29 C.F.R. PART 2520—RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR REPORTING AND DISCLOSURE
Title 29 - Labor
Authority: 29 U.S.C. 1021–1025, 1027, 1029–31, 1059, 1134 and 1135; and Secretary of Labor's Order 1–2003, 68 FR 5374 (Feb. 3, 2003). Sec. 2520.101–2 also issued under 29 U.S.C. 1132, 1181–1183, 1181 note, 1185, 1185a-b, 1191, and 1191a-c. Secs. 2520.102–3, 2520.104b–1 and 2520.104b–3 also issued under 29 U.S.C. 1003,1181–1183, 1181 note, 1185, 1185a-b, 1191, and 1191a-c. Secs. 2520.104b–1 and 2520.107 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 401 note, 111 Stat. 788. Sec. 2520.101–4 also issued under sec. 103 of Pub. L. 108–218.
The procedures for implementing the plan administrator's duty of reporting to the Secretary of Labor and disclosing information to participants and beneficiaries are located in subparts D, E and F of this part. [41 FR 16962, Apr. 23, 1976, as amended at 46 FR 62845, Dec. 29, 1981] (a) Basis and scope. Section 101(g) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) permits the Secretary of Labor to require, by regulation, multiple employer welfare arrangements (MEWAs) providing benefits that consist of medical care (within the meaning of section 733(a)(2) of ERISA), and that are not group health plans, to report, not more frequently than annually, in such form and manner as the Secretary may require, for the purpose of determining the extent to which the requirements of part 7 of subtitle B of title I of ERISA (part 7) are being carried out in connection with such benefits. Section 734 of ERISA provides that the Secretary may promulgate such regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the provisions of part 7. This section sets out requirements for annual reporting by MEWAs that provide benefits that consist of medical care and by certain entities that claim not to be a MEWA solely due to the exception in section 3(40)(A)(i) of ERISA (referred to in this section as Entities Claiming Exception or ECEs). These requirements apply regardless of whether the MEWA or ECE is a group health plan. (b) Definitions. As used in this section, the following definitions apply: Administrator means— (1) The person specifically so designated by the terms of the instrument under which the MEWA or ECE is operated; (2) If the MEWA or ECE is a group health plan and the administrator is not so designated, the plan sponsor (as defined in section 3(16)(B) of ERISA); or (3) In the case of a MEWA or ECE for which an administrator is not designated and a plan sponsor cannot be identified, jointly and severally the person or persons actually responsible (whether or not so designated under the terms of the instrument under which the MEWA or ECE is operated) for the control, disposition, or management of the cash or property received by or contributed to the MEWA or ECE, irrespective of whether such control, disposition, or management is exercised directly by such person or persons or indirectly through an agent, custodian, or trustee designated by such person or persons. Entity Claiming Exception (ECE) means an entity that claims it is not a MEWA on the basis that the entity is established or maintained pursuant to one or more agreements that the Secretary finds to be collective bargaining agreements within the meaning of section 3(40)(A)(i) of ERISA and 29 CFR 2510.3–40. Excepted benefits means excepted benefits within the meaning of section 733(c) of ERISA and 29 CFR 2590.732(b). Group health plan means a group health plan within the meaning of section 733(a) of ERISA and 29 CFR 2590.701–2. Health insurance issuer means a health insurance issuer within the meaning of section 733(b)(2) of ERISA and 29 CFR 2590.701–2. Medical care means medical care within the meaning of section 733(a)(2) of ERISA and 29 CFR 2590.701–2. Multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) means a multiple employer welfare arrangement within the meaning of section 3(40) of ERISA and 29 CFR 2510.3–40. Origination means the occurrence of any of the following three events (and a MEWA or ECE is considered to have been originated when any of the following three events occurs)— (1) The MEWA or ECE first begins offering or providing coverage for medical care to the employees of two or more employers (including one or more self-employed individuals); (2) The MEWA or ECE begins offering or providing coverage for medical care to the employees of two or more employers (including one or more self-employed individuals) after a merger with another MEWA or ECE (unless all of the MEWAs or ECEs that participate in the merger previously were last originated at least three years prior to the merger); or (3) The number of employees receiving coverage for medical care under the MEWA or ECE is at least 50 percent greater than the number of such employees on the last day of the previous calendar year (unless the increase is due to a merger with another MEWA or ECE under which all MEWAs and ECEs that participate in the merger were last originated at least three years prior to the merger). (c) Persons required to report—(1) General rule. Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, the following persons are required to report under this section— (i) The administrator of a MEWA that offers or provides benefits consisting of medical care, regardless of whether the entity is a group health plan; and (ii) The administrator of an ECE that offers or provides benefits consisting of medical care during the first three years after the ECE is originated. (2) Exceptions—(i) Nothing in this paragraph (c) shall be construed to require reporting under this section by the administrator of a MEWA or ECE if the MEWA or ECE— (A) Is licensed or authorized to operate as a health insurance issuer in every state in which it offers or provides coverage for medical care to employees; (B) Provides coverage that consists solely of excepted benefits, which are not subject to Part 7. If the MEWA or ECE provides coverage that consists of both excepted benefits and other benefits for medical care that are not excepted benefits, the administrator of the MEWA or ECE is required to report under this section; (C) Is a group health plan that is not subject to ERISA, including a governmental plan, church plan, or a plan maintained solely for the purpose of complying with workmen's compensation laws, within the meaning of sections (4)(b)(1), 4(b)(2), or 4(b)(3) of ERISA, respectively; or (D) Provides coverage only through group health plans that are not covered by ERISA, including governmental plans, church plans, or plans maintained solely for the purpose of complying with workmen's compensation laws within the meaning of sections 4(b)(1), 4(b)(2), or 4(b)(3) of ERISA, respectively (or other arrangements not covered by ERISA, such as health insurance coverage offered to individuals other than in connection with a group health plan, known as individual market coverage); (ii) Nothing in this paragraph (c) shall be construed to require reporting under this section by the administrator of an entity that would not constitute a MEWA or ECE but for the following circumstances: (A) The entity provides coverage to the employees of two or more trades or businesses that share a common control interest of at least 25 percent at any time during the plan year, applying the principles of section 414(b) or (c) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C.); (B) The entity provides coverage to the employees of two or more employers due to a change in control of businesses (such as a merger or acquisition) that occurs for a purpose other than avoiding Form M–1 filing and is temporary in nature. For purposes of this paragraph, “temporary” means the MEWA or ECE does not extend beyond the end of the plan year following the plan year in which the change in control occurs; or (C) The entity provides coverage to persons (excluding spouses and dependents) who are not employees or former employees of the plan sponsor, such as non-employee members of the board of directors or independent contractors, and the number of such persons who are not employees or former employees does not exceed one percent of the total number of employees or former employees covered under the arrangement, determined as of the last day of the year to be reported or, in the case of a 90-day origination report, determined as of the 60th day following the origination date. (d) Information to be reported—(1) The annual report required by this section shall consist of a completed copy of the Form M–1 Annual Report for Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements (MEWAs) and Certain Entities Claiming Exception (ECEs) and any additional statements required in the Instructions to the Form M–1. (2) The Secretary may reject any filing under this section if the Secretary determines that the filing is incomplete, in accordance with 29 CFR 2560.502c–5. (3) If the Secretary rejects a filing under paragraph (d)(2) of this section, and if a revised filing satisfactory to the Secretary is not submitted within 45 days after the notice of rejection, the Secretary may bring a civil action for such relief as may be appropriate (including penalties under section 502(c)(5) of ERISA and 29 CFR 2560.502c-5). (e) Reporting requirement and timing—(1) Period for which report is required. A completed copy of the Form M–1 is required to be filed for each calendar year during all or part of which the MEWA or ECE offers or provides coverage for medical care to the employees of two or more employers (including one or more self-employed individuals). (2) Filing deadline—(i) General March 1 filing due date for annual filings. A completed copy of the Form M–1 is required to be filed on or before each March 1 that follows a period to be reported (as described in paragraph (e)(1) of this section). However, if March 1 is a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday, the form must be filed no later than the next business day. (ii) Special rule requiring a 90–Day Origination Report when a MEWA or ECE is originated—(A) In general. Subject to paragraph (e)(2)(ii)(B) of this section, when a MEWA or ECE is originated, the administrator of the MEWA or ECE is also required to file a completed copy of the Form M–1 within 90 days of the origination date (unless 90 days after the origination date is a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday, in which case the form must be filed no later than the next business day). (B) Exception. Paragraph (e)(2)(ii)(A) of this section does not apply if the origination occurred between October 1 and December 31. (Thus, no 90-day origination report is due when an entity is originated between October 1 and December 31. However, the March 1 filing deadline of paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this section continues to apply.) (iii) Extensions. An extension may be granted for filing a report if the administrator complies with the extension procedure prescribed in the Instructions to the Form M–1. (f) Filing address. A completed copy of the Form M–1 is filed with the Secretary by sending it to the address prescribed in the Instructions to the Form M–1. (g) Civil penalties and procedures. For information on civil penalties under section 502(c)(5) of ERISA for persons who fail to file the information required under this section, see 29 CFR 2560.502c-5. For information relating to administrative hearings and appeals in connection with the assessment of civil penalties under section 502(c)(5) of ERISA, see 29 CFR 2570.90 through 2570.101. (h) Examples. The rules of this section are illustrated by the following examples: Example 1. (i) Facts. MEWA A began offering coverage for medical care to the employees of two or more employers July 1, 1989 (and continues to offer such coverage). MEWA A does not claim the exception under section 3(40)(A)(i) of ERISA.
(ii) Conclusion. In this Example 1, the administrator of MEWA A must file a completed copy of the Form M–1 each year by March 1. Example 2. (i) Facts. ECE B began offering coverage for medical care to the employees of two or more employers on January 1, 1992. ECE B has not been involved in any mergers and the number of employees to which ECE B provides coverage for medical care has not grown by more than 50 percent in any given year.
(ii) Conclusion. In this Example 2, ECE B was originated on January 1, 1992 and has not been originated since then. Therefore, the administrator of ECE B is not required to file a 2003 Form M–1 on March 1, 2004 because the last time the ECE B was originated was January 1, 1992 which is more than 3 years prior to March 1, 2004. Example 3. (i) Facts. ECE C began offering coverage for medical care to the employees of two or more employers on July 1, 2004.
(ii) Conclusion. In this Example 3, the administrator of ECE C must file a completed copy of the 2004 Form M–1 on or before September 29, 2004 (which is 90 days after the origination date). In addition, the administrator of ECE C must file an updated copy of the 2004 Form M–1 by March 1, 2005 because the last date C was originated was July 1, 2004, which is less than 3 years prior to the March 1, 2005 due date. Furthermore, the administrator of ECE C must file a 2005 Form M–1 by March 1, 2006 and a 2006 Form M–1 by March 1, 2007 (because July 1, 2004 is less than three years prior to March 1, 2006 and March 1, 2007, respectively). However, if ECE C is not involved in any mergers that would result in a new origination date and if ECE C does not experience a growth of 50 percent or more in the number of employees to which ECE C provides coverage from the last day of the previous calendar year to any day in the current calendar year, then no Form M–1 report is required to be filed after March 1, 2007. Example 4. (i) Facts. MEWA D begins offering coverage to the employees of two or more employers on January 1, 2000. MEWA D is licensed or authorized to operate as a health insurance issuer in every state in which it offers coverage for medical care to employees.
(ii) Conclusion. In this Example 4, the administrator of MEWA D is not required to file Form M–1 because it is licensed or authorized to operate as a health insurance issuer in every state in which it offers coverage for medical care to employees. Example 5. (i) Facts. MEWA E is originated on September 1, 2004.
(ii) Conclusion. In this Example 5, because MEWA E was originated on September 1, 2004, the administrator of MEWA E must file a completed copy of the Form M–1 on or before November 30, 2004 (which is 90 days after the origination date). In addition, the administrator of MEWA E must file a completed copy of the Form M–1 annually by every March 1 thereafter. Example 6. (i) Facts. Company F maintains a group health plan that provides benefits for medical care for its employees (and their dependents). Company F establishes a joint venture in which it has a 25 percent stock ownership interest, determined by applying the principles under section 414(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, and transfers some of its employees to the joint venture. Company F continues to cover these transferred employees under its group health plan.
(ii) Conclusion. In this Example 6, the administrator is not required to file the Form M–1 because Company F's group health plan meets the exception to the filing requirement in paragraph (c)(2)(ii)(A) of this section. This is because Company F's group health plan would not constitute a MEWA but for the fact that it provides coverage to two or more trades or businesses that share a common control interest of at least 25 percent. Example 7. (i) Facts. Company G maintains a group health plan that provides benefits for medical care for its employees. The plan year of Company G's group health plan is the fiscal year for Company G, which is October 1st—September 30th. Therefore, October 1, 2004—September 30, 2005 is the 2005 plan year. Company G decides to sell a portion of its business, Division X, to Company H. Company G signs an agreement with Company H under which Division X will be transferred to Company H, effective September 30, 2005. The change in control of Division X therefore occurs on September 30, 2005. Under the terms of the agreement, Company G agrees to continue covering all of the employees that formerly worked for Division X under its group health plan until Company H has established a new group health plan to cover these employees. Under the terms of the agreement, it is anticipated that Company G will not be required to cover the employees of Division X under its group health plan beyond the end of the 2006 plan year, which is the plan year following the plan year in which the change in control of Division X occurs.
(ii) Conclusion. In this Example 7, the administrator of Company G's group health plan is not required to file the Form M–1 on March 1, 2006 for fiscal year 2005 because it is subject to the exception to the filing requirement in paragraph (c)(2)(ii)(B) of this section for an entity that would not constitute a MEWA but for the fact that it is created by a change in control of businesses that occurs for a purpose other than to avoid filing the Form M–1 and is temporary in nature. Under the exception, “temporary” means the MEWA does not extend beyond the end of the plan year following the plan year in which the change in control occurs. The administrator is not required to file the 2005 Form M–1 because it is anticipated that Company G will not be required to cover the employees of Division X under its group health plan beyond the end of the 2006 plan year, which is the plan year following the plan year in which the change in control of businesses occurred. Example 8. (i) Facts. Company I maintains a group health plan that provides benefits for medical care for its employees (and their dependents) as well as certain independent contractors who are self-employed individuals. The plan is therefore a MEWA. The administrator of Company I's group health plan uses calendar year data to report for purposes of the Form M–1. The administrator of Company I's group health plan determines that the number of independent contractors covered under the group health plan as of the last day of calendar year 2004 is less than one percent of the total number of employees and former employees covered under the plan determined as of the last day of calendar year 2004.
(ii) Conclusion. In this Example 8, the administrator of Company I's group health plan is not required to file a Form M–1 for calendar year 2004 (which is otherwise due by March 1, 2005) because it is subject to the exception to the filing requirement provided in paragraph (c)(2)(ii)(C) of this section for entities that cover a very small number of persons who are not employees or former employees of the plan sponsor. [68 FR 17501, Apr. 9, 2003] (a) In general. In accordance with section 101(i) of the Act, the administrator of an individual account plan, within the meaning of paragraph (d)(2) of this section, shall provide notice of any blackout period, within the meaning of paragraph (d)(1) of this section, to all participants and beneficiaries whose rights under the plan will be temporarily suspended, limited, or restricted by the blackout period (the “affected participants and beneficiaries”) and to issuers of employer securities subject to such blackout period in accordance with this section. (b) Notice to participants and beneficiaries—(1) Content. The notice required by paragraph (a) of this section shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average plan participant and shall include— (i) The reasons for the blackout period; (ii) A description of the rights otherwise available to participants and beneficiaries under the plan that will be temporarily suspended, limited or restricted by the blackout period (e.g., right to direct or diversify assets in individual accounts, right to obtain loans from the plan, right to obtain distributions from the plan), including identification of any investments subject to the blackout period; (iii) The length of the blackout period by reference to: (A) The expected beginning date and ending date of the blackout period; or (B) The calendar week during which the blackout period is expected to begin and end, provided that during such weeks information as to whether the blackout period has begun or ended is readily available, without charge, to affected participants and beneficiaries, such as via a toll-free number or access to a specific web site, and the notice describes how to access the information; (iv) In the case of investments affected, a statement that the participant or beneficiary should evaluate the appropriateness of their current investment decisions in light of their inability to direct or diversify assets in their accounts during the blackout period (a notice that includes the advisory statement contained in paragraph 4. of the model notice in paragraph (e)(2) of this section will satisfy this requirement); (v) In any case in which the notice required by paragraph (a) of this section is not furnished at least 30 days in advance of the last date on which affected participants and beneficiaries could exercise affected rights immediately before the commencement of the blackout period, except for a notice furnished pursuant to paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(C) of this section: (A) A statement that Federal law generally requires that notice be furnished to affected participants and beneficiaries at least 30 days in advance of the last date on which participants and beneficiaries could exercise the affected rights immediately before the commencement of a blackout period (a notice that includes the statement contained in paragraph 5. of the model notice in paragraph (e)(2) of this section will satisfy this requirement), and (B) An explanation of the reasons why at least 30 days advance notice could not be furnished; and (vi) The name, address and telephone number of the plan administrator or other contact responsible for answering questions about the blackout period. (2) Timing. (i) The notice described in paragraph (a) of this section shall be furnished to all affected participants and beneficiaries at least 30 days, but not more than 60 days, in advance of the last date on which such participants and beneficiaries could exercise the affected rights immediately before the commencement of any blackout period. (ii) The requirement to give at least 30 days advance notice contained in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section shall not apply in any case in which— (A) A deferral of the blackout period in order to comply with paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section would result in a violation of the requirements of section 404(a)(1)(A) or (B) of the Act, and a fiduciary of the plan reasonably so determines in writing; (B) The inability to provide the advance notice of a blackout period is due to events that were unforeseeable or circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the plan administrator, and a fiduciary of the plan reasonably so determines in writing; or (C) The blackout period applies only to one or more participants or beneficiaries solely in connection with their becoming, or ceasing to be, participants or beneficiaries of the plan as a result of a merger, acquisition, divestiture, or similar transaction involving the plan or plan sponsor. (iii) In any case in which paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section applies, the administrator shall furnish the notice described in paragraph (a) of this section to all affected participants and beneficiaries as soon as reasonably possible under the circumstances, unless such notice in advance of the termination of the blackout period is impracticable. (iv) Determinations under paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(A) and (B) of this section must be dated and signed by the fiduciary. (3) Form and manner of furnishing notice. The notice required by paragraph (a) of this section shall be in writing and furnished to affected participants and beneficiaries in any manner consistent with the requirements of §2520.104b–1 of this chapter, including paragraph (c) of that section relating to the use of electronic media. (4) Changes in length of blackout period. If, following the furnishing of a notice pursuant to this section, there is a change in the length of the blackout period (specified in such notice pursuant to paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section), the administrator shall furnish all affected participants and beneficiaries an updated notice explaining the reasons for the change and identifying all material changes in the information contained in the prior notice. Such notice shall be furnished to all affected participants and beneficiaries as soon as reasonably possible, unless such notice in advance of the termination of the blackout period is impracticable. (c) Notice to issuer of employer securities. (1) The notice required by paragraph (a) of this section shall be furnished to the issuer of any employer securities held by the plan and subject to the blackout period. Such notice shall contain the information described in paragraph (b)(1)(i), (ii), (iii) and (vi) of this section and shall be furnished in accordance with the time frames prescribed in paragraph (b)(2) of this section. In the event of a change in the length of the blackout period specified in such notice, the plan administrator shall furnish an updated notice to the issuer in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (b)(4) of this section. (2) For purposes of this section, notice to the agent for service of legal process for the issuer shall constitute notice to the issuer, unless the issuer has provided the plan administrator with the name of another person for service of notice, in which case the plan administrator shall furnish notice to such person. Such notice shall be in writing, except that the notice may be in electronic or other form to the extent the person to whom notice must be furnished consents to receive the notice in such form. (3) If the issuer designates the plan administrator as the person for service of notice pursuant to paragraph (c)(2) of this section, the issuer shall be deemed to have been furnished notice on the same date as notice is furnished to affected participants and beneficiaries pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section. (d) Definitions. For purposes of this section— (1) Blackout period—(i) General. The term “blackout period” means, in connection with an individual account plan, any period for which any ability of participants or beneficiaries under the plan, which is otherwise available under the terms of such plan, to direct or diversify assets credited to their accounts, to obtain loans from the plan, or to obtain distributions from the plan is temporarily suspended, limited, or restricted, if such suspension, limitation, or restriction is for any period of more than three consecutive business days. (ii) Exclusions. The term “blackout period” does not include a suspension, limitation, or restriction— (A) Which occurs by reason of the application of the securities laws (as defined in section 3(a)(47) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934); (B) Which is a regularly scheduled suspension, limitation, or restriction under the plan (or change thereto), provided that such suspension, limitation or restriction (or change) has been disclosed to affected plan participants and beneficiaries through the summary plan description, a summary of material modifications, materials describing specific investment alternatives under the plan and limits thereon or any changes thereto, participation or enrollment forms, or any other documents and instruments pursuant to which the plan is established or operated that have been furnished to such participants and beneficiaries; (C) Which occurs by reason of a qualified domestic relations order or by reason of a pending determination (by the plan administrator, by a court of competent jurisdiction or otherwise) whether a domestic relations order filed (or reasonably anticipated to be filed) with the plan is a qualified order within the meaning of section 206(d)(3)(B)(i) of the Act; or (D) Which occurs by reason of an act or a failure to act on the part of an individual participant or by reason of an action or claim by a party unrelated to the plan involving the account of an individual participant. (2) Individual account plan. The term “individual account plan” shall have the meaning provided such term in section 3(34) of the Act, except that such term shall not include a “one-participant retirement plan” within the meaning of paragraph (d)(3) of this section. (3) One-participant retirement plan. The term “one-participant retirement plan” means a one-participant retirement plan as defined in section 101(i)(8)(B) of the Act. (4) Issuer. The term “issuer” means an issuer as defined in section 3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78c), the securities of which are registered under section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or that is required to file reports under section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or files or has filed a registration statement that has not yet become effective under the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77a et seq.), and that it has not withdrawn. (5) Calendar week. For purposes of paragraph (b)(1)(iii)(B), the term “calendar week” means a seven day period beginning on Sunday and ending on Saturday. (e) Model notice—(1) General. The model notice set forth in paragraph (e)(2) of this section is intended to assist plan administrators in discharging their notice obligations under this section. Use of the model notice is not mandatory. However, a notice that uses the statements provided in paragraphs 4. and 5.(A) of the model notice will be deemed to satisfy the notice content requirements of paragraph (b)(1)(iv) and (b)(1)(v)(A), respectively, of this section. With regard to all other information required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section, compliance with the notice content requirements will depend on the facts and circumstances pertaining to the particular blackout period and plan. (2) Form and content of model notice.
