just released 5500-SUP guidelines

[Tom Poje]

here is the most recent version

looks like they have removed the questions pertaining to ESOPs and amounts deducted, etc.

good chance to plan ahead, since many plans will be restated in the upcoming year.

you can compile and have the required info ready to go

5500 SUP latest version.pdf

[Peter Gulia]

Assuming an employer is eligible to decline to answer tax-related questions in an electronic report, under what circumstances would a filer prefer filing a paper Form 5500-SUP over answering similar questions in an electronic Form 5500 or 5500-SF?

[Tom Poje]

none that I can think of it

well, ok, if the plan has failed to be amended timely and you check that box 'no', then maybe sending the SUP on fluorescent paper just to speed the process of a return letter from the IRS...

[Peter Gulia]

Joking aside, some filers prefer a paper form because the filer believes that the Internal Revenue Service does not transcribe every entry into the computer system and suffers some lag time before the transcribed entries are available to those who do selections for examinations, perhaps marginally decreasing the probability of selection.

Beyond this, is there any other reason a filer might prefer the paper form?

[Tom Poje]

stopping short of folks who fought against electronically filing the 5500s, claiming it was easier to file on paper, I can't think of a single reason. you have to file the 5500 electronically anyway, so why not just fill in the other stuff electronically.

I will go out on a limb and guess the following:

The 5500-SUP is an IRS issue, not a DOL issue

thus, like the 5500-EZ, paper is ok, but electronic preferred