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EBSA News Release: [10/31/2005]
Contact Name: David
James or Gloria Della Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 or x8671 Release
Number: 05-2087-ATL
U.S. Labor Department Extends Annual Reports Deadline
After Hurricane Wilma Hits Florida
ATLANTA In the wake of destruction in Florida from
Hurricane Wilma, the U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security
Administration (EBSA) today announced an extension of the deadline for filing
Form 5500 and Form 5500-EZ annual report/returns.
President Bush has declared a major disaster in 20 counties in the state
due to the damage caused by the hurricane. The extension applies to plan
administrators, employers and other entities located in areas directly
affected, as identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The
extension also applies to firms located outside the affected areas who are
unable to obtain the necessary information from service providers, banks or
insurance companies whose operations were directly affected by the hurricane.
If the president declares additional counties eligible for individual
assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act, this extension will also apply to them.
Under this relief, Form 5500 series filings required to be submitted
between Oct. 23, 2005 and Feb. 28, 2006, are granted an extension until Feb.
28, 2006. Plan filers entitled to an extension of relief should check Part I,
Box D, on the Form 5500 or Part 1 on Form 5500-EZ and attach a statement to the
form in accordance with the instructions.
For more information about disaster relief, contact the Federal
Emergency Management Agency at 1-800-621-3362 or (202) 621-FEMA or the Internal
Revenue Service at www.irs.gov under "Disaster Area Tax Relief. Filers who have
additional questions may contact the EBSA's EFAST Help Line at
1-866-463-3278.
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