Important Notice Concerning Your Rights Under The [Enter Name of Individual Account Plan] [Enter date of notice] 1. This notice is to inform you that the [enter name of plan] will be [enter reasons for blackout period, as appropriate: changing investment options, changing recordkeepers, etc.]. 2. As a result of these changes, you temporarily will be unable to [enter as appropriate: direct or diversify investments in your individual accounts (if only specific investments are subject to the blackout, those investments should be specifically identified), obtain a loan from the plan, or obtain a distribution from the plan]. This period, during which you will be unable to exercise these rights otherwise available under the plan, is called a “blackout period.” Whether or not you are planning retirement in the near future, we encourage you to carefully consider how this blackout period may affect your retirement planning, as well as your overall financial plan. 3. The blackout period for the plan [enter the following as appropriate: is expected to begin on [enter date] and end [enter date]/is expected to begin during the week of [enter date] and end during the week of [enter date]. During these weeks, you can determine whether the blackout period has started or ended by [enter instructions for use toll-free number or accessing web site]. 4. [In the case of investments affected by the blackout period, add the following: During blackout period you will be unable to direct or diversify the assets held in your plan account. For this reason, it is very important that you review and consider the appropriateness of your current investments in light of your inability to direct or diversify those investments during the blackout period. For your long-term retirement security, you should give careful consideration to the importance of a well-balanced and diversified investment portfolio, taking into account all your assets, income and investments.] [If the plan permits investments in individual securities, add the following: You should be aware that there is a risk to holding substantial portions of your assets in the securities of any one company, as individual securities tend to have wider price swings, up and down, in short periods of time, than investments in diversified funds. Stocks that have wide price swings might have a large loss during the blackout period, and you would not be able to direct the sale of such stocks from your account during the blackout period.] 5. [If timely notice cannot be provided (see paragraph (b)(1)(v) of this section) enter: (A) Federal law generally requires that you be furnished notice of a blackout period at least 30 days in advance of the last date on which you could exercise your affected rights immediately before the commencement of any blackout period in order to provide you with sufficient time to consider the effect of the blackout period on your retirement and financial plans. (B) [Enter explanation of reasons for inability to furnish 30 days advance notice.]] 6. If you have any questions concerning this notice, you should contact [enter name, address and telephone number of the plan administrator or other contact responsible for answering questions about the blackout period]. (f) Effective date. This section shall be effective and shall apply to any blackout period commencing on or after January 26, 2003. For the period January 26, 2003 to February 25, 2003, plan administrators shall furnish notice as soon as reasonably possible. [68 FR 3727, Jan. 24, 2003] (a) In general. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, pursuant to section 101(f) of the Act, the administrator of a defined benefit, multiemployer pension plan shall furnish annually to each person specified in paragraph (f) of this section a funding notice that conforms to the requirements of this section. (2) A plan administrator shall not be required to furnish a funding notice for any plan year for which the plan is receiving financial assistance from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation pursuant to section 4261 of ERISA. (b) Content of notice. A funding notice shall, consistent with the information included in the plan's Annual Return/Report Form 5500 filed for the plan year to which the funding notice relates, include the following information: (1) The name of the plan; (2) The address and phone number of the plan administrator and the plan's principal administrative officer (if different from the plan administrator); (3) The plan sponsor's employer identification number; (4) The plan number; (5) A statement as to whether the plan's funded current liability percentage (as defined in section 302(d)(8)(B) of ERISA) for the plan year to which the notice relates is at least 100 percent (and, if not, the actual percentage); (6) A statement of the market value of the plan's assets (and valuation date), the amount of benefit payments, and the ratio of the assets to the payments for the plan year to which the notice relates; (7) A summary of the rules governing insolvent multiemployer plans, including the limitations on benefit payments and any potential benefit reductions and suspensions (and the potential effects of such limitations, reductions, and suspensions on the plan); (8) A general description of the benefits under the plan which are eligible to be guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, along with an explanation of the limitations on the guarantee and the circumstances under which such limitations apply; and (9) Any additional information that the plan administrator elects to include, provided that such information: (i) Is necessary or helpful to understanding the mandatory information in the notice, and (ii) Is set forth following the information prescribed by paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(8) of this section and shall be headed, “Additional Explanation.” (c) Style and format of notice. Funding notices shall be written in a manner that is consistent with the style and format requirements of 29 CFR 2520.102–2. (d) When to furnish notice. A funding notice shall be furnished within 9 months after the close of the plan year, unless the Internal Revenue Service has granted an extension of time to file the annual report, in which case such furnishing shall take place within 2 months after the close of the extension period. (e) Manner of furnishing notice. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (e)(2) of this section, funding notices shall be furnished in any manner consistent with the requirements of §2520.104b–1 of this chapter, including paragraph (c) of that section relating to the use of electronic media. (2) Notice shall be furnished to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation in a manner consistent with the requirements of part 4000 of this title. (f) Persons entitled to notice. Persons entitled to notice under this section include: (1) Each participant covered under the plan on the last day of the plan year to which the notice relates; (2) Each beneficiary receiving benefits under the plan on the last day of the plan year to which the notice relates; (3) Each labor organization representing participants under the plan on the last day of the plan year to which the notice relates; (4) Each employer that, as of the last day of the plan year to which the notice relates, is a party to the collective bargaining agreement(s) pursuant to which the plan is maintained or who otherwise may be subject to withdrawal liability pursuant to section 4203 of the Act; and (5) The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. (g) Model notice. The appendix to this section contains a model notice that is intended to assist plan administrators in discharging their notice obligations under this section. Use of the model notice is not mandatory. However, use of the model notice will be deemed to satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (b) and (c), except with respect to information referenced in paragraph (b)(9) of this section. [71 FR 1911, Jan. 11, 2006] (a) Method of presentation. The summary plan description shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average plan participant and shall be sufficiently comprehensive to apprise the plan's participants and beneficiaries of their rights and obligations under the plan. In fulfilling these requirements, the plan administrator shall exercise considered judgment and discretion by taking into account such factors as the level of comprehension and education of typical participants in the plan and the complexity of the terms of the plan. Consideration of these factors will usually require the limitation or elimination of technical jargon and of long, complex sentences, the use of clarifying examples and illustrations, the use of clear cross references and a table of contents. (b) General format. The format of the summary plan description must not have the effect to misleading, misinforming or failing to inform participants and beneficiaries. Any description of exception, limitations, reductions, and other restrictions of plan benefits shall not be minimized, rendered obscure or otherwise made to appear unimportant. Such exceptions, limitations, reductions, or restrictions of plan benefits shall be described or summarized in a manner not less prominent than the style, captions, printing type, and prominence used to describe or summarize plan benefits. The advantages and disadvantages of the plan shall be presented without either exaggerating the benefits or minimizing the limitations. The description or summary of restrictive plan provisions need not be disclosed in the summary plan description in close conjunction with the description or summary of benefits, provided that adjacent to the benefit description the page on which the restrictions are described is noted. (c) Foreign languages. In the case of either— (1) A plan that covers fewer than 100 participants at the beginning of a plan year, and in which 25 percent or more of all plan participants are literate only in the same non-English language, or (2) A plan which covers 100 or more participants at the beginning of the plan year, and in which the lesser of (i) 500 or more participants, or (ii) 10% or more of all plan participants are literate only in the same non-English language, so that a summary plan description in English would fail to inform these participants adequately of their rights and obligations under the plan, the plan administrator for such plan shall provide these participants with an English-language summary plan description which prominently displays a notice, in the non-English language common to these participants, offering them assistance. The assistance provided need not involve written materials, but shall be given in the non-English language common to these participants and shall be calculated to provide them with a reasonable opportunity to become informed as to their rights and obligations under the plan. The notice offering assistance contained in the summary plan description shall clearly set forth in the non-English language common to such participants offering them assistance. The assistance provided need not involve written materials, but shall be given in the non-English language common to these participants and shall be calculated to provide them with a reasonable opportunity to become informed as to their rights and obligations under the plan. The notice offering assistance contained in the summary plan description shall clearly set forth in the non-English language common to such participants the procedures they must follow in order to obtain such assistance. Example. Employer A maintains a pension plan which covers 1000 participants. At the beginning of a plan year five hundred of Employer A's covered employees are literate only in Spanish, 101 are literate only in Vietnamese, and the remaining 399 are literate in English. Each of the 1000 employees receives a summary plan description in English, containing an assistance notice in both Spanish and Vietnamese stating the following:
“This booklet contains a summary in English of your plan rights and benefits under Employer A Pension Plan. If you have difficulty understanding any part of this booklet, contact Mr. John Doe, the plan administrator, at his office in Room 123, 456 Main St., Anywhere City, State 20001. Office hours are from 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. You may also call the plan administrator's office at (202) 555–2345 for assistance.” [42 FR 37180, July 19, 1977] Section 102 of the Act specifies information that must be included in the summary plan description. The summary plan description must accurately reflect the contents of the plans as of the date not earlier than 120 days prior to the date such summary plan description is disclosed. The following information shall be included in the summary plan description of both employee welfare benefit plans and employee pension benefit plans, except as stated otherwise in paragraphs (j) through (n): (a) The name of the plan, and, if different, the name by which the plan is commonly known by its participants and beneficiaries; (b) The name and address of— (1) In the case of a single employer plan, the employer whose employees are covered by the plan, (2) In the case of a plan maintained by an employee organization for its members, the employee organization that maintains the plan, (3) In the case of a collectively-bargained plan established or maintained by one or more employers and one or more employee organizations, the association, committee, joint board of trustees, parent or most significantly employer of a group of employers all of which contribute to the same plan, or other similar representative of the parties who established or maintain the plan, as well as (i) A statement that a complete list of the employers and employee organizations sponsoring the plan may be obtained by participants and beneficiaries upon written request to the plan administrator, and is available for examination by participants and beneficiaries, as required by §§2520.104b–1 and 2520.104b–30; or (ii) A statement that participants and beneficiaries may receive from the plan administrator, upon written request, information as to whether a particular employer or employee organization is a sponsor of the plan and, if the employer or employee organization is a plan sponsor, the sponsor's address. (4) In the case of a plan established or maintained by two or more employers, the association, committee, joint board of trustees, parent or most significant employer of a group of employers all of which contribute to the same plan, or other similar representative of the parties who established or maintain the plan, as well as (i) A statement that a complete list of the employers sponsoring the plan may be obtained by participants and beneficiaries upon written request to the plan administrator, and is available for examination by participants and beneficiaries, as required by §§2520.104b–1 and 2520.104b–30, or, (ii) A statement that participants and beneficiaries may receive from the plan administrator, upon written request, information as to whether a particular employer is a sponsor of the plan and, if the employer is a plan sponsor, the sponsor's address. (c) The employer identification number (EIN) assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to the plan sponsor and the plan number assigned by the plan sponsor. (For further detailed explanation, see the instructions to the plan description Form EBS–1 and “Identification Numbers Under ERISA” (Publ. 1004), published jointly by DOL, IRS, and PBGC); (d) The type of pension or welfare plan, e.g. pension plans—defined benefit, defined contribution, 401(k), cash balance, money purchase, profit sharing, ERISA section 404(c) plan, etc., and for welfare plans—group health plans, disability, pre-paid legal services, etc. (e) The type of administration of the plan, e.g., contract administration, insurer administration, etc.; (f) The name, business address and business telephone number of the plan administrator as that term is defined by section 3(16) of the Act; (g) The name of the person designated as agent for service of legal process, and the address at which process may be served on such person, and in addition, a statement that service of legal process may be made upon a plan trustee or the plan administrator; (h) The name, title and address of the principal place of business of each trustee of the plan; (i) If a plan is maintained pursuant to one or more collective bargaining agreements, a statement that the plan is so maintained, and that a copy of any such agreement may be obtained by participants and beneficiaries upon written request to the plan administrator, and is available for examination by participants and beneficiaries, as required by §§2520.104b–1 and 2520.104b–30. For the purpose of this paragraph, a plan is maintained pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement if such agreement controls any duties, rights or benefits under the plan, even though such agreement has been superseded in part for other purposes; (j) The plan's requirements respecting eligibility for participation and for benefits. The summary plan description shall describe the plan's provisions relating to eligibility to participate in the plan and the information identified in paragraphs (j)(1), (2) and (3) of this section, as appropriate. (1) For employee pension benefit plans, it shall also include a statement describing the plan's normal retirement age, as that term is defined in section 3(24) of the Act, and a statement describing any other conditions which must be met before a participant will be eligible to receive benefits. Such plan benefits shall be described or summarized. In addition, the summary plan description shall include a description of the procedures governing qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) determinations or a statement indicating that participants and beneficiaries can obtain, without charge, a copy of such procedures from the plan administrator. (2) For employee welfare benefit plans, it shall also include a statement of the conditions pertaining to eligibility to receive benefits, and a description or summary of the benefits. In the case of a welfare plan providing extensive schedules of benefits (a group health plan, for example), only a general description of such benefits is required if reference is made to detailed schedules of benefits which are available without cost to any participant or beneficiary who so requests. In addition, the summary plan description shall include a description of the procedures governing qualified medical child support order (QMCSO) determinations or a statement indicating that participants and beneficiaries can obtain, without charge, a copy of such procedures from the plan administrator. (3) For employee welfare benefit plans that are group health plans, as defined in section 733(a)(1) of the Act, the summary plan description shall include a description of: any cost-sharing provisions, including premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayment amounts for which the participant or beneficiary will be responsible; any annual or lifetime caps or other limits on benefits under the plan; the extent to which preventive services are covered under the plan; whether, and under what circumstances, existing and new drugs are covered under the plan; whether, and under what circumstances, coverage is provided for medical tests, devices and procedures; provisions governing the use of network providers, the composition of the provider network, and whether, and under what circumstances, coverage is provided for out-of-network services; any conditions or limits on the selection of primary care providers or providers of speciality medical care; any conditions or limits applicable to obtaining emergency medical care; and any provisions requiring preauthorizations or utilization review as a condition to obtaining a benefit or service under the plan. In the case of plans with provider networks, the listing of providers may be furnished as a separate document that accompanies the plan's SPD, provided that the summary plan description contains a general description of the provider network and provided further that the SPD contains a statement that provider lists are furnished automatically, without charge, as a separate document. (k) In the case of an employee pension benefit plan, a statement describing any joint and survivor benefits provided under the plan, including any requirement that an election be made as a condition to select or reject the joint and survivor annuity; (l) For both pension and welfare benefit plans, a statement clearly identifying circumstances which may result in disqualification, ineligibility, or denial, loss, forfeiture, suspension, offset, reduction, or recovery (e.g., by exercise of subrogation or reimbursement rights) of any benefits that a participant or beneficiary might otherwise reasonably expect the plan to provide on the basis of the description of benefits required by paragraphs (j) and (k) of this section. In addition to other required information, plans must include a summary of any plan provisions governing the authority of the plan sponsors or others to terminate the plan or amend or eliminate benefits under the plan and the circumstances, if any, under which the plan may be terminated or benefits may be amended or eliminated; a summary of any plan provisions governing the benefits, rights and obligations of participants and beneficiaries under the plan on termination of the plan or amendment or elimination of benefits under the plan, including, in the case of an employee pension benefit plan, a summary of any provisions relating to the accrual and the vesting of pension benefits under the plan upon termination; and a summary of any plan provisions governing the allocation and disposition of assets of the plan upon termination. Plans also shall include a summary of any provisions that may result in the imposition of a fee or charge on a participant or beneficiary, or on an individual account thereof, the payment of which is a condition to the receipt of benefits under the plan. The foregoing summaries shall be disclosed in accordance with the requirements under 29 CFR 2520.102–2(b). (m) For an employee pension benefit plan the following information: (1) If the benefits of the plan are not insured under title IV of the Act, a statement of this fact, and reason for the lack of insurance; and (2) If the benefits of the plan are insured under title IV of the Act, a statement of this fact, a summary of the pension benefit guaranty provisions of title IV, and a statement indicating that further information on the provisions of title IV can be obtained from the plan administrator or the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. The address of the PBGC shall be provided. (3) A summary plan description for a single-employer plan will be deemed to comply with paragraph (m)(2) of this section if it includes the following statement:
Your pension benefits under this plan are insured by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal insurance agency. If the plan terminates (ends) without enough money to pay all benefits, the PBGC will step in to pay pension benefits. Most people receive all of the pension benefits they would have received under their plan, but some people may lose certain benefits. The PBGC guarantee generally covers: (1) Normal and early retirement benefits; (2) disability benefits if you become disabled before the plan terminates; and (3) certain benefits for your survivors. The PBGC guarantee generally does not cover: (1) Benefits greater than the maximum guaranteed amount set by law for the year in which the plan terminates; (2) some or all of benefit increases and new benefits based on plan provisions that have been in place for fewer than 5 years at the time the plan terminates; (3) benefits that are not vested because you have not worked long enough for the company; (4) benefits for which you have not met all of the requirements at the time the plan terminates; (5) certain early retirement payments (such as supplemental benefits that stop when you become eligible for Social Security) that result in an early retirement monthly benefit greater than your monthly benefit at the plan's normal retirement age; and (6) non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, certain death benefits, vacation pay, and severance pay. Even if certain of your benefits are not guaranteed, you still may receive some of those benefits from the PBGC depending on how much money your plan has and on how much the PBGC collects from employers. For more information about the PBGC and the benefits it guarantees, ask your plan administrator or contact the PBGC's Technical Assistance Division, 1200 K Street N.W., Suite 930, Washington, D.C. 20005–4026 or call 202–326–4000 (not a toll-free number). TTY/TDD users may call the federal relay service toll-free at 1–800–877–8339 and ask to be connected to 202–326–4000. Additional information about the PBGC's pension insurance program is available through the PBGC's website on the Internet at http://www.pbgc.gov. (4) A summary plan description for a multiemployer plan will be deemed to comply with paragraph (m)(2) of this section if it includes the following statement:
Your pension benefits under this multiemployer plan are insured by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal insurance agency. A multiemployer plan is a collectively bargained pension arrangement involving two or more unrelated employers, usually in a common industry. Under the multiemployer plan program, the PBGC provides financial assistance through loans to plans that are insolvent. A multiemployer plan is considered insolvent if the plan is unable to pay benefits (at least equal to the PBGC's guaranteed benefit limit) when due. The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Under the multiemployer program, the PBGC guarantee equals a participant's years of service multiplied by (1) 100% of the first $5 of the monthly benefit accrual rate and (2) 75% of the next $15. The PBGC's maximum guarantee limit is $16.25 per month times a participant's years of service. For example, the maximum annual guarantee for a retiree with 30 years of service would be $5,850. The PBGC guarantee generally covers: (1) Normal and early retirement benefits; (2) disability benefits if you become disabled before the plan becomes insolvent; and (3) certain benefits for your survivors. The PBGC guarantee generally does not cover: (1) Benefits greater than the maximum guaranteed amount set by law; (2) benefit increases and new benefits based on plan provisions that have been in place for fewer than 5 years at the earlier of: (i) The date the plan terminates or (ii) the time the plan becomes insolvent; (3) benefits that are not vested because you have not worked long enough; (4) benefits for which you have not met all of the requirements at the time the plan becomes insolvent; and (5) non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, certain death benefits, vacation pay, and severance pay. For more information about the PBGC and the benefits it guarantees, ask your plan administrator or contact the PBGC's Technical Assistance Division, 1200 K Street, N.W., Suite 930, Washington, D.C. 20005–4026 or call 202–326–4000 (not a toll-free number). TTY/TDD users may call the federal relay service toll-free at 1–800–877–8339 and ask to be connected to 202–326–4000. Additional information about the PBGC's pension insurance program is available through the PBGC's website on the Internet at http://www.pbgc.gov. (n) In the case of an employee pension benfit plan, a description and explanation of the plan provisions for determining years of service for eligibility to participate, vesting, and breaks in service, and years of participation for benefit accrual. The description shall state the service required to accrue full benefits and the manner in which accrual of benefits is prorated for employees failing to complete full service for a year. (o) In the case of a group health plan, within the meaning of section 607(1) of the Act, subject to the continuation coverage provisions of Part 6 of Title I of ERISA, a description of the rights and obligations of participants and beneficiaries with respect to continuation coverage, including, among other things, information concerning qualifying events and qualified beneficiaries, premiums, notice and election requirements and procedures, and duration of coverage. (p) The sources of contributions to the plan—for example, employer, employee organization, employees—and the method by which the amount of contribution is calculated. Defined benefit pension plans may state without further explanation that the contribution is actuarially determined. (q) The identity of any funding medium used for the accumulation of assets through which benefits are provided. The summary plan description shall identify any insurance company, trust fund, or any other institution, organization, or entity which maintains a fund on behalf of the plan or through which the plan is funded or benefits are provided. If a health insurance issuer, within the meaning of section 733(b)(2) of the Act, is responsible, in whole or in part, for the financing or administration of a group health plan, the summary plan description shall indicate the name and address of the issuer, whether and to what extent benefits under the plan are guaranteed under a contract or policy of insurance issued by the issuer, and the nature of any administrative services (e.g., payment of claims) provided by the issuer. (r) The date of the end of the year for purposes of maintaining the plan's fiscal records; (s) The procedures governing claims for benefits (including procedures for obtaining preauthorizations, approvals, or utilization review decisions in the case of group health plan services or benefits, and procedures for filing claim forms, providing notifications of benefit determinations, and reviewing denied claims in the case of any plan), applicable time limits, and remedies available under the plan for the redress of claims which are denied in whole or in part (including procedures required under section 503 of Title I of the Act). The plan's claims procedures may be furnished as a separate document that accompanies the plan's SPD, provided that the document satisfies the style and format requirements of 29 CFR 2520.102–2 and, provided further that the SPD contains a statement that the plan's claims procedures are furnished automatically, without charge, as a separate document. (t)(1) The statement of ERISA rights described in section 104(c) of the Act, containing the items of information applicable to the plan included in the model statement of paragraph (t)(2) of this section. Items which are not applicable to the plan are not required to be included. The statement may contain explanatory and descriptive provisions in addition to those prescribed in paragraph (t)(2) of this section. However, the style and format of the statement shall not have the effect of misleading, misinforming or failing to inform participants and beneficiaries of a plan. All such information shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average plan participant, taking into account factors such as the level of comprehension and education of typical participants in the plan and the complexity of the items required under this subparagraph to be included in the statement. Inaccurate, incomprehensible or misleading explanatory material will fail to meet the requirements of this section. The statement of ERISA rights (the model statement or a statement prepared by the plan), must appear as one consolidated statement. If a plan finds it desirable to make additional mention of certain rights elsewhere in the summary plan description, it may do so. The summary plan description may state that the statement of ERISA rights is required by Federal law and regulation. (2) A summary plan description will be deemed to comply with the requirements of paragraph (t)(1) of this section if it includes the following statement; items of information which are not applicable to a particular plan should be deleted:
As a participant in (name of plan) you are entitled to certain rights and protections under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). ERISA provides that all plan participants shall be entitled to: Receive Information About Your Plan and Benefits Examine, without charge, at the plan administrator's office and at other specified locations, such as worksites and union halls, all documents governing the plan, including insurance contracts and collective bargaining agreements, and a copy of the latest annual report (Form 5500 Series) filed by the plan with the U.S. Department of Labor and available at the Public Disclosure Room of the Pension and Welfare Benefit Administration. Obtain, upon written request to the plan administrator, copies of documents governing the operation of the plan, including insurance contracts and collective bargaining agreements, and copies of the latest annual report (Form 5500 Series) and updated summary plan description. The administrator may make a reasonable charge for the copies. Receive a summary of the plan's annual financial report. The plan administrator is required by law to furnish each participant with a copy of this summary annual report. Obtain a statement telling you whether you have a right to receive a pension at normal retirement age (age * * *) and if so, what your benefits would be at normal retirement age if you stop working under the plan now. If you do not have a right to a pension, the statement will tell you how many more years you have to work to get a right to a pension. This statement must be requested in writing and is not required to be given more than once every twelve (12) months. The plan must provide the statement free of charge. Continue Group Health Plan Coverage Continue health care coverage for yourself, spouse or dependents if there is a loss of coverage under the plan as a result of a qualifying event. You or your dependents may have to pay for such coverage. Review this summary plan description and the documents governing the plan on the rules governing your COBRA continuation coverage rights. Reduction or elimination of exclusionary periods of coverage for preexisting conditions under your group health plan, if you have creditable coverage from another plan. You should be provided a certificate of creditable coverage, free of charge, from your group health plan or health insurance issuer when you lose coverage under the plan, when you become entitled to elect COBRA continuation coverage, when your COBRA continuation coverage ceases, if you request it before losing coverage, or if you request it up to 24 months after losing coverage. Without evidence of creditable coverage, you may be subject to a preexisting condition exclusion for 12 months (18 months for late enrollees) after your enrollment date in your coverage. Prudent Actions by Plan Fiduciaries In addition to creating rights for plan participants ERISA imposes duties upon the people who are responsible for the operation of the employee benefit plan. The people who operate your plan, called “fiduciaries” of the plan, have a duty to do so prudently and in the interest of you and other plan participants and beneficiaries. No one, including your employer, your union, or any other person, may fire you or otherwise discriminate against you in any way to prevent you from obtaining a (pension, welfare) benefit or exercising your rights under ERISA. Enforce Your Rights If your claim for a (pension, welfare) benefit is denied or ignored, in whole or in part, you have a right to know why this was done, to obtain copies of documents relating to the decision without charge, and to appeal any denial, all within certain time schedules. Under ERISA, there are steps you can take to enforce the above rights. For instance, if you request a copy of plan documents or the latest annual report from the plan and do not receive them within 30 days, you may file suit in a Federal court. In such a case, the court may require the plan administrator to provide the materials and pay you up to $110 a day until you receive the materials, unless the materials were not sent because of reasons beyond the control of the administrator. If you have a claim for benefits which is denied or ignored, in whole or in part, you may file suit in a state or Federal court. In addition, if you disagree with the plan's decision or lack thereof concerning the qualified status of a domestic relations order or a medical child support order, you may file suit in Federal court. If it should happen that plan fiduciaries misuse the plan's money, or if you are discriminated against for asserting your rights, you may seek assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor, or you may file suit in a Federal court. The court will decide who should pay court costs and legal fees. If you are successful the court may order the person you have sued to pay these costs and fees. If you lose, the court may order you to pay these costs and fees, for example, if it finds your claim is frivolous. Assistance with Your Questions If you have any questions about your plan, you should contact the plan administrator. If you have any questions about this statement or about your rights under ERISA, or if you need assistance in obtaining documents from the plan administrator, you should contact the nearest office of the Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, listed in your telephone directory or the Division of Technical Assistance and Inquiries, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. You may also obtain certain publications about your rights and responsibilities under ERISA by calling the publications hotline of the Employee Benefits Security Administration. (u)(1) For a group health plan, as defined in section 733(a)(1) of the Act, that provides maternity or newborn infant coverage, a statement describing any requirements under federal or state law applicable to the plan, and any health insurance coverage offered under the plan, relating to hospital length of stay in connection with childbirth for the mother or newborn child. If federal law applies in some areas in which the plan operates and state law applies in other areas, the statement should describe the different areas and the federal or state law requirements applicable in each. (2) In the case of a group health plan subject to section 711 of the Act, the summary plan description will be deemed to have complied with paragraph (u)(1) of this section relating to the required description of federal law requirements if it includes the following statement in the summary plan description:
Group health plans and health insurance issuers generally may not, under Federal law, restrict benefits for any hospital length of stay in connection with childbirth for the mother or newborn child to less than 48 hours following a vaginal delivery, or less than 96 hours following a cesarean section. However, Federal law generally does not prohibit the mother's or newborn's attending provider, after consulting with the mother, from discharging the mother or her newborn earlier than 48 hours (or 96 hours as applicable). In any case, plans and issuers may not, under Federal law, require that a provider obtain authorization from the plan or the insurance issuer for prescribing a length of stay not in excess of 48 hours (or 96 hours). [42 FR 37180, July 19, 1977, as amended at 62 FR 16984, Apr. 8, 1997; 62 FR 31695, June 10, 1997; 62 FR 36205, July 7, 1997; 63 FR 48375, Sept. 9, 1998; 65 FR 70241, Nov. 21, 2000; 66 FR 34994, July 2, 2001; 66 FR 36368, July 11, 2001] In some cases an employee benefit plan may provide different benefits for various classes of participants and beneficiaries. For example, a plan amendment altering benefits may apply to only those participants who are employees of an employer when the amendment is adopted and to employees who later become participants, but not to participants who no longer are employees when the amendment is adopted. (See §2520.104b–4). Similarly, a plan may provide for different benefits for participants employed at different plants of the employer, or for different classes of participants in the same plant. In such cases the plan administrator may fulfill the requirement to furnish a summary plan description to participants covered under the plan and beneficiaries receiving benefits under the plan by furnishing to each member of each class of participants and beneficiaries a copy of a summary plan description appropriate to that class. Each summary plan description so prepared shall follow the style and format prescribed in §2520.102–2, and shall contain all information which is required to be contained in the summary plan description under §2520.102–3. It may omit information which is not applicable to the class of participants or beneficiaries to which it is furnished. It should also clearly identify on the first page of the text the class of participants and beneficiaries for which it has been prepared and the plan's coverage of other classes. If the classes which the employee benefit plan covers are too numerous to be listed adequately on the first page of the text of the summary plan description, they may be listed elsewhere in the text so long as the first page of the text contains a reference to the page or pages in the text which contain this information. [67 FR 775, Jan. 7, 2002] Source: 43 FR 10140, Mar. 10, 1978, unless otherwise noted.
