Included in Calculation of Assets?

At the end of the plan year, a sponsor must file a Form 5500-EZ for their plan when the assets of the plan are greater than $250,000.  For calculation purposes, I’d like to know what’s included in assets.

Assume… at the end of the plan year… a Individual 401(k) has a balance of $240,000 and an outstanding loan of $30,000.  For purposes of Form 5500-EZ, are the total assets $240,000… or are the total assets $270,000?  Thanks for your help.

Yes, you would include the loan.  Check the Instructions for  Form 5500-EZ

I am assuming the plan has never filed before. if the 270,000 includes 50,000 in receivable contribution I "guess" you could file on a cash basis and so only 'have' 220,000 in assets.

by the way, if you are not aware

A one-participant plan or a foreign plan may elect to file Form 5500-SF, Short Form Annual Return/Report of Small Employee Benefit Plan, electronically with EFAST2 rather than filing a Form 5500-EZ on paper with the IRS. See EFAST2 Filing System in these instructions. The IRS actually encourages using the SF, and as long as you check the 'one-participant' box the form is not available for viewing on the DOL website.

Is receivable contribution the same as an outstanding loan?

a loan isn't a contribution, it is more like an investment

(based on the stock market this past week a better investment as its returns were better)