Jump to content

Do fiduciaries have to file the IRS Form 5330 whenthey settle an alleged PT with DOL?


mal

Recommended Posts

A DOL audit of a plan revealed several minor problems

with trustee expenses. The DOL claimed the Fund

had paid improper benefits totaling $3,000. The fiduciaries

in question paid the money back to the plan rather than

go to battle over a nominal amount of money.

With the closing letter, the DOL sent a copy of the form

5330 and notified the plan it was referring the case to

the IRS for the possible imposition of the 15% excise tax.

The problem I have is determining whether these

trustees would need to file the form. Many of the issues

cited by the DOL were debatable at best. There also

was no administrative hearing on the issues. Thus, my

question is who decides whether a PT has occurred and

triggered the 5330 filing requirement? What procedure

does the IRS follow when it gets a referral from the DOL?

What is the best course of action for the trustees?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Did the anyone sign an admission that the transactions were a PT? If so then there is proof that a PT had occurred. The IRS collects the PT tax from the persons who benefit from the PT. There is a second stage tax of 100% if the first tax is not paid.

mjb

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No, that is the problem. Most of those

involved either sent a check, or a

check with a scathing letter critical

of the DOL findings. No one admitted to

a PT. Most owed only $100-$200 for things

such as spousal meals, in-room movies,

an extra day on a rental car, etc. Nothing

too egregious.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The plan administrator has to make a decision as to whether to report the transactions as PTs which will necessitate amending the 5500. (I recall there used to be a question on the 5500 as to whether the plan engaged in a PT). The PA needs to retain a tax advisor to determine whether the 5500 should be amended and who would be responsible for paying the PT tax. By the way many corporate employers have similar restrictions on reimbursements of employees for business trips so I dont think the DOL was out of line.

mjb

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...