Link to an amendment published at 71 FR 41368, July 21, 2006. (a) General. The administrator of a plan required to file an annual report in accordance with section 104(a)(1) of the Act shall include with the annual report the information prescribed in paragraph (a)(1) of this section or in the limited exemption or alternative method of compliance described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section. (1) The annual report shall contain the information prescribed in section 103 of the Act. (2) Under the authority of sections 104(a)(3) and 110 of the Act, a limited exemption or alternative method of compliance is prescribed for employee welfare and pension benefit plans, respectively, which cover 100 or more participants at the beginning of the plan year. A plan electing the limited exemption or alternative method of compliance shall file an annual report containing the information prescribed in paragraph (b) of this section and shall furnish a summary annual report as prescribed in §2520.104b–10. (b) Contents of the annual report for plans with 100 or more participants electing the limited exemption or alternative method of compliance. Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section and in §§2520.103–2 and 2520.104–44, the annual report of an employee benefit plan covering 100 or more participants at the beginning of the plan year which elects the limited exemption or alternative method of compliance described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section shall include: (1) A Form 5500 “Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan” and any statements or schedules required to be attached to the form, completed in accordance with the instructions for the form, including Schedule A (Insurance Information), Schedule B (Actuarial Information), Schedule C (Service Provider Information), Schedule D (DFE/Participating Plan Information), Schedule G (Financial Transaction Schedules), Schedule H (Financial Information), Schedule R (Retirement Plan Information), and the other financial schedules described in §2520.103–10. See the instructions for this form. (2) Separate financial statements (in addition to the information required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section), if such financial statements are prepared in order for the independent qualified public accountant to form the opinion required by section 103(a)(3)(A) of the Act and §2520.103–1(b)(5). These statements shall include the following: (i) A statement of assets and liabilities at current value presented in comparative form for the beginning and end of the year. The statement of plan assets and liabilities shall include the assets and liabilities required to be reported on the Form 5500; however, the assets and liabilities may be aggregated into categories in a manner other than that used on Form 5500. (ii) Separate or combined statements of plan income and expenses and of changes in net assets which include the categories of income, expense, and changes in assets required to be reported on the Form 5500; however the income, expense, and changes in net assets may be aggregated into categories in a manner other than that used on Form 5500. (3) Notes to the financial statements described in paragraph (b)(1) or (2) of this section which contain a description of the accounting principles and practices reflected in the financial statements and, if applicable, variances from generally accepted accounting principles; a description of the plan, including any significant changes in the plan made during the period and the impact of such changes on benefits; the funding policy (including policy with respect to prior service cost) and any changes in such policy from the prior year, a description of material lease commitments, other commitments, and contingent liabilities; a description of agreements and transactions with persons known to be parties in interest; a general description of priorities upon termination of the plan; information concerning whether or not a tax ruling or determination letter has been obtained; an explanation of the differences, if any, between the information contained in the separate financial statements and the assets, liabilities, income, expenses and changes in the net assets as required to be reported on the Form 5500, and any other matters necessary to fully and fairly present the financial condition of the plan. (4) In the case of a plan, some or all of the assets of which are held in a pooled separate account maintained by an insurance company, or a common or collective trust maintained by a bank or similar institution, a copy of the annual statement of assets and liabilities of such account or trust for the fiscal year of the account or trust which ends with or within the plan year for which the annual report is made as required to be furnished to the administrator by such account or trust under §2520.103–5(c). Although the statement of assets and liabilities referred to in §2520.103–5(c) shall be considered part of the plan's annual report, such statement of assets and liabilities need not be filed with the plan's annual report. See §§2520.103–3 and 2520.103–4 for reporting requirements for plans some or all of the assets of which are held in a pooled separate account maintained by an insurance company, or a common or collective trust maintained by a bank or similar institution. (5) A report of an independent qualified public accountant. (i) Technical requirements. The accountant's report— (A) Shall be dated; (B) Shall be signed manually; (C) Shall indicate the city and state where issued; and (D) Shall identify without detailed enumeration the financial statements and schedules covered by the report. (ii) Representations as to the audit. The accountant's report— (A) Shall state whether the audit was made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards; and (B) Shall designate any auditing procedures deemed necessary by the accountant under the circumstances of the particular case which have been omitted, and the reasons for their omission. Authority for the omission of certain procedures which independent accountants might ordinarily employ in the course of an audit made for the purpose of expressing the opinions required by paragraph (b)(5)(iii) of this section is contained in §§2520.103–8 and 2520.103–12. (iii) Opinion to be expressed. The accountant's report shall state clearly: (A) The opinion of the accountant in respect of the financial statements and schedules covered by the report and the accounting principles and practices reflected therein; and (B) The opinion of the accountant as to the consistency of the application of the accounting principles with the application of such principles in the preceding year or as to any changes in such principles which have a material effect on the financial statements. (iv) Exceptions. Any matters to which the accountant takes exception shall be clearly identified, the exception thereto specifically and clearly stated, and, to the extent practicable, the effect of the matters to which the accountant takes exception on the related financial statements given. The matters to which the accountant takes exception shall be further identified as (A) those that are the result of DOL regulations, and (B) all others. (c) Contents of the annual report for plans with fewer than 100 participants. Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section and in §§2520.104–43 and 2520.104a–6, the annual report of an employee benefit plan which covers fewer than 100 participants at the beginning of the plan year shall include a Form 5500 “Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan” and any statements or schedules required to be attached to the form, completed in accordance with the instructions for the form, including Schedule A (Insurance Information), Schedule B (Actuarial Information), Schedule D (DFE/Participating Plan Information), Schedule I (Financial Information—Small Plan), and Schedule R (Retirement Plan Information). See the instructions for this form. (d) Special rule. If a plan has between 80 and 120 participants (inclusive) as of the beginning of the plan year, the plan administrator may elect to file the same category of annual report (i.e., the annual report for plans with 100 or more participants under paragraph (b) of this section or the annual report for plans with fewer than 100 participants under paragraph (c) of this section) that was filed for the previous plan year. (e) Plans which participate in a master trust. The plan administrator of a plan which participates in a master trust shall file an annual report on Form 5500 in accordance with the instructions for the form relating to master trusts and master trust investment accounts. For purposes of annual reporting, a master trust is a trust for which a regulated financial institution serves as trustee or custodian (regardless of whether such institution exercises discretionary authority or control respecting the management of assets held in the trust) and in which assets of more than one plan sponsored by a single employer or by a group of employers under common control are held. For purpose of this paragraph, a regulated financial institution is a bank, trust company, or similar financial institution regulated, supervised, and subject to periodic examination by a State or Federal agency. Common control is determined on the basis of all relevant facts and circumstances (whether or not such employers are incorporated). (f) Electronic filing. The Form 5500 “Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan” may be filed electronically or through other media in accordance with the instructions accompanying the form, provided the plan administrator maintains an original copy, with all required signatures, as part of the plan's records. [43 FR 10140, Mar. 10, 1978, as amended at 45 FR 51446, Aug. 1, 1980; 46 FR 61079, Dec. 15, 1981; 51 FR 41288, Nov. 13, 1986; 54 FR 8627, Mar. 1, 1989; 65 FR 21080, Apr. 19, 2000]
Link to an amendment published at 71 FR 41368, July 21, 2006. (a) General. (1) A trust or other entity described in §2520.104–43(b) that files an annual report for purposes of §2520.104–43 shall include in such report the items set forth in paragraph (b) of this section. (2) [Reserved] (b) Contents. (1) A Form 5500 “Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan” and any statements or schedules required to be attached to the form, completed in accordance with the instructions for the form, including Schedule A (Insurance Information), Schedule C (Service Provider Information), Schedule D (DFE/Participating Plan Information), Schedule G (Financial Transaction Schedules), Schedule H (Financial Information), and the other financial schedules described in §2520.103–10. See the instructions for this form. (2) Separate financial statements (in addition to the information required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section), if such financial statements are prepared in order for the independent qualified public accountant to form the opinion required by section 103(a)(3)(A) of the Act and §2520.103–2(b)(5). These financial statements shall include the following: (i) A statement of all trust assets and liabilities at current value presented in comparative form for the beginning and end of the year. The statement of trust assets and liabilities shall include the assets and liabilities required to be reported on the Form 5500; however, the assets and liabilities may be aggregated into categories in a manner other than that used on Form 5500. (ii) Separate or combined statements of all trust income and expenses and changes in net assets which includes the categories of income, expense, and changes in assets required to be reported on the Form 5500; however, the income, expense, and changes in assets may be aggregated into categories in a manner other than that used on Form 5500. (3) Notes to the financial statements described in paragraph (b)(1) or (2) of this section which contain a description of the accounting principles and practices reflected in the financial statements and, if applicable, variances from generally accepted accounting principles; a description of the group insurance arrangement including any significant changes in the group insurance arrangement made during the period and the impact of such changes on benefits; a description of material lease commitments, other commitments, and contingent liabilities; a description of agreements and transactions with persons known to be parties in interest; a general description of priorities upon termination of the plan; an explanation of the differences, if any, between the information contained in the separate financial statements and the assets, liabilities, income, expenses and changes in net assets as required to be reported on the Form 5500; and any other matters necessary to fully and fairly present the financial condition of the plan. (4) In the case of a group insurance arrangement some or all of the assets of which are held in a pooled separate account maintained by an insurance carrier, or in a common or collective trust maintained by a bank, trust company or similar institution, a copy of the annual statement of assets and liabilities of such account or trust for the fiscal year of the account or trust which ends with or within the plan year for which the annual report is made as required to be furnished by such account or trust under §2520.103–5(c). Although the statement of assets and liabilities referred to in §2520.103–5(c) shall be considered part of the group insurance arrangement's annual report, such statement of assets and liabilities need not be filed with its annual report. See §§2520.103–3 and 2520.103–4 for reporting requirements for plans some or all of the assets of which are held in a pooled separate account maintained by an insurance company, or a common or collective trust maintained by a bank or similar institution, and see §2520.104–43(b)(2) for when the terms “group insurance arrangement” or “trust or other entity” shall be, respectively, used in place of the terms “plan” and “plan administrator.” (5) A report of an independent qualified public accountant. (i) Technical requirements. The accountant's report— (A) Shall be dated; (B) Shall be signed manually; (C) Shall indicate the city and State where issued; and (D) Shall identify without detailed enumeration the financial statements and schedules covered by the report. (ii) Representations as to the audit. The accountant's report— (A) Shall state whether the audit was made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards; and (B) Shall designate any auditing procedures deemed necessary by the accountant under the circumstances of the particular case, which have been omitted, and the reasons for their omission. Authority for the omission of certain procedures which independent accountants might ordinarily employ in the course of an audit made for the purpose of expressing the opinions required by paragraph (b)(5)(iii) of this section is contained in §2520.103–8. (iii) Opinion to be expressed. The accountant's report shall state clearly: (A) The opinion of the accountant in respect of the financial statements and schedules covered by the report and the accounting principles and practices reflected therein; and (B) The opinion of the accountant as to the consistency of the application of the accounting principles with the application of such priniciples in the preceding year, or as to any changes in such principles which have a material effect on the financial statements. (iv) Exceptions. Any matters to which the accountant takes exception shall be clearly identified, the exception thereto specifically and clearly stated, and, to the extent practicable, the effect of the matters to which the accountant takes exception on the related financial statements given. The matters to which the accountant takes exception shall be further identified as to (A) those that are the result of DOL regulations and (B) all others. (c) Electronic filing. The Form 5500 “Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan” may be filed electronically or through other media in accordance with the instructions accompanying the form, provided the trust or other entity described in §2520.104–43(b) maintains an original copy, with all required signatures, as part of the trust's or entity's records. [43 FR 10140, Mar. 10, 1978, as amended at 54 FR 8627, Mar. 1, 1989; 65 FR 21080, Apr. 19, 2000] (a) General. Under the authority of sections 103(b)(3)(G), 103(b)(4), 104(a)(2)(B), 104(a)(3), 110 and 505 of the Act, a plan whose assets are held in whole or in part in a common or collective trust maintained by a bank, trust company, or similar institution which meets the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section shall include as part of the annual report required to be filed under §§2520.104a–5 or 2520.104a–6 the information described in paragraph (c) of this section. Such plan is not required to include in its annual report information concerning the individual transactions of the common or collective trust. This exemption has no application to assets not held in such trusts. (b) Application. This provision applies only to a plan some or all of the assets of which are held in a common or collective trust maintained by a bank, trust company, or similar institution regulated and supervised and subject to periodic examination by a State or Federal agency. For purposes of this section, (1) A common or collective trust is a trust which consists of the assets of two or more participating entities and is maintained for the collective investment and reinvestment of assets contributed thereto, and (2) Plans maintained by a single employer or by the members of a controlled group of corporations, as defined in section 1563(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, shall be deemed to be a single participating entity. (c) Contents. (1) A plan which meets the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, and which invests in a common or collective trust that files a Form 5500 report in accordance with §2520.103–9, shall include in its annual report: information required by the instructions to Schedule H (Financial Information) or Schedule I (Financial Information—Small Plan) about the current value of and net investment gain or loss relating to the units of participation in the common or collective trust held by the plan; identifying information about the common or collective trust including its name, employer identification number, and any other information required by the instructions to the Schedule D (DFE/Participating Plan Information); and such other information as is required in the separate statements and schedules of the annual report about the value of the plan's units of participation in the common or collective trust and transactions involving the acquisition and disposition by the plan of units of participation in the common or collective trust. (2) A plan which meets the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, and which invests in a common or collective trust that does not file a Form 5500 report in accordance with §2520.103–9, shall include in its annual report: information required by the instructions to Schedule H (Financial Information) or Schedule I (Financial Information—Small Plan) about the current value of the plan's allocable portion of the underlying assets and liabilities of the common or collective trust and the net investment gain or loss relating to the units of participation in the common or collective trust held by the plan; identifying information about the common or collective trust including its name, employer identification number, and any other information required by the instructions to the Schedule D (DFE/Participating Plan Information); and such other information as is required in the separate statements and schedules of the annual report about the value of the plan's units of participation in the common or collective trust and transactions involving the acquisition and disposition by the plan of units of participation in the common or collective trust. [43 FR 10140, Mar. 10, 1978, as amended at 65 FR 21081, Apr. 19, 2000] (a) General. Under the authority of sections 103(b)(3)(G), 103(b)(4), 104(a)(2)(B), 104(a)(3), 110 and 505 of the Act, a plan whose assets are held in whole or in part in a pooled separate account of an insurance carrier which meets the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section shall include as part of the annual report required to be filed under §2520.104a–5 or §2520.104a–6 the information described in paragraph (c) of this section. Such plan is not required to include in its annual report information concerning the individual transactions of the pooled separate account. This exemption has no application to assets not held in such a pooled separate account. (b) Application. This provision applies only to a plan some or all of the assets of which are held in a pooled separate account of an insurance carrier regulated and supervised and subject to periodic examination by a State agency. For purposes of this section, (1) a pooled separate account is an account which consists of the assets of two or more participating entities and is maintained for the collective investment and reinvestment of assets contributed thereto, and (2) plans maintained by a single employer or by members of a controlled group of corporations, as defined in section 1563(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, shall be deemed to be a single participating entity. (c) Contents. (1) A plan which meets the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, and which invests in a pooled separate account that files a Form 5500 report in accordance with §2520.103–9, shall include in its annual report: information required by the instructions to Schedule H (Financial Information) or Schedule I (Financial Information—Small Plan) about the current value of, and net investment gain or loss relating to, the units of participation in the pooled separate account held by the plan; identifying information about the pooled separate account including its name, employer identification number, and any other information required by the instructions to the Schedule D (DFE/Participating Plan Information); and such other information as is required in the separate statements and schedules of the annual report about the value of the plan's units of participation in the pooled separate accounts and transactions involving the acquisition and disposition by the plan of units of participation in the pooled separate account. (2) A plan which meets the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, and which invests in a pooled separate account that does not file a Form 5500 report in accordance with §2520.103–9, shall include in its annual report: information required by the instructions to Schedule H (Financial Information) or Schedule I (Financial Information—Small Plan) about the current value of the plan's allocable portion of the underlying assets and liabilities of the pooled separate account and the net investment gain or loss relating to the units of participation in the pooled separate account held by the plan; identifying information about the pooled separate account including its name, employer identification number, and any other information required by the instructions to the Schedule D (DFE/Participating Plan Information); and such other information as is required in the separate statements and schedules of the annual report about the value of the plan's units of participation in the pooled separate account and transactions involving the acquisition and disposition by the plan of units of participation in the pooled separate account. [43 FR 10140, Mar. 10, 1978, as amended at 65 FR 21081, Apr. 19, 2000] (a) General. In accordance with section 103(a)(2) of the Act, an insurance carrier or other organization which provides benefits under the plan or holds plan assets, a bank or similar institution which holds plan assets, or a plan sponsor shall transmit and certifty such information as needed by the administrator to file the annual report under section 104(a)(1) of the Act and §2520.104a–5 or §2520.104a–6: (1) Within 9 months after the close of the plan year which begins in 1975 or September 30, 1976, whichever is later, and (2) Within 120 days after the close of any plan year which begins after December 31, 1975. (b) Application. This requirement applies with respect to— (1) An insurance carrier or other organization which: (i) Provides from its general asset account funds for the payment of benefits under a plan, or (ii) Holds assets of a plan in a separate account; (2) A bank, trust company, or similar institution which holds assets of a plan in a common or collective trust, separate trust, or custodial account; and (3) A plan sponsor as defined in section 3(16)(B) of the Act. (c) Contents. The information required to be provided to the administrator shall include— (1) In the case of an insurance carrier or other organization which: (i) Provides funds from its general asset account for the payment of benefits under a plan, upon request of the plan administrator, such information as is contained within the ordinary business records of the insurance carrier or other organization and is needed by the plan administrator to comply with the requirements of section 104(a)(1) of the Act and §2520.104a–5 or §2520.104a–6; (ii) Holds assets of a plan in a pooled separate account and files a Form 5500 report pursuant to §2520.103–9 for the participating plan's plan year— (A) A copy of the annual statement of assets and liabilities of the separate account for the fiscal year of such account ending with or within the plan year for which the participating plan's annual report is made, (B) A statement of the value of the plan's units of participation in the separate account, (C) The Employer Identification Number (EIN) of the separate account, entity number required for purposes of completing the Form 5500 and any other identifying number assigned by the insurance carrier to the separate account, (D) A statement that a filing pursuant to §2520.103–9(c) will be made for the separate account (for its fiscal year ending with or within the participating plan's plan year) on or before the filing due date for such account in accordance with the Form 5500 instructions, and (E) Upon request of the plan administrator, any other information that can be obtained from the ordinary business records of the insurance carrier and that is needed by the plan administrator to comply with the requirements of section 104(a)(1) of the Act and §2520.104a–5 or §2520.104a–6; (iii) Holds assets of a plan in a pooled separate account and does not file a Form 5500 report pursuant to §2520.103–9 for the participating plan's plan year— (A) A copy of the annual statement of assets and liabilities of the separate account for the fiscal year of such account that ends with or within the plan year for which the participating plan's annual report is made, (B) A statement of the value of the plan's units of participation in the separate account, (C) The EIN of the separate account and any other identifying number assigned by the insurance carrier to the separate account, (D) A statement that a filing pursuant to §2520.103–9(c) will not be made for the separate account for its fiscal year ending with or within the participating plan's plan year, and (E) Upon request of the plan administrator, any other information that can be obtained from the ordinary business records of the insurance carrier and that is needed by the plan administrator to comply with the requirements of section 104(a)(1) of the Act and §2520.104a–5 or §2520.104a–6. (iv) Holds assets of a plan in a separate account which is not exempted from certain reporting requirements under §2520.103–4, a listing of all transactions of the separate account and, upon request of the plan administrator, such information as is contained within the ordinary business records of the insurance carrier and is needed by the plan administrator to comply with the requirements of section 104(a)(1) of the Act and §2520.104a–5 or §2520.104a–6. (2) In the case of a bank, trust company, or similar institution holding assets of a plan— (i) In a common or collective trust that files a Form 5500 report pursuant to §2520.103–9 for the participating plan's plan year— (A) A copy of the annual statement of assets and liabilities of the common or collective trust for the fiscal year of such trust ending with or within the plan year for which the participating plan's annual report is made, (B) A statement of the value of the plan's units of participation in the common or collective trust, (C) The EIN of the common or collective trust, entity number assigned for purposes of completing the Form 5500 and any other identifying number assigned by the bank, trust company, or similar institution, (D) A statement that a filing pursuant to §2520.103–9(c) will be made for the common or collective trust (for its fiscal year ending with or within the participating plan's plan year) on or before the filing due date for such trust in accordance with the Form 5500 instructions, and (E) Upon request of the plan administrator, any other information that can be obtained from the ordinary business records of the bank, trust company or similar institution and that is needed by the plan administrator to comply with the requirements of section 104(a)(1) of the Act and §§2520.104a–5 or 2520.104a–6. (ii) In a common or collective trust that does not file a Form 5500 report pursuant to §2520.103–9 for the participating plan's plan year— (A) A copy of the annual statement of assets and liabilities of the common or collective trust for the fiscal year of such account that ends with or within the plan year for which the participating plan's annual report is made, (B) A statement of the value of the plan's units of participation in the common or collective trust, (C) The EIN of the common or collective trust and any other identifying number assigned by the bank, trust company or similar institution, (D) A statement that a filing pursuant to §2520.103–9(c) will not be made for the common or collective trust for its fiscal year ending with or within the participating plan's plan year, and (E) Upon request of the plan administrator, any other information that can be obtained from the ordinary business records of the bank, trust company or similar institution and that is needed by the plan administrator to comply with the requirements of section 104(a)(1) of the Act and §§2520.104a–5 or 2520.104a–6. (iii) In a trust which is not exempted from certain reporting requirements under §2520.103–3, a listing of all transactions of the separate trust and, upon request of the plan administrator, such information as is contained within the ordinary business records of the bank, trust company, or similar institution and is needed by the plan administrator to comply with the requirements of section 104(a)(1) of the Act and §2520.104a–5. (iv) In a custodial account, upon request of the plan administrator, such information as is contained within the ordinary business records of the bank, trust company, or similar institution and is needed by the plan administrator to comply with the requirements of section 104(a)(1) of the Act and §2520.104a–5 or §2520.104a–6. (3) In the case of a plan sponsor, a listing of all transactions directly or indirectly