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ftwilliam.com Software User Guide
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Glossary
  • User Interface and Navigation
    • General Navigation and Company / Plan Creation
      • Logging In
      • Home
      • Plan Search / Filter
      • Edit Company
      • Edit Plan
      • Show History
      • Setting Up and Managing Divisions
  • 1099 User Guide
    • Working with 1099 Form
      • How to Manually Enter Payer Data
      • How to Batch Import Payer Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TINs)
      • How to manually enter payee/participant data
      • How to batch import payee/participant data
      • Edit Checking
      • Copying Data From a Prior Year
      • Rolling over data from a prior year
    • 1099 Batch E-filing and Fulfilment Services
      • ftwilliam.com's fulfillment service
      • Checking on your fulfillment - Completion Dates
      • Preparing a .txt file for the FIRE website
    • 1099 State Filing
      • ftwilliam.com's state fulfillment service
      • 1099 State Help: SmartCharts and technical documents
    • 1099 Corrections
      • Corrections for batch submitted forms
      • Correction for Payer TIN
    • Printing 1099 Data
      • Accessing and Preparing 1099 Module Forms for Printing
      • Printing Form 1096
      • Printing Copies of Form 1099
    • 945 Forms
      • Form 945
      • Preparing a 945 batch - ftwPro 945Wiz
    • FAQs and Supplementals
      • 1099 Deadlines
      • A list of Foreign County Codes
    • Annual 1099 Module Form Instructions
      • 2024 Form Instructions
        • 2025 Form Instructions
      • 5500 User Guide
        • Completing 5500 Forms and Schedules
          • Add Forms and Schedules
          • Adding Summary Annual Report or Annual Funding Notice
          • Enter Information on a Form 5500 schedule
          • Saving Changes
          • Consulting Official DOL Instructions
          • Edit Checks
          • Print All FINAL Schedules (Print Options)
          • Upload and Download Center
          • Deleting a Form 5500 Schedule
          • Deleting an Attachment
          • Inviting Portal Users to the Portal to Edit, Review and/or Upload Attachments
        • Form 5558
          • Form 5558 Edit Status and Filing Status
          • Uploading Form 5558
          • E-filing Form 5558
          • Accessing the Form 5558 Filing Status Report
        • Signing a 5500 Filing
          • Edit Status, Signed Status and Acceptance Status
          • Signing Via the Portal
          • The Portal Signing Experience
          • Populating Signing Page with Prior Year Accepted Filing UserID and PIN
          • Amending a Filing
        • 5500 Forms Settings, Batch Features
          • Global Email Settings
          • Email/Server Settings
          • Portal Email Default Templates
          • Portal Branding
          • Portal Correspondence
          • Go to 5500 Forms.
          • Work with Signers/Portal Users
          • 5500 > [Year] Screen
          • Batch/Workflow
          • Bring forward (prior year) data to (current year) for all plans
          • Bring forward (prior year) signers to (current year) for all plans
          • 5500 Workflow Grid; Batch Invite 5500/SF; Admin Summary Status
          • Batch SAR and Batch Annual Funding Notice
          • How To Complete Batch Local Sign
          • Batch 5558
          • Batch Lock 5500
        • Completing Form 8955-SSA, Uploads, Batch Features
          • Completing an 8955-SSA
          • How to Create and Submit an 8955-SSA Batch
          • Uploading Data to 8955 - SSA - Single Plan
          • Uploading Data to 8955-SSA - Batch (for multiple plans)
          • 8955-SSA Batch Features
          • How to Set Up and Allow for E-Filing of Form 8955-SSA by a Portal User
          • How to Amend the Form 8955-SSA
          • Printing
          • Fulfillment
          • Portal E-File
          • Download FIRE Files
          • How to Set Up the Client Letter for Form 8955-SSA
          • How to Use the Most Current Form 8955-SSA for Prior Years
          • How to Mask SSNs on the Form 8955-SSA and Participant Statements
          • Participant Statements
        • Completing Other Forms, Attachments, and PBGC Forms
          • Other Forms - 5330, 2848, 8821, 8822-B, 56, 8868
          • Adding Default Paid Preparers
          • Uploading/Downloading PBGC Comprehensive Data (.csv format)
          • Error Checking (PBGC Forms)
          • Printing (PBGC Forms)
          • My PAA (PBGC Forms)
        • Annual DOL Form and Schedule Instructions
          • 2024 5500 Module Form Instructions
            • AFN and SAR Information
              • 2024 Annual Funding Notice (AFN) Instructions
              • AFN 2/2/2015 Final Rule Sec. 2520.101-5
            • Other Forms
              • Form 720 (Rev. June 2025)
      • 5330 User Guide
        • Completing Form 5330 and Schedules
          • Adding Multiple 5330 Forms
          • Adding Additional Schedule C P4/5
          • Upload and Download Features
          • Adding Default Paid Preparers
          • Adding Attachments to the Form 5330
