- What it means
- A penalty was assessed for filing the plan's Form 5500 late.
- Respond within
- 30 days from the date on the notice
- What to send
- Payment, or a reasonable cause request.
- Write it
- Reasonable cause statement
- When to get help
- If the plan filed through the DOL delinquent filer program, the IRS penalty should be waived; send proof.
What the letter says
The IRS penalty for a late 5500 is assessed per day, up to an annual maximum, in addition to any DOL penalty.
What to do
If the filing went through the DOL delinquent filer program, send the DFVCP confirmation; the IRS waives its penalty for participants. Otherwise, a reasonable cause statement with the facts.
What to gather
- The notice
- Proof of when the Form 5500 was filed
- DFVCP confirmation if applicable
Write back
The Reasonable cause statement tool builds the response in the order the IRS reads it. Fill it in, review it, print it, and send it with copies of the documents above and the notice stub on top.
Before you send anything
This is general information, not tax advice. Situations differ. Check with your tax advisor before you send anything. Nothing on this page creates a client relationship.