involving plan assets engaged in by the plan sponsor and such information as is needed by the plan administrator to comply with the requirements of section 104(a)(1) of the Act and §2520.104a–5 or §2520.104a–6. (d) Certification. (1) An insurance carrier or other organization, a bank, trust company, or similar institution, or plan sponsor, as described in paragraph (b) of this section, shall certify to the accuracy and completeness of the information described in paragraph (c) of this section by a written declaration which is signed by a person authorized to represent the insurance carrier, bank, or plan sponsor. Such certification will serve as a written assurance of the truth of the facts stated therein. (2) Example of Certification. The XYZ Bank (Insurance Carrier) hereby certifies that the foregoing statement furnished pursuant to 29 CFR 2520.103–5(c) is complete and accurate. [43 FR 10140, Mar. 10, 1978, as amended at 65 FR 21082, Apr. 19, 2000] (a) General. For purposes of preparing the schedule of reportable transactions described in §2520.103–10(b)(6), and subject to the exceptions provided in §§2520.103–3, 2520.103–4 and 2520.103–12, with respect to individual transactions by a common or collective trust, pooled separate account, or a 103–12 investment entity, a reportable transaction includes any transaction or series of transactions described in paragraph (c) of this section. (b) Definitions. (1)(i) Except as provided in paragraphs (c)(2) and (d)(1)(vi) of this section (relating to assets acquired or disposed of during the plan year), “current value” shall mean the current value, as defined in section 3(26) of the Act, of plan assets as of the beginning of the plan year, or the end of the previous plan year. (ii) Except as provided in paragraphs (c)(2) and (d)(1)(vi) of this section (relating to assets acquired or disposed of during the plan year), with respect to schedules of reportable transactions for the initial plan year of a plan, “current value” shall mean the current value, as defined in section 3(26) of the Act, of plan assets at the end of a plan's initial plan year. (2)(i) A “transaction with respect to securities” is any purchase, sale, or exchange of securities. A transaction with respect to securities for purposes of this section occurs on either the trade date or settlement date of a purchase, sale, or exchange of securities; either the trade date or settlement date must be used consistently during the plan year for the purposes of this section. For the purposes of this section, except as provided in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section, “securities” includes a unit of participation in a common or collective trust or a pooled separate account. (ii) Solely for purposes of paragraph (c)(1)(iv) of this section, the term “securities”, as it applies to any transaction involving a bank or insurance company regulated by a Federal or State agency, an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, shall not include: (A) Debt obligations of the United States or any United States agency with a maturity of not more than one year; (B) Debt obligations of the United States or any United States agency with a maturity of more than one year if purchased or sold under a repurchase agreement having a term of less than 91 days; (C) Interests issued by a company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940; (D) Bank certificates of deposit with a maturity of not more than one year; (E) Commercial paper with a maturity of not more than nine months if it is ranked in the highest rating category for commercial paper by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating services and is issued by a company required to file reports under section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; (F) Participations in a bank common or collective trust; (G) Participations in an insurance company pooled separate account; (3)(i) Except as provided by paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section, a transaction is “with or in conjunction with a person” for purposes of this section if that person benefits from, executes, facilitates, participates, promotes, or solicits a transaction or part of a transaction involving plan assets. (ii) Solely for the purposes of paragraph (c)(1)(iv) of this section, a transaction shall not be considered “with or in conjunction with a person” if: (A) That person is a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; (B) The transaction involves the purchase or sale of securities listed on a national securities exchange registered under section 6 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or quoted on NASDAQ; and (C) The broker-dealer does not purchase or sell securities involved in the transaction for its own account or the account of an affiliated person. (c) Application. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(4) of this section, this provision applies to— (i) A transaction within the plan year, with respect to any plan asset, involving an amount in excess of 3 percent of the current value of plan assets; (ii) Any series of transactions (other than transactions with respect to securities) within the plan year with or in conjunction with the same person which, when aggregated, regardless of the category of asset and the gain or loss on any transaction, involves an amount in excess of 3 percent of the current value of plan assets; (iii) Any transaction within the plan year involving securities of the same issue if within the plan year any series of transactions with respect to such securities, when aggregated, involves an amount in excess of 3 percent of the current value of plan assets; and (iv) Any transaction within the plan year with respect to securities with or in conjunction with a person if any prior or subsequent single transaction within the plan year with such person with respect to securities exceeds 3 percent of the current value of plan assets. (2) For purposes of determining whether any 3 percent transactions occur, the “current value” of an asset acquired or disposed of during the plan year is the current value, as defined in section 3(26) of the Act, at the time of acquisition or disposition of such asset. (3) Plans whose assets are held in whole or in part in a common or collective trust or a pooled separate account, as provided in §§2520.103–3 and 2520.103–4, and which satisfy the requirements of those sections, are not required to prepare schedules of reportable transactions with respect to the individual transactions of the common or collective trust or pooled separate account. (4) For plan years beginning on or after January 1, 1988, 5 percent shall be substituted for 3 percent in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this section for purposes of determining whether a transaction or series of transactions constitutes a reportable transaction under this section. (d) Contents. (1) The schedule of transactions shall include the following information as to each transaction or series of transactions: (i) The name of each party, except that in the case of a transaction or series of transactions involving a purchase or sale of a security on the market, the schedule need not include the person from whom it was purchased or to whom it was sold. A purchase or sale on the market is a purchase or sale of a security through a registered broker-dealer acting as a broker under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; (ii) A brief description of each asset; (iii) The purchase or selling price in the case of a purchase or sale, the rental in the case of a lease, and the amount of principal, interest rate, payment schedule (e.g., fully amortized, partly amortized with balloon) and maturity date in the case of a loan; (iv) Expenses incurred, including, but not limited to, any fees or commissions; (v) The cost of any asset; (vi) The current value of any asset acquired or disposed of at the time of acquisition or disposition; and (vii) The net gain or loss. (2) The schedule of transactions with respect to a series of transactions described in paragraph (c)(1)(iii) may include the following information for each issue in lieu of the information prescribed in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (vii): (i) The total number of purchases of such securities made by the plan within the plan year; (ii) The total number of sales of such securities made by the plan within the plan year; (iii) The total dollar value of such purchases; (iv) The total dollar value of such sales; (v) The net gain or loss as a result of these transactions. (e) Examples. These examples are effective for reporting for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 1988. (1) At the beginning of the plan year, XYZ plan has 10 percent of the current value of its plan assets invested in ABC common stock. Halfway through the plan year, XYZ purchases ABC common stock in a single transaction in an amount equal to 6 percent of the current value of plan assets. At about this time, XYZ plan also purchases a commercial development property in an amount equal to 8 percent of the current value of plan assets. Under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section, the 6 percent stock transaction is a reportable transaction for the plan year because it exceeds 5 percent of the current value of plan assets. The 8 percent land transaction is also reportable under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section because it exceeds 5 percent of the current value of plan assets. (2) During the plan year, AAA plan purchases a commercial lot from ZZZ corporation at a cost equal to 2 percent of the current value of the plan assets. Two months later, AAA plan loans ZZZ corporation an amount of money equal to 3.5 percent of the current value of plan assets. Under the provisions of paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section, the plan has engaged in a reportable series of transactions with or in conjunction with the same person, ZZZ corporation, which when aggregated involves 5.5 percent of plan assets. (3) During the plan year NMN plan sells to OPO corporation a commercial property that represents 3.5 percent of the current value of plan assets. OPO simultaneously executes a note and mortgage on the purchased property to NMN which represents 3 percent of the current value of plan assets. Under the provisions of paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section, NMN has engaged in a reportable series of transactions with or in conjunction with the same person, OPO corporation, consisting of a simultaneous sale of property and a loan, which, when aggregated, involves 6.5 percent of the current value of plan assets. (4) At the beginning of the plan year, ABC plan has 10 percent of the current value of plan assets invested equally in a combination of XYZ Corporation common stock and XYZ preferred stock. One month into the plan year, ABC sells some of its XYZ common stock in an amount equal to 2 percent of the current value of plan assets. (i) Six weeks later the plan sells XYZ preferred stock in an amount equal to 4 percent of the current value of plan assets. A reportable series of transactions has not occurred because only transactions involving securities of the same issue are to be aggregated under paragraph (c)(1)(iii) of this section. (ii) Two weeks later when the ABC plan purchases XYZ common stock in an amount equal to 3.5 percent of the current value of plan assets, a reportable series of transactions under paragraph (c)(1)(iii) of this section has occurred. The sale of XYZ common stock worth 2 percent of plan assets and the purchase of XYZ common stock worth 3.5 percent of plan assets aggregate to exceed 5 percent of the total value of plan assets. (5) At the beginning of the plan year, Plan X purchases through broker-dealer Y common stock of Able Industries in an amount equal to 6 percent of plan assets. The common stock of Able Industries is not listed on any national securities exchange or quoted on NASDAQ. This purchase is a reportable transaction under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section. Three months later, Plan X purchases short term debt obligations of Charley Company through broker-dealer Y in the amount of 0.2 percent of plan assets. This purchase is also a reportable transaction under the provisions of paragraph (c)(1)(iv) of this section. (6) At the beginning of the plan year, Plan X purchases from Bank B certificates of deposit having a 180 day maturity in an amount equal to 6 percent of plan assets. Bank B is a national bank regulated by the Comptroller of the Currency. This purchase is a reportable transaction under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section. Three months later, Plan X purchases through Bank B 91-day Treasury bills in the amount of 0.2 percent of plan assets. This purchase is not a reportable transaction under paragraph (c)(1)(iv) of this section because the purchase of the Treasury bills as well as the purchase of the certificates of deposit are not considered to involve a security under the definition of “securities” in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section. (7) At the beginning of the plan year, Plan X purchases through broker-dealer Y common stock of Able Industries, a New York Stock Exchange listed security, in an amount equal to 6 percent of plan assets. This purchase is a reportable transaction under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section. Three months later, Plan X purchases through broker-dealer Y, acting as agent, common stock of Baker Corporation, also a New York Stock Exchange listed security, in an amount equal to 0.2 percent of plan assets. This latter purchase is not a reportable transaction under paragraph (c)(1)(iv) of this section because it is not a transaction “with or in conjunction with a person” pursuant to paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section. (f) Special rule for certain participant-directed transactions. Participant or beneficiary directed transactions under an individual account plan shall not be taken into account under paragraph (c)(1) of this section for purposes of preparing the schedule of reportable transactions described in this section. For purposes of this section only, a transaction will be considered directed by a participant or beneficiary if it has been authorized by such participant or beneficiary. [43 FR 10140, Mar. 10, 1978; 43 FR 14009, Apr. 4, 1978, as amended at 54 FR 8628, Mar. 1, 1989; 61 FR 33849, July 1, 1996; 65 FR 21082, Apr. 19, 2000] (a) General. Under the authority of section 103(a)(3)(C) of the Act, the examination and report of an independent qualified public accountant need not extend to any statement or information prepared and certified by a bank or similar institution or insurance carrier. A plan, trust or other entity which meets the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section is not required to have covered by the accountant's examination or report any of the information described in paragraph (c) of this section. (b) Application. This section applies to any plan, trust or other entity some or all of the assets of which are held by a bank or similar institution or insurance carrier which is regulated and supervised and subject to periodic examination by a State or Federal agency. (c) Excluded information. Any statements or information certified to by a bank or similar institution or insurance carrier described in paragraph (b) of this section, provided that the statements or information regarding assets so held are prepared and certified to by the bank or insurance carrier in accordance with §2520.103–5.
Link to an amendment published at 71 FR 41368, July 21, 2006. (a) General. Under the authority of sections 103(b)(4), 104(a)(3), 110 and 505 of the Act, an employee benefit plan, some or all of the assets of which are held in a common or collective trust or a pooled separate account described in section 103(b)(3)(G) of the Act and §§2520.103–3 and 2520.103–4, is relieved from including in its annual report information about the current value of the plan's allocable portion of assets and liabilities of the common or collective trust or pooled separate account and information concerning the individual transactions of the common or collective trust or pooled separate account, provided that the plan meets the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, and, provided further, that the bank or insurance carrier which holds the plan's assets meets the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section. (b) Application. A plan whose assets are held in a common or collective trust or a pooled separate account described in section 103(b)(3)(G) of the Act and §§2520.103–3 and 2520.103–4, provided the plan administrator, on or before the end of the plan year, provides the bank or insurance carrier which maintains the common or collective trust or pooled separate account with the plan number, and name and Employer Identification Number of the plan sponsor as will be reported on the plan's annual report. (c) Separate filing by common or collective trusts and pooled separate accounts. The bank or insurance carrier which maintains the common or collective trust or pooled separate account in which assets of the plan are held shall file, in accordance with the instructions for the form, a completed Form 5500 “Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan” and any statements or schedules required to be attached to the form for the common or collective trust or pooled separate account, including Schedule D (DFE/Participating Plan Information) and Schedule H (Financial Information). See the instructions for this form. The information reported shall be for the fiscal year of such trust or account ending with or within the plan year for which the annual report of the plan is made. (d) Method of filing. The Form 5500 “Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan” may be filed electronically or through other media in accordance with the instructions accompanying the form, provided the bank or insurance company which maintains the common or collective trust or pooled separate account maintains an original copy, with all required signatures, as part of its records. [65 FR 21082, Apr. 19, 2000] (a) General. The administrator of a plan filing an annual report pursuant to §2520.103–1(a)(2) or the report for a group insurance arrangement pursuant to §2520.103–2 shall, as provided in the instructions to the Form 5500 “Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan,” include as part of the annual report the separate financial schedules described in paragraph (b) of this section. (b) Schedules—(1) Assets held for investment. (i) A schedule of all assets held for investment purposes at the end of the plan year (see §2520.103–11) with assets aggregated and identified by: (A) Identity of issue, borrower, lessor or similar party to the transaction (including a notation as to whether such party is known to be a party in interest); (B) Description of investment including maturity date, rate of interest, collateral, par, or maturity value; (C) Cost; and (D) Current value, and, in the case of a loan, the payment schedule. (ii) Except as provided in the Form 5500 and the instructions thereto, in the case of assets or investment interests of two or more plans maintained in one trust, all entries on the schedule of assets held for investment purposes that relate to the trust shall be completed by including the plan's allocable portion of the trust. (2) Assets acquired and disposed within the plan year. (i) A schedule of all assets acquired and disposed of within the plan year (see §2520.103–11) with assets aggregated and identified by: (A) Identity of issue, borrower, issuer or similar party; (B) Descriptions of investment including maturity date, rate of interest, collateral, par, or maturity value; (C) Cost of acquisitions; and (D) Proceeds of dispositions. (ii) Except as provided in the Form 5500 and the instructions thereto, in the case of assets or investment interests of two or more plans maintained in one trust, all entries on the schedule of assets held for investment purposes that relate to the trust shall be completed by including the plan's allocable portion of the trust. (3) Party in interest transactions. A schedule of each transaction involving a person known to be a party in interest except do not include: (i) A transaction to which a statutory exemption under part 4 of title I applies; (ii) A transaction to which an administrative exemption under section 408(a) of the Act applies; or (iii) A transaction to which the exemptions of section 4975(c) or 4975(d) of the Internal Revenue Code (Title 26 of the United States Code) applies. (4) Obligations in default. A schedule of all loans or fixed income obligations which were in default as of the end of the plan year or were classified during the year as uncollectible. (5) Leases in default. A schedule of all leases which were in default or were classified during the year as uncollectible. (6) Reportable transactions. A schedule of all reportable transactions as defined in §2520.103–6. (c) Format requirements for certain schedules. See the instructions to the Form 5500 “Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan” as to the format requirement for the schedules referred to in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2) or (b)(6) of this section. [65 FR 21083, Apr. 19, 2000] (a) General. For purposes of preparing the schedule of assets held for investment purposes described in §2520.103–10(b)(1) and (2), assets held for investment purposes include those assets described in paragraph (b) of this section. (b) Definitions. (1) Assets held for investment purposes shall include: (i) Any investment asset held by the plan on the last day of the plan year; and (ii) Any investment asset which was purchased at any time during the plan year and was sold at any time before the last day of the plan year, except as provided by paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this section. (2) Assets held for investment purposes shall not include any investment which was not held by the plan on the last day of the plan year for which the annual report is filed if that investment falls within any of the following categories: (i) Debt obligations of the United States or any agency of the United States; (ii) Interests issued by a company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940; (iii) Bank certificates of deposit with a maturity of not more than one year; (iv) Commerical paper with a maturity of not more than nine months if it is ranked in the highest rating category by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating services and is issued by a company required to file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission under section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; (v) Participations in a bank common or collective trust; (vi) Participations in an insurance company pooled separate account; (vii) Securities purchased from a person registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and listed on a national securities exchange registered under section 6 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or quoted on NASDAQ; (3) Assets held for investment purposes shall not include any investment which was not held by the plan on the last day of the plan year for which the annual report is filed if that investment is reported on the annual report of that same plan in any of the following: (i) The schedule of each transaction involving a person known to be a party in interest required by section 103(b)(3)(D) of the Act and §2520.103–10(b)(3); (ii) The schedule of loans or fixed income obligations in default required by section 103(b)(3)(E) of the Act and §2520.103–10(b)(4); (iii) The schedule of leases in default or classified as uncollectible required by section 103(b)(3)(F) of the Act and §2520.103–10(b)(5); or (iv) The schedule of reportable transactions required by section 103(b)(3)(H) of the Act and §2520.103–10(b)(6). (c) Examples. (1) On February 1, 1977, plan N purchases an interest in registered investment company F (fund F). Fund F is not a party in interest with respect to plan N. On November 1, 1977, plan N sells this interest in fund F and purchases 1,000 shares of stock S, which the plan holds for the rest of the plan year. Plan N must include in its schedule of assets held for investment purposes the 1,000 shares of stock S under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, but need not include the interest in fund F because of paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section. (2) On February 1, 1977, plan N purchases a parcel of real estate from Mr. M, who is not a party in interest with respect to plan N. On November 1, 1977, plan N sells the parcel of real estate for cash to Mr. X, who is not a party in interest with respect to plan N. Plan N uses the cash from this transaction to purchase a 1-year certificate of deposit in bank B, which it holds until maturity in 1978. Plan N must include in its schedule of assets held for investment purposes the 1-year certificate of deposit in bank B under paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section, and must also include the parcel of real estate under paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section. (d) Special rule for certain participant-directed transactions. Cost information may be omitted from the schedule of assets held for investment purposes for assets described in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(ii) of this section only with respect to participant or beneficiary directed transactions under an individual account plan. For purposes of this section only, a transaction will be considered directed by a participant or beneficiary if it has been authorized by such participant or beneficiary. [43 FR 10140, Mar. 10, 1978, as amended at 65 FR 21083, Apr. 19, 2000]
Link to an amendment published at 71 FR 41368, July 21, 2006. (a) This section prescribes an exemption from and alternative method of compliance with the annual reporting requirements of part 1 of title I of ERISA for employee benefit plans whose assets are invested in certain entities described in paragraph (c). A plan utilizing this method of reporting shall include as part of its annual report the current value of its investment or units of participation in the entity in the manner prescribed by the Return/Report Form and the instructions thereto. The plan is not required to include in its annual report any information regarding the underlying assets or individual transactions of the entity, provided the information described in paragraph (b) regarding the entity is reported directly to the Department on behalf of the plan administrator on or before the filing due date for the entity in accordance with the instructions to the Form 5500 Annual Return/Report. The information described in paragraph (b), however, shall be considered as part of the annual report for purposes of the requirements of section 104(a)(1) of the Act and §§2520.104a–5 and 2520.104a–6. (b) The following information must be filed regarding the entity described in paragraph (c) of this section: (1) A Form 5500 “Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan” and any statements or schedules required to be attached to the form for such entity, completed in accordance with the instructions for the form, including Schedule A (Insurance Information), Schedule C (Service Provider Information), Schedule D (DFE/Participating Plan Information), Schedule G (Financial Transaction Schedules), Schedule H (Financial Information), and the schedules described in §2520.103–10(b)(1) and (b)(2). See the instructions for this form. The information reported shall be for the fiscal year of such entity ending with or within the plan year for which the annual report of the plan is made. (2) A report of an independent qualified public accountant regarding the financial statements and schedules described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section which meets the requirements of §2520.103–1(b)(5). (c) This method of reporting is available to any employee benefit plan which has invested in an entity the assets of which are deemed to include plan assets under §2510.3–101, provided the entity holds the assets of two or more plans which are not members of a “related group” of employee benefit plans as that term is defined in paragraph (e) of this section. The method of reporting is not available for investments in an insurance company pooled separate account or a common or collective trust maintained by a bank, trust company, or similar institution. (d) The examination and report of an independent qualified public accountant required by §2520.103–1 for a plan utilizing the method of reporting described in this section need not extend to any information concerning an entity which is reported directly to the Department under paragraph (b) of this section. (e) A “related group” of employee benefit plans consists of every group of two or more employee benefit plans— (1) Each of which receives 10 percent or more of its aggregate contributions from the same employer or from members of the same controlled group of corporations (as determined under section 1563(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, without regard to section 1563(a)(4) thereof); or (2) Each of which is either maintained by, or maintained pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement negotiated by, the same employee organization or affiliated employee organizations. For purposes of this paragraph, an “affiliate” of an employee organization means any person controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such organization, and includes any organization chartered by the same parent body, or governed by the same constitution and bylaws, or having the relation of parent and subordinate. (f) Method of filing. The Form 5500 “Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan” may be filed electronically or through other media in accordance with the instructions accompanying the form provided the entity described in paragraph (c) of this section maintains an original copy, with all required signatures, as part of its records. [51 FR 41287, Nov. 13, 1986, as amended at 65 FR 21083, Apr. 19, 2000] (a) General. The terminal report required to be filed by the qualified termination administrator pursuant to §2578.1(d)(2)(viii) of this chapter shall consist of the items set forth in paragraph (b) of this section. Such report shall be filed in accordance with the method of filing set forth in paragraph (c) of this section and at the time set forth in paragraph (d) of this section. (b) Contents. The terminal report described in paragraph (a) of this section shall contain: (1) Identification information concerning the qualified termination administrator and the plan being terminated. (2) The total assets of the plan as of the date the plan was deemed terminated under §2578.1(c) of this chapter, prior to any reduction for termination expenses and distributions to participants and beneficiaries. (3) The total termination expenses paid by the plan and a separate schedule identifying each service provider and amount received, itemized by expense. (4) The total distributions made pursuant to §2578.1(d)(2)(vii) of this chapter and a statement regarding whether any such distributions were transfers under §2578.1(d)(2)(vii)(B) of