5307 Instructions for Application for Determination for Adopters of Modified Volume Submitter (VS) Plans
(Rev. June 2014)

Table of Contents

What's New Future Developments Disclosure Request by Taxpayer Public Inspection How To Get Forms, Publications, and Assistance

General Instructions

Purpose of Form Who May File Type of Plan Termination of Plan Where To File How To Complete the Application What To File

Specific Instructions

Line 1 Line 1f Line 1i Lines 1j-m Line 2 Lines 2h-k Line 3a Line 3b Line 3c Line 3e Line 3f Line 3g Column (i) Column (ii) Column (iii) Column (vi) Column (v) Column (vi) Line 3h Line 3i Line 4a Line 4b Line 4c Line 4e Lines 4f and 4g Lines 6a(1) Lines 6a(2) Lines 6b Line 6c(2) Line 6e Line 7 Line 8b Line 12 Line 13 Line 15a Lines 15b and 15c Line 16

Section references are to the Internal Revenue Code unless otherwise noted.

What's New Return to top

The form and the instructions have undergone revisions in the format and information required. Review these documents before completing the application. Some of the revisions were made in accordance with Announcement 2011-82, 2011-52 I.R.B. 1052, available at www.irs.gov/irb/2011-52_IRB/ar20.html, which eliminated demonstrations regarding coverage and nondiscrimination requirements and limited Form 5307 applications.

Note. Note. Rev. Proc. 2014-6, 2014-1 I.R.B. 198, available at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-irbs/irb14-01.pdf, contains the guidance under which the Determination Letter (DL) program is administered. It is updated annually and can be found in the Internal Revenue Bulletin (I.R.B.). The application should be filed in accordance with Rev. Proc. 2007-44, 2007-28 I.R.B. 54, available at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-irbs/irb07-28.pdf (as revised by Ann. 2011-82), and Rev. Proc. 2014-6, as updated, available at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-irbs/irb14-01.pdf. Review these documents before completing the application.

Future Development Return to top

For the latest information related to Form 5307 and its instructions, such as legislation enacted after they were published, go to www.irs.gov/form5307.

Disclosure Request by Taxpayer Return to top

A taxpayer can authorize the IRS to disclose and discuss the taxpayer's return and/or return information with any person(s) the taxpayer designates in a written request. Use Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, if the representative is qualified to sign, or Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization, for this purpose. See Pub. 947, Practice Before the IRS and Power of Attorney, for more information.

Public Inspection Return to top

Form 5307 is open to public inspection if there are more than 25 plan participants. The total number of participants must be shown on line 4e. See the instructions for line 4e for a definition of participant.

General Instructions Return to top

Purpose of Form Return to top

An adopter of a Volume Submitter (VS) plan files Form 5307 to request a DL from the IRS for the qualification of a modified defined benefit (DB) or a defined contribution (DC) plan and the exempt status of any related trust.

Who May File Return to top

File Form 5307, Application for Determination for Adopters of Modified Volume Submitter (VS) Plans, if this is a VS plan that has made limited modifications to an approved specimen plan (that does not create an individually designed plan).

Note. Adopters of Master and Prototype (M&P) plans may not use Form 5307 and must file Form 5300 if a DL is requested. Adopters of VS plans that do not meet the above conditions must also file on Form 5300.

In certain circumstances, an application for a DL for a VS plan must be filed on Form 5300:

• requests regarding 414(m),
• requests regarding 414(n),
• partial termination requests,
• multiple employer plans,
• money purchase, target benefit and defined benefit pension plans with a normal retirement age earlier than age 62, or
• a procedure requested by the IRS.

See Form 5300 and instructions.

Type of Plan Return to top

A DC plan is a plan that provides an individual account for each participant and for benefits based only on:

1. The amount contributed to the participant's account, and
2. Any income, expenses, gains and losses, and any forfeitures of accounts of other participants that may be allocated to the participant's account.

A DB plan is any plan that is not a DC plan.

Termination of Plan Return to top

If the plan is terminated, file Form 5310, Application for Determination Upon Terminating Plan.

Note. A DB plan cannot be amended to become a DC plan. If a sponsor of a DB plan attempts to amend the plan to become a DC plan, or if the merger of a DB plan with a DC plan results solely in a DC plan the DB plan is considered terminated.

Where To File Return to top

File Form 5307 at the mailing address indicated below (updated by the IRS on 11/06/2019):
Internal Revenue Service Center
TE/GE Stop 31A Team 105
P.O. Box 12192
Covington, KY 41042-0192.

