Plan Characteristic Codes

[MBCarey]

I am really feeling a little sick. Did the plan characteristic codes change from 2008 to 2009. I use Relius Govt forms and this is one of items that carries forward from one year to another. But when I looked at the plan codes in the instructions for the Form 5500SF, they do not seem to be the same as they were last year. I know I am "overwhelmed" but I don't remember seeing this anywhere. And, if they did change looks like Relius would have carried them forward correctly. Example 3E indicated a prototype plan in 2008, but in 2009 the insturctions say it is a "one person plan that satisfies coverage".

I assume the plans my clients have filed and have been received by the DOL that have the incorrect codes will have to be amended at some point and time.

[PAL]

I just found this on a plan I was reviewing. Relius keeps the 3E code during the carryforward process so if it is a small plan filer that is moving to a SF, you need to check and change that code otherwise, you're listing it as a one person plan. I would agree that the plans filed with the incorrect code will need to be amended - hope you didn't do to many...

[My 2 cents]

I didn't check on any of the codes beginning with "2", but for the most part, the "1" codes still there are the same as before and also most of the "3"s. The change is that master and prototype plans now share a code (which also includes volume submitter plans). So what used to be 3D or 3E (or nothing) is now 3D.

Besides dropping out some of the prior codes, were there other changes?

[DPL]

I didn't check on any of the codes beginning with "2", but for the most part, the "1" codes still there are the same as before and also most of the "3"s. The change is that master and prototype plans now share a code (which also includes volume submitter plans). So what used to be 3D or 3E (or nothing) is now 3D.

Besides dropping out some of the prior codes, were there other changes?

Look for new codes for automatic enrollment arrangements and default investment funds.

[D Lewis]

Besides dropping out some of the prior codes, were there other changes?

Plus as mentioned before, 3E used to be "Prototype plan", and now it's used for "A one-participant plan" It's not just that 3D and 3E are now combined into 3D - 3E has a new meaning.