Retirement plan sponsors and their service providers must follow specific deadlines of various notices, disclosures, and reporting throughout the plan year. Below is a reference guide that explains the main responsibilities of the plan sponsor during the year.
Retirement Plan Compliance Calendar
Deadline |
Action |
Form |
Sender |
Receiver |
---|---|---|---|---|
1/31 | Distribution Report | Form 1099-R | Payor | Participants |
1/31 | Annual Return of Withheld Federal Income Tax |
Form 945 | Payor | IRS |
2/28 | Distribution Reporting to IRS (paper filing) |
Forms 1099-R/1096 | Payor | IRS |
3/1 | Notification of Excess Deferral |
Participants | Plan Administrator | |
3/15 | Corrective Distribution for Failed ADP/ACP Testing (non EACAs) |
Employer | Participants | |
3/15 | Filing of Corporate Tax Return |
Form 1120 | Employer | IRS |
3/31 | Distribution Reporting to IRS (electronic filing) |
Form 1099-R | Payor | IRS |
4/1 | Initial Required Minimum Distribution (age 70 ½) | Employer | Participants | |
4/15 | Corrective Distribution of 402(g) (Excess Deferrals) | Plan Administrator | Participants | |
4/15 | Filing of Individual and Partnership Tax Returns |
Form 1040, 1065 with Schedule K-1 | Sole Proprietor, Partnership, LLC or LLP | IRS/Partner/ Member |
6/30 | Corrective Distribution for Failed ADP/ACP Testing (Eligible EACAs) | Employer | Participants | |
7/31 | Excise Taxes | Form 5330, Part III | Disqualified person involved with prohibited transaction | IRS |
7/31 | Annual Report of Plan | Form 5500 series | Plan Sponsor | DOL |
7/31 | Annual Registration Statement |
Form 8955 – SSA | Plan Sponsor | IRS / SSA |
7/31 | Request for Automatic Extension – 5500 Series |
Form 5558 | Plan Sponsor | IRS |
9/30 | Summary Annual Report | Plan Administrator | Participants | |
10/15 | Extended Deadline for Filing Plan’s Annual Report |
Form 5500 | Plan Sponsor | DOL |
Deadline |
Recurring
|
Details |
Sender |
Receiver |
12/1 | Safe Harbor Notice | Plan Sponsor | Participants | |
12/1 | Auto Enrollment Notice | Plan Sponsor | Participants | |
Initial Participant Fee Disclosure | Provide on or before the first date eligible | Plan Sponsor | Participants | |
Annual Participant Fee Disclosure | At least once in any 14 month period | Plan Sponsor | Participants | |
Qualified Default Investment Alternative Notice |
At least once in any 12 month period | Plan Administrator/ Plan Sponsor |
Participants | |
Quarterly Participant Fee Disclosure |
Once every calendar quarter | Plan Sponsor | Participants |
Please note that the dates are based on a calendar year plan, some items may not apply to your plan, depending on size and ownership, and that this is not intended to be an exhaustive list.