing Stopped" or "Unprocessable", it is possible your submission was not sent with a valid electronic signature as required, and depending on the error, may be considered not to have been filed. By looking closer at the Filing Status, you can see specific error messages applicable to the transmitted filing and determine whether it was sent with a valid electronic signature and what other errors may need to be corrected.
Note. If the plan administrator is an entity, the electronic signature must be in the name of a person authorized to sign on behalf of the plan administrator.
Authorized Service Provider Signatures. A statement for service providers that use this electronic signature option is in the IFILE application. The statement provides that, by signing the electronic filing, the service provider is attesting: (1) that the service provider has been authorized in writing by the plan administrator, plan sponsor/employer, or DFE, as applicable, to electronically submit the return/report; (2) that a copy of the specific written authorization will be kept in the service provider's records; (3) that, in addition to any other required schedules or attachments, the electronic filing includes a true and correct PDF copy of the completed Form 5500 (without schedules or attachments) bearing the manual signature of the plan administrator, employer/plan sponsor, or DFE, as applicable, under penalty of perjury; (4) that the service provider advised the plan administrator, employer/plan sponsor, or DFE, as applicable, that by selecting this electronic signature option, the image of the plan administrator's, employer/plan sponsor's, or DFE's manual signature will be included with the rest of the return/report posted by the Department of Labor on the Internet for public disclosure; and (5) that the service provider will communicate to the plan administrator, employer/plan sponsor, or DFE, as applicable, any inquiries and information received from EFAST2, DOL, IRS or PBGC regarding the return/report.
Note. The Code permits either the plan sponsor/employer or the administrator to sign the filing. However, any Form 5500 that is not electronically signed by the plan administrator will be subject to rejection and civil penalties under Title I of ERISA.
For DFE filings, a person authorized to sign on behalf of the DFE must sign for the DFE.
The Form 5500 Annual Return/Report must be filed electronically and signed. To obtain an electronic signature, go to www.efast.dol.gov and register in EFAST2 as a signer. You will be provided with a UserID and PIN. Both the UserID and PIN are needed to sign the Form 5500. The plan administrator must keep a copy of the Form 5500, including schedules and attachments with all required signatures on file as part of the plan's records. See 29 CFR 2520.103-1.
Electronic signatures on annual returns/reports filed under EFAST2 are governed by the applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
Generally, only defined benefit pension plans need to get approval for a change in the plan year. See Code section 412(d)(1). However, under Rev. Proc. 87-27, 1987-1 C.B. 769, these pension plans may be eligible for automatic approval of a change in plan year.
If a change in plan year for a pension or welfare benefit plan creates a short plan year, file the form and applicable schedules by the last day of the 7th calendar month after the short plan year ends or by the extended due date, if filing under an authorized extension of time. Fill in the short plan year beginning and ending dates in the space provided in Part I and check the appropriate box in Part I, line B of the Form 5500. For purposes of this return/report, the short plan year ends on the date of the change in accounting period or upon the complete distribution of assets of the plan. Also, see the instructions for the Final Return/Report to determine if "final return/report" in line B should be checked.
Plan administrators and plan sponsors must provide complete and accurate information and must otherwise comply fully with the filing requirements. ERISA and the Code provide for the DOL and the IRS, respectively, to assess or impose penalties for not giving complete and accurate information and for not filing complete and accurate statements and returns/reports. Certain penalties are administrative (i.e., they may be imposed or assessed by one of the governmental agencies delegated to administer the collection of the annual return/report data). Others require a legal conviction.
Listed below are various penalties under ERISA and the Code that may be assessed or imposed for not meeting the annual return/report filing requirements. Generally, whether the penalty is under ERISA or the Code, or both, depends upon the agency for which the information is required to be filed. One or more of the following administrative penalties may be assessed or imposed in the event of incomplete filings or filings received after the due date unless it is determined that your failure to file properly is for reasonable cause:
The Form 5500 reporting requirements vary depending on whether the Form 5500 is being filed for a "large plan," a "small plan," and/or a DFE, and on the particular type of plan or DFE involved (e.g., welfare plan, pension plan, common/collective trust (CCT), pooled separate account (PSA), master trust investment account (MTIA), 103-12 IE, or group insurance arrangement (GIA)).
The instructions below provide detailed information about each of the Form 5500 schedules and which plans and DFEs are required to file them.
The schedules are grouped in the instructions by type: (1) Pension Benefit Schedules and (2) General Schedules. Each schedule is listed separately with a description of the subject matter covered by the schedule and the plans and DFEs that are required to file the schedule.
Filing requirements also are listed by type of filer: (1) Pension Benefit Plan Filing Requirements; (2) Welfare Benefit Plan Filing Requirements; and (3) DFE Filing Requirements. For each filer type there is a separate list of the schedules that must be filed with the Form 5500 (including where applicable, separate lists for large plan filers, small plan filers, and different types of DFEs).
The filing requirements also are summarized in a "Quick Reference Chart of Form 5500, Schedules, and Attachments."
Generally, a return/report filed for a pension benefit plan or welfare benefit plan that covered fewer than 100 participants as of the beginning of the plan year should be completed following the requirements below for a "small plan," and a return/report filed for a plan that covered 100 or more participants as of the beginning of the plan year should be completed following the requirements below for a "large plan."
Use the number of participants required to be entered in line5 of the Form 5500 to determine whether a plan is a "small plan" or "large plan."
(1) 80-120 Participant Rule: If the number of participants reported on line 5 is between 80 and 120, and a Form 5500 Annual Return/Report was filed for the prior plan year, you may elect to complete the return/report in the same category ("large plan" or "small plan") as was filed for the prior return/report. Thus, if a Form 5500-SF or a Form 5500 Annual Return/Report was filed for the 2019 plan year as a small plan, including the Schedule I if applicable, and the number entered on line 5 of the 2020 Form 5500 is 120 or less, you may elect to complete the 2020 Form 5500 and schedules in accordance with the instructions for a small plan, including for eligible filers, filing the Form 5500-SF instead of the Form 5500.
(2) Short Plan Year Rule: If the plan had a short plan year of seven (7) months or less for either the prior plan year or the plan year being reported on the 2020 Form 5500, an election can be made to defer filing the accountant's report in accordance with 29 CFR 2520.104-50. If such an election was made for the prior plan year, the 2020 Form 5500 must be completed following the requirements for a large plan, including the attachment of the Schedule H and the accountant's reports, regardless of the number of participants entered in Part II, line 5.
Schedule R (Retirement Plan Information) - is required for a pension benefit plan that is a defined benefit plan or is otherwise subject to Code section 412 or ERISA section 302. Schedule R may also be required for certain other pension benefit plans unless otherwise specified under Limited Pension Plan Reporting. For additional information, see the Schedule R instructions.
Schedule MB (Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plan and Certain Money Purchase Plan Actuarial Information) - is required for most multiemployer defined benefit plans and for defined contribution pension plans that currently amortize a waiver of the minimum funding requirements specified in the instructions for the Schedule MB. For additional information, see the instructions for the Schedule MB and the Schedule R.
Schedule SB (Single-Employer Defined Benefit Plan Actuarial Information - is required for most single-employer defined benefit plans, including multiple-employer defined benefit pension plans. For additional information, see the instructions for the Schedule SB.
Schedule H (Financial Information) - is required for pension benefit plans and welfare benefit plans filing as "large plans" and for all DFE filings. Employee benefit plans, 103-12 IEs, and GIAs filing the Schedule H are generally required to engage an independent qualified public accountant (IQPA) and attach a report of the IQPA pursuant to ERISA section 103(a)(3)(A). These plans and DFEs are also generally required to attach to the Form 5500 a "Schedule of Assets (Held At End of Year)," and, if applicable, a "Schedule of Assets (Acquired and Disposed of Within Year)," a "Schedule of Reportable Transactions," and a "Schedule of Delinquent Participant Contributions." For additional information, see the Schedule H instructions.
Exceptions: Insured, unfunded, or combination unfunded/insured welfare plans, as described in 29 CFR 2520.104-44(b)(1) and certain pension plans and arrangements, as described in 29 CFR 2520.104-44(b)(2) and in Limited Pension Plan Reporting, are exempt from completing the Schedule H.
Schedule I (Financial Information - Small Plan) - is required for all pension benefit plans and welfare benefit plans filing the Form 5500 Annual Return/Report, rather than the Form 5500-SF, as "small plans," except for certain pension benefit plans and arrangements described in 29 CFR 2520.104-44(b)(2) and Limited Pension Plan Reporting. For additional information, see the Schedule I instructions.
Note. A welfare plan that would have been eligible for the filing exemption under 29 CFR 2520.104-20, but for the fact that it is required to file a Form M-1, is exempt from completing a Schedule I if it meets the requirements of 29 CFR 2520.104-44(b)(1).
Schedule A (Insurance Information) - is required if any benefits under an employee benefit plan are provided by an insurance company, insurance service or other similar organization (such as Blue Cross, Blue Shield, or a health maintenance organization). This includes investment contracts with insurance companies, such as guaranteed investment contracts and pooled separate accounts. For additional information, see the Schedule A instructions.
Note. Do not file Schedule A for Administrative Services Only (ASO) contracts. Do not file Schedule A if a Schedule A is filed for the contract as part of the Form 5500 filed directly by a master trust investment account (MTIA) or 103-12 IE.
Schedule C (Service Provider Information) - is required for a large plan, MTIA, 103-12 IE, or GIA if (1) any service provider who rendered services to the plan or DFE during the plan or DFE year received $5,000 or more in compensation, directly or indirectly from the plan or DFE, or (2) an accountant and/or enrolled actuary has been terminated. For additional information, see the Schedule C instructions.
