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IRSExempt Organizations & Benefit Plans (5000 Series)

Official form guide

Form 5305S: 5305-S

IRS Form 5305‑S is the Simple IRA Plan Establishment Document. It is used by an eligible employer to set up a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan for its employees.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 5305S - 5305-S

IRS Form 5305‑S is the Simple IRA Plan Establishment Document. It is used by an eligible employer to set up a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan for its employees.

It captures the employer’s identifying information, plan name, effective date, contribution rules, and the employer’s signature authorizing the plan.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single signature error can force you to re‑file the entire plan.
  • 2Incorrect EIN or employer name
  • 3Missing or illegible signature
  • 4Wrong effective date (after contributions already made)
  • 5Mismatched contribution percentages

Plain English

This form is the paperwork an employer files to start a SIMPLE IRA, a tax‑advantaged retirement savings plan for small businesses. Once signed, the plan can accept employee contributions and employer matching or nonelective contributions.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2017-09-16 08:03:08
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

effective date

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use when establishing a SIMPLE IRA for a small business (≤100 employees).
  • Do not use for a traditional 401(k) or other retirement plans.
  • Check Form 5305‑C if you need a SIMPLE IRA for a corporation with a separate plan document.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Employer wants a 401(k)

Different reporting and fiduciary rules

✓ Verify plan type before proceeding

Form 5500‑Series

Business has >100 employees

Not allowed for SIMPLE IRA with >100 employees

✓ Confirm employee count

Form 5305‑C (SIMPLE IRA)

Employer prefers a pre‑written plan

Different contribution limits and eligibility

✓ Ensure SEP is the intended plan

Form 5305‑A (SEP IRA)

Deadline or filing window

The form must be filed before the first day of the first calendar year the SIMPLE IRA will be active. If the employer misses that date, the plan cannot be treated as a SIMPLE IRA for that year and must be re‑established.

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Employer EIN

IRS EIN confirmation letter · IRS notice or previous tax return

⚠ Often typed incorrectly✕ High
2

Effective date

Plan adoption documents · Board minutes or written adoption

⚠ Date may be left blank✕ Medium
3

Contribution percentage

Plan document or board resolution · Employer's payroll policy

⚠ Percentages must match allowed limits✕ High
4

Authorized signature

Signed form copy · Corporate officer list

⚠ Signature may be illegible or missing✕ High

Before you submit

  1. 1Verify form edition matches current tax year
  2. 2Check employer EIN and name for accuracy
  3. 3Confirm effective date is before any employee contributions
  4. 4Ensure contribution 1%‑3% (matching) or 2-3% (nonelective) is correctly entered,
  5. 5Confirm authorized officer has 1000‑point signature
  6. 6Attach any required supporting documents (e.g "Plan adoption minutes, if required)
  7. 7Mail to the correct IRS address with proper postage
  8. 8Retain a complete, signed copy for records
  9. 9Record mailing date and tracking number

How to file this form

  1. 1Print the current edition of Form 5305‑S
  2. 2Complete employer information and plan details
  3. 3Select matching or nonelective contribution method and enter percentages
  4. 4Enter the plan’s effective date and eligibility rules
  5. 5Have an authorized officer sign and date the form
  6. 6Make a photocopy for your files
  7. 7Mail (or fax) the original to the IRS address in the instructions

Known limitations

  1. 1No electronic filing option; must be paper‑filed
  2. 2Form does not collect employee‑specific data; separate records are required
  3. 3IRS instructions may change annually; cross‑check each year
  4. 4Only for SIMPLE IRA; not applicable to SEP, 401(k), or other plans

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

6 fields

General Info

2 items

Taxpayer Name and TIN

Full legal name and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN).

Requiredtext
Address

Current mailing address.

Requiredtext

Details

2 items

Required Information

Complete all applicable sections of this form according to the official IRS instructions.

Requiredtext
Amount (if applicable)

Enter the relevant dollar amount if this form involves tax calculation.

amount

Certification

1 items

Certification Statement

Read and acknowledge any certifications required by this form.

Requiredcheckbox

Signatures

1 items

Signature

Sign and date. Unsigned forms cannot be processed.

Requiredsignature
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Current form status
IRS

Form 5305‑S is currently active for tax years 2024‑2025. The IRS releases a new edition each year; verify the edition date before filing.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – confirm the form is the current year’s version
  • Fee – no filing fee for Form 5305‑S
  • Mailing address – use the address in the latest instructions
  • Signature line – ensure the signatory is authorized
  • Effective date field – must be before any contributions are made

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Quick Facts

The employer (or its authorized officer) files the form on behalf of the business and its employees.
It captures the employer’s identifying information, plan name, effective date, contribution rules, and the employer’s signature authorizing the plan.
The form must be completed before the first day of the first calendar year the SIMPLE IRA will be in effect, typically by the start of the plan year.
Submit the signed form to the IRS at the address listed in the form’s instructions, or fax it if the IRS permits. No electronic filing option is provided.
Errors can invalidate the plan, causing loss of tax‑benefit status and requiring the employer to restart the establishment process.
1. Gather employer EIN, name, address, and plan name. 2. Choose the contribution method (matching or nonelective) and fill in the required percentages. 3. Enter the plan’s effective date and any eligibility criteria. 4. Have an authorized officer sign and date the form. 5. Mail (or fax) to the IRS address in the instructions and retain a copy for your records.

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After you file

  1. 1File the signed copy with your corporate records
  2. 2Notify employees that the SIMPLE IRA is effective
  3. 3Set up payroll deductions according to the elected contribution method
  4. 4Provide employees with the required IRS notice about the plan
  5. 5Monitor contributions to stay within annual limits
  6. 6Keep all plan documents for at least seven years
  7. 7Prepare Form 5305‑S for amendment if plan terms change

Sources

  • SRCIRS Form 5305‑S instructionsconfirms purpose and filing address
  • SRCIRS Publication 560details SIMPLE IRA rules
  • SRCIRS websiteshows no filing fee for Form 5305‑S
  • SRCIRS deadline guidanceeffective date must precede contributions
  • SRCNot found in provided sourceelectronic filing option
  • SRCNot found in provided sourceexact mailing address for 2024 edition

Common confusion points

SIMPLE IRA vs. SEP IRA

Similar names cause mix‑up

→ Verify employee count and contribution limits

Matching vs. nonelective contribution

Both use same form

→ Confirm which method the employer intends

Effective date vs. first contribution date

Date must precede any payroll deduction

→ Double‑check payroll schedule

Signature authority

Some think any employee can sign

→ Only an authorized officer may sign

Form edition

Older PDFs may still circulate

→ Match edition date to current tax year

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Form 941 (quarterly payroll) – to report SIMPLE IRA employee contributions

Current

5305S

After

Form 5498‑SA – employer/financial institution reports annual contributions

Often used with

Form W‑2 – to report employee deferrals in Box 12

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • Form 5305‑S amendment – to correct errors in the original filing

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Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms

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Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
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