How can a plan sponsor find out if a 5500 has been filed with the IRS?

[Guest Shea]

We have a new client and they can't remember if they filed the 5500-R form that was due 7/31/98 for their plan year ending 12/31/97. Is there a number at the IRS that can look this up or will this send up a red flag? Any suggestions for find out if the form was filed?

[Guest David Thomas]

The employee plans division of IRS has a toll free number 877-829-5500 that I believe can be used for checking on the status of a filing.

[QDROphile]

A firm called Judy Diamond (Associates?) in Washington, D.C. will confirm or obtain filings. Don't have contact information handy.

[Guest VFernandez]

Have you called the accounting firm that does their filings? Their 401(k) plan administrator? Most 401(k) plan administrators provide 5500 filing service and include a copy of the year end reporting.

[Guest sbavely]

Phone number for Judy Diamond Associates is 800-231-0669. The fee for a copy of the 5500 is around $25.00.

[Guest fridayt]

Regarding 5500s, is there not a governmental agency site where these can be pulled down via the internet? eg..Edgar Site? Please advise. TF

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[Guest derek]

If this is for a 1997 filing, most likely the Judy Diamond Database or Larkspur databases that utilize the DOL/IRS information on these returns will not be very helpful. My understanding is that the 1997 forms have not all been "input" by the IRS/DOL and thus not available through one of these services. As far as I know, there is no on-line/internet service where you can check the status of returns - although that would be nice. I would suggest calling the IRS and checking the status - noting that this may generate some type of notice. However, IRS is generally helpful (at least in the Memphis service center) on these issues.