How Can Plan Sponsors File Plan Tax Forms With the IRS?

Q: I know that I file the Form 5500 for our ERISA 403(b) plan through the Department of Labor’s EFAST2 electronic filing system, but where do I file my Form 8955-SSA?

 Kimberly Boberg, Kelly Geloneck, Emily Gerard and David Levine, with Groom Law Group, and Michael A. Webb, senior financial adviser at CAPTRUST, answer:

A: Form 8955-SSA is a stand-alone return filed directly with the IRS; it is not filed with Form 5500 through EFAST2. Currently, Form 8955-SSA may be filed electronically through the IRS’ Filing Information Returns Electronically (“FIRE”) system or on paper.

For plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, a filer generally must file Form 8955-SSA electronically if the filer is required to file 10 or more returns with the IRS during the calendar year. In determining whether the 10-return threshold is met, filers generally must aggregate the various types of returns they are required to file.

There is another important change on the horizon. The IRS’ FIRE webpage indicates that FIRE is being retired. November 19, 2026 is the last day to file information returns through FIRE. Current FIRE users will need to complete an Information Returns Intake System (“IRIS”) Application for a Transmitter Control Code and transition to IRIS to file tax year 2026 information returns during the 2027 filing season. After January 1, 2027, IRIS will be the IRS’ only electronic filing system for information returns previously supported by FIRE.

NOTE: This feature is to provide general information only, does not constitute legal advice and cannot be used or substituted for legal or tax advice.

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