Million TPA March

[austin3515]

LAdies and Gentleman, I am OUTRAGED by this insane requirement that the SSA extension now requires a signature, where for years this was not a requirement. Oh and by the way, since we do 5500's and SSA's at the same time, that basically means signature is requireed on ALL extensions because I have not at that time determined if I even NEED an SSA. (OK maybe I'll make it a point to figure that out, but I'd prefer not to have to go there).

And apparently it's not even clear if as a TPA I can sign the extension?? So now the client needs to actually sign the extension and mail it?? REally?? All this extra effort for an informational return?? I ask you, what purpose is served??

I want to organize a march on Capitol Hill - who's with me??

Calling ASPPA - defeat this insane requirement!

[Bill Presson]

Agreed. Let's see what we can do about this.

[Tom Poje]

I'm waiting for the webcast from FT William today.

according to their e-mail one option is to:

3.Utilize ftwilliam.com's batch fulfillment service to e-file the 8955-SSA.

No need to obtain a TCC Code. The fee for the batch fulfillment services will be $10 per batch, plus $1 per 8955-SSA. There is a fee of $0.84 per participant statement, if applicable.

Electronic Filing Process Requires No Signature

Paper Form 8955-SSAs must have the plan administrator and plan sponsor sign the bottom of page 1. However, if the plan administrator and plan sponsor are the same person, then only the plan administrator need sign. At this time, there are no signing requirements to e-sign. However, it is good practice to send the completed form (on paper or pdf) and ask clients to review, sign and keep a paper copy for their records.

if I understand this correctly this would also solve the problem of 'dead' plans - the ones which paid out everyone in 2009 and there is no way I can find someone to sign.

[austin3515]

Does batch fulfillment avoid the extension? I think its fair to have clients sign the actual return...

[12AX7]

Austin, why would you not be able to sign a Form 5558? Are you not an EA for this purpose?

[austin3515]

Siungard was speculating that because the instructions say an "individual authorized to sign on behalf of the client" that perhaps some sort of client approval was necessary, which makes it very challenging.

And frankly, even the fact that anyone has to sign it as just ridiculous. Especially when you need to send out 200 or 300 a year.

[12AX7]

At that level, I can understand your concern.

[BG5150]

And frankly, even the fact that anyone has to sign it as just ridiculous. Especially when you need to send out 200 or 300 a year.

Buy a stamp.

[austin3515]

(I'd probably impose it into the template form that I'm using)

But the point of course is that I shouldn't have to do anything. Where's the outrage here? I thought I'd have an army of dissenters following me to the National Mall

[Guest Dan Shea]

there are a whole lots of things thatthey need to wake up about but since they are THEY it is never going to happen why use your common sense when you gat paid to be an idiot

[12AX7]

If it's any consolation, you have an auto-extension for the 2009-10 SSA forms.

[austin3515]

It is because that gives us time to talk some sense into these people

[EBDI]

The whole topic gives me a headache! I am with you on this. The signature on the extension form is a waste of everyone's time.

[austin3515]

Finally, thank you. That's all I wanted to hear

Well Thanks to Bill too, who of course agreed right away!