Form 5500-SF signature

[puzzledbypensions]

I sent a 5500 to a client last month, and was told last week that I would not have it back by July 31 to electronically file for them. So, Form 5558 was mailed to the IRS to extend the deadline. And then, surprise, the signature page was in today's mail.

So before I electronically file the 5500, I have checked of the box to show that Form 5558 has been filed. But, the signature page that I have from the client which I need to attach to the filing does not have the 5558 box checked.

Does it matter if the attachment is different than the form electronically filed. I anticipate that the IRS will lose their collective minds when they don't match.

I don't want to have to send the client a new signature page with the box checked. Is it time for me to get out my scissors and tape?

Thank you!

[RatherBeGolfing]

Short answer is that it should't matter. I have had something similar happen and when I spoke to the EFAST helpline they said to not worry about it. Of course, you never know...

Since you have the signed form without the X for 5558 and time hasn't run out yet, is there a reason why you can't "uncheck" the 5558 on your end? You aren't actually filing under the extension so you don't need the box checked on the 5500.

In my system, I would simply delete the 5558 and uncheck the box on the 5500 and everything would line up just fine.

[puzzledbypensions]

My concern is that since the extensions have been mailed, it will be marked somewhere that the form is on extension. And then when that form arrives, even if prior to the due date, if the extension box is not marked, the IRS will not be able to piece the two together.

[Lou S.]

No worries. If you file by the due date you simply have an extension that is not needed. Don't lose any sleep over it.

[chc93]

No worries. If you file by the due date you simply have an extension that is not needed. Don't lose any sleep over it.

In the past, I've heard that the IRS only looks for the 5558 *after* they get a report from DOL/EFAST that the filing is past the due date. Since you'll be filing before the due date, the IRS will never even look for a 5558.

[Lou S.]

What I have seen the IRS screw up is say you file an extension today. You get a signed form on August 2 and file it.

They send you a notice for it being late because they haven't processed the 5558 yet.

I've never heard of an issue with filing for an extension but filing the form on time.