Plan sponsors and administrators can use Form 5558, Application for Extension of Time To File Certain Employee Plan Returns PDF, to request a one-time extension of time to file Form 5500 series or Form 8955-SSA (up to 2 ½ months after the normal due date of Form 5500s or Form 8955-SSA). Form 5558 will be postponed for electronic filing through EFAST2 until Jan. 1, 2025 Due to IRS administrative issues involving the EFAST2 system, the IRS is postponing electronic filing of Form 5558 through EFAST2 until Jan. 1, 2025. Plan sponsors and administrators should continue to use a paper Form 5558 to request a one-time extension of time to file a Form 5500 series or Form 8955-SSA (up to 2½ months after the normal due date for Form 5500s or Form 8955-SSA). Do not list more than one plan Do not list more than one plan on Form 5558. A separate Form 5558 must be used for each return for which an extension is requested, although a single Form 5558 may be used to extend the Form 5500 and Form 8955-SSA filed for the same plan. The IRS will not process Forms 5558 requesting extensions for more than one plan or with attached lists of plans. A plan administrator of the DCG reporting arrangement can file a single Form 5558 for an extension of time to file a Form 5500 and is not required to attach a list of participating plans in the DCG to the Form 5558. Signature requirements Extension requests for: Form 5500 series or Form 8955-SSA extensions The extension form doesn't need to be signed. Mismatches Mismatched filer, plan sponsor or administrator name. The plan sponsor or plan administrator listed on Form 5558, Part 1, Block A didn't match the name listed on the Form 5500-series return (Form 5500, 5500-SF or 5500-EZ) or Form 8955-SSA. Or the name of filer on your extension didn't match the name used on your Form 5330. The names must be identical. Example – abbreviation: Form 5500 shows "Dana Kay Inc." as the plan sponsor, while Form 5558 shows "DK Inc." as the plan sponsor. Example – common variation: Form 5500-SF shows "Hawk Inc." as the plan sponsor, while Form 5558 shows "The Hawk." Example – different entity: Form 5500-EZ shows "Alvin Cooke P.C." as the plan sponsor, while the Form 5558 shows "Alvin Cooke." Mismatched EIN, plan year-end or plan number. The employer identification number, Social Security number, plan year-end, or 3-digit plan number on Form 5558 didn't match the ones used on your 5500-series return. Always use the EIN assigned to the plan sponsor/employer. If you don't have an EIN, you can apply for one from the IRS: Online. Go to the IRS website at IRS.gov/businesses and click on "Employer ID Numbers." The EIN is issued immediately once the application information is validated. By mailing or faxing Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number. Mismatched plan name. The name you entered in Form 5558, Part 1, Block C didn't match the name used on your Form 5500-series return or Form 8955-SSA. Sponsors of multiple plans If you sponsor more than one plan, make sure the plan name and number on the Form 5558 match the plan name and number on the Form 5500-series return for that plan. This is especially important if you have recently merged one plan into another or changed your plan's name. Respond to your IRS notice Remember a penalty notice for filing your Form 5500-series return late is just that – a proposed adjustment. Make sure you timely respond to the IRS to avoid assessment of any penalties. Always use the current version of the form Check that you are using the most current version of any IRS form. The Retirement plan forms and publications webpage has the latest version of forms, including the fillable versions if available.
