5558 Incorrect IRS Approval Letters

[bcmom]

We've had several client receive letters from the IRS approving the 5500 & 8955-SSA extensions through 8/15/23. The 5558 was submitted for calendar year plans Ending 12/31/22, but the approval letter states the Tax Period as "October 31, 2022" and "File your return by AUG. 15, 2023". Has anyone else seen this? Is this another IRS computer error?

[Paul I]

I have not, and I am interested in seeing an example of the letter.  Could you possibly post a copy with all client indicative information redacted?

[bcmom]

Due to security issues, I would be prevented from uploading information even if identifying information was redacted. But I can type in the information:

Of the upper right side of the letter, it reads:

Notice                  CP216F

Notice Date         July 3, 2003

Employer ID         ##-#######

Tax Period           October 31, 2022

Form                    5500/8955-SSA

Plan Number       001

To contact us      Phone 877-829-5500

 

Under the client name & Address, it reads

We approved your request for an extension of time to file your return

File your return by AUG. 15, 2023

 

The 5558 was filed with the Tax Period 12/31/2022 and requesting the extension to 10/15/2023. We have been instructing clients to call the IRS. When they have, the IRS corrects the information while on the phone and advises the that a new corrected letter is being issued and mailed to them.  

 

[Lou S.]

Quote

Notice Date         July 3, 2003

Wow the mail is even slower than I thought.Though I'm sure that was just a simple typo, I couldn't resist.

I've yet to see this one but in the past I've often sent in non-calendar year plan extensions and the extended date was often what you would see for a calendar year plan.

I think sometime they forget to change the PYE when they move from one form processing to the next, that's the only thing I can think of. Electronic filing of 5558 can't come soon enough. Though I'm sure they will find a way to mess that up somehow.