Late Filing Resource

DFVCP Guide for Late Form 5500 Filings

The DOL DFVC Program can reduce certain civil penalties for eligible plan administrators who voluntarily correct delinquent annual reports before they receive disqualifying notice.

Reviewed September 6, 2026 • Verify current filing-year instructions before filing.

What DFVCP is

The Department of Labor describes the Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance Program as a way for eligible plan administrators to submit overdue annual reports and pay reduced civil penalties.

File the delinquent annual report

For each year for which relief is requested, the filer generally submits the appropriate Form 5500 or Form 5500-SF through EFAST2 and marks the DFVC Program indicator as required by the current instructions.

Eligibility matters

Not every filer or filing is eligible. The DOL lists limitations involving amended filings, Form 5500-EZ filers, one-participant plans, many direct filing entities and filers who have already received certain penalty notices.

Use the official calculator and payment process

The DOL provides a DFVCP calculator and online payment process. Use the current official tool rather than estimating a penalty from an old chart.

Official References

Important: Government deadlines, relief and filing specifications can change. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.