this chapter. (5) The identification, fair market value and method of valuation of any assets with respect to which there is no readily ascertainable fair market value. (c) Method of filing. The terminal report described in paragraph (a) shall be filed: (1) On the most recent Form 5500 available as of the date the qualified termination administrator satisfies the requirements in §2578.1(d)(2)(i) through §2578.1(d)(2)(vii) of this chapter; and (2) In accordance with the Form's instructions pertaining to terminal reports of qualified termination administrators. (d) When to file. The qualified termination administrator shall file the terminal report described in paragraph (a) within two months after the end of the month in which the qualified termination administrator satisfies the requirements in §2578.1(d)(2)(i) through §2578.1(d)(2)(vii) of this chapter. (e) Limitation. (1) Except as provided in this section, no report shall be required to be filed by the qualified termination administrator under part 1 of title I of ERISA for a plan being terminated pursuant to §2578.1 of this chapter. (2) Filing of a report under this section by the qualified termination administrator shall not relieve any other person from any obligation under part 1 of title I of ERISA. [71 FR 20853, Apr. 21, 2006] (The information collection requirements contained in subpart D were approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1210–0016) The administrator of an employee benefit plan covered by part 1 of title I of the Act must file reports and additional information with the Secretary of Labor, and disclose reports, statements, and documents to plan participants and to beneficiaries receiving benefits from the plan. The regulations contained in this subpart are applicable to both the reporting and disclosure requirements of part 1 of title I of the Act. Regulations concerning only a plan administrator's duty of reporting to the Secretary of Labor are set forth in subpart E of this part, and those applicable only to the duty of disclosure to participants and beneficiaries are set forth in subpart F of this part. [41 FR 16962, Apr. 23, 1976] (a) General. Under the authority of section 110 of the Act, this section sets forth an alternative method of compliance for certain successor pension plans in which some participants and beneficiaries not only have their rights set out in the plan, but also retain eligibility for certain benefits under the terms of a former plan which has been merged into the successor. This section is applicable only to plan mergers which occur after the issuance by the successor plan of the initial summary plan description under the Act. Under the alternative method, the plan administrator of the successor plan is not required to describe relevant provisions of merged plans in summary plan descriptions of the successor plan furnished after the merger to that class of participants and beneficiaries still affected by the terms of the merged plans. (b) Scope and application. This alternative method of compliance is available only if: (1) The plan administrator of the successor plan furnishes to the participants covered under the predecessor plan and beneficiaries receiving pension benefits under the merged plan within 90 days after the effective date of the merger: (i) A copy of the most recent summary plan description of the successor plan; (ii) A copy of any summaries of material modifications to the successor plan not incorporated in the most recent summary plan description; and (iii) A separate statement containing a brief description of the merger, a description of the provisions of, and benefits provided by, the merged and successor plans which are applicable to the participants and beneficiaries of the merged plan; and a notice that copies of the merged and successor plan documents, as well as the plan merger documents (including the portions of any corporate merger documents which describe or control the plan merger), are available for inspection and that copies may be obtained upon written request for a duplication charge (pursuant to §2520.104b–30); and (2) After the merger, the plan administrator, in all subsequent summary plan descriptions furnished pursuant to §2520.104b–2(a)— (i) Clearly and conspicuously identifies the class of participants and beneficiaries affected by the provisions of the merged plan, and (ii) States that the documents described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section are available for inspection and that copies may be obtained upon written request for a duplication charge (pursuant to §2520.104b–30). [42 FR 37182, July 19, 1977, as amended at 67 FR 776, Jan. 7, 2002] (a) Scope. Under the authority of section 104(a)(3) of the Act, the administrator of any employee welfare benefit plan which covers fewer than 100 participants at the beginning of the plan year and which meets the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section is exempted from certain reporting and disclosure provisions of the Act. Specifically, the administrator of such plan is not required to file with the Secretary an annual or terminal report. In addition, the administrator of a plan exempted under this section— (1) Is not required to furnish participants covered under the plan and beneficiaries receiving benefits under the plan with statements of the plan's assets and liabilities and receipts and disbursements and a summary of the annual report required by section 104(b)(3) of the Act; (2) Is not required to furnish upon written request of any participant or beneficiary a copy of the annual report and any terminal report, as required by section 104(b)(4) of the Act; (3) Is not required to make copies of the annual report available for examination by any participant or beneficiary in the principal office of the administrator and such other places as may be necessary, as required by section 104(b)(2) of the Act. (b) Application. This exemption applies only to welfare benefit plans— (1) Which have fewer than 100 participants at the beginning of the plan year; (2)(i) For which benefits are paid as needed solely from the general assets of the employer or employee organization maintaining the plan, or (ii) The benefits of which are provided exclusively through insurance contracts or policies issued by an insurance company or similar organization which is qualified to do business in any State or through a qualified health maintenance organization as defined in section 1310(d) of the Public Health Service Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 300e–9(d), the premiums for which are paid directly by the employer or employee organization from its general assets or partly from its general assets and partly from contributions by its employees or members, Provided, That contributions by participants are forwarded by the employer or employee organization within three months of receipt, or (iii) Both; and (3) For which, in the case of an insured plan— (i) Refunds, to which contributing participants are entitled, are returned to them within three months of receipt by the employer or employee organization, and (ii) Contributing participants are informed upon entry into the plan of the provisions of the plan concerning the allocation of refunds. (c) Limitations. This exemption does not exempt the administrator of an employee benefit plan from any other requirement of title I of the Act, including the provisions which require that plan administrators furnish copies of the summary plan description to participants and beneficiaries (section 104(b)(1)) and furnish certain documents to the Secretary of Labor upon request (section 104(a)(6)), and which authorize the Secretary of Labor to collect information and data from employee benefit plans for research and analysis (section 513). (d) Examples. (1) A welfare plan has 75 participants at the beginning of the plan year and 105 participants at the end of the plan year. Plan benefits are fully insured and premiums are paid directly to the insurance company by the employer pursuant to an insurance contract purchased with premium payments derived half from the general assets of the employer and half from employee contributions (which the employer forwards within three months of receipt). Refunds to the plan are paid to participating employees within three months of receipt as provided in the plan and as described to each participant upon entering the plan. The plan appoints the employer as its plan administrator. The employer, as plan administrator, provides summary plan descriptions to participants and beneficiaries. He also makes copies of certain plan documents available at the plan's principal office and such other places as necessary to give participants reasonable access to them. The exemption provided by §2520.104–20 applies even though the plan has more than 100 participants by the end of the plan year, because it had fewer than 100 participants at the beginning of the plan year and otherwise satisfied the conditions of the exemption. (2) A welfare plan is established and maintained in the same way as the plan described in example (1), except that a trade association which sponsors the plan is the holder of the insurance contract. Since the plan still sends the premium payments directly to the insurance company, the exemption applies, as in example (1). [43 FR 10148, Mar. 10, 1978, as amended at 46 FR 5884, Jan. 21, 1981; 67 FR 776, Jan. 7, 2002] (a) Scope. Under the authority of section 104(a)(3) of the Act, the administrator of any employee welfare benefit plan which covers fewer than 100 participants at the beginning of the plan year and which meets the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section is exempted from certain reporting and disclosure provisions of the Act. Specifically, the administrator of such plan is not required to file with the Secretary a terminal report or furnish upon written request of any participant or beneficiary a copy of any terminal report as required by section 104(b)(4) of the Act. (b) Application. This exemption applies only to welfare plans, each of which has fewer than 100 participants at the beginning of the plan year and which are part of a group insurance arrangement if such arrangement: (1) Provides benefits to the employees of two or more unaffiliated employers, but not in connection with a multiemployer plan as defined in section 3(37) of the Act and any regulations prescribed under the Act concerning section 3(37); (2) Fully insures one or more welfare plans of each participating employer through insurance contracts purchased solely by the employers or purchased partly by the employers and partly by their participating employees, with all benefit payments made by the insurance company: Provided, That— (i) Contributions by participating employees are forwarded by the employers within three months of receipt, (ii) Refunds, to which contributing participants are entitled, are returned to them within three months of receipt, and (iii) Contributing participants are informed upon entry into the plan of the provisions of the plan concerning the allocation of refunds; and (3) Uses a trust (or other entity such as a trade association) as the holder of the insurance contracts and uses a trust as the conduit for payment of premiums to the insurance company. (c) Limitations. This exemption does not exempt the administrator of an employee benefit plan from any other requirement of title I of the Act, including the provisions which require that plan administrators furnish copies of the summary plan description to participants and beneficiaries (section 104(b)(1)), file an annual report with the Secretary of Labor (section 104(a)(1)) and furnish certain documents to the Secretary of Labor upon request (section 104(a)(6)), and authorize the Secretary of Labor to collect information and data from employee benefit plans for research and analysis (section 513). (d) Examples. (1) A welfare plan has 25 participants at the beginning of the plan year. It is part of a group insurance arrangement of a trade association which provides benefits to employees of two or more unaffiliated employers, but not in connection with a multiemployer plan as defined in the Act. Plan benefits are fully insured pursuant to insurance contracts purchased with premium payments derived half from employee contributions (which the employer forwards within three months of receipt) and half from the general assets of each participating employer. Refunds to the plan are paid to participating employees within three months of receipt as provided in the plan and as described to each participant upon entering the plan. The trade association holds the insurance contracts. A trust acts as a conduit for payments, receiving premium payments from participating employers and paying the insurance company. The plan appoints the trade association as its plan administrator. The association, as plan administrator, provides summary plan descriptions to participants and beneficiaries, enlisting the help of participating employers in carrying out this distribution. The plan administrator also makes copies of certain plan documents available to the plan's principal office and such other places as necessary to give participants reasonable access to them. The plan administrator files with the Secretary an annual report covering activities of the plan, as required by the Act and such regulations as the Secretary may issue. The exemption provided by this section applies because the conditions of paragraph (b) have been satisfied. (2) Assume the same facts as paragraph (d)(1) of this section except that the premium payments for the insurance company are paid from the trust to an independent insurance brokerage firm acting as the agent of the insurance company. The trade association is the holder of the insurance contract. The plan appoints an officer of the participating employer as the plan administrator. The officer, as plan administrator, performs the same reporting and disclosure functions as the administrator in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, enlisting the help of the association in providing summary plan descriptions and necessary information. The exemption provided by this section applies. (3) The facts are the same as paragraph (d)(1) of this section except the welfare plan has 125 participants at the beginning of the plan year. The exemption provided by this section does not apply because the plan had 100 or more participants at the beginning of the plan year. See, however, §2520.104–43. (4) The facts are the same as paragraph (d)(2) of this section except the welfare plan has 125 participants. The exemption provided by this section does not apply because the plan had 100 or more participants at the beginning of the plan year. See, however, §2520.104–43. (e) Applicability date. For purposes of paragraph (b)(3) of this section, the arrangement may continue to use an entity (such as a trade association) as the conduit for the payment of insurance premiums to the insurance company for reporting years of the arrangement beginning before January 1, 2001. [43 FR 10149, Mar. 10, 1978, as amended at 65 FR 21084, Apr. 19, 2000; 67 FR 776, Jan. 7, 2002] (a) An employee welfare benefit plan that provides exclusively apprenticeship training benefits or other training benefits or that provides exclusively apprenticeship and training benefits shall not be required to meet any requirement of part 1 of the Act, provided that the administrator of such plan: (1) Has filed with the Secretary the notice described in paragraph (b) of this section; (2) Takes steps reasonably designed to ensure that the information required to be contained in such notice is disclosed to employees of employers contributing to the plan who may be eligible to enroll in any course of study sponsored or established by the plan; and (3) Makes such notice available to such employees upon request. (b) The notice referred to in paragraph (a) of this section shall contain accurate information concerning: (1) The name of the plan; (2) The Employer Identification Number (EIN) of the plan sponsor; (3) The name of the plan administrator; (4) The name and location of an office or person from whom an interested individual can obtain: (i) A description of any existing or anticipated future course of study sponsored or established by the plan, including any prerequisites for enrolling in such course; and (ii) A description of the procedure by which to enroll in such course. (c) Filing address. The notice referred to in paragraph (a) of this section shall be filed with the Secretary of Labor by mailing it to: Apprenticeship and Training Plan Exemption, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Room N–1513, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210, or by delivering it during normal working hours to the Employee Benefits Security Administration, Room N–1513, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC. [45 FR 15529, Mar. 11, 1980, as amended at 45 FR 27933, Apr. 25, 1980; 54 FR 8629, Mar. 1, 1989; 68 FR 16400, Apr. 3, 2003] (a) Purpose and scope. (1) This section contains an alternative method of compliance with the reporting and disclosure requirements of part 1 of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 for unfunded or insured pension plans maintained by an employer for a select group of management or highly compensated employees, pursuant to the authority of the Secretary of Labor under section 110 of the Act (88 Stat. 851). (2) Under section 110 of the Act, the Secretary is authorized to prescribe an alternative method for satisfying any requirement of part 1 of title I of the Act with respect to any pension plans, or class of pension plans, subject to such requirement. (b) Filing obligation. Under the authority of section 110 of the Act, an alternative form of compliance with the reporting and disclosure requirements of part 1 of the Act is provided for certain pension plans for a select group of management or highly compensated employees. The administrator of a pension plan described in paragraph (d) shall be deemed to satisfy the reporting and disclosure provisions of part 1 of title I of the Act by— (1) Filing a statement with the Secretary of Labor that includes the name and address of the employer, the employer identification number (EIN) assigned by the Internal Revenue Service, a declaration that the employer maintains a plan or plans primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for a select group of management or highly compensated employees, and a statement of the number of such plans and the number of employees in each, and (2) Providing plan documents, if any, to the Secretary upon request as required by section 104(a)(6) of the Act. Only one statement need be filed for each employer maintaining one or more of the plans described in paragraph (d) of this section. For plans in existence on May 4, 1975, the statement shall be filed on or before August 31, 1975. For a plan to which part 1 of title I of the Act becomes applicable after May 4, 1975, the statement shall be filed within 120 days after the plan becomes subject to part 1. (c) Filing address. Statements may be filed with the Secretary of Labor by mailing them addressed to: Top Hat Plan Exemption, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Room N–1513, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210, or by delivering it during normal working hours to the Employee Benefits Security Administration, Room N–1513, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC. (d) Application. The alternative form of compliance described in paragraph (b) of this section is available only to employee pension benefit plans— (1) Which are maintained by an employer primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for a select group of management or highly compensated employees, and (2) For which benefits (i) are paid as needed solely from the general assets of the employer, (ii) are provided exclusively through insurance contracts or policies, the premiums for which are paid directly by the employer from its general assets, issued by an insurance company or similar organization which is qualified to do business in any State, or (iii) both. [40 FR 34533, Aug. 15, 1975, as amended at 54 FR 8629, Mar. 1, 1989; 67 FR 776, Jan. 7, 2002; 68 FR 16400, Apr. 3, 2003] (a) Purpose and scope. (1) This section, under the authority of section 104(a)(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, exempts unfunded or insured welfare plans maintained by an employer for the purpose of providing benefits for a select group of management or highly compensated employees from the reporting and disclosure provisions of part 1 of title I of the Act, except for the requirement to provide plan documents to the Secretary of Labor upon request under section 104(a)(1) of the Act. (2) Under section 104(a)(3) of the Act, the Secretary is authorized to exempt by regulation any welfare benefit plan from all or part of the reporting and disclosure requirements of title I of the Act. (b) Exemption. Under the authority of section 104(a)(3) of the Act, each employee welfare benefit plan described in paragraph (c) of this section is exempted from the reporting and disclosure provisions of part 1 of title I of the Act, except for providing plan documents to the Secretary of Labor upon request as required by section 104(a)(6). (c) Application. This exemption is available only to employee welfare benefit plans: (1) Which are maintained by an employer primarily for the purpose of providing benefits for a select group of management or highly compensated employees, and (2) For which benefits (i) are paid as needed solely from the general assets of the employer, (ii) are provided exclusively through insurance contracts or policies, the premiums for which are paid directly by the employer from its general assets, issued by an insurance company or similar organization which is qualified to do business in any State, or (iii) both. [40 FR 34533, Aug. 15, 1975, as amended at 67 FR 776, Jan. 7, 2002] Under the authority of section 104(a)(3) of the Act, day care centers are exempted from the reporting and disclosure provisions of part 1 of title I of the Act, except for providing plan documents to the Secretary upon request as required under section 104(a)(6) of the Act. [40 FR 34533, Aug. 15, 1975, as amended at 67 FR 776, Jan. 7, 2002] (a) Scope. Under the authority of section 104(a)(3) of the Act, a welfare benefit plan that meets the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section is exempted from the provisions of the Act that require filing with the Secretary an annual report and furnishing a summary annual report to participants and beneficiaries. Such plans may use a simplified method of reporting and disclosure to comply with the requirement to furnish a summary plan description to participants and beneficiaries, as follows: (1) In lieu of filing an annual report with the Secretary or distributing a summary annual report, a filing is made of Report Form LM–2 or LM–3, pursuant to the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) and regulations thereunder, and (2) In lieu of a summary plan description, the employee organization constitution or by-laws may be furnished in accordance with §2520.104b–2 to participants and beneficiaries together with any supplement to such document necessary to meet the requirements of §§2520.102–2 and 2520.102–3. (b) Application. This exemption is available only to welfare benefit plans maintained by an employee organization, as that term is defined in section 3(4) of the Act, paid for out of the employee organization's general assets, which are derived wholly or partly from membership dues, and which cover employee organization members and their beneficiaries. (c) Limitations. This exemption does not exempt the administrator from any other requirement of part 1 of title I of the Act. [42 FR 37184, July 19, 1977, as amended at 67 FR 776, Jan. 7, 2002] (a) Scope. Under the authority of section 110 of the Act, a pension benefit plan that meets the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section is exempted from the provisions of the Act that require filing with the Secretary an annual report and furnishing a summary annual report to participants and beneficiaries receiving benefits. Such plans may use a simplified method of reporting and disclosure to comply with the requirement to furnish a summary plan description to participants and beneficiaries receiving benefits, as follows: (1) In lieu of filing an annual report with the Secretary or distributing a summary annual report, a filing is made of Report Form LM–2 or LM–3, pursuant to the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) and regulations thereunder, and (2) In lieu of a summary plan description, the employee organization constitution or bylaws may be furnished in accordance with §2520.104b–2 to participants and beneficiaries together with any supplement to such document necessary to meet the requirements of §§2520.102–2 and 2520.102–3. (b) Application. This exemption is available only to pension benefit plans maintained by an employee organization, as that term is defined in section 3(4) of the Act, paid for out of the employee organization's general assets, which are derived wholly or partly from membership dues, and which cover employee organization members and their beneficiaries. (c) Limitations. This exemption does not exempt the administrator from any other requirement of part 1 of title I of the Act. [42 FR 37184, July 19, 1977, as amended at 67 FR 777, Jan. 7, 2002] (a) General. (1) Under the authority of section 104(a)(2)(A), the Secretary of Labor may prescribe simplified annual reporting for employee pension benefit plans with fewer than 100 participants. (2) Under the authority of section 104(a)(3), the Secretary of Labor may provide a limited exemption for any employee welfare benefit plan with respect to certain annual reporting requirements. (b) Application. The administrator of an employee pension or welfare benefit plan which covers fewer than 100 participants at the beginning of the plan year and the administrator of an employee pension or welfare benefit plan described in §2520.103–1(d) may file the simplified annual report described in paragraph (c) of this section in lieu of the annual report described in §2520.103–1(b). (c) Contents. The administrator of an employee pension or welfare benefit plan described in paragraph (b) of this section shall file, in the manner prescribed in §2520.104a–5, a completed Form 5500 “Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan,” including any required schedules or statements prescribed by the instructions to the form, and, unless waived by §2520.104–46, a report of an independent qualified public accountant meeting the requirements of §2520.103–1(b). [43 FR 10150, Mar. 10, 1978, as amended at 45 FR 51446, Aug. 1, 1980; 54 FR 8629, Mar. 1, 1989; 65 FR 21084, Apr. 19, 2000; 65 FR 62973, Oct. 19, 2000] Under the authority of section 104(a)(2)(A) of ERISA, the requirement of section 103(d)(6) of ERISA that the annual report include as part of the actuarial statement (Schedule B)1 1 Schedule B was filed as part of the original document. [44 FR 5446, Jan. 26, 1979] (a) General. Under the authority of section 104(a)(3) of the Act, the administrator of an employee welfare benefit plan which meets the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section is not required to file an annual report with the Secretary of Labor as required by section 104(a)(1) of the Act. (b) Application. (1) This exemption applies only to a welfare plan for a plan year in which (i) such plan meets the requirements of §2520.104–21, except the requirement that the plan cover fewer than 100 participants at the beginning of the plan year, and (ii) An annual report containing the items set forth in §2520.103–2 has been filed with the Secretary of Labor in accordance with §2520.104a–6 by the trust or other entity which is the holder of the group insurance contracts by which plan benefits are provided. (2) For purposes of this section, the terms “group insurance arrangement” or “trust or other entity” shall be used in place of the terms “plan” and “plan administrator,” as applicable, in §§2520.103–3, 2520.103–4, 2520.103–6, 2520.103–8, 2520.103–9 and 2520.103–10. (c) Limitation. This provision does not exempt the administrator of an employee benefit plan which meets the requirements of paragraph (b) from furnishing a copy of a summary annual report to participants and beneficiaries of the plan, as required by section 104(b)(3) of the Act. [43 FR 10150, Mar. 10, 1978, as amended at 65 FR 21084, Apr. 19, 2000; 67 FR 777, Jan. 7, 2002] (a) General. (1) Under the authority of section 104(a)(3) of the Act, the Secretary of Labor may exempt an employee welfare benefit plan from any or all of the reporting and disclosure requirements of title I. An employee welfare benefit plan which meets the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section is not required to comply with the annual reporting requirements described in paragraph (c) of this section. (2) Under the authority of section 110 of the Act, an alternative method of compliance is prescribed for certain employee pension benefit plans subject to part 1, title I of the Act. An employee pension benefit plan which meets the requirements of paragraph (b)(2) or (b)(3) of this section is not required to comply with the annual reporting requirements described in paragraph (c) of this section. (b) Application. This section applies only to: (1) An employee welfare benefit plan under the terms of which benefits are to be paid— (i) Solely from the general assets of the employer or employee organization maintaining the plan; (ii) The benefits of which are provided exclusively through insurance contracts or policies issued by an insurance company or similar organization which is qualified to do business in any State or through a qualified health maintenance organization as defined in section 1310(d) of the Public Health Service Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 300e–9(d), the premiums for which are paid directly by the employer or employee organization from its general assets or partly from its general assets and partly from contributions by its employees or members, provided that any plan assets held by such an insurance company are held solely in the general account of such company or organization, contributions by participants are forwarded by the employer or employee organization within three months of receipt and, in the case of a plan that provides for the return of refunds to contributing participants, such refunds are returned to them within three months of receipt by the employer or employee organization, or (iii) Partly in the manner specified in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section and partly in the manner specified in paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section; (2) A pension benefit plan the benefits of which are provided exclusively through allocated insurance contracts or policies which are issued by, and pursuant to the specific terms of such contracts or policies benefit payments are fully guaranteed by an insurance company or similar organization which is qualified to do business in any State, and the premiums for which are paid directly by the employer or employee organization from its general assets or partly from its general assets and partly