Generallly, 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 third Cycle A plan submitted between February 1, 2016, and January 31, 2017
- A plan seeking an initial favorable determination letter
- A terminating plan
- A plan that meets certain circumstances to be announced in IRS guidance (no additional circumstances apply for applications in calendar year 2017)
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:
- Amend or Update a plan
- Cumulative Lists
- Required Amendments List (post-2017 submissions)
- Reference lists
2. Fill out and submit the appropriate forms and documents with your application package. Review Revenue Procedure 2018-4 for details.
- Form 8717- User Fee for Employee Plan Determination, Opinion, and Advisory Letter Request, 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: -
- 2015 Cumulative List (for pre-2018 submissions)
- applicable Required Amendments Lists (for post-2017 submissions)
- Amendments. Copies of amendments intended to comply with the above applicable Cumulative List or Required Amendment List and discretionary amendments adopted or effective since the plan’s prior submission period, plus other supporting documents.
- Reference lists.
Reference lists. Complete and submit applicable reference lists. The reference lists are optional tools to assist you in updating your plan.
- 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 (09-23-2014), 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
Stop 31
P.O. Box 12192
Covington, KY 41012–0192.
For express mail or a delivery service:
Internal Revenue Service
Attention: EP Determination Letters
Stop 31
201 West Rivercenter Blvd.
Covington, KY 41011.
Determination letter review process
Additional resources
- New Determination Program Rev. Proc. 2016-37
- Revenue Procedure 2018-4 (complete procedures for requesting determinations letters)
- Revenue Procedure 2014-6 (prior procedures - for determination letter applications submitted from February 1, 2014, to January 31, 2015, cycle D2)
- Determination, Opinion and Advisory Letters home page
- Employee Plans Forms & Publications
- FAQs Regarding the Determination Letter Process