Deliveries by private delivery service (PDS) should be made to:
Internal Revenue Service Center
7940 Kentucky Drive
TE/GE Stop 31A Team 105
Florence, KY 41042

Private Delivery Services. In addition to the United States mail, you can use certain private delivery services designated by the IRS to meet the "timely mailing as timely filing/paying" rule for tax returns and payments. These private delivery services include only the following:

• DHL Express (DHL): DHL Same Day Service, DHL Next Day 10:30 am, DHL Next Day 12:00 pm, DHL Next Day 3:00 pm, and DHL 2nd Day Service.
• Federal Express (FedEx): FedEx Priority Overnight, FedEx Standard Overnight, FedEx 2Day, FedEx International Priority, and FedEx International First.
• United Parcel Service (UPS): UPS Next Day Air, UPS Next Day Air Saver, UPS 2nd Day Air, UPS 2nd Day Air A.M., UPS Worldwide Express Plus, and UPS Worldwide Express.

How To Complete the Application Return to top

The application must be signed by the employer, plan administrator, or authorized representative.

Incomplete applications may be returned to the applicant. For this reason, it is important that an appropriate response be entered for each line item (unless instructed otherwise). In completing the application:

• N/A (not applicable) is accepted as a response only if an N/A block is provided.
• If a number is requested, a number must be entered.
• If an item provides a choice of boxes to mark, mark only one box unless instructed otherwise.
• If an item provides a box to mark, written responses are not acceptable.
• The IRS may, at its discretion, require a plan restatement or additional information any time it is deemed necessary.
• The application has formatted fields that will limit the number of characters entered per field.
• All data input will need to be entered in Courier 10 point font.
• Alpha characters should be entered in all capital letters.
• Enter spaces between any words. Spaces do count as characters.
• All date fields are entered as an eight-digit field (MM/DD/YYYY).

What To File Return to top

All applications must contain an original signature and be accompanied by the following:

1. A completed Form 5307.
2. Form 8717, User Fee for Employee Plan Determination Letter Request. If applicable, include the check for the appropriate user fee. Submit a separate check for each application. Make checks payable to the "United States Treasury."
If the user fee is paid through IRS.gov, submit a copy of the payment confirmation in lieu of Form 8717.


Note. Payments for sanction fees, compliance fees, etc. should be submitted on separate checks.


3. Form 8905, Certification of Intent to Adopt a Pre-approved Plan, if applicable as determined under Part III of Rev. Proc. 2007-44.
4. A copy of the plan's latest favorable DL letter, if applicable.
5. A copy of the most recent advisory letter issued to the VS specimen plan practitioner.
6. A complete copy of the plan and trust instrument and a copy of the completed adoption agreement, if applicable.
7. A written representation (signature optional) made by the VS sponsor under penalty of perjury, that explains that the plan and trust instrument are not word-for-word identical to the approved specimen plan and describes the location, nature and effect of each deviation from the language of the approved specimen plan.
8. Form 2848 or other written authorization allowing the VS practitioner to act as a representative of the employer with respect to the request for a determination letter.
9. Any interim amendments that were adopted for qualification changes on the applicable cumulative list (CL) used in reviewing and approving the underlying VS specimen plan, where the VS plan does not authorize the practitioner to amend on behalf of the adopting employer, and any other discretionary amendments adopted during the current six-year remedial amendment cycle (RAC). The changes to the pre-approved VS plan may be either incorporated into the pre-approved document or separately attached as amendments to the plan. If the changes are incorporated into the document, include a list describing the changes. Do not submit any interim or other amendments to the plan that were adopted by the VS practitioner on behalf of the employer and considered by the IRS in issuing the advisory letter for the plan.
Note. The IRS may, in any event, request evidence of adoption of interim amendments during the course of its review of a particular plan.


Note. Deviations from the language of the approved specimen plan will be evaluated based on the extent and complexity of the changes. If the changes are determined not to be compatible with the VS program, the IRS will require the applicant to file Form 5300 and pay the higher user fee.


10. A copy of any compliance statement(s) or closing agreement(s) regarding this plan completed during the current RAC.

See Rev. Proc. 2007-44 for a description of the RACs.

Note. Do not use staples (except to attach the check to the Form 8717), paper clips, binders, or sticky notes. Do not punch holes in the documents.

Specific Instructions Return to top

Line 1 top Enter the name, address, and telephone number of the plan sponsor/employer. A "plan sponsor" means:

1. In the case of a plan that covers the employees of one employer, the employer;
2. In the case of a plan sponsored by two or more entities required to be combined under sections 414(b), (c), or (m), one of the members participating in the plan; or
3. In the case of a plan that covers the employees and/or partner(s) of a partnership, the partnership.

Note. The name of the plan sponsor/employer should be the same name that is used when the Form 5500 series, Annual Return/Report is filed for this plan. Line 1a is limited to 70 characters.