from contributions by its employees or members: Provided, That contributions by participants are forwarded by the employer or employee organization to the insurance company or organization within three months of receipt and, in the case of a plan that provides for the return of refunds to contributing participants, such refunds are returned to them within three months of receipt by the employer or employee organization; and (3) A pension plan using a tax deferred annuity arrangement under section 403(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code (Title 26 of the United States Code) and/or a custodial account for regulated investment company stock under Code section 403(b)(7) as the sole funding vehicle for providing pension benefits. (c) Contents. An employee benefit plan described in paragraph (b) of this section is exempt from complying with the following annual reporting requirements: (1) Completing certain items of the annual report relating to financial information and transactions entered into by the plan as described in the instructions to the Form 5500 “Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan” and accompanying schedules; (2) Engaging an independent qualified public accountant pursuant to section 103(a)(3)(A) of the Act and §2520.103–1(b) to conduct an examination of the financial statements and schedules of the plan; and (3) Including in the annual report a report of an independent qualified public accountant concerning the financial statements and schedules required to be a part of the annual report pursuant to section 103(b) of the Act and §2520.103–1(b). (d) Limitation. This section does not exempt any plan from filing an annual report form with the Secretary in accordance with section 104(a)(1) of the Act and §2520.104a–5. (e) Example. A welfare plan which is funded entirely with insurance contracts and which meets all the requirements of exemption under §2520.104–20 except that it covers 100 or more participants at the beginning of the plan year is not exempt from the annual reporting requirements under §2520.104–20, but is exempt from certain reporting requirements under §2520.104–44. Under the latter section, such a welfare plan should file Form 5500, including Schedule A “Insurance Information.” However, the plan is not required to engage an independent qualified public accountant and need not complete certain items on form 5500. [43 FR 10150, Mar. 10, 1978, as amended at 45 FR 51446, Aug. 1, 1980; 46 FR 5884, Jan. 21, 1981; 65 FR 21085, Apr. 19, 2000; 67 FR 777, Jan. 7, 2002] (a) General. (1) Under the authority of section 103(a)(3)(A) of the Act, the Secretary may waive the requirements of section 103(a)(3)(A) in the case of a plan for which simplified annual reporting has been prescribed in accordance with section 104(a)(2) of the Act. (2) Under the authority of section 104(a)(3) of the Act the Secretary may exempt any employee welfare benefit plan from certain annual reporting requirements. (b) Application. (1)(i) The administrator of an employee pension benefit plan for which simplified annual reporting has been prescribed in accordance with section 104(a)(2)(A) of the Act and §2520.104–41 is not required to comply with the annual reporting requirements described in paragraph (c) of this section, provided that with respect to each plan year for which the waiver is claimed— (A)(1) At least 95 percent of the assets of the plan constitute qualifying plan assets within the meaning of paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, or (2) Any person who handles assets of the plan that do not constitute qualifying plan assets is bonded in accordance with the requirements of section 412 of the Act and the regulations issued thereunder, except that the amount of the bond shall not be less than the value of such assets; (B) The summary annual report, described in §2520.104b–10, includes, in addition to any other required information: (1) Except for qualifying plan assets described in paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(A), (B) and (F) of this section, the name of each regulated financial institution holding (or issuing) qualifying plan assets and the amount of such assets reported by the institution as of the end of the plan year; (2) The name of the surety company issuing the bond, if the plan has more than 5% of its assets in non-qualifying plan assets; (3) A notice indicating that participants and beneficiaries may, upon request and without charge, examine, or receive copies of, evidence of the required bond and statements received from the regulated financial institutions describing the qualifying plan assets; and (4) A notice stating that participants and beneficiaries should contact the Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration if they are unable to examine or obtain copies of the regulated financial institution statements or evidence of the required bond, if applicable; and (C) in response to a request from any participant or beneficiary, the administrator, without charge to the participant or beneficiary, makes available for examination, or upon request furnishes copies of, each regulated financial institution statement and evidence of any bond required by paragraph (b)(1)(i)(A)(2). (ii) For purposes of paragraph (b)(1), the term “qualifying plan assets” means: (A) Qualifying employer securities, as defined in section 407(d)(5) of the Act and the regulations issued thereunder; (B) Any loan meeting the requirements of section 408(b)(1) of the Act and the regulations issued thereunder; (C) Any assets held by any of the following institutions: (1) A bank or similar financial institution as defined in §2550.408b–4(c); (2) An insurance company qualified to do business under the laws of a state; (3) An organization registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; or (4) Any other organization authorized to act as a trustee for individual retirement accounts under section 408 of the Internal Revenue Code. (D) Shares issued by an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940; (E) Investment and annuity contracts issued by any insurance company qualified to do business under the laws of a state; and, (F) In the case of an individual account plan, any assets in the individual account of a participant or beneficiary over which the participant or beneficiary has the opportunity to exercise control and with respect to which the participant or beneficiary is furnished, at least annually, a statement from a regulated financial institution referred to in paragraphs (b)(1)(ii)(C), (D) or (E) of this section describing the assets held (or issued) by such institution and the amount of such assets. (iii)(A) For purposes of this paragraph (b)(1), the determination of the percentage of all plan assets consisting of qualifying plan assets with respect to a given plan year shall be made in the same manner as the amount of the bond is determined pursuant to §§2580.412–11, 2580.412–14, and 2580.412–15. (B) Examples. Plan A, which reports on a calendar year basis, has total assets of $600,000 as of the end of the 1999 plan year. Plan A's assets, as of the end of year, include: investments in various bank, insurance company and mutual fund products of $520,000; investments in qualifying employer securities of $40,000; participant loans, meeting the requirements of ERISA section 408(b)(1), totaling $20,000; and a $20,000 investment in a real estate limited partnership. Because the only asset of the plan that does not constitute a “qualifying plan asset” is the $20,000 real estate investment and that investment represents less than 5% of the plan's total assets, no bond would be required under the proposal as a condition for the waiver for the 2000 plan year. By contrast, Plan B also has total assets of $600,000 as of the end of the 1999 plan year, of which $558,000 constitutes “qualifying plan assets” and $42,000 constitutes non-qualifying plan assets. Because 7%—more than 5%—of Plan B's assets do not constitute “qualifying plan assets,” Plan B, as a condition to electing the waiver for the 2000 plan year, must ensure that it has a fidelity bond in an amount equal to at least $42,000 covering persons handling non-qualifying plan assets. Inasmuch as compliance with section 412 requires the amount of bonds to be not less than 10% of the amount of all the plan's funds or other property handled, the bond acquired for section 412 purposes may be adequate to cover the non-qualifying plan assets without an increase (i.e., if the amount of the bond determined to be needed for the relevant persons for section 412 purposes is at least $42,000). As demonstrated by the foregoing example, where a plan has more than 5% of its assets in non-qualifying plan assets, the bond required by the proposal is for the total amount of the non-qualifying plan assets, not just the amount in excess of 5%. (2) The administrator of an employee welfare benefit plan that covers fewer than 100 participants at the beginning of the plan year is not required to comply with annual reporting requirements described in paragraph (c) of this section. (c) Waiver. The administrator of a plan described in paragraph (b)(1) or (2) of this section is not required to: (1) Engage an independent qualified public accountant to conduct an examination of the financial statements of the plan; (2) Include within the annual report the financial statements and schedules prescribed in section 103(b) of the Act and §§2520.103–1, 2520.103–2, and 2520.103–10; and (3) Include within the annual report a report of an independent qualified public accountant as prescribed in section 103(a)(3)(A) of the Act and §2520.103–1. (d) Limitations. (1) The waiver described in this section does not affect the obligation of a plan described in paragraph (b) (1) or (2) of this section to file a Form 5500 “Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan,” including any required schedules or statements prescribed by the instructions to the form. See §2520.104–41. (2) For purposes of this section, an employee pension benefit plan for which simplified annual reporting has been prescribed includes an employee pension benefit plan which elects to file a Form 5500 as a small plan pursuant to §2520.103–1(d) with respect to the plan year for which the waiver is claimed. See §2520.104–41. (3) For purposes of this section, an employee welfare benefit plan that covers fewer than 100 participants at the beginning of the plan year includes an employee welfare benefit plan which elects to file a Form 5500 as a small plan pursuant to §2520.103–1(d) with respect to the plan year for which the waiver is claimed. See §2520.104–41. (4) A plan that elects to file a Form 5500 as a large plan pursuant to §2520.103–1(d) may not claim a waiver under this section. [43 FR 10151, Mar. 10, 1978, as amended at 43 FR 14010, Apr. 4, 1978; 45 FR 51447, Aug. 1, 1980; 54 FR 8629, Mar. 1, 1989; 65 FR 21085, Apr. 19, 2000; 65 FR 62973, Oct. 19, 2000] An administrator of an employee benefit plan to which section 103(e)(2) of the Act applies shall be deemed in compliance with the requirement to include with its annual report a copy of the financial report of the insurance company, insurance service or similar organization, provided that the administrator files a copy of such report within 45 days of receipt of a written request for such report by the Secretary of Labor. [45 FR 14034, Mar. 4, 1980] Under the authority of section 110 of the Act the provisions of this section are prescribed as an alternative method of compliance with the reporting and disclosure requirements set forth in part 1 of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 in the case of a simplified employee pension (SEP) described in section 408(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 as amended (the Code) that is created by use without modification of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 5305–SEP. (a) At the time an employee becomes eligible to participate in the SEP (whether at the creation of the SEP or thereafter), the administrator of the SEP (generally the employer establishing and maintaining the SEP) shall furnish the employee with a copy of the completed and unmodified IRS Form 5305–SEP used to create the SEP, including (1) the completed Contribution Agreement, (2) the General Information and Guidelines, and (3) the Questions and Answers. (b) Following the end of each calendar year the administrator of the SEP shall notify each participant in the SEP in writing of any employer contributions made under the Contribution Agreement to the participant's individual retirement account or individual retirement annuity (IRA) for that year. (c) If the employer establishing and maintaining the SEP selects, recommends, or in any other way influences employees to choose a particular IRA or type of IRA into which contributions under the SEP will be made, and if that IRA is subject to restrictions on a participant's ability to withdraw funds (other than restrictions imposed by the Code that apply to all IRAs), the administrator of the SEP shall give to each employee, in writing, within 90 days of the adoption of this regulation or at the time such employee becomes eligible to participate in the SEP, whichever is later, a clear explanation of those restrictions and a statement to the effect that other IRAs, into which rollovers or employee contributions may be made, may not be subject to such restrictions. [45 FR 24869, Apr. 11, 1980] Under the authority of section 110 of the Act, the provisions of this section are prescribed as an alternative method of compliance with the reporting and disclosure requirements set forth in part 1 of title I of the Act for a simplified employee pension (SEP) described in section 408(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 as amended, except for: A SEP that is created by proper use of Internal Revenue Service Form 5305–SEP, or; a SEP in connection with which the employer who establishes or maintains the SEP selects, recommends or influences its employees to choose the IRAs into which employer contributions will be made and those IRAs are subject to provisions that prohibit withdrawal of funds by participants for any period of time. (a) At the time an employee becomes eligible to participate in the SEP (whether at the creation of the SEP or thereafter) or up to 90 days after the effective date of this regulation, whichever is later, the administrator of the SEP (generally the employer establishing or maintaining the SEP) shall furnish the employee in writing with: (1) Specific information concerning the SEP, including: (i) The requirements for employee participation in the SEP, (ii) The formula to be used to allocate employer contributions made under the SEP to each participant's individual retirement account or annuity (IRA), (iii) The name or title of the individual who is designated by the employer to provide additional information to participants concerning the SEP, and (iv) If the employer who establishes or maintains the SEP selects, recommends or substantially influences its employees to choose the IRAs into which employer contributions under the SEP will be made, a clear explanation of the terms of those IRAs, such as the rate(s) of return and any restrictions on a participant's ability to roll over or withdraw funds from the IRAs, including restrictions that allow rollovers or withdrawals but reduce earnings of the IRAs or impose other penalties. (2) General information concerning SEPs and IRAs, including a clear explanation of: (i) What a SEP is and how it operates, (ii) The statutory provisions prohibiting discrimination in favor of highly compensated employees, (iii) A participant's right to receive contributions under a SEP-and the allowable sources of contributions to a SEP-related IRA (SEP-IRA), (iv) The statutory limits on contributions to SEP-IRAs, (v) The consequences of excess contributions to a SEP-IRA and how to avoid excess contributions, (vi) A participant's rights with respect to contributions made under a SEP to his or her IRA(s), (vii) How a participant must treat contributions to a SEP-IRA for tax purposes, (viii) The statutory provisions concerning withdrawal of funds from a SEP-IRA and the consequences of a premature withdrawal, and (ix) A participant's ability to roll over or transfer funds from a SEP-IRA to another IRA, SEP-IRA, or retirement bond, and how such a rollover or transfer may be effected without causing adverse tax consequences. (3) A statement to the effect that: (i) IRAs other than the IRA(s) into which employer contributions will be made under the SEP may provide different rates of return and may have different terms concerning, among other things, transfers and withdrawals of funds from the IRA(s), (ii) In the event a participant is entitled to make a contribution or rollover to an IRA, such contribution or rollover can be made to an IRA other than the one into which employer contributions under the SEP are to be made, and (iii) Depending on the terms of the IRA into which employer contributions are made, a participant may be able to make rollovers or transfers of funds from that IRA to another IRA. (4) A description of the disclosure required by the Internal Revenue Service to be made to individuals for whose benefit an IRA is established by the financial institution or other person who sponsors the IRA(s) into which contributions will be made under the SEP. (5) A statement that, in addition to the information provided to an employee at the time he or she becomes eligible to participate in a SEP, the administrator of the SEP must furnish each participant: (i) Within 30 days of the effective date of any amendment to the terms of the SEP, a copy of the amendment and a clear written explanation of its effects, and (ii) No later than the later of: (A) January 31 of the year following the year for which a contribution is made, (B) 30 days after a contribution is made, or (C) 30 days after the effective date of this regulation written notification of any employer contributions made under the SEP to that participant's IRA(s). (6) In the case of a SEP that provides for integration with Social Security (i) A statement that Social Security taxes paid by the employer on account of a participant will be considered as an employer contribution under the SEP to a participant's SEP-IRA for purposes of determining the amount contributed to the SEP-IRA(s) of a participant by the employer pursuant to the allocation formula, (ii) A description of the effect that integration with Social Security would have on employer contributions under a SEP, and (iii) The integration formula, which may constitute part of the allocation formula required by paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section. (b)(1) The requirements of paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (ii), (iii) and (a)(6)(i) of this regulation may be met by furnishing the SEP agreement to participants, provided that the SEP agreement is written in a manner reasonably calculated to be understood by the average plan participant. (2) The requirements of paragraph (a)(1)(iv) of this regulation may be met through disclosure materials furnished by the financial institution in which the participant's IRA is maintained, provided the materials contain the information specified in such paragraph. (c) No later than the later of: (1) January 31 of the year following the year for which a contribution is made, (2) 30 days after a contribution is made, or (3) 30 days after the effective date of this regulation the administrator of the SEP shall notify a participant in the SEP in writing of any employer contributions made under the SEP to the participant's IRA(s). (d) Within 30 days of the effective date of any amendment to the terms of the SEP, the administrator shall furnish each participant a copy of the amendment and a clear explanation in writing of its effect. [46 FR 1264, Jan. 6, 1981] (a) Definition of “short plan year.” For purposes of this section, a short plan year is a plan year, as defined in section 3(39) of the Act, of seven or fewer months' duration, which occurs in the event that: (1) A plan is established or commences operations; (2) A plan is merged or consolidated with another plan or plans; (3) A plan is terminated; or (4) The annual date on which the plan year begins is changed. (b) Deferral of accountant's report. A plan administrator is not required to include the report of an independent qualified public accountant in the annual report for the first of two consecutive plan years, one of which is a short plan year, provided that the following conditions are satisfied: (1) The annual report for the first of the two consecutive plan years shall include: (i) Financial statements and accompanying schedules prepared in conformity with the requirements of section 103(b) of the Act and regulations promulgated thereunder; (ii) An explanation why one of the two plan years is of seven or fewer months' duration; and (iii) A statement that the annual report for the immediately following plan year will include a report of an independent qualified public accountant with respect to the financial statements and accompanying schedules for both of the two plan years. (2) The annual report for the second of the two consecutive plan years shall include: (i) Financial statements and accompanying schedules prepared in conformity with section 103(b) of the Act and regulations promulgated thereunder with respect to both plan years; (ii) A report of an independent qualified public accountant with respect to the financial statements and accompanying schedules for both plan years; and (iii) A statement identifying any material differences between the unaudited financial information relating to, and contained in the annual report for, the first of the two consecutive plan years and the audited financial information relating to that plan year contained in the annual report for the immediately following plan year. (c) Accountant's examination and report. The examination by the accountant which serves as the basis for the portion of his report relating to the first of the two consecutive plan years may be conducted at the same time as the examination which serves as the basis for the portion of his report relating to the immediately following plan year. The report of the accountant shall be prepared in conformity with section 103(a)(3)(A) of the Act and regulations thereunder. [46 FR 1265, Jan. 6, 1981] (The information collection requirements contained in subpart E were approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1210–0016) (a) General reporting requirements. Part 1 of title I of the Act requires that the administrator of an employee benefit plan subject to the provisions of part 1 file with the Secretary of Labor certain reports and additional documents. Each report filed shall accurately and comprehensively detail the information required. Where a form is prescribed, the reports shall be filed on that form. The Secretary may reject any incomplete filing. Reports and documents shall be filed as specified in this part. (b) Exemption for certain welfare plans. See §§2520.104–20, 2520.104–21, 2520.104–22, 2520.104–24, and 2520.104–25. (c) Alternative method of compliance for pension plans for certain selected employees. See §2520.104–23. [42 FR 37185, July 19, 1977]
Link to an amendment published at 71 FR 41368, July 21, 2006. (a) Filing obligation. Except as provided in §2520.104a–6, the administrator of an employee benefit plan required to file an annual report pursuant to section 104(a)(1) of the Act shall file an annual report containing the items prescribed in §2520.103–1 within: (1) [Reserved] (2) Seven months after the close of any plan year which begins after December 31, 1975, unless extended. See “When to file” instructions of the appropriate Annual Return/Report Form. (b) Where to file. The annual report described in §2520.103–1 shall be filed in accordance with and at the address provided in the instructions to the Annual Return/Report Form. [43 FR 10152, Mar. 10, 1978; 43 FR 14010, Apr. 4, 1978; 67 FR 777, Jan. 7, 2002] (a) General. A trust or other entity described in §2520.104–43(b) that files an annual report in accordance with the terms of subsections (b) and (c) shall be deemed to have filed such report in accordance with §2520.104a–6 for purposes of §2520.104–43. (b) Date of filing. The annual report shall be filed within: (1) Eleven and one-half months after the close of the fiscal year of the trust or other entity described in §2520.104–43 which begins in 1975 or December 15, 1977, whichever is later; and (2) Seven months after the close of the fiscal year of the trust or other entity which begins after December 31, 1975, unless extended. See “When to file” instructions of the appropriate Annual Return/Report Form. (c) Where to file. The annual report prescribed in §2520.103–2 shall be filed in accordance with and at the address provided in the instructions to the Annual Return/Report Form. [43 FR 10152, Mar. 10, 1978; 43 FR 14010, Apr. 4, 1978] (a) In general. (1) Under section 104(a)(6) of the Act, the administrator of an employee benefit plan subject to the provisions of part 1 of title I of the Act is required to furnish to the Secretary, upon request, any documents relating to the employee benefit plan. For purposes of section 104(a)(6) of the Act, the administrator of an employee benefit plan shall furnish to the Secretary, upon service of a written request, a copy of: (i) The latest updated summary plan description (including any summaries of material modifications to the plan or changes in the information required to be included in the summary plan description); and (ii) Any other document described in section 104(b)(4) of the Act with respect to which a participant or beneficiary has requested, in writing, a copy from the plan administrator and which the administrator has failed or refused to furnish to the participant or beneficiary. (2) Multiple requests for document(s). Multiple requests under this section for the same or similar document or documents shall be considered separate requests for purposes of §2560.502c–6(a). (b) For purposes of this section, a participant or beneficiary will include any individual who is: (1) A participant or beneficiary within the meaning of ERISA sections 3(7) and 3(8), respectively; (2) An alternate payee under a qualified domestic relations order (see ERISA section 206(d)(3)(K)) or prospective alternate payee (spouses, former spouses, children or other dependents); (3) A qualified beneficiary under COBRA (see ERISA section 607(3)) or prospective qualified beneficiary (spouse or dependent child); (4) An alternate recipient under a qualified medical child support order (see ERISA section 609(a)(2)(C)) or a prospective alternate recipient; or (5) A representative of any of the foregoing. (c) Service of request. Requests under this section shall be served in accordance with §2560.502c–6(i). (d) Furnishing documents. A document shall be deemed to be furnished to the Secretary on the date the document is received by the Department of Labor at the address specified in the request; or, if a document is delivered by certified mail, the date on which the document is mailed to the Department of Labor at the address specified in the request. [67 FR 784, Jan. 7, 2002] (The information collection requirements contained in subpart F were approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1210–0016) (a) General disclosure requirements. The administrator of an employee benefit plan covered by Title I of the Act must disclose certain material, including reports, statements, notices, and other documents, to participants, beneficiaries and other specified individuals. Disclosure under Title I of the Act generally takes three forms. First, the plan administrator must, by direct operation of law, furnish certain material to all participants covered under the plan and beneficiaries receiving benefits under the plan (other than beneficiaries under a welfare plan) at stated times or if certain events occur. Second, the plan administrator must furnish certain material to individual participants and beneficiaries upon their request. Third, the plan administrator must make certain material available to participants and beneficiaries for inspection at reasonable times and places. (b) Fulfilling the disclosure obligation. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, where certain material, including reports, statements, notices and other documents, is required under Title I of the Act, or regulations issued thereunder, to be furnished either by direct operation of law or on individual request, the plan administrator shall use measures reasonably calculated to ensure actual receipt of the material by plan participants, beneficiaries and other specified individuals. Material which is required to be furnished to all participants covered under the plan and beneficiaries receiving benefits under the plan (other than beneficiaries under a welfare plan) must be sent by a method or methods of delivery likely to result in full distribution. For example, in-hand delivery to an employee at his or her worksite is acceptable. However, in no case is it acceptable merely to place copies of the material in a location frequented by participants. It is also acceptable to furnish such material as a special insert in a periodical distributed to employees such as a union newspaper or a company publication if the distribution list for the periodical is comprehensive and up-to-date and a prominent notice on the front page of the periodical advises readers that the issue contains an insert with important information about rights under the plan and the Act which should be read and retained for future reference. If some participants and beneficiaries are not on the mailing list, a periodical must be used in conjunction with other methods of distribution such that the methods taken together are reasonably calculated to ensure actual receipt. Material distributed through the mail may be sent by first, second, or third-class mail. However, distribution by second or third-class mail is acceptable only if return and forwarding postage is guaranteed and address correction is requested. Any material sent by second or third-class mail which is returned with an address correction shall be sent again by first-class mail or personally delivered to the participant at his or her worksite. (2) For purposes of section 104(b)(4) of the Act, materials furnished upon written request shall be mailed to an address provided by the requesting participant or beneficiary or personally delivered to the participant or beneficiary. (3) For purposes of section 104(b)(2) of the Act, where certain documents are required to be made available for examination by participants and beneficiaries in the principal office of the plan administrator and in such other places as may be necessary to make available all pertinent information to all participants and beneficiaries, disclosure shall be made pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph. Such documents must be current, readily accessible, and clearly identified, and copies must be available in sufficient number to accommodate the expected volume of inquiries. Plan administrators shall make copies of the latest annual report, and the bargaining agreement, trust agreement, contract, or other instruments under which the plan is established or operated available at all times in their principal offices. They are not required to maintain these plan documents at all times at each employer establishment or union hall or office as described in paragraphs (b)(3)(i), (ii), and (iii) of this section, but the documents must be made available at any such location within ten calendar days following the day on which a request for disclosure at that location is made. Plan administrators shall make plan documents available at the appropriate employer establishment or union meeting hall or office within the required ten day period when a request is made directly to the plan administrator or through a procedure establishing reasonable rules governing the making of requests for examination of plan documents. If a plan administrator prescribes such a procedure and communicates it to plan participants and beneficiaries, a plan administrator will not be required to comply with a request made in a manner which does not conform to the established procedure. In order to comply with the requirements of this section, a procedure for making requests to examine plan documents must permit requests to be made in a reasonably convenient manner both directly to the plan administrator and at each employer establishment, or union meeting hall or office where documents must be made available in accordance with this paragraph. If no such reasonable procedure is established, a good faith effort by a participant or beneficiary to request examination of plan documents will be deemed a request to the plan administrator for purposes of this paragraph. (i) In the case of a plan not maintained according to a collective bargaining agreement, including a plan maintained by a single employer with more than one establishment, a multiple employer plan, and a plan maintained by a controlled group of corporations (within the meaning of section 1563(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (the Code)), determined without regard to section 1563(a)(4) and (e)(3)(C) of the Code), documents shall be made available for examination in the principal office of the employer and at each employer establishment in which at least 50 participants covered under a plan are customarily working. “Establishment” means a single physical location where business is conducted or where services or industrial operations are performed. Where employees are engaged in activities which are physically dispersed, such as agriculture, construction, transportation and communications, the “establishment” shall be the place to which employees report each day. When employees do not usually work at, or report to, a single establishment—for example, traveling salesmen, technicians, and engineers—the establishment shall be the location from which the employees customarily carry out their activities—for example the field office of an engineering firm servicing at least 50 participants covered under the plan. (ii) In the case of a plan maintained solely by an employee organization, the plan administrator shall take measures to ensure that documents are available for examination at the meeting hall or office of each union local in which there are at least 50 participants covered under the plan. Such measures shall include distributing copies of the documents to each union local in which there are at least 50 participants covered under the plan. (iii) In the case of a plan maintained according to a collective bargaining agreement, including a collectively bargained single employer plan with more than one establishment, a collectively bargained multiple employer plan, and a multiemployer plan which meets the definition of section 3(37) of the Act, §2510.3–37 of this chapter, and section 414(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 and 26 CFR 1.414(f) (40 FR 43034), documents shall be made available for examination in the principal office of the employee organization and at each employer establishment in which at least 50 participants covered under the plan are customarily working. In employment situations where employees do not usually work at, or report to, a single establishment, the plan administrator shall take measures to ensure that plan documents are available for examination at the meeting hall or office of each union local in which there are at least 50 participants covered under the plan. (c) Disclosure through electronic media. (1) Except as otherwise provided by applicable law, rule or regulation, the administrator of an employee benefit plan furnishing documents through electronic media is deemed to satisfy the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section with respect to an individual described in paragraph (c)(2) if: (i) The administrator takes appropriate and necessary measures reasonably calculated to ensure that the system for furnishing documents— (A) Results in actual receipt of transmitted information (e.g., using return-receipt or notice of undelivered electronic mail features, conducting periodic reviews or surveys to confirm receipt of the transmitted information); and (B) Protects the confidentiality of personal information relating to the individual's accounts and benefits (e.g., incorporating into the system measures designed to preclude unauthorized receipt of or access to such information by individuals other than the individual for whom the information is intended); (ii) The electronically delivered documents are prepared and furnished in a manner that is consistent with the style, format and content requirements applicable to the particular document; (iii) Notice is provided to each participant, beneficiary or other individual, in electronic or non-electronic form, at the time a document is furnished electronically, that apprises the individual of the significance of the document when it is not otherwise reasonably evident as transmitted (e.g., the attached document describes changes in the benefits provided by your plan) and of the right to request and obtain a paper version of such document; and (iv) Upon request, the participant, beneficiary or other individual is furnished a paper version of the electronically furnished documents. (2) Paragraph (c)(1) shall only apply with respect to the following individuals: (i) A participant who— (A) Has the ability to effectively access documents furnished in electronic form at any location where the participant is reasonably expected to perform his or her duties as an employee; and (B) With respect to whom access to the employer's or plan sponsor's electronic information system is an integral part of those duties; or (ii) A participant, beneficiary or any other person entitled to documents under Title I of the Act or regulations issued thereunder (including, but not limited to, an “alternate payee” within the meaning of section 206(d)(3) of the Act and a “qualified beneficiary” within the meaning of section 607(3) of the Act) who— (A) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2)(ii) (B) of this section, has affirmatively consented, in electronic or non-electronic form, to receiving documents through electronic media and has not withdrawn such consent; (B) In the case of documents to be furnished through the Internet or other electronic communication network, has affirmatively consented or confirmed consent electronically, in a manner that reasonably demonstrates the individual's ability to access information in the electronic form that will be used to provide the information that is the subject of the consent, and has provided an address for the receipt of electronically furnished documents; (C) Prior to consenting, is provided, in electronic or non-electronic form, a clear and conspicuous statement indicating: (1) The types of documents to which the consent would apply; (2) That consent can be withdrawn at any time without charge; (3) The procedures for withdrawing consent and for updating the participant's, beneficiary's or other individual's address for receipt of electronically furnished documents or other information; (4) The right to request and obtain a paper version of an electronically furnished document, including whether the paper version will be provided free of charge; and (5) Any hardware and software requirements for accessing and retaining the documents; and (D) Following consent, if a change in hardware or software requirements needed to access or retain electronic documents creates a material risk that the individual will be unable to access or retain electronically furnished documents: (1) Is provided with a statement of the revised hardware or software requirements for access to and retention of electronically furnished documents; (2) Is given the right to withdraw consent without charge and without the imposition of any condition or consequence that was not disclosed at the time of the initial consent; and (3) Again consents, in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (c)(2)(ii)(A) or paragraph (c)(2)(ii)(B) of this section, as applicable, to the receipt of documents through electronic media. (d) Participant and beneficiary status for purposes of section 101(a) and 104(b)(1) of the Act and subpart F of this part. See §§2510.3–3(d)(1), 2510.3–3(d)(2) and 2520.3–3(d)(3) of this chapter. (e) Limitations. This section does not apply to disclosures required under provisions of part 2 and part 3 of the Act over which the Secretary of the Treasury has interpretative and regulatory authority pursuant to Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1978. [42 FR 37186, July 19, 1977, as amended at 62 FR 16985, Apr. 8, 1997; 62 FR 36205, July 7, 1997; 67 FR 777, Jan. 7, 2002; 67 FR 17275, Apr. 9, 2002] (a) Obligation to furnish. Under the authority of sections 104(b)(1) and 104(c) of the Act, the plan administrator of an employee benefit plan subject to the provisions of part 1 of title I shall furnish a copy of the summary plan description and a statement of ERISA rights as provided in §2520.102–3(t), to each participant covered under the plan (as defined in §2510.3–3(d)), and each beneficiary receiving benefits under a pension plan on or before the later of: (1) The date which is 90 days after the employee becomes a participant, or (in the case of a beneficiary receiving benefits under a pension plan) within 90 days after he or she first receives benefits, except as provided in §2520.104b–4(a), or, (2) Within 120 days after the plan becomes subject to part 1 of title I. (3)(i) A plan becomes subject to part 1 of title I on the first day on which an employee is credited with an hour of service under §2530.200b–2 or §2530.200b–3. Where a plan is made prospectively effective to take effect after a certain date or after a condition is satisfied, the day upon which the plan becomes subject to part 1 of title I is the day after such date or condition is satisfied. Where a plan is adopted with a retroactive effective date, the 120 day period begins on the day after the plan is adopted. Where a plan is made retroactively effective dependent on a condition, the day on which the plan becomes subject to part 1 of title I is the day after the day on which the condition is satisfied. Where a plan is made retroactively effective subject to a contingency which may or may not occur in the future, the day on which the plan becomes subject to part 1, title I is the day after the day on which the contingency occurs. (ii) Examples: Company A is negotiating the purchase of Company B. On September 1, 1978, as part of the negotiations, Company A adopts a pension plan covering the employees of Company B, contingent on the successful conclusion of its negotiations to purchase Company B. The plan provides that it shall take effect on the first day of the calendar year in which the purchase is concluded. On February 1, 1979, the negotiations conclude with Company A's purchase of Company B. The plan therefore becomes effective on February 1, 1979, retroactive to January 1, 1979. The summary plan description must be filed and disclosed no later than 120 days after February 1, 1979. (b) Periods for furnishing updated summary plan description. (1) For purposes of the requirement to furnish the updated summary plan description to each participant and each beneficiary receiving benefits under the plan (other than beneficiaries receiving benefits under a welfare plan) required by section 104(b)(1) of the Act, the administrator of an employee benefit plan shall furnish such updated summary plan description no later than 210 days following the end of the plan year which occurs five years after the last date a change in the information required to be disclosed by section 102 or 29 CFR 2520.102–3 would have been reflected in the most recently distributed summary plan description (or updated summary plan description) as described in section 102 of the Act. (2) In the case of a plan to which no amendments have been made between the end of the time period covered by the last distributed summary plan description (or updated summary plan description), described in section 102 of the Act, and the next occurring applicable date described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, for purposes of the requirement to furnish the updated summary plan description to each participant, and to each beneficiary receiving benefits under the plan (other than beneficiaries receiving benefits under a welfare plan), required by section 104(b)(1) of the Act, the administrator of an employee benefit plan shall furnish such updated summary plan description no later than 210 days following the end of the plan year which occurs ten years after the last date a change in the information required to be disclosed by section 102 or 29 CFR 2520.102–3 would have been reflected in the most recently distributed summary plan description (or updated summary plan description), as described in section 102 of the Act. (c)–(f) [Reserved] (g) Terminated plans. (1) If, on or before the date by which a plan is required to furnish a summary plan description or updated summary plan description to participants and pension plan beneficiaries under this section, the plan has terminated within the meaning of paragraph (g)(2) of this section, the administrator of such plan is not required to furnish to participants covered under the plan or to beneficiaries receiving benefits under the plan a summary plan description. (2) For purposes of this section, a plan shall be considered terminated if: (i) In the case of an employee pension benefit plan, all distributions to participants and beneficiaries have been completed; and (ii) In the case of an employee welfare benefit plan, no claims can be incurred which will result in a liability of the plan to pay benefits. A claim is incurred upon the occurrence of the event or condition from which the claim arises (whether or not discovered). (h) [Reserved] (i) Style and format of the summary plan description. See §2520.102–2. (j) Contents of the summary plan description. See §2520.102–3. (k) Option for different summary plan descriptions. See §2520.102–4; §2520.104–26; and §2520.104–27. (l) Employee benefit plan—participant covered under a plan. See §2510.3–3(d). [42 FR 37187, July 19, 1977, as amended at 45 FR 14032, Mar. 4, 1980; 48 FR 1714, Jan. 14, 1983; 61 FR 33849, 33850, July 1, 1996; 67 FR 777, Jan. 7, 2002] (a) The administrator of an employee benefit plan subject to the provisions of part 1 of title I of the Act shall, in accordance with §2520.104b–1(b), furnish a summary description of any material modification to the plan and any change in the information required by section 102(b) of the Act and §2520.102–3 of these regulations to be included in the summary plan description to each participant covered under the plan and each beneficiary receiving benefits under the plan. Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, the plan administrator shall furnish this summary, written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average plan participant, not later than 210 days after the close of the plan year in which the modification or change was adopted. This disclosure date is not affected by retroactive application to a prior plan year of an amendment which makes a material modification to the plan; a modification does not occur before it is adopted. For example, a calendar year plan adopts a modification in April, 1978. The modification, by its terms, applies retroactively to the 1977 plan year. A summary description of the material modification is furnished on or before July 29, 1979. A plan which adopts an amendment which makes a material modification to the plan which takes effect on a date in the future must disclose a summary of that modification within 210 days after the close of the plan year in which the modification or change is adopted. Under the authority of sections 104(a)(3) and 110 of the Act, a summary description of a material modification or change is not required to be disclosed if it is rescinded or otherwise does not take effect. For example, a calendar year plan adopts a modification in June, 1978. The modification, by its terms, becomes effective beginning in plan year 1979. Before the beginning of plan year 1979, the prospective modification is withdrawn. No summary of the material modification is required to be disclosed. (b) The summary of material modifications to the plan or changes in information required to be included in the summary plan description need not be furnished separately if the changes or modifications are described in a timely summary plan description. For example, a calendar year plan adopts a material modification on June 3, 1976. The modification is incorporated in a summary plan description furnished on July 15, 1977. No separate summary of the material modification is furnished. The plan adopts another material modification September 15, 1977. A separate summary of the modification is furnished on or before July 29, 1978. (c) The copy of the summary plan description furnished in accordance with §§2520.104b–2(a)(1)(i) and 2520.104b–4 shall be acompanied by all summaries of material modifications or changes in information required to be included in the summary plan description which have not been incorporated into that summary plan description. (d) Special rule for group health plans—(1) General. Except as provided in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, the administrator of a group health plan, as defined in section 733(a)(1) of the Act, shall furnish to each participant covered under the plan a summary, written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average plan participant, of any modification to the plan or change in the information required to be included in the summary plan description, within the meaning of paragraph (a) of this section, that is a material reduction in covered services or benefits not later than 60 days after the date of adoption of the modification or change. (2) 90-day alternative rule. The administrator of a group health plan shall not be required to furnish a summary of any material reduction in covered services or benefits within the 60-day period described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section to any participant covered under the plan who would reasonably be expected to be furnished such summary in connection with a system of communication maintained by the plan sponsor or administrator, with respect to which plan participants are provided information concerning their plan, including modifications and changes thereto, at regular intervals of not more than 90 days and such communication otherwise meets the disclosure requirements of 29 CFR 2520.104b–1. (3) “Material reduction”. (i) For purposes of this paragraph (d), a “material reduction in covered services or benefits” means any modification to the plan or change in the information required to be included in the summary plan description that, independently or in conjunction with other contemporaneous modifications or changes, would be considered by the average plan participant to be an important reduction in covered services or benefits under the plan. (ii) A “reduction in covered services or benefits” generally would include any plan modification or change that: eliminates benefits payable under the plan; reduces benefits payable under the plan, including a reduction that occurs as a result of a change in formulas, methodologies or schedules that serve as the basis for making benefit determinations; increases premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, or other amounts to be paid by a participant or beneficiary; reduces the service area covered by a health maintenance organization; establishes new conditions or requirements (e.g., preauthorization requirements) to obtaining services or benefits under the plan. (e) Applicability date. Paragraph (d) of this section is applicable as of the first day of the first plan year beginning after June 30, 1997. (f)–(g) [Reserved] [42 FR 37188, July 19, 1977, as amended at 62 FR 16985, Apr. 8, 1997; 62 FR 36205, July 7, 1997; 65 FR 70243, Nov. 21, 2000; 66 FR 34994, July 2, 2001; 67 FR 777, Jan. 7, 2002] Under the authority of section 110 of the Act, in the case of an employee pension benefit plan— (a) Summary plan descriptions. A plan administrator will be deemed to satisfy the requirements of section 104(b)(1) of the Act and §2520.104b–2(a) to furnish a copy of the initial summary plan description to a retired participant, a beneficiary receiving benefits, or a separated participant with vested benefits (“vested separated participant”) if, no earlier than the date stated in paragraph (a)(4) of this section, (1) In the case of a retired participant or a beneficiary receiving benefits, a document is furnished which— (i) Meets the requirements of §§2520.102–2 and 2520.102–3 except paragraphs (b)(3), (b)(4), (j), (k), (l), (n), (o) and (p); (ii) Contains a statement that the benefit payment presently being received by the retired participant or beneficiary receiving benefits will continue in the same amount and for the period provided in the mode of settlement selected at retirement, and will not be changed except as described in paragraph (a)(1)(iii) of this section; and (iii) Contains a statement describing any plan provision under which the present benefit payment may be reduced, changed, terminated, forfeited or suspended; (2) In the case of a vested separated participant, a document is furnished which— (i) Meets the requirements of §§2520.102–2 and 2520.102–3 except paragraphs (b)(3), (b)(4), (j), (l), (n), (o), (p) and (r); (ii)(A) If at or after separation, a separated vested participant was furnished a statement of the dollar amount of the vested benefit or the method of computation of the benefit, includes a statement that the dollar amount of the vested benefit was previously furnished and that a copy of the previously furnished statement of the dollar amount of such vested benefit or method of computation of the benefit may be obtained from the plan upon request; (B) If the vested separated participant was not furnished a statement of the dollar amount of the vested benefit or the method of computation of the benefit, the plan furnishes either a statement of the dollar amount of the vested benefit, or a statement of the formula used to determine the dollar amount of the vested benefit; (iii) Includes a statement of the form in which the benefits will be paid and duration of the payment period or a description of the optional modes of payment available under the plan; and (iv) Includes a statement describing any plan provision under which a benefit may be reduced, changed, terminated, forfeited or suspended; or (3)(i) Such retired participant, vested separated participant, or beneficiary receiving benefits was furnished with a copy of a document which— (A) Satisfies the requirements of section 102(a)(1) of the Act and §2520.102–2 (relating to the style and format of the summary plan description) and §2520.102–3 (relating to the content of the summary plan description); (B) Describes the rights and obligations under the plan of such retired participant, vested separated participant, or beneficiary receiving benefits as of the date stated in subparagraph (4); (ii) In the case of a person who retired, became a beneficiary, or separated with vested benefits before November 16, 1977, a document will be deemed to comply with the requirements of paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section if the document omitted only information described in one or more of the provisions of §2520.102–3 listed below, provided that a supplement containing such information, which meets the requirements of §2520.102–2, is furnished to the retired participant, vested separated participant, or beneficiary receiving benefits by November 16, 1977. (A) Employer identification number (EIN), as required by §2520.102–3(c); (B) Type of administration, as required by §2520.102–3(e); (C) Name of agent for service of legal process, as required by §2520.102–3(g); (D) Names and addresses of trustees, as required by §2520.102–3(h); (E) Statement regarding plan termination insurance as required by §2520.102–3(m); (F) Date of the end of the fiscal year, as required by §2520.102–3(r); or (G) Statement of ERISA rights, as required by §2520.102–3(t). (4) For purposes of this paragraph the dates are: For a vested separated participant, the date of separation; for a beneficiary, the date on which payment of benefits commences; and for a retired participant, the date of retirement. (b) Updated summary plan descriptions. A copy of an updated summary plan description need not be furnished as prescribed in section 104(b)(1) of the Act and §2520.104b–2(b) to a retired participant, vested separated participant, or a beneficiary receiving benefits if— (1)(i) On or after the date stated in paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, the retired participant, vested separated participant, or beneficiary is furnished with a copy of the most recent summary plan description and a copy of any summaries of material modifications not incorporated in such summary plan description; (ii) For purposes of paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section the dates are: for a retired participant, the date of retirement; for a vested separated participant, the date of separation; and for a beneficiary, the date on which payment of benefits commences; (2) No latter than the date on which an updated summary plan description is furnished to participants and beneficiaries as prescribed by section 104(b)(1) of the Act and §2520.104b–2(b), a retired participant, vested separated participant, or beneficiary receiving benefits is furnished a notice containing the following: (i) A statement that the benefit rights of such retired participant, vested separated participant, or beneficiary receiving benefits are set forth in the earlier summary plan description and any subsequently furnished summaries of material modifications (see paragraph (c)), and (ii) A statement that such retired participant, vested separated participant, or beneficiary receiving benefits may obtain a copy of the earlier summary plan description and summaries of material modifications described in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section, and the updated summary plan description, without charge, upon request, from the plan administrator; and (3) The plan administrator furnishes a copy of the documents described in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section to such retired participant, vested separated participant or beneficiary, without charge, upon request. (c) Summary of material modifications or changes. A summary description of a material modification to the plan or a change in the information required to be included in the summary plan description need not be furnished to a retired participant, a vested separated participant or a beneficiary receiving benefits under the plan, within the time prescribed in section 104(b)(1) of the Act and §2520.104b–3 for furnishing summary descriptions of such modifications and changes, if the material modification or change in no way affects such retired participant's, vested separated participant's, or beneficiary's rights under the plan. For example, a change in trustees is information which such a person may need to know in order to make inquiries about his or her rights expeditiously, and hence must be furnished. On the other hand, a modification in benefits under the plan to which such retired participant, vested separated participant, or beneficiary had not at any time been entitled (and would not in the future be entitled) would not affect his or her rights and hence need not be furnished. If such retired participant, vested separated participant, or beneficiary requests a copy of a summary description of a material modification or a change which was not furnished, the plan administrator shall furnish the copy, without charge. [45 FR 14032, Mar. 4, 1980, as amended at 61 FR 33850, July 1, 1996] (a) Obligation to furnish. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (g) of this section, the administrator of any employee benefit plan shall furnish annually to each participant of such plan and to each beneficiary receiving benefits under such plan (other than beneficiaries under a welfare plan) a summary annual report conforming to the requirements of this section. Such furnishing of the summary annual report shall take place in accordance with the requirements of §2520.104b–1 of this part. (b) [Reserved] (c) When to furnish. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph (c), the summary annual report required by paragraph (a) of this section shall be furnished within nine months after the close of the plan year. (1) In the case of a welfare plan described in §2520.104–43 of this part, such furnishing shall take place within 9 months after the close of the fiscal year of the trust or other entity which files the annual report under §2520.104a–6 of this part. (2) When an extension of time in which to file an annual report has been granted by the Internal Revenue Service, such furnishing shall take place within 2 months after the close of the period for which the extension was granted. (d) Contents, style and format. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph (d), the summary annual report furnished to participants and beneficiaries of an employee pension benefit plan pursuant to this section shall consist of a completed copy of the form prescribed in paragraph (d)(3) of this section, and the summary annual report furnished to participants and beneficiaries of an employee welfare benefit plan pursuant to this section shall consist of a completed copy of the form prescribed in paragraph (d)(4) of this section. The information used to complete the form shall be based upon information contained in the most recent annual report of the plan which is required to be filed in accordance with section 104(a)(1) of the Act. (1) Any portion of the forms set forth in this paragraph (d) which is not applicable to the plan to which the summary annual report relates, or which would require information which is not required to be reported on the annual report of that plan, may be omitted. (2) Where the plan administrator determines that additional explanation of any information furnished pursuant to this paragraph (d) is necessary to fairly summarize the annual report, such explanation shall be set forth following the completed form required by this paragraph (d) and shall be headed, “Additional Explanation.” (3) Form for Summary Annual Report Relating to Pension Plans.
