How to File the DOL Form 5500 - EFAST2

Your retirement plan’s annual filing (DOL Form 5500 or Form 5500-SF) must be filed through the Department of Labor’s new EFAST2 system this year. EFAST2 is a web-based system designed for the Department of Labor (DOL).

Listed below are the steps that a client of Benefit Resources will take to file the DOL Form 5500 or Form 5500-SF to the DOL:

(Download PDF)

1. Obtain Filing Signer Credentials
2. Receive an email from Benefit Resources to Login to an independent website and view the Form 5500 or Form 5500-SF
3. E-File the Form 5500 or Form 5500-SF directly on the website to the DOL
4. Receive an email confirmation updating you on the status of your filing

To view a list of FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions) click on the button to the left.

Step 1: Obtain Filing Signer Credentials:

You will be required to obtain special filing signer credentials before the DOL will accept your Form 5500 filing on their website. To obtain the filing signer credentials, a Plan Sponsor must register on the DOL website; we are not permitted to obtain credentials on our clients’ behalf.

Please note: If you have already obtained and used your filing signer credentials to file the 2009 5500, you do not have to obtain new credentails.

Download instructions to Obtaining EFAST2 Filing Signer Credentials on the left side of the screen:

1. Follow the instructions on the file mentioned above to obtain your Filing Signer Credentials

Step 2: Receive an email from Benefit Resources to Login to an independent website and view the Form 5500 or Form 5500-SF

Follow the instructions on the email and login to our secure filing website. Click here to view the website.

On this website you may:

1. Update your user profile
2. Save the User ID and PIN that you received from the DOL
3. View your DOL Form 5500 and attachments or Form 5500-SF

Step 3: E-File the DOL Form 5500 or Form 5500-SF

Once you login to our independent web-based filing system (click here to login), you will be able to view and E-File your DOL Form 5500 or Form 5500-SF:

1. On the menu bar in the top left hand corner, select Main > Planbooks
2. Under 'Actions' in the middle of the right hand side of the screen, select 'Review' to view your Form 5500 or Form 5500-SF
3. Under 'Actions' in the middle of the right hand side of the screen, select E-File (Note: you will E-File using the User ID and PIN you received from the DOL)
4. Check the box on the left hand side of the screen next to UserID to sign as the plan Administrator
5. Enter your UserID, PIN, PIN, and name
6. Check the box 'Would you like to save your PIN for future use?' to save your PIN on this website
7. Read the statement and check the box 'I have read and accept this agreement'
8. Select 'Agree and Transmit'
9. The next screen will inform you that you have successfully filed your DOL Form 5500 or Form 5500-SF

Step 4: Receive an email confirmation updating you on the status of your filing

You will receive an email from Benefit Resources updating you on the status of your DOL Form 5500 or Form 5500-SF.  This can take anywhere between a couple of hours and a couple of days, depending on how busy the server is.

There are 4 different filing statuses that you should be aware of:

Processing: The DOL has not completed its review.
Filing Stopped: A problem in the filing has caused the DOLs review to stop.

An amended return should be filed correcting the problem. Your BRI Administrator will contact you.
Filing Error: The DOL recognized the filing as a 5500 but the DOL has determined that there is an error or omission.
An amended return should be filed correcting the problem. Your BRI Administrator will contact you.

Filing Received: The DOL recognizes the filing as a 5500 and the DOL has determined that there are no errors or omissions.
No further action is needed.

If you receive a status other than 'Filing Received', contact your BRI administrator immediately.