          • Form 8453-TE
        • Preparing for E-file
          • Running Edit Checks for Form 5330
          • Locking Form 5330 for E-filing
          • Adding Portal Users / Signers to Form 5330
          • Inviting a Portal User to View or Sign the 5330
          • E-file Status Dashboard Features and Functionality
          • Amending a Form 5330 Filing
        • Portal Users Experience
          • Form 5330 Portal E-filing Experience
          • Sponsor Portal- Checking E-File Status
        • FAQ and Supplementals
          • 5330 FAQs
          • Completing Form 5330 Attachments
      • DB/Combo Proposal User Guide
        • DB Proposal Module Quick Start Guide
          • Quick Start Guide
        • DB Proposal - How To...
          • How To...
      • DB Compliance User Guide
        • Summary Process
          • Detailed Step-by-Step Process
            • PLAN DOCUMENT INTEGRATION (Step 1)
              • FTW Step 1: ftw Plan Document
            • CONVERSION YEAR (Steps 2 - 7)
              • FTW Step 2: Establish the Conversion Year & Date
              • FTW Step 3: Populate Plan Specifications in the Conversion Year
              • FTW Step 4: Verify the Primary Grid in the Conversion Year
              • FTW Step 5: Conversion Data for the Conversion Year
              • FTW Step 6: Additional Conversion Data & Compensation History
              • FTW Step 7: Run Scrub for Conversion Year
            • REPLICATION YEAR & ONGOING YEARS (Steps 8 - 12)
              • FTW Step 8: Add next Plan Year
              • FTW Step 9: Set Actuarial Assumptions
              • FTW Step 10: Census Data for Replication Year & ongoing years
              • FTW Step 11: Valuation Liabilities for Replication / First Year Valuation
              • FTW Step 12: Year-End Processing & Compliance Testing
        • DC Compliance
          • Help Center
            • ftwLink/API
              • What is ftwLink/API?
              • Run All Tests Example
              • Print Client Package Example
            • General Training Videos
              • General Training 1
              • General Training 2
            • Run All Tests
              • Run All Tests
              • Run All Report
          • Quick Start Guide
            • Introduction
              • Compliance Quick Start Guide
            • QS Part 1: Log-in and Access Compliance Module
              • QS Part 1: Log-in and Access Compliance Module
            • QS Part 2: Compliance Menu - Plan Specifications
              • QS Part 2: Compliance Menu - Plan Specifications
              • 2.1. Sources & Investment Accounts
              • 2.2. General Plan Features
              • 2.3. Eligibility, Contribution, Vesting and Distribution
            • QS Part 3: Compliance Menu - Census
              • QS Part 3: Compliance Menu - Census
              • 3.1. Select a Primary Census Grid
              • 3.2. Upload Census Data
              • 3.3. Add Historical Data – Other Imports/Exports/Reports
            • QS Part 4: Compliance Menu – Tasks
              • QS Part 4: Compliance Menu – Tasks
              • 4.1. Scrub/Eligibility
              • 4.2. Allocation
              • 4.3. Combined Test - 415/410(b)/404/414(s)
              • 4.4. ADP/ACP Tests
              • 4.5. General Test
              • 4.6. Top Heavy Test
              • 4.7. Client Package
            • QS Part 5: Compliance Menu - Transactions
              • QS Part 5: Compliance Menu - Transactions
              • 5.1. Transactions/Statements
              • 5.2. Vendor Uploads
              • 5.3. Loans
              • 5.4. Participant Transactions
              • 5.5. Reports
            • QS Part 6: Compliance Menu - Miscellaneous
              • QS Part 6: Compliance Menu - Miscellaneous
            • QS Part 7: Compliance Menu – Tools/Settings
              • QS Part 7: Compliance Menu – Tools/Settings
            • QS Part 8: Census Grids
              • QS Part 8: Census Grids
          • Loan User Guide
            • Part 1: Loan Module Set-up
              • Part 1: Loan Module Set-up
              • 1.1. Loan Module Setup - Sources
              • 1.2. Loan Module Setup - Investment Accounts.
            • Part 2: Create a New Loan in the Loan Module.
              • Part 2: Create a New Loan in the Loan Module.
              • 2.1. Create a new participant loan
              • 2.2. Print Paperwork and Post Transactions
            • Part 3: Servicing Loans and Loan Reports
              • Part 3: Servicing Loans and Loan Reports
              • 3.1. Posting Loan Repayments.
              • 3.2. Defaulting a Loan (Deemed Distribution).
              • 3.3. Offsetting a Defaulted Loan
              • 3.4. Deleting a Loan
              • 3.5. Loan Reports
            • Part 4: Conversion Loans
              • Part 4: Conversion Loans
              • 4.1. Creating a Conversion Loan
              • 4.2. Adding Loan Balances
              • 4.3. Loan Repayments
          • User Guide
            • Part 1: Getting Started
              • 1.1. Logging In
              • 1.2. Select/Add New Company and/or Plan
              • 1.3. Select Plan and Navigate to the Compliance Module
