Mandatory EZ Electronic Filing 2024

[shERPA]

I’m 99% retired, but have a couple people I help take care of their EZ filing on their solo k plans.  I understand the feds want the EZ to be filed electronically, and that this is apparently mandatory for many filers for the 2024 returns to be filed in 2025.  But I’ve seen conflicting guidance where some say it’s mandatory if the plan sponsor files at least 10 returns of any type (e.g. payroll, tax, 1099s, etc) in a year, and other sources say this threshold is 250 returns in a year.  Obviously this makes a big difference in who must file the EZ electronically.  Can anyone help clarify this for me?  Thanks.  

[C. B. Zeller]

For plan years beginning in 2023, the 5500-EZ uses the 250 returns rule. For 2024 it switches to 10.

https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-5500-ez

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Treasury Regulations section 301.6058-2 requires that, for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, a filer who is required by Internal Revenue Code or regulations to file at least 10 returns during the calendar year must file Form 5500-EZ return electronically. See T.D. 9972 PDF. You can file Form 5500-EZ electronically through ERISA Filing Acceptance System (EFAST2). 

The 2023 instructions linked on that page state:

Quote

A filer must file Form 5500-EZ electronically instead of filing Form 5500-EZ on paper if the filer is required to file at least 250 returns of any type with the IRS during the calendar year.

 

[shERPA]

Thank you!