IRS Form 5500-EZ Late Filer Penalty Relief Program
A source-linked guide to the official IRS late-filer penalty relief path for delinquent Form 5500-EZ returns.
Summary
The IRS Form 5500-EZ Late Filer Penalty Relief Program is the official relief path for eligible delinquent one-participant plan returns under Revenue Procedure 2015-32. It uses Form 14704, delinquent paper Form 5500-EZ returns, and a payment of $500 per delinquent return, capped at $1,500 per submission for the same plan.
Late relief is an IRS program review, not an on-time Solo 5500 Desk packet.
| Official program | Rev. Proc. 2015-32IRS Late Filer Penalty Relief Program for Form 5500-EZ filers. |
|---|---|
| Program form | Form 14704Transmittal schedule for the IRS relief submission. |
| Payment | $500 per return, $1,500 capCap applies per submission for the same plan. |
What the official relief path is for
The program is for eligible Form 5500-EZ filers who discover delinquent one-participant plan returns and want to use the IRS reduced-penalty path before treating the case as a routine filing. It is not an extension, not DFVCP, and not a guarantee that every late case qualifies.
What a clean review packet should collect
Collect each delinquent plan year, plan sponsor name and EIN, plan name and number, year-end assets, final-year facts, any Form 5558 extension evidence, prior filed returns, IRS notices, and proof that the case is still in the supported official program lane.
Example: three missed plan years
A one-participant plan discovers three delinquent Form 5500-EZ years for the same plan before IRS penalty contact. The official program payment framework is $500 per delinquent return, capped at $1,500 per submission for the same plan, plus the required delinquent paper returns and Form 14704.
When to stop
Stop for IRS penalty notices, disputed eligibility, amended returns, reasonable-cause strategy, plan correction, non-owner employees, controlled groups, foreign or complex plans, missing records, or any request for representation. Those are professional-review cases.
Common questions
Is the IRS Late Filer Penalty Relief Program the same as DFVCP?
No. DFVCP is a DOL program for other Form 5500-series filers. Form 5500-EZ filers use the IRS late-filer penalty relief program under Revenue Procedure 2015-32.
Can I use the program after receiving an IRS penalty notice?
Do not assume. Eligibility can change after IRS contact or notice activity. Review the official IRS rules and use a qualified professional for notice-response or disputed cases.
Does Solo 5500 Desk submit late relief for me?
No. Solo 5500 Desk is currently an on-time packet product. This page explains the official relief path and routes late cases away from the routine packet workflow.
Check ordinary filing first
Use the free checker for ordinary on-time facts. Late relief, notices, and prior-year cleanup need separate official review.
Open checkerRelated guides
Form 5500-EZ penalty calculator: daily penalty vs IRS relief program
A calculator-style guide that shows why late Form 5500-EZ cases need the official IRS relief path instead of a routine on-time packet.
Late Form 5500-EZ filing: penalty relief hard stop
A source-linked hard-stop guide for Solo 401(k) sponsors who missed the Form 5500-EZ deadline and are looking for penalty relief.
Form 5500-EZ penalties and why the deadline matters
A practical explanation of the penalty risk for missing a required Form 5500-EZ filing.
Official sources
Last reviewed: .