The 2020 Form 5500-EZ instructions for an amended return is clarified to note:
If you're filing a 2020 amended return for a one-participant plan or a foreign plan to correct errors or omissions:
- That you previously filed electronically through EFAST2 on the 2019 Form 5500-SF, you must submit the amended return electronically using the 2019 Form 5500-SF. Otherwise, use the 2020 Form 5500-EZ through EFAST2. Do not use the 2020 Form 5500-SF to file an amended return.
- That you previously filed electronically through EFAST2 using Form 5500-EZ, you must submit the amended return electronically through EFAST2 using the 2020 Form 5500-EZ.
- That you previously filed on a paper Form 5500-EZ with the IRS, you must submit the amended return using the paper Form 5500-EZ of the original year of filing.
| If you're filing an amended return to amend a one-participant or foreign plan you originally filed | And you're filing the amended return in Calendar Year 2021 |
|---|---|
| electronically through EFAST2 on a Form 5500-SF | Use the 2019 Form 5500-SF through EFAST2, if it was originally filed on a 2019 form. Otherwise, use the 2020 Form 5500-EZ through EFAST2. |
| electronically through EFAST2 on a Form 5500-EZ | Use the 2020 Form 5500-EZ through EFAST2. |
| on a paper 5500-EZ | Use the paper Form 5500-EZ for the original plan year you filed and file with the IRS. |
Notes
- The rules discussed above only apply to amended returns for the 2020 Plan Year (filing in 2021 calendar year).
- Beginning in 1/1/2022, EFAST2 will support three active form years, the current form year (2021), and the just-prior form years (2020 and 2019); in 2023 filing year, the 2022, 2021, and 2020 form years, and so on.
- Beginning in 1/1/2023, if you’re filing an amended return for a one-participant plan or foreign plan originally filed electronically using Form 5500-SF or Form 5500-EZ, you must use the prior years' Form 5500-EZ for amending returns originally filed for the prior years. Use the current year Form 5500-EZ for amending returns filed for the current year or returns originally filed older than 3-years. Do not use Form 5500-SF for an amended return.
- If you’re filing an amended return originally filed on paper Form 5500-EZ, you must file paper Form 5500-EZ with the IRS using the Form from the year that corresponds to the original filing.