Labor Department Publishes Application Form For Electronic Filers, Electronic Transmitters And Software Developers

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

Today, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration (PWBA) published the Form EFAST-1 as the next step in its gear up of the new ERISA Filing Acceptance System, or EFAST. The department notified those wishing to file their 1999 Form 5500 or 1999 Form 5500-EZ electronically that the individual who will sign the filing must apply for an electronic signature by submitting a completed Form EFAST-1.

Also, companies, trades, businesses or other persons applying for codes to be EFAST transmitters or software developers must submit the Form EFAST-1 signed by an authorized representative.

Advance copies of the Form EFAST-1 and instructions are available for viewing and downloading from the EFAST webpage at www.efast.dol.gov or from the “What’s New” area on the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration’s home page at www.dol.gov/dol/pwba .

As previously announced, starting with 1999 Form 5500 and Form 5500-EZ, filings must be sent to PWBA instead of the IRS. EFAST was constructed as part of that change to simplify and expedite the receipt and processing of the forms by relying on computer scannable forms and electronic filing technologies.

Information regarding the Form EFAST-1 is being published in today’s Federal Register. Comments are requested from the public on the form and instructions as part of the process of obtaining Paperwork Reduction Act approval. PWBA has requested interim approval so that the public may begin using the Form EFAST-1 while the request for final approval is pending.

Comments on the request for interim approval should be submitted by March 20 to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attn: Desk Officer for the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Office of Management and Budget, Room 10235, Washington, DC, 20503. Comments in regard to final approval of the Form EFAST-1 under the Paperwork Reduction Act should be submitted by May 8 to the Office of Policy and Research, U.S. Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-5647, Washington, DC 20210.

General questions about the EFAST system can be addressed to the EFAST Help Desk at 202-219-8770.

U.S. Department of Labor news releases are accessible on the Internet. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the Central Office for Assistive Services and Technology. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call 202.693.7773 or TTY 202.693.7775.

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.