Schedule D (DFE/Participating Plan Information) - Part I is required for a plan or DFE that invested or participated in any MTIAs, 103-12 IEs, CCTs, and/or PSAs. Part II is required when the Form 5500 is filed for a DFE. For additional information, see the Schedule D instructions.
Schedule G (Financial Transaction Schedules) - is required for a large plan, MTIA, 103-12 IE, or GIA when Schedule H (Financial Information) lines 4b, 4c, and/or 4d are checked "Yes." Part I of the Schedule G reports loans or fixed income obligations in default or classified as uncollectible. Part II of the Schedule G reports leases in default or classified as uncollectible. Part III of the Schedule G reports nonexempt transactions. For additional information, see the Schedule G instructions.
Caution! An unfunded, fully insured, or combination unfunded/insured welfare plan with 100 or more participants exempt under 29 CFR 2520.104-44 from completing Schedule H must still complete Schedule G, Part III, to report nonexempt transactions.
Pension benefit plan filers must complete the Form 5500 Annual Return/Report, including the signature block and, unless otherwise specified, attach the following schedules and information:
The following schedules (including any additional information required by the instructions to the schedules) must be attached to a Form 5500 filed for a small pension plan that is neither exempt from filing nor is filing the Form 5500-SF:
Caution! If Schedule I, line 4k, is checked "No," you must attach the report of the independent qualified public accountant (IQPA) or a statement that the plan is eligible and elects to defer attaching the IQPA's opinion pursuant to 29 CFR 2520.104-50 in connection with a short plan year of seven months or less.
The following schedules (including any additional information required by the instructions to the schedules) must be attached to a Form 5500 filed for a large pension plan:
Section 903 of PPA established rules for a new type of pension plan, an "eligible combined plan," effective for plan years beginning after December 31, 2009. See Code section 414(x) and ERISA section 210(e). An eligible combined plan consists of a defined benefit plan and a defined contribution plan that includes a qualified cash or deferred arrangement under Code section 401(k), with the assets of the two plans held in a single trust, but clearly identified and allocated between the plans. The eligible combined plan design is available only to employers that employed an average of at least two, but not more than 500 employees, on business days during the calendar year preceding the plan year as of which the eligible combined plan is established and that employs at least two employees on the first day of the plan year that the plan is established. Because an eligible combined plan includes both a defined benefit plan and a defined contribution plan, the Form 5500 filed for the plan must include all the information, schedules, and attachments that would be required for either a defined benefit plan (such as a Schedule SB) or a defined contribution plan.
The pension benefit plans or arrangements described below are eligible for limited annual reporting:
A pension benefit plan that has insurance contracts of the type described in 29 CFR 2520.104-44 as well as other assets must complete all requirements for a pension benefit plan, except that the value of the plan's allocated contracts (see below) should not be reported in Part I of Schedule H or I. All other assets should be reported on Schedule H or Schedule I, and any other required schedules. If Schedule H is filed, attach an accountant's report in accordance with the Schedule H instructions.
Note. For purposes of the annual return/report and the alternative method of compliance set forth in 29 CFR 2520.104-44, a contract is considered to be "allocated" only if the insurance company or organization that issued the contract unconditionally guarantees, upon receipt of the required premium or consideration, to provide a retirement benefit of a specified amount. This amount must be provided to each participant without adjustment for fluctuations in the market value of the underlying assets of the company or organization, and each participant must have a legal right to such benefits, which is legally enforceable directly against the insurance company or organization. For example, deposit administration, immediate participation guarantee, and guaranteed investment contracts are NOT allocated contracts for Form 5500 Annual Return/Report purposes.
Welfare benefit plan filers must complete the Form 5500 Annual Return/Report, including the signature block and, unless otherwise specified, attach the following schedules and information:
The following schedules (including any additional information required by the instructions to the schedules) must be attached to a Form 5500 filed for a small welfare plan that is neither exempt from filing nor filing the Form 5500-SF:
TIP. A welfare plan that covered fewer than 100 participants as of the beginning of the plan year and is required to file a Form M-1, Report for Multiple-Employer Welfare Arrangements (MEWAs) and Certain Entities Claiming Exception (ECEs), is exempt from attaching Schedule I if the plan meets the requirements of 29 CFR 2520.104-44. However, Schedule G, Part III, must be attached to the Form 5500 to report any nonexempt transactions.
The following schedules (including any additional information required by the instructions to the schedules) must be attached to a Form 5500 filed for a large welfare plan:
TIP. Attach the report of the independent qualified public accountant (IQPA) identified on Schedule H, line 3c, unless line 3d(2) is checked.
Caution! Neither Schedule H nor an IQPA's opinion should be attached to a Form 5500 filed for an unfunded, fully insured or combination unfunded/insured welfare plan that covered 100 or more participants as of the beginning of the plan year that meets the requirements of 29 CFR 2520.104-44. However, Schedule G, Part III, must be attached to the Form 5500 to report any nonexempt transactions. A welfare benefit plan that uses a "voluntary employees' beneficiary association" (VEBA) under Code section 501(c)(9) is generally not exempt from the requirement of engaging an IQPA.
Some plans participate in certain trusts, accounts, and other investment arrangements that file the Form 5500 Annual Return/Report as a DFE. A Form 5500 must be filed for a master trust investment account (MTIA). A Form 5500 is not required but may be filed for a common/collective trust (CCT), pooled separate account (PSA), 103-12 investment entity (103-12 IE), or group insurance arrangement (GIA). However, plans that participate in CCTs, PSAs, 103-12 IEs, or GIAs that file as DFEs generally are eligible for certain annual reporting relief. For reporting purposes, a CCT, PSA, 103-12 IE, or GIA is considered a DFE only when a Form 5500 and all required schedules and attachments are filed for it in accordance with the following instructions.
Only one Form 5500 should be filed for each DFE for all plans participating in the DFE; however, the Form 5500 filed for the DFE, including all required schedules and attachments, must report information for the DFE year (not to exceed 12 months in length) that ends with or within the participating plan's year.
Any Form 5500 filed for a DFE is an integral part of the annual report of each participating plan, and the plan administrator may be subject to penalties for failing to file a complete annual report unless both the DFE Form 5500 and the plan's Form 5500 are properly filed. The information required for a Form 5500 filed for a DFE varies according to the type of DFE. The following paragraphs provide specific guidance for the reporting requirements for each type of DFE.
The administrator filing a Form 5500 for an employee benefit plan is required to file or have a designee file a Form 5500 for each MTIA in which the plan participated at any time during the plan year. For reporting purposes, a "master trust" is a trust for which a regulated financial institution (as defined below) serves as trustee or custodian (regardless of whether such institution exercises discretionary authority or control with respect to the management of assets held in the trust), and in which assets of more than one plan sponsored by a single employer or by a group of employers under common control are held.
"Common control" is determined on the basis of all relevant facts and circumstances (whether or not such employers are incorporated).
A "regulated financial institution" means a bank, trust company, or similar financial institution that is regulated, supervised, and subject to periodic examination by a state or federal agency. A securities brokerage firm is not a "similar financial institution" as used here. See DOL Advisory Opinion 93-21A (available at www.dol.gov/ebsa).
The assets of a master trust are considered for reporting purposes to be held in one or more "investment accounts." A "master trust investment account" may consist of a pool of assets or a single asset. Each pool of assets held in a master trust must be treated as a separate MTIA if each plan that has an interest in the pool has the same fractional interest in each asset in the pool as its fractional interest in the pool, and if each such plan may not dispose of its interest in any asset in the pool without disposing of its interest in the pool. A master trust may also contain assets that are not held in such a pool. Each such asset must be treated as a separate MTIA.
Notes. (1) If an MTIA consists solely of one plan's asset(s) during the reporting period, the plan may report the asset(s) either as an investment account on an MTIA Form 5500, or as a plan asset(s) that is not part of the master trust (and therefore subject to all instructions concerning assets not held in a master trust) on the plan's Form 5500. (2) If a master trust holds assets attributable to participant or beneficiary directed transactions under an individual account plan and the assets are interests in registered investment companies, interests in contracts issued by an insurance company licensed to do business in any state, interests in common/collective trusts maintained by a bank, trust company or similar institution, or the assets have a current value that is readily determinable on an established market, those assets may be treated as a single MTIA.
The Form 5500 submitted for the MTIA must comply with the Form 5500 instructions for a Large Pension Plan, unless otherwise specified in the forms and instructions. The MTIA must file:
A Form 5500 is not required to be filed for a CCT or PSA. However, the administrator of a large plan or DFE that participates in a CCT or PSA that files as specified below is entitled to reporting relief that is not available to plans or DFEs participating in a CCT or PSA for which a Form 5500 is not filed.
For reporting purposes, "common/collective trust" and "pooled separate account" are, respectively: (1) a trust maintained by a bank, trust company, or similar institution or (2) an account maintained by an insurance carrier, which is regulated, supervised, and subject to periodic examination by a state or federal agency in the case of a CCT, or by a state agency in the case of a PSA, for the collective investment and reinvestment of assets contributed thereto from employee benefit plans maintained by more than one employer or controlled group of corporations as that term is used in Code section 1563. See 29 CFR 2520.103-3, 103-4, 103-5, and 103-9.
Note. For reporting purposes, a separate account that is not considered to be holding plan assets pursuant to 29 CFR 2510.3-101(h)(1)(iii) does not constitute a pooled separate account.