            • Part 2: Add New Plan Year End
              • 2.1. First Plan Year on the ftw Compliance system
              • 2.2. Subsequent Plan Year on the ftw Compliance system
              • 2.3 Batch Add Plan Year End
            • Part 3: Navigation
              • 3.1. Compliance Menu
              • 3.2. Breadcrumbs
              • 3.3. Tabs
            • Part 4: Plan Specifications
              • 4.1. Sources & Investment Accounts
              • 4.2. General Features
              • 4.3. Eligibility
              • 4.4. Contribution
              • 4.5. Vesting
              • 4.6. Distribution
            • Part 5: Census
              • 5.1. Select Census Grid
              • 5.2. Edit Data Entry Grids
              • 5.3. Mapping of Data Entry Grid
              • 5.4. Edit, Download, Upload Census
              • 5.5. Other Import/Export/Reports
              • 5.6. Portal Files
            • Part 6: Tasks
              • 6.1. Scrub/Eligibility
              • 6.2. Allocations
              • 6.3. Combined Test
              • 6.4. ADP/ACP Test
              • 6.5. General Test
              • 6.6. Top Heavy Test
              • 6.7. Client Package
            • Part 7: Transactions Menu
              • 7.1. Adding Transaction Batches
              • 7.2. Statements/Reports
              • 7.3. Creating Allocations from Batches
              • 7.4. Loan Module
              • 7.5. Payroll
            • Part 8: Miscellaneous Tasks
              • 8.1. 5500 Data Report
              • 8.2. 1099-R Export Menu
              • 8.3. 8955-SSA Export Menu
              • 8.4. Required Minimum Distributions
              • 8.5. Miscellaneous Reports
            • Part 9: Tools/Settings
              • 9.1. Clone
              • 9.2. Workflow
              • 9.3. Print Settings
              • 9.3.1. Global
              • 9.3.2. Plan Level
              • 9.3.3. Custom Reports
              • 9.4. Global Participant Search
              • 9.5. Conversion Uploads
              • 9.6. History Uploads
            • Part 10: Special Topics
              • 10.1. Use of the system for the first testing year
              • 10.2. Use of ftwilliam.com Compliance system after the first year the plan is on the system
              • 10.3. Eligibility History
              • 10.4. Recalculate Initial Eligibility
              • 10.5. Plan Aggregation
              • 10.6. Aggregation of non-ftw plan with ftw plans
              • 10.7. Disaggregation
              • 10.8. HCE Determinations
              • 10.9. Top Heavy
              • 10.10. Compensation - Including Calculations for Self Employed Individuals
              • 10.11. Overrides
              • 10.12. Excluding a Class of Employees
              • 10.13. Vesting
              • 10.14. Age Weighted Allocations
              • 10.15. JH Rate of Return
              • 10.16. Davis Bacon
            • Appendix I: List of ftwilliam.com Grids
              • Appendix I: List of ftwilliam.com Grids
            • Appendix II: RMD Life Expectancy Tables
              • Appendix II: RMD Life Expectancy Tables
        • DC Proposal
          • Go to Documents/IRS Forms/5500 forms/1099s/Admin/Portal
            • Go to Documents/IRS Forms/5500 forms/1099s/Admin/Portal
          • ftw Proposal Pro Instructions
            • Overview of ftw Proposal Pro
            • Participant Data/Calculate/Reports
            • General Information
            • Proposal Specifications
            • Profit Sharing - New Comparability Groups
        • Distributions
          • Setting Up DTS
            • Default Distribution Specifications
            • Batch Upload Distribution Specifications
          • Notifications and Alerts
            • Automatic Notifications and Alerts
            • Time-Based Notifications
            • Data-Based Notifications
          • Document Template
            • Document Template
          • Status Manager
            • Status Manager
          • How to Use the ftwilliam.com Distribution Module
            • DTS Access Points
            • Creating a Distribution Record
            • Clone and Split Distribution
            • Data Collection
            • Specifications for Data Collection
            • Data Collection
            • Distribution Record Menu
            • Changing Statuses
            • Distribution Summary
            • Do With Selected
              • Attach files to distribution
              • Download Attached Files
              • Send Attached Files
              • Download Audit Package
            • Provider Options
            • Delete Distributions
            • Update Distributions
            • Sorting, Filters and Grid Export
            • Module Options
              • Push to 1099
              • Pull Data from Compliance
          • Module Options
          • IRS Forms
            • Portal User Guide
              • Add, Edit, or Remove Portal Users
                • How to Alter a Portal User's Username
                • How to Upload Portal Users in Bulk
                • Assigning Portal Users to a Plan
              • Permissions, Contact Types, and Document Classifications