Line 1f top Enter the nine-digit employer identification number (EIN) assigned to the plan sponsor/employer. This should be the same EIN that is used when the Form 5500 series Annual Return/Report is filed for this plan.

Caution! Do not use a social security number or the EIN of the trust.

• Online - Generally, a plan sponsor/employer can receive an EIN over the Internet and use it immediately to file a return. Go to the IRS website at www.irs.gov/businesses/small and click on Employer ID Numbers (EINs).
• By telephone - Call 1-800-829-4933.
• By mail or fax - Send in a completed Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, to apply for an EIN.

Line 1i top Enter the two digits representing the month the plan sponsor/employer's tax year ends.

Note. If you have a foreign address, do not enter information in lines 1c - 1e.

Lines 1j-m top If applicable, complete these lines and follow the country's practice for entering the name of the province, county, or state and the postal code.

Line 2 top The contact person will receive copies of all correspondence as authorized on a Form 2848 or Form 8821. Either complete the contact's information on this line, or check the box and attach a completed Form 2848 or Form 8821.

Note. If your person to contact has a foreign address, do not enter information in lines 2c - 2e.

Lines 2h-k top If a foreign contact, follow the country's practice for entering the name of the province, country or state, and the postal code.

Line 3a top Enter the number that corresponds to the request being made:

Line 3b top If the initial plan is a proposed plan document, enter "09/09/9999."

Line 3c top VS plan may, but is not required to, contain a provision that authorizes the VS practitioner to amend the plan on behalf of employers who have previously adopted the plan. For purposes of reliance on the advisory letter, the practitioner will no longer have the authority to amend the plan on behalf of the employer as of the date of the adoption of an employer amendment to the plan to incorporate a type of plan not allowable in the VS program or as of the date the IRS notifies the practitioner that the plan is an individually designed plan. See section 15.03 of Rev. Proc. 2011-49.

Line 3e top An identical adopter of a pre-approved M&P or VS plan is an employer that made no changes to the pre-approved plan document other than to select among options provided under the plan or certain changes described in section 19.03 of Rev. Proc. 2011-49, 2011-44 I.R.B. 608 available at www.irs.gov/irb/2011-44_IRB/ar08.html.

Line 3f top If this answer is "No," stop. You cannot use Form 5307. If you are seeking a determination letter, use Form 5300.

Line 3g top Use the table in line 3g to list all the amendments to the plan that have been adopted during the RAC of the plan in which the application is submitted (the "current cycle"), other than amendments described in the following paragraph.

Do not list:

1. Any amendment that was adopted during the current cycle as a condition of a DL for the preceding cycle (but include a copy of the amendment with the application);
2. Any amendment to a pre-approved plan that was adopted by the sponsor or practitioner on behalf of the employer and considered by the IRS in issuing an opinion or advisory letter for the plan;
3. Any amendment to a pre-approved plan that is effective after the year of the CL that was considered by the IRS in issuing an opinion or advisory letter for the plan, regardless of whether the amendment was adopted by the sponsor or practitioner of the pre-approved document or the employer;
4. Any interim amendment regarding a change not included on the CL for which this determination is being requested.

Note. If the plan does not have a DL for the preceding remedial amendment cycle, the plan sponsor must include with this application filing, copies of interim and discretionary amendments adopted for the preceding cycle. See What to File. However, do not list these amendments in the table in Line 3g.

Line 3h top Enter the number of amendments listed in the table in line 3g.

Line 3i top Designate the specific tax return that the employer uses to file its federal income tax return, for example, Form 1120, 1040, 1065 or Form 990 series (in the case of a tax-exempt employer). If no federal income tax return is filed by the entity (such as a governmental employer) enter type of entity (e.g. Govt). See section 5.06(2) of Rev. Proc. 2007-44 for details.

Line 4a top This field is limited to 70 characters, including spaces. Fill in the plan name as it should appear on the determination letter to the extent permitted. Keep in mind that "Employees" and "Trust" are not necessary in the plan name and will be left off if space does not permit.

Line 4b top Enter the three-digit number, beginning with ‘‘001'' and continuing in numerical order for each plan the employer adopts (001-499). This numbering will differentiate the plans. The number assigned to a plan must not be changed or used for any other plan. This should be the same number that is used when the Form 5500 series Annual Return/Report is filed.

Line 4c top Plan month means the month in which the plans year ends. Enter the two-digit month (MM).

Line 4e top Enter the total number of participants. A "participant" is:

1. Any employee participating in the plan, including employees under section 401(k) qualified cash or deferred arrangement who are eligible but do not make elective deferrals,
2. Retirees and other former employees who have a nonforfeitable right to benefits under the plan, and
3. The beneficiaries of a deceased employee who is receiving or will in the future receive benefits under the plan. Include one beneficiary for each deceased employee regardless of the number of individuals receiving benefits. For example, payment of a deceased employee's benefit to three children is considered a payment to one beneficiary.

