Can Form 5558 Be Filed Electronically?

Form 5558 can be filed electronically. This capability, available since January 1, 2025, updates the filing process for plan administrators and employers. This shift to electronic submission streamlines the extension request procedure for various employee benefit plan forms.

Understanding Form 5558

Form 5558 requests a one-time extension of time to file specific employee plan returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It provides plan administrators or employers with additional time, typically two and a half months, to prepare and submit their annual reports. This form applies to several documents, including Form 5500 (Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan), Form 5500-SF (Short Form Annual Return/Report of Small Employee Benefit Plan), Form 5500-EZ (Annual Return of One-Participant (Owners and Their Spouses) Retirement Plan), and Form 8955-SSA (Annual Registration Statement Identifying Separated Participants With Deferred Vested Benefits).

To complete Form 5558, filers must provide identifying information about the plan and the entity requesting the extension. This includes the plan administrator’s or sponsor’s name and address, the Employer Identification Number (EIN), the plan name, the plan number, and the plan year ending date. While a single Form 5558 can extend both a Form 5500 series return and a Form 8955-SSA for the same plan, a separate Form 5558 must be filed for each distinct plan requiring an extension. Form 5558 is no longer used to request an extension for Form 5330 (Return of Excise Taxes Related to Employee Benefit Plans); Form 8868 is now used for that purpose.

Electronic Filing Process

Electronic filing of Form 5558 is conducted through the Department of Labor’s (DOL) EFAST2 (ERISA Filing Acceptance System) platform. EFAST2 is an electronic system that processes employee benefit plan forms, including extensions. It offers a more efficient alternative to traditional paper submissions.

The process involves preparing the extension request using either the EFAST2 system directly or an authorized third-party software provider. Filers need appropriate EFAST2 credentials, such as a User ID and PIN, to access the system and submit the form. Once Form 5558 is completed and transmitted electronically, the system provides immediate confirmation of successful submission, which serves as proof of timely filing.

Important Considerations for Electronic Filing

When electronically filing Form 5558, retain proof of submission. This includes saving confirmation numbers and any acceptance notifications provided by the EFAST2 system. This documentation is for your records. You generally do not need to attach a copy of Form 5558 to the subsequent Form 5500 series return.

The extension is considered timely filed based on the electronic postmark date, if Form 5558 is submitted by the original due date of the return. If the extension request is timely and properly completed, it is automatically approved for Form 5500 series and Form 8955-SSA. An approved extension does not extend the time to pay any associated taxes. Interest may still accrue on unpaid tax liabilities from the original due date, even if an extension to file is granted. Maintaining accurate data entry is also important, as electronic filing may have fewer manual checks, making precise information critical to avoid potential processing delays or rejections.