The Form 5500 submitted for a CCT or PSA must comply with the Form 5500 instructions for a Large Pension Plan, unless otherwise specified in the forms and instructions.
The CCT or PSA must file:
Caution! Different requirements apply to the Schedules D and H attached to the Form 5500 filed by plans and DFEs participating in CCTs and PSAs, depending upon whether a DFE Form 5500 has been filed for the CCT or PSA. See the instructions for these schedules.
DOL Regulation 2520.103-12 provides an alternative method of reporting for plans that invest in an entity (other than an MTIA, CCT, or PSA), whose underlying assets include "plan assets" within the meaning of 29 CFR 2510.3-101 of two or more plans that are not members of a "related group" of employee benefit plans. Such an entity for which a Form 5500 is filed constitutes a "103-12 IE." A Form 5500 is not required to be filed for such entities; however, filing a Form 5500 as a 103-12 IE provides certain reporting relief, including the limitation of the examination and report of the independent qualified public accountant (IQPA) provided by 29 CFR 2520.103-12(d), to participating plans and DFEs. For this reporting purpose, a "related group" of employee benefit plans consists of each group of two or more employee benefit plans (1) each of which receives 10% or more of its aggregate contributions from the same employer or from a member of the same controlled group of corporations (as determined under Code section 1563(a), without regard to Code section 1563(a)(4) thereof); or (2) each of which is either maintained by, or maintained pursuant to a collective-bargaining agreement negotiated by, the same employee organization or affiliated employee organizations. For purposes of this paragraph, an "affiliate" of an employee organization means any person controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such organization. See 29 CFR 2520.103-12.
The Form 5500 submitted for a 103-12 IE must comply with the Form 5500 instructions for a Large Pension Plan, unless otherwise specified in the forms and instructions. The 103-12 IE must file:
Each welfare benefit plan that is part of a group insurance arrangement is exempt from the requirement to file a Form 5500 if a consolidated Form 5500 report for all the plans in the arrangement was filed in accordance with 29 CFR 2520.104-43. For reporting purposes, a "group insurance arrangement" provides benefits to the employees of two or more unaffiliated employers (not in connection with a multiemployer plan or a collectively-bargained multiple-employer plan), fully insures one or more welfare plans of each participating employer, uses a trust or other entity as the holder of the insurance contracts, and uses a trust as the conduit for payment of premiums to the insurance company. The GIA must file:
| Large Pension Plan |
Small Pension Plan2 |
Large Welfare Plan |
Small Welfare Plan2 |
DFE |
|
| Form 5500 |
Must complete. |
Must complete. |
Must complete.3 |
Must complete.3 |
Must complete. |
| Schedule A (Insurance Information) |
Must complete if plan has insurance contracts. |
Must complete if plan has insurance contracts.4 |
Must complete if plan has insurance contracts. | Must complete if plan has insurance contracts.4 | Must complete if MTIA, 103-12 IE, or GIA has insurance contracts. |
| Schedule C (Service Provider Information) |
Must complete Part I if service provider was paid $5,000 or more, Part II if a service provider failed to provide information necessary for the completion of Part I, and Part III if an accountant or actuary was terminated. |
Not required. |
Must complete Part I if service provider was paid $5,000 or more, Part II if a service provider failed to provide information necessary for the completion of Part I, and Part III if an accountant or actuary was terminated. | Not required. | MTIAs, GIAs, and 103-12 IEs must complete Part I if service provider was paid $5,000 or more, Part II if a service provider failed to provide information necessary for the completion of Part I. GIAs and 103-12 IEs must complete Part III if an accountant was terminated. |
| Schedule D (DFE/Participating Plan Information) |
Must complete Part I if plan participated in a CCT, PSA, MTIA, or 103-12 IE. |
Must complete Part I if plan participated in a CCT, PSA, MTIA, or 103-12 IE.4 | Must complete Part I if plan participated in a CCT, PSA, MTIA, or 103-12 IE. | Must complete Part I if plan participated in a CCT, PSA, MTIA, or 103-12 IE.4 | All DFEs must complete Part II, and DFEs that invest in a CCT, PSA, or 103-12 IE must also complete Part I. |
| Schedule G (Financial Schedules) |
Must complete if Schedule H, lines 4b, 4c, or 4d are "Yes." |
Not required. | Must complete if Schedule H, lines 4b, 4c, or 4d are "Yes."3 | Not required.3 | Must complete if Schedule H, lines 4b, 4c, or 4d for a GIA, MTIA, or 103-12 IE are "Yes." |
| Schedule H (Financial Information) |
Must complete.5 | Not required. | Must complete.3, 5 | Not required. | All DFEs must complete Part I, II and III. MTIAs, 103-12 IEs, and GIAs must also complete Part IV.5 |
| Schedule I (Financial Information) |
Not required. | Must complete.4 | Not required. | Must complete.4 | Not required. |
| Schedule MB (Actuarial Information) |
Must complete if multiemployer defined benefit plan or money purchase plan subject to minimum funding standards.6 |
Must complete if multiemployer defined benefit plan or money purchase plan subject to minimum funding standards.6 | Not required. | Not required. | Not required. |
| Schedule R (Pension Plan Information) |
Must complete.7 | Must complete.4, 7 |
Not required. | Not required. | Not required. |
| Schedule SB (Actuarial Information) |
Must complete if single-employer or multiple-employer defined benefit plan, including an eligible combined plan and subject to minimum funding standards. |
Must complete if single-employer or multiple-employer defined benefit plan, including an eligible combined plan and subject to minimum funding standards. | Not required. | Not required. | Not required. |
| Accountant's Report |
Must attach. |
Not required unless Schedule I, line 4k is checked "No." |
Must attach.3 |
Not required. |
Must attach for a GIA or 103-12 IE. |
1 This chart provides only general guidance. Not all rules and requirements are reflected. Refer to specific Form 5500 instructions for complete information on filing requirements (e.g., Who Must File and What To File). For example, a pension plan is exempt from filing any schedules if the plan uses Code section 408 individual retirement accounts as the sole funding vehicle for providing benefits. See Limited Pension Plan Reporting.
2 Pension plans and welfare plans with fewer than 100 participants at the beginning of the plan year that are not exempt from filing an annual return/report may be eligible to file the Form 5500-SF, a simplified report. In addition to the limitation on the number of participants, a Form 5500-SF may only be filed for a plan that is exempt from the requirement that the plan’s books and records be audited by an independent qualified public accountant (but not by reason of enhanced bonding), has 100 percent of its assets invested in certain secure investments with a readily determinable fair market value, holds no employer securities, and is not a multiemployer plan. See Who Must File.
3 Unfunded, fully insured, or combination unfunded/fully insured welfare plans covering fewer than 100 participants at the beginning of the plan year that meet the requirements of 29 CFR 2520.104-20 are exempt from filing an annual report. See Who Must File. Such a plan with 100 or more participants must file an annual report, but is exempt under 29 CFR 2520.104-44 from the accountant’s report requirement and completing Schedule H, but MUST complete Schedule G, Part III, to report any nonexempt transactions. See What To File. All Plans required to file Form M-1 (Report for Multiple-Employer Welfare Arrangements (MEWAs) and Certain Entities Claiming Exception (ECEs)) must file a Form 5500 regardless of plan size or type of funding.
4 Do not complete if filing the Form 5500-SF instead of the Form 5500.
5 Schedules of assets and reportable (5%) transactions also must be filed with the Form 5500 if Schedule H, line 4i or 4j is "Yes."
6 Money purchase defined contribution plans that are amortizing a funding waiver are required to complete lines 3, 9, and 10 of the Schedule MB in accordance with the instructions. Also see instructions for line 5 of Schedule R and line 12a of Form 5500-SF.
7 Schedule R should not be completed when the Form 5500 Annual Return/Report is filed for a pension plan that uses, as the sole funding vehicle for providing benefits, individual retirement accounts or annuities (as described in Code section 408). See the Form 5500 instructions for Limited Pension Plan Reporting for more information.
File the 2020 Form 5500 Annual Return/Report for a plan year that began in 2020 or a DFE year that ended in 2020. Enter the beginning and ending dates in Part I. The 2020 Form 5500 annual return/report must be filed electronically.
One Form 5500 is generally filed for each plan or entity described in the instructions to the boxes in line A. Do not check more than one box.
A separate Form 5500, with line A (single-employer plan) checked, must be filed by each employer participating in a plan or program of benefits in which the funds attributable to each employer are available to pay benefits only for that employer's employees, even if the plan is maintained by a controlled group.
A "controlled group" is generally considered one employer for Form 5500 reporting purposes. A "controlled group" is a controlled group of corporations under Code section 414(b), a group of trades or businesses under common control under Code section 414(c), or an affiliated service group under Code section 414(m).
Line A - Box for Multiemployer Plan. top Check this box if the Form 5500 is filed for a multiemployer plan. A plan is a multiemployer plan if: (a) more than one employer is required to contribute, (b) the plan is maintained pursuant to one or more collective bargaining agreements between one or more employee organizations and more than one employer; (c) an election under Code section 414(f)(5) and ERISA section 3(37)(E) has not been made; and (d) the plan meets any other applicable conditions of 29 CFR 2510.3-37. A plan that has made a proper election under ERISA section 3(37)(G) and Code section 414(f)(6) on or before August 17, 2007, is also a multiemployer plan. Participating employers do not file individually for these plans.
Line A - Box for Single-Employer Plan. top Check this box if the Form 5500 is filed for a single-employer plan. A single-employer plan for this Form 5500 reporting purpose is an employee benefit plan maintained by one employer or one employee organization.
