5500 E-file: EFAST2 User Types

EFAST2 Roles

Before registering as an EFAST2 user, it is recommended that the user determine the expected filing tasks, such as filing author, filing signer, and transmitter, so that all appropriate credentials may be granted upon completion of the application. User types in EFAST2 are dependent on the use of built-in functionality and signature authority in the system.

User type updates may occur at any time after initial registration by updating the user profile on the EFAST2 web site.

User Types

Each user type has specific filing tasks associated with it. A registrant who performs more than one filing task should indicate these multiple user types during the registration process with EFAST2 (https://www.efast.dol.gov/). Select Register on the left side of the page.

Filing Author Filing Authors can complete Form 5500/5500-SF/5500-EZ and the accompanying schedules, submit the filing, and check filing status. Filing authors cannot sign filings unless they also have the “Filing Signer” role. If you are using EFAST2-approved third party software to author your filing rather than IFILE, you do not need to check this box.

Filing Signer Filing Signers are Plan Administrators, Employers/Plan Sponsors, and Direct Filing Entities who electronically sign Form 5500/5500-SF/5500-EZ. This role should also be selected by plan service providers that have written authorization to file on behalf of the plan administrator under the EFAST2 e-signature option. No other filing-related functions may be performed by selecting this user role alone.

Schedule Author Schedule Authors can complete one or more of the schedules that accompany Form 5500/5500-SF/5500-EZ. Schedules created by a Schedule Author are not associated with a filing. For a schedule created by a Schedule Author to be used in a filing, the schedule must be exported. This exported file will then be imported by the Filing Author to the correct filing. Schedule Authors cannot initiate, sign, or submit a filing. If the Filing Author is using EFAST2-approved third party software to author the filing rather than IFILE, then the Filing Author credentials do not need to be selected

For example:

A plan administrator using EFAST2-approved third-party software to prepare and transmit directly to the DOL its own Form 5500/5500-SF/5500-EZ and schedules will not need Filing Author or Schedule Author credentials because the preparation will be done separate from the web-based system.

A plan administrator using EFAST2-approved third-party software to prepare filings and then imports them to IFILE for transmission will need Filing Author credentials to be able to edit the filing once it is imported into IFILE.

Preparers who use EFAST2-approved third-party software to transmit filings on behalf of other organizations will need to register as a transmitter.

Someone who will only be preparing schedules using IFILE and not Form 5500/5500-SF/5500-EZ will need Schedule Author credentials.

All company official(s) responsible for signing the filing will need to obtain Filing Signer credentials.

Registering for EFAST2 Credentials

For the sake of accuracy, security, and timeliness, users must complete the registration process in a single session. Incomplete registration forms will not be saved in the EFAST2 database. If users end the session prior to completing the registration form, they will need to start the process over from the beginning. Users must follow six steps to complete EFAST2 registration:

Read and accept the privacy statement.
Provide contact information and select user type(s).
Select a challenge question and answer.
Verify registration information.
Receive a credentials e-mail notification.
Retrieve and activate credentials.

Registering with EFAST2

Go to the EFAST2 web site, located at https://www.efast.dol.gov/.
On the navigation panel on the left side of the Welcome screen, click the Register link.

Non-transferability of Credentials

EFAST2 user credentials belong to the individual who obtains them. Except in the case of transmitters, credentials are not transferable; that is, they cannot be shared by multiple users. Therefore, if different company officers will sign the filing, each officer must register and obtain his or her own credentials.

Also, if an EFAST2 user has submitted or signed filings, but responsibility for those filings has moved to another EFAST2 user, the user credentials may not be shared. If the user responsibilities are changed in mid-cycle, the filings and/or schedules must be exported, and the new user must register for credentials and import the filings and schedules under the new credentials, if the new user has not already registered for credentials in a different capacity. Otherwise, the new EFAST2 user will need to start with blank filings or schedules.

E-file/5500_ef_efast2_user_types.htm/TY2020

Last Modified: 12/16/2020

Last System Build: 09/13/2021