filing 8955-SSA but FIRE is down?

Doesn't this happen every year - the FIRE system goes down for December?  What are we supposed to be doing for 8955-SSAs due by 12/15?  Just file them ASAP when it comes back up on 1/6/23 and wait to see what happens?

I don't recall ever running into this personally before, which is hard to believe (maybe I've just gotten my 2/28 plans done earlier in the year before?)...

I'll share the answer - I had someone call the IRS and she got through easily (I know!).  The rep said to print the screen that the system is down and we can use that to justify filing after 12/15 (presumably, as long as we file reasonably soon when it is back up).

Interesting -  Thank you for sharing!  I don't have many off calendar plans left, but do still have one with a 02/28 PYE so it's good to know what to do in the event they ever need a 8955-SSA filing.

It went offline earlier this year. The IRS announced on 11/7 that they would be offline starting November 25th at 6pm EST through January 6.  https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/filing-information-returns-electronically-fire

This happens every year about the same timeframe.

Why not have the sponsor sign one on paper and mail it?

Then there is no question.

Only issue with signing and mailing is that if the sponsor files more than 250 tax forms in a year, then electronic filing is mandatory.  Suppose you fall into the mandatory box... you mail in a paper form... IRS says you must file electronically... you electronically file on Jan 6.  Are you OK then?

Sorry - I don't know.  One would have to rely on Albany's plan then.  I sometimes forget there is a bigger world out there then the small plan market I'm in.