Participant Count

[Madison71]

I apologize for the elementary question, but I am preparing Form 5500-SF and its coming up as an error when checking. Total number of participants on 5b is 55. Total number with account balances on 5c is 48. The error is saying that the number on 5c cannot be less than the number of 5b. It is a 401(k) plan that offers a match. I am counting all participants who are eligible whether deferring or not to come up with 55. When I count the number of participants with account balances it is 48. Should I put 55 on 5c?

The instructions on S-F are unclear but the 5500 instructions I believe say the numbers should be the same.

Thank you

[PensionPro]

5c of the 5500-sf should be equal to or less than 5b. The 5500 instructions are similar. Seems to be an error in the error message.

[GMK]

I agree with PensionPro. It's an incorrect error message.

My reading of the 5500 instructions is that 'participants with an account balance' includes those participants who have received or made a contribution and does not include those whose balance is and always has been zero.

[Madison71]

Thanks guys! Makes sense to me. I was concerned upon filing that I would get an error based on the message, but must be an error in the system like you said.