ASPPA has received several reports of incorrect Form 5558 acknowledgments or extension denials being received by plans that had timely filed to extend the filing deadline for their 2018 Form 5500. In some instances, the acknowledgments are reflecting the extension deadline of Oct. 15, 2019 for off-calendar plan years. In other cases, the extension is being denied as not being timely filed.
ASPPA’s Government Affairs Committee has been in contact with the IRS to receive guidance on the most efficient resolution. It is important that plan sponsors read their Form 5558 acknowledgment letters (i.e., CP 216 or CP 232) closely to make sure they are correct. If an incorrect acknowledgment letter or extension denial is received, the plan sponsor should write a letter requesting reconsideration and providing an explanation regarding the incorrect acknowledgment letter. The letter should be sent to the IRS address listed on the acknowledgment letter, and a copy of the incorrect letter should be included with the correspondence.
The IRS will review the request and provide a corrected acknowledgment letter. In no instance should Form 5558 be refiled after the filing deadline.
ASPPA’s Government Affairs Committee will continue follow up with the IRS to determine the cause as well as continue to advocate for electronic filing for Form 5558 to assist in eliminating these issues.
Kizzy Gaul, JD, CPC, QPA, QKA, TGPC, is Manager, Regulatory Supervision, at Prudential Retirement. She also is a member of the ASPPA Leadership Council.
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