Direct EFAST2 Electronic Filing for Form 5500
KinetiPlan is direct EFAST2 filing software for TPAs. It generates the Form 5500 and the schedules that apply to each plan from the records already in the platform, tracks validation anomalies until they are resolved, routes the filing to the plan sponsor for signature and transmits it straight to the DOL's EFAST2 system. Nothing is transmitted until the preparer, a reviewer and the signer have approved it.
The export and upload step is where filings slip.
In many practices, a Form 5500 travels through three systems. Figures are gathered in administration software, the form is prepared in separate 5500 software, and then a file is exported and uploaded by hand to the government site. Each handoff is a chance for the wrong version to be sent, for a correction made in one place to be missed in another, or for a filing to sit in someone's downloads folder while the deadline gets closer.
The manual middle step also hides status. Once a file has left the preparation tool, the administration record often does not know whether it was uploaded, whether EFAST2 accepted it or whether the sponsor ever signed.
Direct EFAST2 filing software removes that middle step. The form is built from the plan record, reviewed and signed in one place, transmitted from the same place, and its status comes back to the plan year it belongs to.
How direct EFAST2 filing software works, step by step.
Start from the plan's own records
Plan details, participant counts and census fields, ledger activity and testing results are already held on the plan record. Uploaded files fill any gaps. There are no live custodian or recordkeeper feeds, so figures come from the platform's records and your uploads.
Generate the form and schedules
KinetiPlan generates the core Form 5500 and the schedules the plan requires, for example Schedule A, Schedule SB or Schedule H, as applicable.
Track and resolve validation anomalies
Before anything moves forward, the filing is checked for anomalies such as missing fields, counts that do not agree with the census or figures that do not tie to the ledger. Each anomaly is listed, assigned and resolved with a note, or the source record is corrected and the form regenerated.
Preparer review
The TPA preparer reviews the generated form and schedules, confirms the anomaly list is clear and marks the filing ready for review.
Peer review approval gate
A second reviewer checks the filing and explicitly approves it, or sends it back with comments. The filing cannot move to signature without this approval.
Sponsor signature routing
The approved filing is routed to the plan administrator or sponsor to review and sign, using the signer's own EFAST2 credentials, as EFAST2 requires.
Direct transmission to EFAST2
Once signed, the filing is transmitted directly to EFAST2 from KinetiPlan. There is no export file to download and no manual upload.
Status tracked back to the plan year
The filing status and acknowledgment returned by EFAST2 are recorded on the plan's annual administration project, the "File Form 5500 via EFAST2" task can be closed, and the Form 5500 / 8955-SSA deadline on the compliance deadline calendar shows the filing. Form 8955-SSA is filed with the IRS separately.
Automated Form 5500 schedule generation and electronic signature routing for plan sponsors
Automated Form 5500 schedule generation
Because the inputs already sit together on one plan record, automated Form 5500 schedule generation means the preparer reviews a draft built from the same participant, ledger and testing records the team has been working from all year, rather than re-keying figures. See how those inputs are gathered on the Form 5500 data aggregation page.
Validation anomalies in one list
Anomalies are tracked against the filing, each with an owner and a status. A filing with open anomalies cannot be marked ready for review, so problems are dealt with before signature rather than after a rejection.
Electronic signature routing for plan sponsors
Electronic signature routing for plan sponsors sends the approved filing to the right signer with the form and schedules attached for review. The signer signs with their own EFAST2 credentials.
Direct transmission
After signature, KinetiPlan transmits the filing directly to EFAST2 and records the returned status. If the filing needs an amendment, the same flow runs again from the corrected records.
Nothing reaches EFAST2 without explicit approval.
| Gate | Who acts | What is recorded |
|---|---|---|
| Anomalies cleared | Preparer and assigned staff | Each anomaly, its owner, resolution note and date. |
| Ready for review | TPA preparer | Preparer identity, time and the version of the form reviewed. |
| Peer review approval | Second reviewer | Approval or return, with comments, reviewer identity and time. |
| Signature | Plan administrator or sponsor | Routing history and the signature event, made with the signer's own EFAST2 credentials. |
| Transmission | KinetiPlan, only after signature | Transmission time and the status and acknowledgment returned by EFAST2. |
The result is a record of who prepared, reviewed, approved and signed each filing, and when. Read more on the TPA risk mitigation and liability page.
The software prepares and transmits. People decide.
- The TPA preparer reviews every generated form and schedule, and qualified staff should review the figures before approval.
- A peer reviewer approves the filing before it can be routed for signature.
- The plan administrator or sponsor reviews and signs, and remains responsible for the filing.
- Judgment calls, such as how to report an unusual transaction or whether an amendment is needed, stay with your team and the plan's advisers.
- KinetiPlan does not claim DOL certification, endorsement or approved software status.
Direct filing, with honest limits.
KinetiPlan includes a direct EFAST2 filing engine that generates Form 5500 and its schedules and transmits filings under explicit human approval gates. The platform has no live custodian or recordkeeper feeds; data comes from its plan, participant, ledger and testing records and from uploads. Results and figures should be reviewed by qualified staff. AI assistance is planned for a later phase and is not part of form generation or transmission.
Keep exploring.
Filing and compliance
Questions about direct EFAST2 filing
Does KinetiPlan file Form 5500 directly with EFAST2?
Yes. KinetiPlan generates the Form 5500 and the schedules that apply to the plan and transmits the filing directly to the DOL's EFAST2 system. Transmission happens only after the preparer, a peer reviewer and the signer have each approved it.
Which schedules does KinetiPlan generate?
It generates the core Form 5500 and the schedules required for the plan, for example Schedule A, Schedule SB or Schedule H, as applicable. The preparer reviews every generated form and schedule before it moves to approval.
How does electronic signature routing for plan sponsors work?
Once the filing is approved internally, KinetiPlan routes it to the plan administrator or sponsor to review and sign. Signing uses the signer's own EFAST2 credentials, as EFAST2 requires. Nothing is transmitted until the signature is in place.
Is KinetiPlan certified or approved by the DOL?
No. KinetiPlan does not claim DOL certification, endorsement or approved software status. It transmits filings through EFAST2 as the system requires, and the plan administrator remains responsible for the filing.
Where does the filing data come from?
From the plan record, participant census, ledger and testing results already held in KinetiPlan, plus uploaded files. There are no live custodian or recordkeeper feeds, and generated figures should be reviewed by qualified staff before approval.
This page describes software capabilities and is not legal, tax, investment or ERISA advice. Confirm current IRS and DOL filing requirements before acting.
Walk through a Form 5500 from plan record to EFAST2.
Tell us how your team prepares, reviews and files today, and we will show how generation, approval gates, sponsor signature and direct transmission would fit your practice.