Line A - Box for Multiple-Employer Plan. top Check this box if the Form 5500 is being filed for a multiple-employer plan. A multiple-employer plan is a plan that is maintained by more than one employer and is not one of the plans already described. A multiple-employer plan can be collectively bargained and collectively funded, but if covered by PBGC termination insurance, must have properly elected before September 27, 1981, not to be treated as a multiemployer plan under Code section 414(f)(5) or ERISA sections 3(37)(E) and 4001(a)(3), and have not revoked that election or made an election to be treated as a multiemployer plan under Code section 414(f)(6) or ERISA section 3(37)(G). Participating employers do not file individually for this type of plan.
Note. Do not check this box if all of the employers maintaining the plan are members of the same controlled group or affiliated service group under Code sections 414(b), (c), or (m).
Except as provided below, multiple-employer pension plans and multiple-employer welfare plans required to file a Form 5500 must include an attachment using the format below that (1) lists each participating employer in the plan during the plan year, identified by name and employer identification number (EIN), and (2) includes a good faith estimate of each employer's percentage of the total contributions (including employer and participant contributions) made by all participating employers during the year. Any employer who was obligated to make contributions to the plan for the plan year, made contributions to the plan for the plan year, or whose employees were covered under the plan is a "participating employer" for this purpose. If a participating employer made no contributions, enter "-0-" in element (c).
The attachment must be properly identified at the top with the label "Multiple-Employer Plan Participating Employer Information," and the name of the plan, EIN, and plan number (PN) as found on the plan's Form 5500.
Multiple-employer welfare plans that are exempt under 29 CFR 2520.104-44 from the obligation to file financial statements with their annual report are required to include only a list of participating employers with the corresponding EIN/PN numbers in elements (a) and (b) of the "Multiple-Employer Plan Participating Employer Information" attachment included with their Form 5500.
Complete as many entries as needed to report the required information for all participating employers.
Line A - Box for Direct Filing Entity (DFE). top Check this box and enter the correct letter from the following chart in the space provided to indicate the type of entity.
| Type of entity | Enter the letter |
|---|---|
| Master Trust Investment Account | M |
| Common/Collective Trust | C |
| Pooled Separate Account | P |
| 103-12 Investment Entity | E |
| Group Insurance Arrangement | G |
Note. A separate annual report with "M" entered as the DFE code on Form 5500, line A, must be filed for each MTIA. See instructions on page 10.
Line B - Box for First Return/Report. top Check this box if an annual return/report has not been previously filed for this plan or DFE. For the purpose of completing this box, the Form 5500-EZ is not considered an annual return/report.
Line B - Box for Amended Return/Report. top Check this box if you have already filed for the 2020 plan year and are now filing an amended return/report to correct errors and/or omissions on the previously filed return/report. See instructions on page 6.
TIP. Check the line B box for an "amended return/report" if you filed a previous 2020 annual return/report that was given a "Filing_Received," "Filing_Error," or "Filing_Stopped" status by EFAST2. Do not check the line B box for an "amended return/report" if your previous submission attempts were not successfully received by EFAST2 because of problems with the transmission of your return/report. For more information, go to the EFAST2 website at www.efast.dol.gov or call the EFAST2 Help Line at 1-866-GO-EFAST (1-866-463-3278).
Line B - Box for Final Return/Report. top Check this box if this Form 5500 is the last annual return/report required to be submitted for this plan. (See Final Return/Report.)
Note. Do not check box B (Final Return/Report) if "4R" is entered on line 8b for a welfare plan that is not required to file a Form 5500 for the next plan year because the welfare plan has become eligible for an annual reporting exemption. For example, certain unfunded and insured welfare plans may be required to file the 2020 Form 5500 and be exempt from filing a Form 5500 for the plan year 2021 if the number of participants covered as of the beginning of the 2021 plan year drops below 100. See Who Must File. Should the number of participants covered by such a plan increase to 100 or more in a future year, the plan must resume filing Form 5500 and enter "4S" on line 8b on that year's Form 5500. See 29 CFR 2520.104-20.
Line B - Box for Short Plan Year Return/Report. top Check this box if this Form 5500 is being filed for a plan year period of less than 12 months. Provide the dates in Part I, Plan Year Beginning and Ending.
Line C - Box for Collectively-Bargained Plan. top Check this box when the contributions to the plan and/or the benefits paid by the plan are subject to the collective bargaining process (even if the plan is not established and administered by a joint board of trustees and even if only some of the employees covered by the plan are members of a collective bargaining unit that negotiates contributions and/or benefits). The contributions and/or benefits do not have to be identical for all employees under the plan.
Line D - Box for Extension and DFVC Program. top Check the appropriate box here if:
Line 1a. top Enter the formal name of the plan or DFE or enough information to identify the plan or DFE. Abbreviate if necessary. If an annual return/report has previously been filed on behalf of the plan, regardless of the type of form that was filed (Form 5500, Form 5500-EZ, or Form 5500-SF) use the same name or abbreviation as was used on the prior filings. Once you use an abbreviation, continue to use it for that plan on all future annual return/report filings with the IRS, DOL, and PBGC. Do not use the same name or abbreviation for any other plan, even if the first plan is terminated. If the plan has changed its name from the prior year filing(s), complete line 4 to indicate that the plan was previously identified by a different name.
Line 1b. top Enter the three-digit plan or entity number (PN) the employer or plan administrator assigned to the plan or DFE. This three-digit number, in conjunction with the employer identification number (EIN) entered on line 2b, is used by the IRS, DOL, and PBGC as a unique 12-digit number to identify the plan or DFE.
Start at 001 for plans providing pension benefits, plans providing pension and welfare benefits, or DFEs as illustrated in the table below. Start at 501 for plans providing only welfare benefits and GIAs. Do not use 888 or 999.
Once you use a plan or DFE number, continue to use it for that plan or DFE on all future filings with the IRS, DOL, and PBGC. Do not use it for any other plan or DFE, even if the first plan or DFE is terminated.
| For each Form 5500 with the same EIN (line 2b), when |
Assign PN |
|---|---|
| Part II,
line 8a is completed, or Part I, line A, for a DFE is checked and an M, C, P, or E is entered |
001 to the first plan or DFE. Consecutively number others as 002, 003… |
| Part II, line 8b is completed and 8a is not checked, or Part I, line A, for a DFE is checked and a G is entered |
501 to the first plan or GIA. Consecutively number others as 502, 503... |
Exception. If Part II, line 8a is completed and 333 (or a higher number in a sequence beginning with 333) was previously assigned to the plan, that number may be entered on line 1b.
Line 1c. top Enter the date the plan first became effective.
Line 2a. top Limit your response to the information required in each row as specified below:
The term "plan sponsor" means:
Note. In the case of a multiple-employer plan, file only one annual return/report for the plan. If an association or other entity is not the sponsor, enter the name of a participating employer as sponsor. A plan of a controlled group of corporations should enter the name of one of the sponsoring members. In either case, the same name must be used in all subsequent filings of the Form 5500 for the multiple-employer plan or controlled group (see instructions to line 4 concerning change in sponsorship).
Note. Use the IRS Form 8822-B, Change of Address - Business, to notify the IRS if the address provided here is a change in your business mailing address or your business location.
Line 2b. top Enter the nine-digit employer identification number (EIN) assigned to the plan sponsor/employer, for example, 00-1234567. In the case of a DFE, enter the employer identification number (EIN) assigned to the CCT, PSA, MTIA, 103-12 IE, or GIA.
Do not use a social security number in lieu of an EIN. The Form 5500 is open to public inspection, and the contents are public information and are subject to publication on the Internet. Because of privacy concerns, the inclusion of a social security number or any portion thereof on this line may result in the rejection of the filing.
Employers without an EIN must apply for one as soon as possible. The EBSA does not issue EINs. To apply for an EIN from the IRS:
A multiple-employer plan or plan of a controlled group of corporations should use the EIN of the sponsor identified in line 2a. The EIN must be used in all subsequent filings of the Form 5500 for these plans (see instructions to line 4 concerning change in EIN).
If the plan sponsor is a group of individuals, get a single EIN for the group. When you apply for the EIN, provide the name of the group, such as "Joint Board of Trustees of the Local 187 Machinists' Retirement Plan." (If filing Form SS-4, enter the group name on line 1.)
Note. EINs for funds (trusts or custodial accounts) associated with plans (other than DFEs) are generally not required to be furnished on the Form 5500; the IRS will issue EINs for such funds for other reporting purposes. EINs may be obtained as explained above. Plan sponsors should use the trust EIN described above when opening a bank account or conducting other transactions for a trust that require an EIN.
Line 2d. top Enter the six-digit business code from the list of business codes on pages 78, 79, and 80 that:
Do not enter code 525100 (Insurance & Employee Benefit Funds) or 813930 (Labor Unions and Similar Labor Organizations) unless the predominant industry in which the active participants are employed is the industry of insurance and employee benefit funds, or labor unions and similar labor organizations.
Line 3a. top Please limit your response to the information required:
The term "plan administrator" means:
Line 3b. top Enter the plan administrator's nine-digit EIN. A plan administrator must have an EIN for Form 5500 reporting purposes. If the plan administrator does not have an EIN, apply for one as explained in the instructions for line 2b. One EIN should be entered for a group of individuals who are, collectively, the plan administrator.
Note. Employees of the plan sponsor who perform administrative functions for the plan are generally not the plan administrator unless specifically designated in the plan document. If an employee of the plan sponsor is designated as the plan administrator, that employee must get an EIN.
