Solo 5500 Desk vs IFILE / paper filing alone
IFILE is the DOL's free browser-based filer. Paper filing is also free for sponsors below the 10-return threshold. Solo 5500 Desk costs $49 because it adds the eligibility gate (asset threshold + final-year + e-filing trigger), source-number reconciliation, and a reusable annual passport. If you already understand the form and keep clean records, IFILE or paper alone works.
Decision rule
Already comfortable with the form? Use IFILE/paper. Want guided checks + passport? Solo 5500 Desk.
Software fee
- Solo 5500 Desk
- $49 per plan year
- IFILE / paper filing alone
- $0 (IFILE) / $0 (paper)
Login.gov / EFAST2 PIN required
- Solo 5500 Desk
- No (packet only)
- IFILE / paper filing alone
- Yes (IFILE)
Eligibility gate before form prep
- Solo 5500 Desk
- Yes (10 hard-stop checks)
- IFILE / paper filing alone
- No
Beginning-asset reconciliation prompt
- Solo 5500 Desk
- Yes
- IFILE / paper filing alone
- No
Annual passport for next year
- Solo 5500 Desk
- Yes (PDF)
- IFILE / paper filing alone
- No
Filing transmission
- Solo 5500 Desk
- No (you transmit via IFILE or mail)
- IFILE / paper filing alone
- Yes (IFILE submits to EFAST2)
Time investment
- Solo 5500 Desk
- Guided and self-paced
- IFILE / paper filing alone
- Depends on familiarity with the instructions and IFILE
Common questions
Can I just use IFILE for free?
Yes. IFILE is the official free DOL filer. Solo 5500 Desk does not file — it prepares a packet you transcribe into IFILE or onto paper.
Do I still need IFILE if I use Solo 5500 Desk?
Only if you must file electronically (10-return threshold met). Otherwise paper filing remains an option below the threshold.
Is the $49 worth it vs free?
It is worth it if you value the scope check (does this plan even need to file?), the source-number reconciliation prompts, and a reusable annual passport. Otherwise, IFILE alone is fine.