Authorization to file 5500 on behalf

Just curious - for those 5500's we file, we always request a written signature on an annual basis to file 5500's on behalf of Plan Sponsors (we only do this for the super small plans).

Generally, they email a pdf with the signature.

Has anyone transitioned to getting this authorization by email only? ie. have the plan sponsor respond yes by email without a wet signature?

I have never filed 5500's for the client, always made them log onto the system and e-file directly.  However, I have seen the signature page filings on EFast.  Since the client is supposed to keep an ink signed copy of the 5500 in their files anyway, I don't see just keep collecting the signature 5500 page is bad.  You at least then know they have signed copy in their files.

Just saying "yes" in an email should not be enough (nor a proper authorization) as they need to sign a proper form with proper language/declaration permitting your company (not you personally) to file. One of the important declarations is "I understand my signature is available for public viewing" - (for non-ez plans). You want all this on the form that they sign. Every vendor has their own way of providing the esigner form so please look at yours and see what language they have.

I would never file on behalf of a client with a "yes" in an email. I want that form signed/dated allowing my firm to file on their behalf but that's me.

On 6/13/2025 at 1:12 PM, R Griffith said:

I have never filed 5500's for the client, always made them log onto the system and e-file directly.  

I resisted this for many years but finally realized for some of the smaller (and oftentimes older) clients, it's just easier.

For clarification, because my original comment was poorly written - I always get the actual signature on the 5500-SF or -EZ.  What I meant to more clearly refer to in my comment/question was the Authorization statement - all plan sponsors are required to sign such an authorization which is separate from the actual 5500 signature.  I was just curious if, after all these years of e-signing and a transition of so much communication as electronic, if there was a trend towards simplifying that second signature?

On 6/14/2025 at 8:43 PM, TPApril said:

I was just curious if, after all these years of e-signing and a transition of so much communication as electronic, if there was a trend towards simplifying that second signature?

No.  Remember, signing as preparer on behalf of the client IS the simplification.  The default is the client obtaining signing/filing electronically with their own credentials.