Line 4. top If the plan sponsor's or DFE's name and/or EIN have changed since the last return/report was filed for this plan or DFE, enter the plan sponsor's or DFE's name, EIN, and the plan number as it appeared on the last return/report filed.
Caution! The failure to indicate on line 4 that a plan sponsor was previously identified by a different name or a different employer identification number (EIN) could result in correspondence from the DOL and the IRS.
Lines 5 and 6. top All filers must complete both lines 5 and 6 unless the Form 5500 is filed for an IRA Plan described in Limited Pension Plan Reporting or for a DFE.
The description of "participant" in the instructions below is only for purposes of these lines.
An individual becomes a participant covered under an employee welfare benefit plan on the earliest of:
See 29 CFR 2510.3-3(d)(1). This includes former employees who are receiving group health continuation coverage benefits pursuant to Part 6 of ERISA and who are covered by the employee welfare benefit plan. Covered dependents are not counted as participants. A child who is an "alternate recipient" entitled to health benefits under a qualified medical child support order (QMCSO) should not be counted as a participant for lines 5 and 6. An individual is not a participant covered under an employee welfare plan on the earliest date on which the individual (a) is ineligible to receive any benefit under the plan even if the contingency for which such benefit is provided should occur, and (b) is not designated by the plan as a participant. See 29 CFR 2510.3-3(d)(2).
TIP. Before counting the number of participants, especially in a welfare benefit plan, it is important to determine whether the plan sponsor has established one or more plans for Form 5500/Form 5500-SF reporting purposes. As a matter of plan design, plan sponsors can offer benefits through various structures and combinations. For example, a plan sponsor could create (i) one plan providing major medical benefits, dental benefits, and vision benefits, (ii) two plans with one providing major medical benefits and the other providing self-insured dental and vision benefits; or (iii) three separate plans. You must review the governing documents and actual operations to determine whether welfare benefits are being provided under a single plan or separate plans.
The fact that you have separate insurance policies for each different welfare benefit does not necessarily mean that you have separate plans. Some plan sponsors use a "wrap" document to incorporate various benefits and insurance policies into one comprehensive plan. In addition, whether a benefit arrangement is deemed to be a single plan may be different for purposes other than Form 5500/Form 5500-SF reporting. For example, special rules may apply for purposes of HIPAA, COBRA, and Internal Revenue Code compliance. If you need help determining whether you have a single welfare benefit plan for Form 5500/Form 5500-SF reporting purposes, you should consult a qualified benefits consultant or legal counsel.
For pension benefit plans, "alternate payees" entitled to benefits under a qualified domestic relations order are not to be counted as participants for this line.
For pension benefit plans, "participant" for this line means any individual who is included in one of the categories below:
Line 6g. top Enter the number of participants included on line 6f (total participants at the end of the plan year) who have account balances. For example, for a Code section 401(k) plan the number entered on line 6g should be the number of participants counted on line 6f who have made a contribution, or for whom a contribution has been made, to the plan for this plan year or any prior plan year. Defined benefit plans should leave line 6g blank.
Line 6h. top Include any individual who terminated employment during this plan year, whether or not he or she (a) incurred a break in service, (b) received an irrevocable commitment from an insurance company to pay all the benefits to which he or she is entitled under the plan, and/or (c) received a cash distribution or deemed cash distribution of his or her nonforfeitable accrued benefit. Multiemployer plans and multiple-employer plans that are collectively bargained do not have to complete line 6h.
Line 7. top Only multiemployer plans should complete line 7. Multiemployer plans must enter the total number of employers obligated to contribute to the plan. For purposes of line 7 of the Form 5500, an employer obligated to contribute is defined as an employer who, during the 2020 plan year, is a party to the collective bargaining agreement(s) pursuant to which the plan is maintained or who may otherwise be subject to withdrawal liability pursuant to ERISA section 4203. Any two or more contributing entities (e.g., places of business with separate collective bargaining agreements) that have the same nine digit employer identification number (EIN) must be aggregated and counted as one employer for this purpose.
Line 8 - Benefits Provided Under the Plan. top In the boxes for line 8a and 8b, as appropriate, enter all applicable plan characteristics codes that applied during the reporting year from the List of Plan Characteristic Codes on pages 19 and 20 that describe the characteristics of the plan being reported.
Note. In the case of an eligible combined plan under Code section 414(x) and ERISA section 210(e), the codes entered in line 8a must include any codes applicable for either the defined benefit pension features or the defined contribution pension features of the plan.
Caution! For plan sponsors of Puerto Rico plans, enter characteristic code 3C only if:
Line 9 - Funding and Benefit Arrangements. top Check all boxes that apply to indicate the funding and benefit arrangements used during the plan year. The "funding arrangement" is the method for the receipt, holding, investment, and transmittal of plan assets prior to the time the plan actually provides benefits. The "benefit arrangement" is the method by which the plan provides benefits to participants. For purposes of line 9:
"Insurance" means the plan has an account, contract, or policy with an insurance company, insurance service, or other similar organization (such as Blue Cross, Blue Shield, or a health maintenance organization) during the plan or DFE year. (This includes investments with insurance companies such as guaranteed investment contracts (GICs).) An annuity account arrangement under Code section 403(b)(1) that is required to complete the Form 5500 should mark "insurance" for both the plan funding arrangement and plan benefit arrangement. Do not check "insurance" if the sole function of the insurance company was to provide administrative services.
"Code section 412(e)(3) insurance contracts" are contracts that provide retirement benefits under a plan that are guaranteed by an insurance carrier. In general, such contracts must provide for level premium payments over the individual's period of participation in the plan (to retirement age), premiums must be timely paid as currently required under the contract, no rights under the contract may be subject to a security interest, and no policy loans may be outstanding. If a plan is funded exclusively by the purchase of such contracts, the otherwise applicable minimum funding requirements of section 412 of the Code and section 302 of ERISA do not apply for the year and neither the Schedule MB nor the Schedule SB is required to be filed.
"Trust" includes any fund or account that receives, holds, transmits, or invests plan assets other than an account or policy of an insurance company. A custodial account arrangement under Code section 403(b)(7) that is required to complete the Form 5500 should mark "trust" for both the plan funding arrangement and the plan benefit arrangement.
"General assets of the sponsor" means either the plan had no assets or some assets were commingled with the general assets of the plan sponsor prior to the time the plan actually provided the benefits promised.
Example. If the plan holds all its assets invested in registered investment companies and other non-insurance company investments until it purchases annuities to pay out the benefits promised under the plan, box 9a(3) should be checked as the funding arrangement and box 9b(1) should be checked as the benefit arrangement.
Note. An employee benefit plan that checks boxes 9a(1), 9a(2), 9b(1), and/or 9b(2) must attach Schedule A (Form 5500), Insurance Information, to provide information concerning each contract year ending with or within the plan year. See the instructions to the Schedule A and enter the number of Schedules A on line 10b(3), if applicable.
Line 10. top Check the boxes on line 10 to indicate the schedules being filed and, where applicable, count the schedules and enter the number of attached schedules in the space provided.
Line 11a. top All plans providing welfare benefits must complete Part III, line 11a by answering either "Yes" or "No". Do not leave the answer blank. If the plan is a multiple-employer welfare arrangement or an Entity Claiming Exception (ECE) subject to the Form M-1, Report for Multiple-Employer Welfare Arrangements (MEWAs) and Certain Entities Claiming Exception (ECEs) filing requirements, check "Yes" and complete line 11, elements 11b and 11c. If the answer is "No," skip elements 11b and 11c of line 11.
Generally, a Form M-1 must be filed each year by March 1st following the calendar year in which a plan operates subject to the Form M-1 filing requirement. (For example, a plan MEWA that was operating in 2020 must file the 2020 Form M-1 annual report by March 1, 2021.) In addition, Form M-1 filings are necessary in the case of certain registration, origination, or special events. See the instructions for Form M-1 at http://www.askebsa.dol.gov/mewa, and 29 CFR 2520.101-2 for more information regarding the Form M-1 filing requirements for plan MEWAs and ECEs.
Line 11b. top All plans that answered "Yes" in line 11a must complete line 11b by answering either "Yes" or "No." Do not leave the answer blank.
Line 11c. top All plans that answered "Yes" in line 11a must enter a Receipt Confirmation Code for the 2020 Form M-1 annual report that was required to be filed with the Department of Labor under the Form M-1 filing requirements. The Receipt Confirmation Code is a unique code generated by the Form M-1 electronic filing system. You can find this code under the "completed filings" area when you log into your Form M-1 electronic filing system at http://www.askebsa.dol.gov/mewa.
If a plan that is subject to the Form M-1 filing requirements was not required to file a 2020 Form M-1 annual report, enter the Receipt Confirmation Code for the most recent Form M-1 that was required to be filed under the Form M-1 filing requirements on or before the date of filing the 2020 Form 5500. (For example, if a plan was not required to file a 2020 Form M-1 annual report by March 1, 2021 for the 2020 calendar year because it experienced a registration event between October 1 and December 31, 2020, and made a timely Form M-1 registration filing, the plan must enter on line 11c of the 2020 Form 5500 the Receipt Confirmation Code issued for the Form M-1 registration filing.)
