2022 5558 extensions

[pmacduff]

Just wondering what others have experienced this year -

We filed a few 5558 forms at the last minute (July 28th to be exact) and sent them via certified mail to the IRS address in Ogden, UT.  (Historically, the USPS doesn't usually get a signature but we haven't had any issues and the USPS website eventually shows the package as delivered.)  Anyway - this year when I use the certified mail tracking number it still shows as "moving through network" on the USPS tracking site.  However it does show the mailing was received at the USPS Salt Lake City Distribution Center.  Am I being overly concerned?

   

 

 

[Paul I]

Most likely, you are being overly concerned, but that is an indication you care and are looking out for your clients best interests. 

Sometimes stuff does happen, so keep all of documentation you can in case there is a need to show you made a good faith effort and get the forms in the mail before the deadline.  This could include screenshots from the USPS tracking site.  If the status is "moving through network", that is an acknowledgement that the certified mail is in fact in the hands of the post office.

If your clients start getting letters that they filed an extension and the 5500 is due by October 16th, you will have another form of proof that the forms were received.

[RatherBeGolfing]

1 hour ago, pmacduff said:

Am I being overly concerned?

Yea I think so...  Mine have been super slow this year as well, but since I have proof of mailing I'm really not concerned.  

[Bill Presson]

Frankly, it doesn't matter if any of us are concerned or not. It's all a lottery (and I kinda mean the short story version). We had a 5558 for calendar year 2021 that was filed timely and received by the service in Ogden before July 31, 2022 (certified mail return receipt signed and dated).

The IRS sent a CP216H rejection to our client dated July 31, 2023.

Not the only silly thing to happen in the past 12 months with 5558s.

Thank goodness electronic filing is just around the corner.

[Paul I]

Electronic filing allegedly is coming soon.  We don't know all of the details.  Some speculate that each plan may need to sign in to EFAST2 to file the request.  (Batch processing by service providers would be much more efficient.)  There also is some speculation about what documentation will be available to the plan to confirm the extension was accepted.  Again some speculate that an AckID will be provided and that would be sufficient.  There are others who think the IRS will send out letters to each plan notifying that the extension was approved (and no letter means no extension).  May logic and reason prevail.

(Cue the scene where Lucy assures Charlies Brown that she will not pull the football away when he tries to kick it.)

[pmacduff]

Thanks all for your comments and insights.  It seems as though adding the 5558 electronic filing option would be such an easy thing to do (heavy sigh)  - I suppose that's why it's not in place yet !