There are three types of Form 5500: Form 5500-EZ—for one-participant plans only; Form 5500-SF—for one-participant plans as well as for plans with less than 100 participants; and Form 5500—for plans with 100 or more participants.
All 5500 forms, with the exception of Form 5500-EZ, must be filed electronically using the . A DOL EFAST help line is available at 866-GO EFAST (866-463-3278).
One-participant plans
A one-participant plan covers a business owner with no employees. However, the plan can cover a business owner and his/her spouse, or a business partnership (where the partners and their spouses are the only participants).
If you have a one-participant plan, you have the option of filing either Form 5500-EZ or Form 5500-SF. If you decide to use Form 5500-EZ, it must be filed on paper with the IRS. It cannot be submitted electronically. You can either complete, print, and mail the form available online or obtain a blank copy from the IRS. For more information, see the Instructions for Form 5500-EZ (PDF).
In some cases, one-participant plans may not be required to file any 5500 forms. Generally, if the total plan assets are $250,000 or less, you may not need to file. Please refer to the IRS for more details on the various criteria that apply.
Plans with fewer than 100 participants
Plans that are not one-participant plans and have fewer than 100 participants must file electronically using Form 5500-SF. For more information, visit the .
Plans with 100 or more participants
Plans with at least 100 participants must file electronically using Form 5500. For more information on completing Form 5500, visit the EFAST2 web site and/or consult your tax advisor.
For more information on which 5500 forms to use, please see our FAQ, Who should file Forms 5500-EZ, 5500-SF, or 5500 and which form should I file?