Form 5500 filings are annual reports required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) to provide information about employee benefit plans, including retirement and welfare plans. These filings disclose details about the plan’s financial condition, investments, and operations. For example, a company sponsoring a 401(k) plan with more than 100 participants generally needs to file a Form 5500 each year.
Accurate and timely submission of these reports is crucial for maintaining compliance with federal regulations and avoiding penalties. These filings ensure transparency and accountability, protecting the interests of plan participants and beneficiaries. The reporting requirements also allow government agencies to monitor the health and stability of employee benefit plans, contributing to the overall security of the retirement system.