Caution! A welfare benefit plan's failure to answer line 11a, and if applicable, lines 11b and 11c, or enter a valid Receipt Confirmation Code in line 11c, will subject the Form 5500 filing to rejection as incomplete and civil penalties may be assessed pursuant to ERISA Section 502(c)(2) and 29 CFR 2560.502c-2.
| top LIST OF PLAN CHARACTERISTICS CODES FOR LINES 8a AND 8b | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| CODE |
Defined Benefit Pension Features | ||
| 1A |
Benefits are primarily pay related. |
2T | Total or partial participant-directed account plan - plan uses default investment account for participants who fail to direct assets in their account. |
| 1B |
Benefits are primarily flat dollar (includes dollars per year of service). |
CODE |
Other Pension Benefit Features
|
| 1C |
Cash balance or similar plan - Plan has a "cash balance" formula. For this purpose, a "cash balance" formula is a benefit formula in a defined benefit plan by whatever name (for example, personal account plan, pension equity plan, life cycle plan, cash account plan, etc.) that rather than, or in addition to, expressing the accrued benefit as a life annuity commencing at normal retirement age, defines benefits for each employee in terms more common to a defined contribution plan such as a single sum distribution amount (for example, 10% of final average pay times years of service, or the amount of the employee's hypothetical account balance). |
3B | Use this code if the plan covered self-employed individuals in the return year. |
| 1D |
Floor-offset plan - to offset for retirement benefits provided by an employer-sponsored defined contribution plan. |
3C | Plan not intended to be qualified - A plan not intended to be qualified under Code sections 401, 403, or 408. |
| 1E |
Code section 401(h) arrangement - Plan contains separate accounts under Code section 401(h) to provide employee health benefits. |
3D | Pre-approved pension plan - A pre-approved plan under sections 401, 403(a), and 4975(e)(7) of the Code that is subject to a favorable opinion letter from the IRS. |
| 1F |
Code section 414(k) arrangement - Benefits are based partly on the balance of the separate account of the participant (also include appropriate defined contribution pension feature codes). |
3F | Plan sponsor(s) received services of leased employees, as defined in Code section 414(n), during the plan year. |
| 1H |
Plan covered by PBGC that was terminated and closed out for PBGC purposes - Before the end of the plan year (or a prior plan year), (1) the plan terminated in a standard (or distress) termination and completed the distribution of plan assets in satisfaction of all benefit liabilities (or all ERISA Title IV benefits for distress termination); or (2) a trustee was appointed for a terminated plan pursuant to ERISA section 4042. |
3H | Plan sponsor(s) is (are) a member(s) of a controlled group (Code sections 414(b), (c), or of an affiliated service group under section 414(m)). |
| 1I |
Frozen plan - As of the last day of the plan year, the plan provides that no participant will get any new benefit accrual (whether because of service or compensation). |
3I | Plan requiring that all or part of employer contributions be invested and held, at least for a limited period, in employer securities. |
| CODE |
Defined Contribution Pension Features |
3J | U.S.-based plan that covers residents of Puerto Rico and is qualified under both Code section 401 and section 1165 of the Internal Revenue Code of Puerto Rico. |
| 2A |
Use this code if employer contributions in the return year were based on one of the following allocation types: Age/service weighted or new comparability or similar plan - Age/service weighted plan: Allocations are based on age, service, or age and service. New comparability or similar plan: Allocations are based on participant classifications and a classification(s) consists entirely or predominantly of highly compensated employees; or the plan provides an additional allocation rate on compensation above a specified threshold, and the threshold or additional rate exceeds the maximum threshold or rate allowed under the permitted disparity rules of Code section 401(l). |
CODE | Welfare Benefit Features |
| 2B |
Target benefit plan. |
4A | Health (other than vision or dental). |
| 2C |
Money purchase (other than target benefit) plan. |
4B | Life insurance. |
| 2D |
Offset plan - Plan benefits are subject to offset for retirement benefits provided in another plan or arrangement of the employer. |
4C | Supplemental unemployment. |
| 2E |
Profit-sharing plan. | 4D | Dental. |
| 2F |
ERISA section 404(c) plan - This plan, or any part of it, is intended to meet the conditions of 29 CFR 2550.404c-1. | 4E | Vision. |
| 2G |
Total participant-directed account plan - Participants have the opportunity to direct the investment of all the assets allocated to their individual accounts, regardless of whether 29 CFR 2550.404c-1 is intended to be met. | 4F | Temporary disability (accident and sickness). |
| 2H |
Partial participant-directed account plan - Participants have the opportunity to direct the investment of a portion of the assets allocated to their individual accounts, regardless of whether 29 CFR 2550.404c-1 is intended to be met. | 4G | Prepaid legal. |
| 2I |
Stock bonus. |
4H | Long-term disability. |
| 2J |
Code section 401(k) feature - A cash or deferred arrangement described in Code section 401(k) that is part of a qualified defined contribution plan that provides for an election by employees to defer part of their compensation or receive these amounts in cash. | 4I |
Severance pay. |
| 2K |
Code section 401(m) arrangement - Employee contributions are allocated to separate accounts under the plan or employer contributions are based, in whole or in part, on employee deferrals or contributions to the plan. Not applicable if plan is Code section 401(k) plan with only QNECs and/or QMACs. Also not applicable if a plan is a Code section 403(b)(1), 403(b)(7), or 408 arrangement/ accounts annuities. | 4J |
Apprenticeship and training. |
| 2L |
An annuity contract purchased by Code section 501(c)(3) organization or public school as described in Code section 403(b)(1) arrangement. | 4K |
Scholarship (funded). |
| 2M |
Custodial accounts for regulated investment company stock as described in Code section 403(b)(7). | 4L |
Death benefits (include travel accident but not life insurance). |
| 2N |
Code section 408 accounts and annuities - See Limited Pension Plan Reporting instructions for pension plan utilizing Code section 408 individual retirement accounts or annuities as the funding vehicle for providing benefits. |
4P |
Taft-Hartley Financial Assistance for Employee Housing Expenses. |
| 2O |
ESOP other than a leveraged ESOP. |
4Q |
Other. |
| 2P |
Leveraged ESOP - An ESOP that acquires employer securities with borrowed money or other debt-financing techniques. |
4R |
Unfunded, fully insured, or combination unfunded/fully insured welfare plan that will not file an annual report for next plan year pursuant to 29 CFR 2520.104-20. |
| 2Q |
The employer maintaining this ESOP is an S corporation. |
4S |
Unfunded, fully insured, or combination unfunded/fully insured welfare plan that stopped filing annual reports in an earlier plan year pursuant to 29 CFR 2520.104-20. |
| 2R | Participant-directed brokerage accounts provided as an investment option under the plan. | 4T |
10 or more employer plan under Code section 419A(f)(6). |
| 2S |
401(k) plan or 403(b) plan that provides for automatic enrollment in plan that has elective contributions deducted from payroll. | 4U |
Collectively-bargained welfare benefit arrangement under Code section 419A(f)(5). |
| top Forms 5500, 5500-SF, and 5500-EZ Codes for Principal Business Activity |
This
list of principal business activities and their associated codes is designed to classify an enterprise by the type of activity in which it is engaged. |
These principal activity codes are based on the North American Industry Classification System. |
|
|
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing 111100 Oilseed & Grain Farming 111210 Vegetable & Melon Farming (including potatoes & yams) 111300 Fruit & Tree Nut Farming 111400 Greenhouse, Nursery, & Floriculture Production 111900 Other Crop Farming (including tobacco, cotton, sugarcane, hay, peanut, sugar beet, & all other crop farming) Animal Production 112111 Beef Cattle Ranching & Farming 112112 Cattle Feedlots 112120 Dairy Cattle & Milk Production 112210 Hog & Pig Farming 112300 Poultry & Egg Production 112400 Sheep & Goat Farming 112510 Aquaculture (including shellfish & finfish farms & hatcheries) 112900 Other Animal Production Forestry and Logging 113110 Timber Tract Operations 113210 Forest Nurseries & Gathering of Forest Products 113310 Logging Fishing, Hunting and Trapping 114110 Fishing 114210 Hunting & Trapping Support Activities for Agriculture and Forestry 115110 Support Activities for Crop Production (including cotton ginning, soil preparation, planting, & cultivating) 115210 Support Activities for Animal Production 115310 Support Activities for Forestry |
Wholesale Trade Merchant Wholesalers, DurableGoods 423100 Motor Vehicle, & Motor Vehicle Parts & Supplies 423200 Furniture & Home Furnishings 423300 Lumber & Other Construction Materials 423400 Professional & Commercial Equipment & Supplies 423500 Metal & Mineral (except petroleum) 423600 Household Appliances and Electrical & Electronic Goods 423700 Hardware, Plumbing, & Heating Equipment & Supplies 423800 Machinery, Equipment, & Supplies 423910 Sporting & Recreational Goods & Supplies 423920 Toy, & Hobby Goods, & Supplies 423930 Recyclable Materials 423940 Jewelry, Watch, Precious Stone, & Precious Metals 423990 Other Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods 424100 Paper & Paper Products 424210 Drugs & Druggists' Sundries 424300 Apparel, Piece Goods, & Notions 424400 Grocery & Related Products 424500 Farm Product Raw Materials 424600 Chemical & Allied Products 424700 Petroleum & Petroleum Products 424800 Beer, Wine, & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages 424910 Farm Supplies 424920 Book, Periodical, & Newspapers 424930 Flower, Nursery Stock, & Florists' Supplies 424940 Tobacco & Tobacco Products 424950 Paint, Varnish, & Supplies 424990 Other Miscellaneous Nondurable Goods Wholesale Electronic Markets and Agents and Brokers 425110 Business to Business Electronic Markets 425120 Wholesale Trade Agents & Brokers |
