Generally, an individually designed plan is a retirement plan that has not been pre-approved by the IRS, and is drafted to meet the specific needs of a single employer or multi-employer group.
When to apply
You may only submit an application if your individually designed plan is:
- A plan seeking an initial favorable determination letter
- A terminating plan
- A plan that meets certain circumstances to be announced in IRS guidance (Rev. Proc. 2019-20 PDF)
- Plan mergers – may submit applications of certain merged plans on a continuing basis
- Statutory hybrid plans – may submit determination requests through Aug. 31, 2020
How to apply - procedures and forms
These procedures generally apply to Form 5300 series determination letter applications submitted beginning February 1, 2016.
- Amend your plan for applicable law changes. These resources can help:
2. Fill out and submit the appropriate forms and documents with your application package. Review Revenue Procedure 2020-4 for details.
- Form 8717, User Fee for Employee Plan Determination, Opinion, and Advisory Letter Request PDF, or, if you paid through www.pay.gov, a copy of your payment confirmation
- Application form. One of the following forms, including its Procedural Requirements Checklist:
Save time with fax: Include an employer fax number on line 1(h) so we can fax requests for additional information needed to process your application. This reduces mailing delays and the possible closure of your submission as incomplete and forfeiture of your user fee.
- Power of Attorney form. One of the following forms, if you have a representative:
Check the right boxes: To authorize your representatives to receive notices and communications on your behalf, you must check the box on line 2 of Form 2848 and/or box 5(a) on Form 8821 for each authorized representative. If you fail to check this box, the IRS is not authorized to contact your representative about your submission.
Save time with fax: Include the representative’s fax number on line 2 of Form 2848 or 8821 so we can fax information requests to your representative. This reduces mailing delays and the possible closure of your submission as incomplete and forfeiture of your user fee.
- Plan document. A copy of your plan document and trust document. If the plan is terminating, the plan document should be updated for any changes in the law effective as of the date of termination.
For ongoing plans, the plan document should be updated for the applicable Required Amendments Lists.
- Amendments. Copies of amendments intended to comply with the Required Amendment List and discretionary amendments adopted or effective since the plan’s prior submission period, plus other supporting documents.
- Prior letter or prior plan. If the plan has previously received a favorable determination letter from the IRS, include a copy of the letter.
If the plan has not previously received a favorable determination letter, submit prior plan documents, adoption agreements and amendments to show compliance for the Cumulative List applicable for the plan’s prior submission period. For additional guidance, see Internal Revenue Manual 7.11.1.9, Determining the Scope/Verifying Plan Law.
- Follow these tips to avoid processing delays with your determination letter application.
3. Pay the appropriate user fee. If you meet certain criteria, you may be eligible for a user fee exemption.
4. Mail your application to the appropriate address:
Where to mail your application
Internal Revenue Service
Attention: EP Determination Letters
P.O. Box 12192
TE/GE Stop MS 31A Team 105
Covington, KY 41012-0192
For express mail or a delivery service
Internal Revenue Service
Attention: EP Determination Letters
7940 Kentucky Drive
TE/GE Stop MS 31A Team 105
Florence, KY 41042
Determination letter review process
Additional resources
- Revenue Procedure 2020-4 (complete procedures for requesting determinations letters)
- Determination, Opinion and Advisory Letters webpage
- Employee Plans Forms & Publications
- FAQs Regarding the Determination Letter Process