Beginning January 1, 2010, Forms 5500 and 5500-SF must be filed electronically through the Department of Labor's (DOL's) new Erisa Filing Acceptance System II (EFAST2).  EFAST2 is an all-electronic systemt hat receives, processes, and displays Forms 5500 and 5500-SF on the Internet.  All returns received through the EFAST2 system will be posted on the DOL's website within 90 days of receipt.

Note: The prior DOL System (EFAST) is operational through June 30, 2010, for limited filings for 2008 plan years.

Filers using the EFAST2 system can use either the web-based filing system maintained by the DOL (i.e., IFILE), or DOL-approved vendor software. If using third-party software, the returns must be submitted to the DOL through a web-based application.

The plan administrator should maintain a copy of the DOL or software acknowledgement that the return was signed. This can be a printed form or electronic record, as long as the applicable electronic recordkeeping requirements are met.

For more information, please visit the IRS Form 5500 Corner

http://www.irs.gov/retirement/article/0,,id=117588,00.html

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