A Form 5500 extension moves the due date, but a missed extended date still starts the penalty clock.
Form 5558 can add up to two and a half months to the due date. It must be filed on time, and a filing after the extended date is late.
How extensions work.
Form 5558
Filing Form 5558 by the original due date extends it by up to two and a half months.
Filed Late
A Form 5558 filed after the original due date does not extend the filing.
Extended Date Missed
If the Form 5500 is not filed by the extended date, late penalties can apply.
Using an extension well.
File It Early
Submit the extension request well before the original due date.
Keep the Confirmation
Save the proof that the extension request was filed on time.
Do Not Wait
Use the extra time to finish the form, not to put it off.
Voluntary Program
If the extended date is missed, the DFVCP is the cheapest path.
Quick answers.
Short answers. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Does an extension cancel the penalty?
No. It only moves the due date for a timely request.
Can we extend twice?
No. One extension of up to two and a half months is available.
Who files it?
The plan administrator or the preparer on their behalf.
Where the rules and figures come from.
Each figure on this page comes from the source below. Amounts are indexed or updated over time, so confirm current figures before relying on them.
29 U.S.C. 1132
ERISA Section 502(c)(2): civil penalty for failure to file the annual report.
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The renewal letter
Your current plan summary
Contribution split by tier
Enrolled counts by tier
Four documents — two more if your group is 50 or more. Nothing else; every extra one is a reason to postpone.
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