One-participant plan
Retirement plan that covers only the business owner(s) and their spouse(s), or only partners and their spouses.
Definition
A one-participant plan, in IRS Form 5500-EZ usage, is a defined contribution or defined benefit plan where the only participants are an individual (or husband and wife) who wholly owns a trade or business, or one or more partners (or partners and their spouses) in a partnership. A single common-law employee covered by the plan ends one-participant status.
Why it matters
For IRS Form 5500-EZ, this term helps decide which records, dates, values, or review questions belong in the packet.
How the tool uses it
Solo 5500 treats this as a review signal. The user enters the facts, checks the source-linked explanation, reviews the packet, and files through the official channel when the supported case still fits.
When to check the source
Check the official source when the answer depends on eligibility, late filing relief, official correspondence, valuation, or a fact you cannot verify from your own records.
Source and review date
Last reviewed: . Use the linked source for the official wording behind this term.
Official source: IRS Instructions for Form 5500-EZ