After the 8955 data has been entered, the data verified and edit checks have been run, the filing may be added to a batch.
Access the Batch Screen:
- From within the 8955-SSA window of the 5500 module, click on the Batches/Fulfillment hyperlink.
Create a New Batch:
- From the Batches screen, click the Create New Batch button in the upper left corner.
- Enter a batch name for sorting and reference purposes, then click Create New Batch.
Note: The Amended Batch checkbox, when selected will only allow those filings with Part I Line B of Form 8955-SSA marked as an amended to be added to the batch. If this is an original filing please do not check this box.
Adding Plans to the batch:
- In the new batch, click the Select Plans hyperlink. This will show all plans in the company code with an 8955-SSA present and not yet included in another batch.
- Select the plans to add to the batch, then click Update (above or below the grid). Users may also choose to Select All or Unselect All in the upper right hand corner to quickly add all plans to the batch or remove the plans from the batch.
- After adding the plans, click the batch name link at the top of the breadcrumbs list.
- Once the plans are added users are redirected to the Batch screen that provides printing and fulfillment options.
- In the upper right, the number of plans and participants in the batch will be displayed.
- Below that is the Batch Lock status. The batch may only be locked if passing edit checks indicated by the green edit check icon beside the Batch Edit Check Status.
- A batch must be locked in order to e-file.
Note: The Statement Edit Checks do not need to be run or locked for e-filing the 8955-SSAs. ftwilliam.com does not offer a print and mail service. The statement batching feature checks for missing data and generates PDF files for printing outside the software. All plans in the batch will be compiled into a single file for each report type: Form 8955-SSAs, participant statements, and client letters (in .rtf or .pdf format).
Lock and E-file
- Click the padlock next to Batch Lock Status to lock the batch and enable fulfillment options.
- Once locked, click FIRE E-file:
- Clicking FIRE E-file does not automatically submit the order. A confirmation popup will appear, showing the user agreement and fees associated with the filing. By selecting Submit, the firm agrees to the terms provided, and the batch will be placed in a Pending status. A paper invoice from CCH Inc. will be sent in the first business week of the following month.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Once you submit your returns, they are processed through an automated system. We cannot make any changes to your forms once they are submitted.
- If your account has its own TCC, and the details are entered in the Account Profile, the Download FIRE Files option will show either a TXT hyperlink (for one plan) or a ZIP hyperlink (for multiple plans). Clicking this will download a file to be saved and imported into the IRS FIRE site. The ZIP file contains individual .txt files for each plan; these must be uploaded separately to the FIRE site, as there is no batch upload option for Form 8955-SSA.
Note: To obtain a TCC for Form 8955-SSA, the IRS requires completing an online IR Application. Once assigned, the Master User for the ftwilliam.com account can enter the 8955-SSA TCC in the Edit Company Profile section under the Admin Menu. Enter the TCC, Contact Name, EIN, and State, then click Update at the bottom of the screen.
