5500 Preparer's Manual

[R. Butler]

I got volunteered to speak at a seminar on 5500's. I prepare 5500's, but by no means am I an expert. I need to beacome an expert over the next couple of months. Can anybody recommend a good Prepaper's Manual I could study? Several years ago I saw a Manual by Joan Guaciardi (I think, but maybe not) that was excellent, but I can't remmeber the name of it and don't even know if it is still published.

[Guest DFerrare]

There is a 5500 Preparer's Manual by Janice Wegesin that is excellent. It is available from Aspen Publishers (aspenpublishers.com).

David

[maverick]

Joan's name is listed on the 2000 version as co-author, along with Janice Wegesin and Melanie Knox. I've used this reference for several years and fournd it to be an excellent resource.

I just checked the website and noticed that Janice Wegesin is the only author listed for the 2002 version. Cost $215.00 plus shipping.

http://www.aspenpublishers.com/search.asp?...Compensation+MK

[R. Butler]

Thanks, thats the same book I was thinking of.

[Theresa Lynn]

Here are three additional great resources:

1. RIA's Employee Benefits Compliance Coordinator (information at http://www.RIAHome.com). Sells for about $800 and has more than just 5500s (also 1099s, 2848s, 5310s, etc.), but its 5500 discussions are extensive, with general and line-by-line discussions and include sample filled in forms. It also is available on RIA's Checkpoint online product, starting with its library subscription called Pension & Benefits Essentials, for $1,415.

2. PPC's 5500 Deskbook

3. PPC's 5500 Quick Reference Binder

PPC's website is http://www.ppcnet.com

Both PPC products focus on how to complete the returns as if training and testing a preparer. Both are great and have sample filled in forms as well. PPC's Deskbook also is on RIA's Checkpoint.

Hope this helps!

[Guest rachd]

I was recently at a SunGard Corbel-sponsored seminar and they handed out info on their new "Form 5500 Filing Guide". If you use the Relius Gov't Forms software, there is a electronic version that can be combined with the program for easy research. Cost for this version is $179.

There is also a print version (and on my form, it says if you buy the 2003 version, you get 2004 free). It gives an "in-depth look at, and fully examines, the 2002 forms, along with over 300 examples, frequently asked questions, sample completed forms and more insight on particularly difficult issues." Cost for the hard copy is $199.

If you want more info (I could even fax the forms I rec'd), please feel free to email me: rachel@cdscpa.com. The speaker at my seminar is a co-author I'm told and he was a wealth of info.... but I've never actually reviewed it myself.

Good Luck!

Rachel