Form 5500 Guides
Short, plain-language explainers on how Form 5500 filings work — and how to use the public data to research plans, providers, and fees.
- What Is Form 5500?Form 5500 is the annual report employee benefit plans file with the DOL, IRS, and PBGC under ERISA. Learn what it covers, who files, and the 5500 vs 5500-SF vs 5500-EZ variants.
- When Is Form 5500 Due? Deadlines & ExtensionsForm 5500 is due the last day of the 7th month after the plan year ends — July 31 for calendar-year plans. Form 5558 grants a 2½-month extension to October 15.
- Form 5500 Schedule C Explained: Service Provider FeesSchedule C of Form 5500 reports service providers paid $5,000 or more — recordkeepers, custodians, advisors, auditors — plus direct and indirect compensation. Here's how to read it.
- How to Find a Company's 401(k) ProviderFind any company's 401(k) recordkeeper, custodian, and advisor for free using public Form 5500 filings. Step-by-step lookup by company name or EIN.
- A Free FreeERISA Alternative for Form 5500 SearchLooking for a FreeERISA alternative? Search ~2.9 million Form 5500 filings free — with deduped plans, provider profiles, fees, and parsed investment holdings.