Early 5500 Filing

[Cynchbeast]

We have plan w/fiscal PYE 09/30/11. Plan is terminated, with all assets distributed. We have everything needed to file final 5500 report now (May, 2011). Can a 5500 report be filed BEFORE the end of the plan year? Is there any reason not to file the 09/30/11 report now?

[Tom Poje]

I thought once all assets were paid out, the plan year end became the date the last payment was made, and thus a short plan year was created.

[SMB]

Agree with Tom re: short plan year (10/01/2010 - ??/31/2011). If memory serves (and it tends to do so less and less!), final Form 5500 needs to be filed NLT 7 months (unless extended) from the end of the month during which all Plan assets were distributed.