Finance and Insurance Depository Credit Intermediation522110 Commercial Banking 522120 Savings Institutions 522130 Credit Unions 522190 Other Depository Credit Intermediation Nondepository Credit Intermediation 522210 Credit Card Issuing 522220 Sales Financing 522291 Consumer Lending 522292 Real Estate Credit (including mortgage bankers & originators) 522293 International Trade Financing 522294 Secondary Market Financing 522298 All Other Nondepository Credit Intermediation Activities Related to Credit Intermediation 522300 Activities Related to Credit Intermediation (including loan brokers, check clearing, & money transmitting) Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities 523110 Investment Banking & Securities Dealing 523120 Securities Brokerage 523130 Commodity Contracts Dealing 523140 Commodity Contracts Brokerage 523210 Securities & Commodity Exchanges 523900 Other Financial Investment Activities (including portfolio management & investment advice) Insurance Carriers and Related Activities 524130 Reinsurance Carriers 524140 Direct Life, Health, & Medical Insurance Carriers 524150 Direct Insurance (except Life, Health & Medical) Carriers 524210 Insurance Agencies & Brokerages 524290 Other Insurance Related Activities (including third- party administration of Insurance and pension funds) Funds, Trusts, and Other Financial Vehicles 525100 Insurance & Employee Benefit Funds 525910 Open-End Investment Funds (Form 1120-RIC) 525920 Trusts, Estates, & Agency Accounts 525990 Other Financial Vehicles (including mortgage REITs & closed-end investment funds) "Offices of Bank Holding Companies" and "Offices of Other Holding Companies" are located under Management of Companies (Holding Companies). |
Educational Services 611000 Educational Services(including schools, colleges, & universities) |
|
Mining 211120 Crude Petroleum Extraction211130 Natural Gas Extraction 212110 Coal Mining 212200 Metal Ore Mining 212310 Stone Mining & Quarrying 212320 Sand, Gravel, Clay, & Ceramic & Refractory Minerals Mining, & Quarrying 212390 Other Nonmetallic Mineral Mining & Quarrying 213110 Support Activities for Mining |
Health Care and Social Assistance Offices of Physicians and Dentists621111 Offices of Physicians (except mental health specialists) 621112 Offices of Physicians, Mental Health Specialists 621210 Offices of Dentists Offices of Other Health Practitioners 621310 Offices of Chiropractors 621320 Offices of Optometrists 621330 Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians) 621340 Offices of Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapists, & Audiologists 621391 Offices of Podiatrists 621399 Offices of all Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners Outpatient Care Centers 621410 Family Planning Centers 621420 Outpatient Mental Health & Substance Abuse Centers 621491 HMO Medical Centers 621492 Kidney Dialysis Centers 621493 Freestanding Ambulatory Surgical & Emergency Centers 621498 All Other Outpatient Care Centers Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories 621510 Medical & Diagnostic Laboratories Home Health Care Services 621610 Home Health Care Services Other Ambulatory Health Care Services 621900 Other Ambulatory Health Care Services (including ambulance services & blood & organ banks) Hospitals 622000 Hospitals Nursing and Residential Care Facilities 623000 Nursing & Residential Care Facilities Social Assistance 624100 Individual & Family Services 624200 Community Food & Housing, & Emergency & Other Relief Services 624310 Vocational Rehabilitation Services 624410 Child Day Care Services |
||
|
Utilities 221100 Electric Power Generation,Transmission & Distribution 221210 Natural Gas Distribution 221300 Water, Sewage & Other Systems 221500 Combination Gas & Electric |
Retail Trade Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers441110 New Car Dealers 441120 Used Car Dealers 441210 Recreational Vehicle Dealers 441222 Boat Dealers 441228 Motorcycle, ATV, and All Other Motor Vehicle Dealers 441300 Automotive Parts, Accessories, & Tire Stores Furniture and Home Furnishings Stores 442110 Furniture Stores 442210 Floor Covering Stores 442291 Window Treatment Stores 442299 All Other Home Furnishings Stores Electronics and Appliance Stores 443141 Household Appliance Stores 443142 Electronics Stores (including Audio, Video, Computer, and Camera Stores) Building Material and Garden Equipment and Supplies Dealers 444110 Home Centers 444120 Paint & Wallpaper Stores 444130 Hardware Stores 444190 Other Building Material Dealers 444200 Lawn & Garden Equipment & Supplies Stores Food and Beverage Stores 445110 Supermarkets and Other Grocery (except Convenience) Stores 445120 Convenience Stores 445210 Meat Markets 445220 Fish & Seafood Markets 445230 Fruit & Vegetable Markets 445291 Baked Goods Stores 445292 Confectionery & Nut Stores 445299 All Other Specialty Food Stores 445310 Beer, Wine, & Liquor Stores Health and Personal Care Stores 446110 Pharmacies & Drug Stores 446120 Cosmetics, Beauty Supplies, & Perfume Stores 446130 Optical Goods Stores 446190 Other Health & Personal Care Stores Gasoline Stations 447100 Gasoline Stations (including convenience stores with gas) Clothing and Clothing Accessories Stores 448110 Men's Clothing Stores 448120 Women's Clothing Stores 448130 Children's & Infants' Clothing Stores 448140 Family Clothing Stores 448150 Clothing Accessories Stores 448190 Other Clothing Stores 448210 Shoe Stores 448310 Jewelry Stores 448320 Luggage & Leather Goods Stores Sporting Goods, Hobby, Book, and Music Stores 451110 Sporting Goods Stores 451120 Hobby, Toy, & Game Stores 451130 Sewing, Needlework, & Piece Goods Stores 451140 Musical Instrument & Supplies Stores 451211 Book Stores 451212 News Dealers & Newsstands General Merchandise Stores 452200 Department Stores 452300 General Merchandise Stores, incl. Warehouse Clubs & Supercenters Miscellaneous Store Retailers 453110 Florists 453210 Office Supplies & Stationery Stores 453220 Gift, Novelty, & Souvenir Stores 453310 Used Merchandise Stores 453910 Pet & Pet Supplies Stores 453920 Art Dealers 453930 Manufactured (Mobile) Home Dealers 453990 All Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers (including tobacco, candle, & trophy shops) Nonstore Retailers 454110 Electronic Shopping & Mail-Order Houses 454210 Vending Machine Operators 454310 Fuel Dealers (including Heating Oil and Liquefied Petroleum) 454390 Other Direct Selling Establishments (including door-to-door retailing, frozen food plan providers, party plan merchandisers, & coffee-break service providers) |
Real Estate and Rental and 531110 Lessors of Residential Buildings & Dwellings (including equity REITs) 531120 Lessors of Nonresidential Buildings (except Miniwarehouses) (including equity REITs) 531130 Lessors of Miniwarehouses & Self-Storage Units (including equity REITs) 531190 Lessors of Other Real Estate 531210 Offices of Real Estate Agents & Brokers 531310 Real Estate Property Managers 531320 Offices of Real Estate Appraisers 531390 Other Activities Related to Real Estate Rental and Leasing Services 532100 Automotive Equipment Rental & Leasing 532210 Consumer Electronics & Appliances Rental 532281 Formal Wear & Costume Rental 532282 Video Tape & Disc Rental 532283 Home Health Equipment Rental 532284 Recreational Goods Rental 532289 All Other Consumer Goods Rental 532310 General Rental Centers 532400 Commercial & Industrial Machinery & Equipment Rental & Leasing Lessors of Nonfinancial Intangible Assets (except copyrighted works) 533110 Lessors of Nonfinancial Intangible Assets (except copyrighted works) |
|
|
Construction Construction of Buildings236110 Residential Building Construction 236200 Nonresidential Building Construction Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction 237100 Utility System Construction 237210 Land Subdivision 237310 Highway, Street, & Bridge Construction 237990 Other Heavy & Civil Engineering Construction Specialty Trade Contractors 238100 Foundation, Structure, & Building Exterior Contractors (including framing carpentry, masonry, glass, roofing, & siding) 238210 Electrical Contractors 238220 Plumbing, Heating, & Air-Conditioning Contractors 238290 Other Building Equipment Contractors 238300 Building Finishing Contractors (including drywall, insulation, painting, wallcovering, flooring, tile, & finish carpentry) 238900 Other Specialty Trade Contractors (including site preparation) |
Professional, Scientific, and 541110 Offices of Lawyers 541190 Other Legal Services Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services 541211 Offices of Certified Public Accountants 541213 Tax Preparation Services 541214 Payroll Services 541219 Other Accounting Services Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services 541310 Architectural Services 541320 Landscape Architecture Services 541330 Engineering Services 541340 Drafting Services 541350 Building Inspection Services 541360 Geophysical Surveying & Mapping Services 541370 Surveying & Mapping (except Geophysical) Services 541380 Testing Laboratories Specialized Design Services 541400 Specialized Design Services (including interior, industrial, graphic, & fashion design) Computer Systems Design and Related Services 541511 Custom Computer Programming Services 541512 Computer Systems Design Services 541513 Computer Facilities Management Services 541519 Other Computer Related Services Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 541600 Management, Scientific, & Technical Consulting Services 541700 Scientific Research & Development Services 541800 Advertising & Related Services 541910 Marketing Research & Public Opinion Polling 541920 Photographic Services 541930 Translation & Interpretation Services 541940 Veterinary Services 541990 All Other Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services |
