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I think the issue with not doing the safe harbor notice is that if you don't have the "maybe not" language you can't discontinue it mid-year unless you are operating at an economic loss. According to the ERISApedia text book it's a little gray, but I still send them out for this reason.

My current provider for both val and 5500 programs had informed me of a 10% jump in monthly fees which I find a bit too high (I have been using them for 30+ years). I think I need to look into a more modern and 21st century system. I use it primarily for CB/DB and combo plans and need simple DC as well (I do not deal with RKs) as good testing system. I would appreciate your experiences with other systems (except for Relius). Thank you.

In 1977, as I began law school, I started working as a law clerk and was quickly given responsibility for the firm’s qualified plan practice. When I passed the bar in 1980, I stepped fully into a career that has now spanned more than four decades. As I begin to slowly wind down those years as an ERISA attorney, I am deeply grateful for the opportunities that have come my way and for the encouragement and help of so many good men and women. I never dreamed, in the ’70s and ’80s, where this practice would take me. As this year began, my ERISA work fell into six main roles: I’m an author. I have written or co-authored five books dealing with retirement plans, and am nearly done with my sixth—the ERISA Fiduciary Navigator eSource—all published by ERISApedia.com. I head the ERISApedia ASK service, where my protégé, Adriana Starr, and I answer questions from ERISA practitioners. I present webcasts and live seminars on retirement topics. I draft plan documents and interim amendments on behalf of the Relius division of FIS. I serve as of counsel to the Ferenczy Benefit Law Center. I assist some clients in a private practice. One of the observations that has struck me over the years about the Employee Retirement Income Security Act is that it never defines “retirement.” My own working definition has been “separating from service once you’re old.” But the older I get, the older “old” gets. Still, as I near RMD age (even after SECURE 2.0), it's time to start thinking about saddling up and riding into the sunset. I envision retirement as gradually dropping things out of the saddlebags. So, with mixed emotions, I announce that I will no longer be acting as of counsel to the Ferenczy Benefit Law Center or conducting a private practice. I will consult on special cases, but otherwise, for now, my professional endeavors will focus on writing, teaching, FIS, and the ASK service. Planning for the financial side of retirement has been the easy part. The emotional and professional side is more challenging. My hope is that a slow and gentle ride toward tomorrow will make that transition easier. I am profoundly grateful to the colleagues, clients, and friends who have shared this journey with me—and I look forward to continuing to write, teach, and cheer you on from slightly lighter saddlebags.

Is there published IRS guidance that says that? I'm not aware of one but if it exists I'd like to see it. It can't be applied for minimum funding because it past the deadline, but I see no reason why the tax payer can't apply it on their tax return if it is timely made for tax deduction purposes and designated as such by the Sponsor.