5500 timely filed for 2008 plan year on paper

[DPL]

Client filed return for YE 10/31/09 on 6/9/10. Sent on paper to Lawrence KS. Rec'd Notice 1393 from IRS saying return must be elecctronically filed. I called EFAST2 helpline and was told I needed to call IRS. I called IRS (877-829-5500) and was told the return has to be filed elecronically - call EFAST2. (I thought I saw an article on this subject recently but can't find it.) What to do now?

[My 2 cents]

When did the plan year begin? If it was for a short year beginning in 2009, they are right and it has to be filed electronically. If it was for a run of the mill 12-month plan year that began in 2008, they are wrong. 2008 forms can be filed on paper. And if they are wrong, how could they get something so straightforward wrong?

[Bird]

They're supposed to be accepting 2008 plan year filings through October 15, 2010 on paper through the old EFAST system.

http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/5500main.html

Maybe try again, with a copy of the webpage. Keep the postmarked envelope as proof of mailing if you don't have other proof.

[DPL]

Return was for a full year ended 10/31/09- no short year.