                • How to Add Module Permissions to Portal Users
                • How to Add Contact Types with ftwPortal Pro
                • How To Edit Document Classifications
              • Global Email Settings
                • Setting up Global Email Settings
                • Setting Up Global Email Settings for Divisions
                • How to Test the Global Email Settings for 'Specify a Server'
                • How to Test the Global Email Settings for 'Preparer's Email Program'
                • What SMTP Server Error Messages Mean
                • How to Edit or Clone Default Email Templates and Reminders
              • Confirmation, Notification, and Reminder Emails
                • Defining Who Will Receive Confirmation Emails
                • Setting Up Notifications in the Global Email Settings
                • How to Set Maximum Reminder Days for Notifications
                • Defining Who Receive Reminder Emails
                • Defining Who Will Receive Follow-Up Emails
                • Assigning Admins to a Plan
              • Portal Branding
                • Portal Branding Video
                • How to Brand the Portal with Our Company's Logo
                • How to Brand Divisions for the Portal Using Different Logos
                • How to Find the Correct URL to Use on Our Company's Website
              • Sending Documents Through the Portal
                • How to Send Documents to the Portal That Were Prepared in ftwilliam.com
                • How to Publish a Document to the Portal for E-Signature That Does Not Originate in the FTW Software
                • Description of the Client's E-signing Experience
                • Sending and Receiving Direct Messages
                • Saving Copies of Sent or Received Messages and Communications
              • Portal Document and DocPrint Batch Options
                • How to Post a Batch Annual Notice to the Portal
                • How to Send Files Via the Portal Document Batch
                • How to Post a Required Amendment via Batch
              • Compliance Census and Batch Options
                • How to Access the Census Batch Dashboard
                • Census Batch Dashboard Navigation
                • How to Roll Forward Compliance Users
                • How to Post a Batch Census Worksheet
                • How to Provide Portal Users Access to Complete the Census within the Portal
                • How to Push the Census from Upload to Final
              • Annual Questionnaire Information and Batch Processing
                • How to Set Required Questions on the Annual Questionnaire
                • How to Post a Batch Online Annual Questionnaire
                • How to Upload a Batch Annual Questionnaire to the Portal (Compliance User)
                • How to Add or Edit an Online Annual Questionnaire for Non-Compliance Module Users
              • Frequently Asked Questions
                • Accessing and Reviewing the Download History Report
                • How to Delete Folder Names Associated with Portal Communications
              • Portal User Client View
                • How Do I Access the Portal?
                • How Do I Log into the Portal?
                • How Do I Reset My Password?
                • How Do I Change My Password?
                • How Do I Change My Challenge Questions?
                • How Do I Change My Name, Email or Demographics?
                • How Do I Find Help on the Portal?
                • How Do I View the 5500 / SAR / AFN for My Plan?
                • How Do I Sign the 5500?
                • How Do I Sign the 5500 Using a Prior Year User ID and PIN?
                • How Do I Check the Status of the 5500?
                • How Do I Complete the 5500?
                • How Do I Add Attachments to the 5500?
                • How Do I View a Message I Received?
                • How Do I Send a Message?
                • How Do I View a Document?
                • How Do I Sign a Document?
                • How Do I See Who Signed a Document?
                • How Do I Download the Annual Questionnaire?
                • How Do I Upload the Annual Questionnaire?
                • How Do I Download the Census Worksheet?
                • How Do I Upload the Census Worksheet?
                • How Do I Complete the Online Annual Questionnaire?
                • How Do I Download the Online Annual Questionnaire?
                • How Do I Mark a Task as Complete?
            • Home

            Portal User Guide

            Add, Edit, or Remove Portal Users

            Permissions, Contact Types, and Document Classifications

            Global Email Settings

            Confirmation, Notification, and Reminder Emails

            Portal Branding

            Sending Documents Through the Portal

            Portal Document and DocPrint Batch Options

            Compliance Census and Batch Options

            Annual Questionnaire Information and Batch Processing

            Frequently Asked Questions

            Portal User Client View

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