Lines 4f and 4g top See Notice 2002-1, 2002-1 C.B. 283, (as amplified by Notice 2003-49, 2003-32 I.R.B. 294 and Notice 2011-86, 2011-45 I.R.B. 698), for further details, including how to determine compensation.

Lines 6a(1) top If the employer is a member of a controlled group of corporations, trades or businesses under common control, or an affiliated service group (ASG), all employees of the group will be treated as employed by a single employer for purposes of certain qualification requirements. Attach a statement that provides the following in detail:

1. All members of the group,
2. The relationship of each member to the plan sponsor,
3. The type(s) of plan(s) maintained by each member, and
4. Plans common to all members.

Lines 6a(2) top Mark "Yes" if the plan sponsor is a foreign entity, a member of an ASG, a controlled group of corporations, or a group of trades or businesses under common control that includes:

• a foreign entity;a nonresident alien individual;
• foreign corporation;
• foreign partnership;
• foreign trust;
• foreign estate; or
• any other person that is not a United States person.

See Section 1473(5) and 7701(a)(30).

Lines 6b top If "Yes," complete only applicable sections of this form. Governmental plans under section 414(d) are exempt from certain qualification requirements and are deemed to satisfy certain other qualification requirements under certain conditions. For example, the nondiscrimination, minimum participation rules, top heavy rules, and minimum funding standards do not apply to governmental plans. In addition, such plans meet the vesting rules if they meet the pre-ERISA vesting requirements.

Line 6c(2) top Church plans described in section 414(e) that have not made the election provided by section 410(d) are not eligible to have a VS plan.

Line 6e top Fully-insured section 412(e)(3) plans, other than plans that by their terms satisfy the safe harbor in Regulations section 1.401(a)(4)-3(b)(5), are not eligible to have a VS plan.

Line 7 top Section 3001 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 requires the applicants subject to section 410 to provide evidence that each employee who qualifies as an interested party has been notified of the filing of the application. If "Yes" is marked, it means that each employee has been notified as required by Regulations section 1.7476-1. If this is a one-person plan or if this plan is not subject to section 410, a copy of the notice is not required to be attached to this application. If "No" is marked or this line is blank, the application will be returned.

Line 8b top See Rev. Proc. 2007-44 for explanation of on-cycle filing for pre-approved plans.

Line 12 top If "Yes", attach a separate statement providing the name, EIN and plan type of the other plan and a copy of pertinent plan provisions from the related plan regarding the offset.

Line 13 top Attach a statement that provides the following for the plans involved:

1. Name of plans,
2. Type of plan,
3. Date of merger, consolidation, spinoff, or a transfer of plan assets or liabilities, and
4. Verification that each plan involved was qualified at the time of the merger, consolidation, spinoff, or a transfer of plan assets or liabilities.

Line 15a top Attach a statement for each plan, which includes the following information:

1. Name of plan,
2. Type of plan,
3. Form of plan (standardized, non-standardized, VS, or individually designed),
4. Plan number,
5. Vesting schedule,
6. Whether the plan has received a DL or an application for a letter is pending with IRS.

Lines 15b and 15c top See M-8, M-12, and M-14 of Regulations section 1.416-1.

Line 16 top Section 411(d)(6) protected benefits include:

• The accrued benefit of a participant as of the later of the amendment's adoption date or effective date;
• Any early retirement benefit, retirement-type subsidy, or optional form of benefit for benefits from service before such amendment.

How To Get Forms and Publications top

Internet top

You can access the IRS website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at www.irs.gov to:

• Download forms, instructions, and publications, including accessible versions for people with disabilities.
• Order IRS products.
• Use the Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA) to research your tax questions. No need to wait on the phone or stand in line. The ITA is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and provides you with a variety of tax information related to general filing topics, deductions, credits, and income. When you reach the response screen, you can print the entire interview and the final response for your records. New subject areas are added on a regular basis.

• Sign up to receive local and national tax news and more by email. Just click on "subscriptions" above the search box on IRS.gov and choose from a variety of options.

By Phone and in Person top

Call 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676) to order current-year forms, instructions and publications, and prior-year forms and instructions (limited to 5 years). You should receive your order within 10 business days.

Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice. top We ask for the information on this form to carry out the Internal Revenue laws of the United States. Our legal right to ask for the information on this form is Internal Revenue Code sections 401(a), 501(a), and 6109, and their regulations. You are not required to obtain approval of the plan; however, if you apply for approval you are required to provide the information requested on this form. We need it to determine whether you meet the legal requirements for plan approval. Failure to provide the requested information may delay or prevent processing of your request. Providing false or fraudulent information may subject you to penalties.