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries 711100 Performing Arts Companies 711210 Spectator Sports (including sports clubs & racetracks) 711300 Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, & Similar Events 711410 Agents & Managers for Artists, Athletes, Entertainers, & Other Public Figures 711510 Independent Artists, Writers, & Performers Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions 712100 Museums, Historical Sites, & Similar Institutions Amusements, Gambling, and Recreation Industries 713100 Amusement Parks & Arcades 713200 Gambling Industries 713900 Other Amusement & Recreation Industries (including golf courses, skiing facilities, marinas, fitness centers, & bowling centers) |
|
|
Manufacturing Food Manufacturing311110 Animal Food Mfg 311200 Grain & Oilseed Milling 311300 Sugar & Confectionary Product Mfg 311400 Fruit & Vegetable Preserving & Specialty Food Mfg 311500 Dairy Product Mfg 311610 Animal Slaughtering and Processing 311710 Seafood Product Preparation & Packaging 311800 Bakeries, Tortilla & Dry Pasta Mfg 311900 Other Food Mfg (including coffee, tea, flavorings & seasonings) Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing 312110 Soft Drink & Ice Mfg 312120 Breweries 312130 Wineries 312140 Distilleries 312200 Tobacco Manufacturing Textile Mills and Textile Product Mills 313000 Textile Mills 314000 Textile Product Mills Apparel Manufacturing 315100 Apparel Knitting Mills 315210 Cut & Sew Apparel Contractors 315220 Men's & Boys' Cut & Sew Apparel Mfg. 315240 Women's, Girls' and Infants' Cut & Sew Apparel Mfg. 315280 Other Cut & Sew Apparel Mfg 315990 Apparel Accessories & Other Apparel Mfg Leather and Allied Product Manufacturing 316110 Leather & Hide Tanning, & Finishing 316210 Footwear Mfg (including rubber & plastics) 316990 Other Leather & Allied Product Mfg Wood Product Manufacturing 321110 Sawmills & Wood Preservation 321210 Veneer, Plywood, & Engineered Wood Product Mfg 321900 Other Wood Product Mfg Paper Manufacturing 322100 Pulp, Paper, & Paperboard Mills 322200 Converted Paper Product Mfg Printing and Related Support Activities 323100 Printing & Related Support Activities Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing 324110 Petroleum Refineries (including integrated) 324120 Asphalt Paving, Roofing, & Saturated Materials Mfg 324190 Other Petroleum & Coal Products Mfg Chemical Manufacturing 325100 Basic Chemical M 325200 Resin, Synthetic Rubber, & Artificial & Synthetic Fibers & Filaments Mfg 325300 Pesticide, Fertilizer, & Other Agricultural Chemical Mfg 325410 Pharmaceutical & Medicine Mfg 325500 Paint, Coating, & Adhesive Mfg 325600 Soap, Cleaning Compound, & Toilet Preparation Mfg 325900 Other Chemical Product & Preparation Mfg Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing 326100 Plastics Product Mfg 326200 Rubber Product Mfg Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing 327100 Clay Product & Refractory Mfg 327210 Glass & Glass Product Mfg 327300 Cement & Concrete Product Mfg 327400 Lime & Gypsum Product Mfg 327900 Other Nonmetallic Mineral Product Mfg Primary Metal Manufacturing 331110 Iron & Steel Mills & Ferroalloy Mfg 331200 Steel Product Mfg from Purchased Steel 331310 Alumina & Aluminum Production & Processing 331400 Nonferrous Metal (except Aluminum) Production & Processing 331500 Foundries Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing 332110 Forging & Stamping 332210 Cutlery & Handtool Mfg 332300 Architectural & Structural Metals Mfg 332400 Boiler, Tank, & Shipping Container Mfg 332510 Hardware Mfg 332610 Spring & Wire Product Mfg 332700 Machine Shops; Turned Product; & Screw, Nut, & Bolt Mfg 332810 Coating, Engraving, Heat Treating, & Allied Activities 332900 Other Fabricated Metal Product Mfg Machinery Manufacturing 333100 Agriculture, Construction, & Mining Machinery Mfg 333200 Industrial Machinery Mfg 333310 Commercial & Service Industry Machinery Mfg 333410 Ventilation, Heating, Air-Conditioning, & Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Mfg 333510 Metalworking Machinery Mfg 333610 Engine, Turbine & Power Transmission Equipment Mfg 333900 Other General Purpose Machinery Mfg Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing 334110 Computer & Peripheral Equipment Mfg 334200 Communications Equipment Mfg 334310 Audio & Video Equipment Mfg 334410 Semiconductor & Other Electronic Component Mfg 334500 Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, & Control Instruments Mfg 334610 Manufacturing & Reproducing Magnetic & Optical Media Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing 335100 Electric Lighting Equipment Mfg 335200 Household Appliance Mfg 335310 Electrical Equipment Mfg 335900 Other Electrical Equipment & Component Mfg Transportation Equipment Manufacturing 336100 Motor Vehicle Mfg 336210 Motor Vehicle Body & Trailer Mfg 336300 Motor Vehicle Parts Mfg 336410 Aerospace Product & Parts Mfg 336510 Railroad Rolling Stock Mfg 336610 Ship & Boat Building 336990 Other Transportation Equipment Mfg Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing 337000 Furniture & Related Product Manufacturing Miscellaneous Manufacturing 339110 Medical Equipment & Supplies Mfg 339900 Other Miscellaneous Mfg |
Accommodation and Food Services Accommodation721110 Hotels (except Casino Hotels) & Motels 721120 Casino Hotels 721191 Bed & Breakfast Inns 721199 All other Traveler Accommodation 721210 RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks & Recreational Camps 721310 Rooming & Boarding Houses Food Services and Drinking Places 722300 Special Food Services (including food service contractors & caterers) 722410 Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) 722511 Full-Service Restaurants 722513 Limited-Service Restaurants 722514 Cafeterias and Buffets 722515 Snack and Non-alcoholic Beverage Bars |
||
|
Transportation and 481000 Air Transportation 482110 Rail Transportation 483000 Water Transportation Truck Transportation 484110 General Freight Trucking, Local 484120 General Freight Trucking, Long-distance 484200 Specialized Freight Trucking Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation 485110 Urban Transit Systems 485210 Interurban & Rural Bus Transportation 485310 Taxi Service 485320 Limousine Service 485410 School & Employee Bus Transportation 485510 Charter Bus Industry 485990 Other Transit & Ground Passenger Transportation Pipeline Transportation 486000 Pipeline Transportation Scenic & Sightseeing Transportation 487000 Scenic & Sightseeing Transportation Support Activities for Transportation 488100 Support Activities for Air Transportation 488210 Support Activities for Rail Transportation 488300 Support Activities for Water Transportation 488410 Motor Vehicle Towing 488490 Other Support Activities for Road Transportation 488510 Freight Transportation Arrangement 488990 Other Support Activities for Transportation Couriers and Messengers 492110 Couriers 492210 Local Messengers & Local Delivery Warehousing and Storage 493100 Warehousing & Storage (except lessors of miniwarehouses & self-storage units) |
Management of Companies Companies 551112 Offices of Other Holding Companies |
Other Services Repair and Maintenance811110 Automotive Mechanical, & Electrical Repair & Maintenance 811120 Automotive Body, Paint, Interior, & Glass Repair 811190 Other Automotive Repair & Maintenance (including oil change & lubrication shops & car washes) 811210 Electronic & Precision Equipment Repair & Maintenance 811310 Commercial & Industrial Machinery & Equipment (except Automotive & Electronic) Repair & Maintenance 811410 Home & Garden Equipment & Appliance Repair & Maintenance 811420 Reupholstery & Furniture Repair 811430 Footwear & Leather Goods Repair 811490 Other Personal & Household Goods Repair & Maintenance Personal and Laundry Services 812111 Barber Shops 812112 Beauty Salons 812113 Nail Salons 812190 Other Personal Care Services (including diet & weight reducing centers) 812210 Funeral Homes & Funeral Services 812220 Cemeteries & Crematories 812310 Coin-Operated Laundries & Drycleaners 812320 Drycleaning & Laundry Services (except Coin-Operated) 812330 Linen & Uniform Supply 812910 Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services 812920 Photofinishing 812930 Parking Lots & Garages 812990 All Other Personal Services Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations 813000 Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, & Similar Organizations (including condominium and homeowners associations) 813930 Labor Unions and Similar Labor Organizations 921000 Governmental Instrumentality or Agency |
|
|
Information Publishing Industries (except Internet)511110 Newspaper Publishers 511120 Periodical Publishers 511130 Book Publishers 511140 Directory & Mailing List Publishers 511190 Other Publishers 511210 Software Publishers Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries 512100 Motion Picture & Video Industries (except video rental) 512200 Sound Recording Industries Broadcasting (except Internet) 515100 Radio & Television Broadcasting 515210 Cable & Other Subscription Programming Telecommunications 517000 Telecommunications (including paging, cellular, satellite, cable & other program distribution, resellers, other telecommunications, & internet service providers) Data Processing Services 518210 Data Processing, Hosting, & Related Services Other Information Services 519100 Other Information Services (including news syndicates, libraries, internet publishing & broadcasting) |
Administrative and Support and 561110 Office Administrative Services 561210 Facilities Support Services 561300 Employment Services 561410 Document Preparation Services 561420 Telephone Call Centers 561430 Business Service Centers (including private mail centers & copy shops) 561440 Collection Agencies 561450 Credit Bureaus 561490 Other Business Support Services (including repossession services, court reporting, & stenotype services) 561500 Travel Arrangement & Reservation Services 561600 Investigation & Security Services 561710 Exterminating & Pest Control Services 561720 Janitorial Services 561730 Landscaping Services 561740 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Services 561790 Other Services to Buildings & Dwellings 561900 Other Support Services (including packaging & labeling services, & convention & trade show organizers) Waste Management and Remediation Services 562000 Waste Management and Remediation Services |
||