Copy of Form 5500 submitted to DOL?

[jkharvey]

I thought I saw somewhere (now I can't find it) that the original,not a photocopy, of the machine print version of F5500 should be submitted to DOL. Does anyone know if this is correct?

[Guest Jim Hunzelman]

I seem to recall hearing a slight variation; that the original printed copy and a photocopy of the original should be readable, but that a copy of a copy may not be readable. I am advising my clients to file the original.

[Guest Kathryn Crowley]

I have not seen anything in writing to confirm that a copy of the machine print form 5500 is acceptable to the DOL. Since the data that is contained on the 5500 is encrypted into the bar code I would image a faxed copy will not be clear enough for the DOL scanners. On the EFAST website, there is an answer/question regarding photocopies of the original handprint forms. The DOL will accept a photocopy of the original handprint forms. The address for EFAST is http://www.efast.dol.gov

Hope that helps.