The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the release of informational copies of several forms related to benefits plan report and return filings for 2024. The Employee Benefits Security Administration collaborated with the IRS and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. to make available online the 2024 Form 5500, Form 5500-SF, IRS Form 5500-EZ, IRS Form 5558, and related instructions.

The IRS will separately release paper copies of Form 5500-EZ and its instructions on its website after January 1, 2025.

Federal regulations mandate that pension and welfare benefit plans submit an annual return/report detailing their financial condition, investments, and operations. These plans typically file a Form 5500 series return/report along with necessary schedules and attachments.

Each form’s instructions feature a "Changes to Note" section outlining significant updates for the year 2024. Notable changes include a new plan characteristics code, "2Y," for pension-linked savings accounts, as well as an update to Schedule SB instructions concerning certain expected benefits payable in annuity form.

It is important for plan administrators not to use these informational copies to file a 2024 Form 5500 Series Annual Return/Report. Filers are advised to monitor efast.dol.gov for notifications about when official electronic versions become available for filing through EFAST2-approved software or directly via the EFAST2 website.

Starting January 1, 2025, Form 5558 will be eligible for electronic filing through EFAST2 or submission using a paper version with the IRS. A Defined Contribution Group reporting arrangement may submit a single Form 5558 for participating plans without needing to attach a list of these plans.

For inquiries related to filing the Form 5500 series, individuals can contact the EFAST2 center at "866-463-3278" or email "support@efast.dol.gov."