Summary Annual Report for (name of plan) This is a summary of the annual report for (name of plan and EIN) for (period covered by this report). The annual report has been filed with the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by (indicate funding arrangements). Plan expenses were ($ ). These expenses included ($ ) in administrative expenses and ($ ) in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries, and ($ ) in other expenses. A total of ( ) persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. [If the plan is funded other than solely by allocated insurance contracts:] The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was ($ ) as of (the end of the plan year), compared to ($ ) as of (the beginning of the plan year). During the plan year the plan experienced an (increase) (decrease) in its net assets of ($ ) This (increase) (decrease) includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of ($ ), including employer contributions of ($ ), employee contributions of ($ ), (gains) (losses) of ($ ), from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of ($ ). [If any funds are used to purchase allocated insurance contracts:] The plan has (a) contract(s) with (name of insurance carrier(s)) which allocate(s) funds toward (state whether individual policies, group deferred annuities or other). The total premiums paid for the plan year ending (date) were ($ ). Minimum Funding Standards [If the plan is a defined benefit plan:] An actuary's statement shows that (enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA) (not enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the mimimum funding standards of ERISA. The amount of the deficit was $ ). [If the plan is a defined contribution plan covered by funding requirements:] (Enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA) (Not enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. The amount of the deficit was $ ). Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: [Note—list only those items which are actually included in the latest annual report] 1. an accountant's report; 2. financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. assets held for investment; 4. fiduciary information, including non-exempt transactions between the plan and parties-in-interest (that is, persons who have certain relationships with the plan); 5. loans or other obligations in default or classified as uncollectible; 6. leases in default or classified as uncollectible; 7. transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; 8. insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; 9. information regarding any common or collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103–12 investment entities in which the plan participates, and 10. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of (name), who is (state title: e.g., the plan administrator), (business address and telephone number). The charge to cover copying costs will be ($ ) for the full annual report, or ($ ) per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan ( address ), (at any other location where the report is available for examination), and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room N–1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. (4) Form for Summary Annual Report Relating to Welfare Plans.
Summary Annual Report for (name of plan) This is a summary of the annual report of the (name of plan, EIN and type of welfare plan) for (period covered by this report). The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). [If any benefits under the plan are provided on an uninsured basis:] (Name of sponsor) has committed itself to pay (all, certain) (state type of) claims incurred under the terms of the plan. [If any of the funds are used to purchase insurance contracts:] Insurance Information The plan has (a) contract(s) with (name of insurance carrier(s)) to pay (all, certain) (state type of) claims incurred under the terms of the plan. The total premiums paid for the plan year ending (date) were ($_____). [If applicable add:] Because (it is a) (they are) so called “experience-rated” contract(s), the premium costs are affected by, among other things, the number and size of claims. Of the total insurance premiums paid for the plan year ending (date), the premiums paid under such “experience-rated” contract(s) were ($ ) and the total of all benefit claims paid under the(se) experience-rated contract(s) during the plan year was ($ ). [If any funds of the plan are held in trust or in a separately maintained fund:] Basic financial statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was ($ ) as of (the end of plan year), compared to ($ ) as of (the beginning of the plan year). During the plan year the plan experienced an (increase) (decrease) in its net assets of ($ ). This (increase) (decrease) includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of ($ ) including employer contributions of ($ ), employee contributions of ($ ), realized (gains) (losses) of ($ ) from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of ($ ). Plan expenses were ($ ). These expenses included ($ ) in administrative expenses, ($ ) in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries, and ($ ) in other expenses. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: [Note—list only those items which are actually included in the latest annual report]. 1. an accountant's report; 2. financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. assets held for investment; 4. fiduciary information, including non-exempt transactions between the plan and parties-in-interest (that is, persons who have certain relationships with the plan); 5. loans or other obligations in default or classified as uncollectible; 6. leases in default or classified as uncollectible; 7. transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; 8. insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; and 9. information regarding any common or collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103–12 investment entities in which the plan participates. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of (name), who is (state title: e.g., the plan administrator), (business address and telephone number). The charge to cover copying costs will be ($ ) for the full annual report, or ($ ) per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (address), (at any other location where the report is available for examination), and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room N–1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. (e) Foreign languages. In the case of either— (1) A plan which covers fewer than 100 participants at the beginning of a plan year in which 25 percent or more of all plan participants are literate only in the same non-English language; or (2) A plan which covers 100 or more participants in which 500 or more participants or 10 percent or more of all plan participants, whichever is less, are literate only in the same non-English language— The plan administrator for such plan shall provide these participants with an English-language summary annual report which prominently displays a notice, in the non-English language common to these participants, offering them assistance. The assistance provided need not involve written materials, but shall be given in the non-English language common to these participants. The notice offering assistance shall clearly set forth any procedures participants must follow to obtain such assistance. (f) Furnishing of additional documents to participants and beneficiaries. A plan administrator shall promptly comply with any request by a participant or beneficiary for additional documents made in accordance with the procedures or rights described in paragraph (d) of this section. (g) Exemptions. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, a summary annual report is not required to be furnished with respect to the following: (1) A totally unfunded welfare plan described in 29 CFR 2520.104–44(b)(1)(i); (2) A welfare plan which meets the requirements of 29 CFR 2520.104–20(b); (3) An apprenticeship or other training plan which meets the requirements of 29 CFR 2520.104–22; (4) A pension plan for selected employees which meets the requirements of 29 CFR 2520.104–23; (5) A welfare plan for selected employees which meets the requirements of 29 CFR 2520.104–24; (6) A day care center referred to in 29 CFR 2520.104–25; (7) A dues financed welfare plan which meets the requirements of 29 CFR 2520.104–26; and (8) A dues financed pension plan which meets the requirements of 29 CFR 2520.104–27. [44 FR 19403, Apr. 3, 1979, as amended at 44 FR 31640, June 1, 1979; 47 FR 31873, July 23, 1982; 54 FR 8629, Mar. 1, 1989; 65 FR 21085, Apr. 19, 2000; 65 FR 35568, June 5, 2000; 68 FR 16400, Apr. 3, 2003] (a) Application. The plan administrator of an employee benefit plan may impose a reasonable charge to cover the cost of furnishing to participants and beneficiaries upon their written request as required under section 104(b)(4) of the Act, copies of the following information, statements or documents: The latest updated summary plan description, and the latest annual report, any terminal report, the bargaining agreement, trust agreement, contract, or other instruments under which the plan is established or operated. No charge may be assessed for furnishing information, statements or documents as required by other provisions of the Act, which include, in part 1 of title I, sections 104(b)(1), (2), (3) and (c) and 105(a) and (c). (b) Reasonableness. The charge assessed by the plan administrator to cover the costs of furnishing documents is reasonable if it is equal to the actual cost per page to the plan for the least expensive means of acceptable reproduction, but in no event may such charge exceed 25 cents per page. For example, if a plan printed a large number of pamphlets at $1.00 per 50-page pamphlet, the actual cost of reproduction for the entire pamphlet ($1.00) would be equal to 2 cents per page. If only one page of such a pamphlet were requested, the actual cost of providing that page from the printed copy would be $1.00, since the copy would no longer be complete. In such a case, the least expensive means of acceptable reproduction would be individually reproducing the page requested at a charge of no more than 25 cents. On the other hand, if six pages of the same plan document were requested and each page cost 20 cents to be reproduced, the actual cost of providing those pages would be $1.20. In such a case, if a printed copy is available, the least expensive means of acceptable reproduction would be to use pages from the printed copy at a charge of no more than $1.00. No other charge for furnishing documents, such as handling or postage charges, will be deemed reasonable. The plan administrator shall provide information to a plan participant or beneficiary, upon request, about the charge that would be made to provide a copy of material described in this paragraph. [41 FR 16964, Apr. 23, 1976, as amended at 41 FR 37575, Sept. 7, 1976] (a) Scope and purpose. Sections 107 and 209 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA), contain certain requirements relating to the maintenance of records for reporting and disclosure purposes and for determining the pension benefits to which participants and beneficiaries are or may become entitled. This section provides standards applicable to both pension and welfare plans concerning the use of electronic media for the maintenance and retention of records required to be kept under sections 107 and 209 of ERISA. (b) General requirements. The record maintenance and retention requirements of sections 107 and 209 of ERISA are satisfied when using electronic media if: (1) The electronic recordkeeping system has reasonable controls to ensure the integrity, accuracy, authenticity and reliability of the records kept in electronic form; (2) The electronic records are maintained in reasonable order and in a safe and accessible place, and in such manner as they may be readily inspected or examined (for example, the recordkeeping system should be capable of indexing, retaining, preserving, retrieving and reproducing the electronic records); (3) The electronic records are readily convertible into legible and readable paper copy as may be needed to satisfy reporting and disclosure requirements or any other obligation under Title I of ERISA; (4) The electronic recordkeeping system is not subject, in whole or in part, to any agreement or restriction that would, directly or indirectly, compromise or limit a person's ability to comply with any reporting and disclosure requirement or any other obligation under Title I of ERISA; and (5) Adequate records management practices are established and implemented (for example, following procedures for labeling of electronically maintained or retained records, providing a secure storage environment, creating back-up electronic copies and selecting an off-site storage location, observing a quality assurance program evidenced by regular evaluations of the electronic recordkeeping system including periodic checks of electronically maintained or retained records, and retaining paper copies of records that cannot be clearly, accurately or completely transferred to an electronic recordkeeping system). (c) Legibility and readability. All electronic records must exhibit a high degree of legibility and readability when displayed on a video display terminal or other method of electronic transmission and when reproduced in paper form. The term “legibility” means the observer must be able to identify all letters and numerals positively and quickly to the exclusion of all other letters or numerals. The term “readability” means that the observer must be able to recognize a group of letters or numerals as words or complete numbers. (d) Disposal of original paper records. Original paper records may be disposed of any time after they are transferred to an electronic recordkeeping system that complies with the requirements of this section, except such original records may not be discarded if the electronic record would not constitute a duplicate or substitute record under the terms of the plan and applicable federal or state law. [67 FR 17275, Apr. 9, 2002]
Title 29: Labor
PART 2520—RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR REPORTING AND DISCLOSURE
Section Contents
§ 2520.101-1 Duty of reporting and disclosure.
§ 2520.101-2 Annual reporting by multiple employer welfare arrangements and certain other entities offering or providing coverage for medical care to the employees of two or more employers.
§ 2520.101-3 Notice of blackout periods under individual account plans.
§ 2520.101-4 Annual funding notice for multiemployer defined benefit pension plans.
§ 2520.102-1 [Reserved]
§ 2520.102-2 Style and format of summary plan description.
§ 2520.102-3 Contents of summary plan description.
§ 2520.102-4 Option for different summary plan descriptions.
§ 2520.103-1 Contents of the annual report.
§ 2520.103-2 Contents of the annual report for a group insurance arrangement.
§ 2520.103-3 Exemption from certain annual reporting requirements for assets held in a common or collective trust.
§ 2520.103-4 Exemption from certain annual reporting requirements for assets held in an insurance company pooled separate account.
§ 2520.103-5 Transmittal and certification of information to plan administrator for annual reporting purposes.
§ 2520.103-6 Definition of reportable transaction for Annual Return/Report.
§ 2520.103-8 Limitation on scope of accountant's examination.
§ 2520.103-9 Direct filing for bank or insurance carrier trusts and accounts.
§ 2520.103-10 Annual report financial schedules.
§ 2520.103-11 Assets held for investment purposes.
§ 2520.103-12 Limited exemption and alternative method of compliance for annual reporting of investments in certain entities.
§ 2520.103-13 Special terminal report for abandoned plans.
§ 2520.104-1 General.
§§ 2520.104-2--2520.104-3 [Reserved]
§ 2520.104-4 Alternative method of compliance for certain successor pension plans.
§§ 2520.104-5--2520.104-6 [Reserved]
§ 2520.104-20 Limited exemption for certain small welfare plans.
§ 2520.104-21 Limited exemption for certain group insurance arrangements.
§ 2520.104-22 Exemption from reporting and disclosure requirements for apprenticeship and training plans.
§ 2520.104-23 Alternative method of compliance for pension plans for certain selected employees.
§ 2520.104-24 Exemption for welfare plans for certain selected employees.
§ 2520.104-25 Exemption from reporting and disclosure for day care centers.
§ 2520.104-26 Limited exemption for certain unfunded dues financed welfare plans maintained by employee organizations.
§ 2520.104-27 Alternative method of compliance for certain unfunded dues financed pension plans maintained by employee organizations.
§ 2520.104-28 [Reserved]
§ 2520.104-41 Simplified annual reporting requirements for plans with fewer than 100 participants.
§ 2520.104-42 Waiver of certain actuarial information in the annual report.
§ 2520.104-43 Exemption from annual reporting requirement for certain group insurance arrangements.
§ 2520.104-44 Limited exemption and alternative method of compliance for annual reporting by unfunded plans and by certain insured plans.
§ 2520.104-45 [Reserved]
§ 2520.104-46 Waiver of examination and report of an independent qualified public accountant for employee benefit plans with fewer than 100 participants.
§ 2520.104-47 Limited exemption and alternative method of compliance for filing of insurance company financial reports.
§ 2520.104-48 Alternative method of compliance for model simplified employee pensions—IRS Form 5305–SEP.
§ 2520.104-49 Alternative method of compliance for certain simplified employee pensions.
§ 2520.104-50 Short plan years, deferral of accountant's examination and report.
§ 2520.104a-1 Filing with the Secretary of Labor.
§ 2520.104a-2 xxx
§§ 2520.104a-3--2520.104a-4 [Reserved]
§ 2520.104a-5 Annual reporting filing requirements.
§ 2520.104a-6 Annual reporting for plans which are part of a group insurance arrangement.
§ 2520.104a-7 [Reserved]
§ 2520.104a-8 Requirement to furnish documents to the Secretary of Labor on request.
§ 2520.104b-1 Disclosure.
§ 2520.104b-2 Summary plan description.
§ 2520.104b-3 Summary of material modifications to the plan and changes in the information required to be included in the summary plan description.
§ 2520.104b-4 Alternative methods of compliance for furnishing the summary plan description and summaries of material modifications of a pension plan to a retired participant, a separated participant with vested benefits, and a beneficiary receiving benefits.
§ 2520.104b-10 Summary Annual Report.
§ 2520.104b-30 Charges for documents.
§ 2520.107-1 Use of electronic media for maintenance and retention of records.
Subpart A—General Reporting and Disclosure Requirements
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§ 2520.101-1 Duty of reporting and disclosure.
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§ 2520.101-2 Annual reporting by multiple employer welfare arrangements and certain other entities offering or providing coverage for medical care to the employees of two or more employers.
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§ 2520.101-3 Notice of blackout periods under individual account plans.
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§ 2520.101-4 Annual funding notice for multiemployer defined benefit pension plans.
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Subpart B—Contents of Plan Descriptions and Summary Plan Descriptions
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§ 2520.102-1 [Reserved]
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§ 2520.102-2 Style and format of summary plan description.
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§ 2520.102-3 Contents of summary plan description.
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§ 2520.102-4 Option for different summary plan descriptions.
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Subpart C—Annual Report Requirements
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§ 2520.103-1 Contents of the annual report.
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§ 2520.103-2 Contents of the annual report for a group insurance arrangement.
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§ 2520.103-3 Exemption from certain annual reporting requirements for assets held in a common or collective trust.
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§ 2520.103-4 Exemption from certain annual reporting requirements for assets held in an insurance company pooled separate account.
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§ 2520.103-5 Transmittal and certification of information to plan administrator for annual reporting purposes.
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§ 2520.103-6 Definition of reportable transaction for Annual Return/Report.
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§ 2520.103-8 Limitation on scope of accountant's examination.
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§ 2520.103-9 Direct filing for bank or insurance carrier trusts and accounts.
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§ 2520.103-10 Annual report financial schedules.
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§ 2520.103-11 Assets held for investment purposes.
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§ 2520.103-12 Limited exemption and alternative method of compliance for annual reporting of investments in certain entities.
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§ 2520.103-13 Special terminal report for abandoned plans.
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Subpart D—Provisions Applicable to Both Reporting and Disclosure Requirements
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§ 2520.104-1 General.
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§§ 2520.104-2--2520.104-3 [Reserved]
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§ 2520.104-4 Alternative method of compliance for certain successor pension plans.
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§§ 2520.104-5--2520.104-6 [Reserved]
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§ 2520.104-20 Limited exemption for certain small welfare plans.
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§ 2520.104-21 Limited exemption for certain group insurance arrangements.
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§ 2520.104-22 Exemption from reporting and disclosure requirements for apprenticeship and training plans.
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§ 2520.104-23 Alternative method of compliance for pension plans for certain selected employees.
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§ 2520.104-24 Exemption for welfare plans for certain selected employees.
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§ 2520.104-25 Exemption from reporting and disclosure for day care centers.
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§ 2520.104-26 Limited exemption for certain unfunded dues financed welfare plans maintained by employee organizations.
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§ 2520.104-27 Alternative method of compliance for certain unfunded dues financed pension plans maintained by employee organizations.
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§ 2520.104-28 [Reserved]
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§ 2520.104-41 Simplified annual reporting requirements for plans with fewer than 100 participants.
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§ 2520.104-42 Waiver of certain actuarial information in the annual report.
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§ 2520.104-43 Exemption from annual reporting requirement for certain group insurance arrangements.
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§ 2520.104-44 Limited exemption and alternative method of compliance for annual reporting by unfunded plans and by certain insured plans.
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§ 2520.104-45 [Reserved]
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§ 2520.104-46 Waiver of examination and report of an independent qualified public accountant for employee benefit plans with fewer than 100 participants.
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§ 2520.104-47 Limited exemption and alternative method of compliance for filing of insurance company financial reports.
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§ 2520.104-48 Alternative method of compliance for model simplified employee pensions—IRS Form 5305–SEP.
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§ 2520.104-49 Alternative method of compliance for certain simplified employee pensions.
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§ 2520.104-50 Short plan years, deferral of accountant's examination and report.
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Subpart E—Reporting Requirements
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§ 2520.104a-1 Filing with the Secretary of Labor.
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§ 2520.104a-2 xxx
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§§ 2520.104a-3--2520.104a-4 [Reserved]
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§ 2520.104a-5 Annual reporting filing requirements.
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§ 2520.104a-6 Annual reporting for plans which are part of a group insurance arrangement.
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§ 2520.104a-7 [Reserved]
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§ 2520.104a-8 Requirement to furnish documents to the Secretary of Labor on request.
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Subpart F—Disclosure Requirements
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§ 2520.104b-1 Disclosure.
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§ 2520.104b-2 Summary plan description.
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§ 2520.104b-3 Summary of material modifications to the plan and changes in the information required to be included in the summary plan description.
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§ 2520.104b-4 Alternative methods of compliance for furnishing the summary plan description and summaries of material modifications of a pension plan to a retired participant, a separated participant with vested benefits, and a beneficiary receiving benefits.
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§ 2520.104b-10 Summary Annual Report.
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Appendix to § 2520.104b-10_The Summary Annual Report (SAR) Under ERISA: A Cross-Reference to the Annual Report------------------------------------------------------------------------ Form 5500 Large Plan Form 5500 Small Plan SAR Item Filer Line Items Filer Line Items------------------------------------------------------------------------ A. PENSION PLAN1. Funding arrangement...... Form 5500_9a........ Same.2. Total plan expenses...... Sch. H_2j........... Sch. I_2i.3. Administrative expenses.. Sch. H_2i(5)........ Not applicable.4. Benefits paid............ Sch. H_2e(4)........ Sch. I_2e.5. Other expenses........... Sch. H_Subtract the Sch. I_2h. sum of 2e(4) & 2i(5) from 2j.6. Total participants....... Form 5500_7f........ Same.7. Value of plan assets (net): a. End of plan year..... Sch. H_1l [Col. (b)] Sch. I_1c [Col. (b)]. b. Beginning of plan Sch. H_1l [Col. (a)] Sch. I_1c [Col. year. (a)].8. Change in net assets..... Sch. H_Subtract 1l Sch. I_Subtract 1c [Col. (a)] from [Col. (a) from 1c 1l[Col. (b)]. [Col. (b)].9. Total income............. Sch. H_2d........... Sch. I_2d. a. Employer Sch. H_2a(1)(A) Sch. I_2a(1) & contributions. & 2a(2) if 2b if applicable. applicable. b. Employee Sch. H_2a(1)(B) Sch. I_2a(2) & contributions. & 2a(2) if 2b if applicable. applicable. c. Gains (losses) from Sch. H_2b(4)(C)..... Not applicable. sale of assets. d. Earnings from Sch. H_Subtract the Sch. I -2c. investments. sum of 2a(3), 2b(4)(C) and 2c from 2d.10. Total insurance premiums Total of all Schs. A Total of all Schs. -5b. A_5b.11. Funding deficiency: a. Defined benefit plans Sch. B_10........... Same. b. Defined contribution Sch. R_6c, if more Same. plans. than zero. B. WELFARE PLAN1. Name of insurance carrier All Schs. A_1(a).... Same.2. Total (experience rated All Schs. A_Sum of Same. and non-experienced rated) 8a(4) and 9(a). insurance premiums.3. Experience rated premiums All Schs. A_8a(4)... Same.4. Experience rated claims.. All Schs. A_8b(4)... Same.5. Value of plan assets (net): a. End of plan year..... Sch. H_1l [Col. (b)] Sch. I_1c [Col. (b)]. b. Beginning of plan Sch. H_1l [Col. (a)] Sch. I_1c [Col. year. (a)].6. Change in net assets..... Sch. H_Subtract 1l Sch. I_Subtract 1c [Col. (a)] from 1l [Col. (a)] from 1c [Col. (b)]. [Col. (b)].7. Total income............. Sch. H_2d........... Sch. I_2d. a. Employer Sch. H_2a(1)(A) Sch. I_2a(1) & contributions. & 2a(2) if 2b if applicable. applicable. b. Employee Sch. H_2a(1)(B) Sch. I_2a(2) & contributions. & 2a(2) if 2b if applicable. applicable. c. Gains (losses) from Sch. H_2b(4)(C)..... Not applicable. sale of assets. d. Earnings from Sch. H_Subtract the Sch. I -2c. investments. sum of 2a(3), 2b(4)(C) and 2c from 2d. 8. Total plan expenses..... Sch. H_2j........... Sch. I_2i.9. Administrative expenses.. Sch. H_2i(5)........ Not applicable.10. Benefits paid........... Sch. H_2e(4)........ Sch. I_2e.11. Other expenses.......... Sch. H_Subtract the Sch. I_2h. sum of 2e(4) & 2i(5) from 2j.------------------------------------------------------------------------
§ 2520.104b-30 Charges for documents.
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Subpart G—Recordkeeping Requirements
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§ 2520.107-1 Use of electronic media for maintenance and retention of records.
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