Instructions for Obtaining 5500 Signing Credentials at the DOL Website

Once this process is complete, you can continue to use the UserID and PIN provided by the DOL in future years. If a different person signs the 5500 filing in a future year, that person will have to register with the DOL signing credentials at that time. In addition, more than one person may obtain credentials to sign a 5500 form if more than one person may actually sign the filing.

5500 Form Signer Credential Procedures

There are several steps to registering at the DOL website. We suggest that you set aside approximately 15 minutes to complete the process. However, please keep in mind that it may take more than 15 minutes as there are several steps in the process. Please also note that the DOL may change the registration process - these are the steps as we currently understand them.

1. Go to http://www.efast.dol.gov and select the link to register.

   

2. You will be asked to read and sign a privacy statement.

   To read the contents of the privacy statement, click here.

3. Complete your profile. You will be taken to a screen where you will be required to complete information that will serve as your profile (name, address, email and user type).

   NOTE: In order for a filing to be accepted once signed, you must enter your name at this step as you will enter it upon signing. Ensure that there are no extra spaces surrounding your name (this can generally be avoided by typing out your name and not copying and pasting it).

   User Types: Filing Signer. This user type provides signature authority only. In general, if you are using the ftwilliam.com portal, there is only a need to register at the DOL website as a filing signer (even if you are also preparing the forms on ftwilliam.com). Most ftwilliam.com users do not need to register with the DOL as any of the following user types. Filing Author. The person who initiates the filing and will be responsible for submitting it. This user type has no signature authority. Schedule Author. A person who has been asked, by the Filing Author, to complete one of the Schedules for the filing. This user type can not initiate, sign or submit a filing. Transmitter. A company, trade, business, or other person applying to be an EFAST2 Transmitter to transmit Form 5500 Series. Third Party Software Developer. A company, trade, business, or other person applying for authorization to be an EFAST2 Software Developer.

4. Challenge question. Once your profile information is complete, you will be asked to select a challenge question and answer. This is required and will be used to obtain your UserID and PIN in step 8.

   

5. Confirm your profile. You will be taken to a "Register - Summary" screen where you will be given the opportunity to review/edit your profile information, challenge question and confirm this information. Click "Submit" to continue.

   

6. Success. If you have provided valid profile information, you will be taken to a "Register - Confirmation" screen where you will be instructed to check your email to complete the registration process.

   

7. Confirm email. Check your email and click on the link provided in the email.

   

8. Answer your Challenge Question. After accessing the DOL site via the link provided in your email, you will be asked the challenge question you set up earlier in the process.

   

9. PIN agreement. You will then be asked to sign a PIN Agreement whereby you will agree not to share the PIN that is assigned to you.

   The agreement reads as follows: By activating your PIN, you agree not to share your PIN with anyone. The security of your PIN is important because it can be used to: Electronically sign documents, and Access your personal records If your PIN is lost or stolen, you also agree to: Contact the EFAST2 Contact Center at 1-866-463-3278 (1-866-GO-EFAST), or Request a new PIN by selecting Change My PIN from the EFAST2 Web site

10. Signature Agreement. You will then be asked to agree to a more detailed "Signature Agreement".

    The agreement reads as follows: I understand and agree that the electronic signature is not transferable and that the inclusion of such electronic signature in a Form 5500 or Form 5500-SF return/report filed in electronic form shall have the same legal force and effect as my hand written signature. If I am not the Transmitter, I also agree that my electronic signature on a Form 5500 or Form 5500-SF constitutes consent for EFAST2 personnel to send my Transmitter an acknowledgment of receipt of transmission and to communicate with my Transmitter about the success or failure of the transmission and specific reason(s) for any failure(s). If I am an EFAST2 Software Developer or EFAST2 Transmitter...[This paragraph only applies to EFAST2 developers or transmitters]. Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this agreement, and to the best of my knowledge and belief the information provided in my request for access to the EFAST2 system is true, correct, and complete. I agree that this application can be made public information. I declare that I am authorized to make and sign this statement.

11. UserID and PIN. You will then be provided a UserID and PIN. We strongly suggest printing this page for your records.

    

12. Password. The last step in the process is to create a password that will be assigned to the UserID and PIN that you were just provided. We suggest making a note of the password that you enter for your records. The password can be used with your UserID to obtain your PIN and/or log in to the DOL website in the future to change any profile information if necessary.

    

13. Confirmation. Once you reach the Register Confirmation page, you have completed the registration process. You can now use your UserID and PIN to electronically sign a 5500 form. Your preparer will inform you when and how to sign the forms when they are ready.