Benefit Plan Participants With Deferred Vested Benefits (Form 8955-SSA) in Lacerte

How do I generate Form 8955-SSA?

1. On the Detail tab, go to Screen 15, Deferred Vested Benefits (Form 8955-SSA).
2. On the left panel under Participant, select General Information.
3. Check the box Print Form 8955-SSA (Mandatory).
4. Most of the Basic Plan Information  in Part II will be completed with information from Screen 1, Client Information.
5. Complete all other information in this screen applicable to the return:
   • Checking Voluntary filing of Form 8955-SSA will check the box for line A.
   • Checking Amended registration statement will check the box for line B.
   • Complete the Prior Administrator information to fill out line 4.
   • Enter the number of participants who separated with a deferred vested benefit required to be reported on this Form 8955-SSA, page 1, line 6a in Separated Participants Required to be Reported.
   • Enter the number of participants who separated with a deferred vested benefit voluntarily reported on this Form 8955-SSA, page 1, line 6b in Separated participants voluntarily reported. 
6. On the left panel under Participant, click Add to enter the Participant Information for Part III.  You can add multiple participants in this screen.

How do I e-file Form 8955-SSA?

Due to the return being locked for signature request, we recommended that you e-file the 8955-SSA before e-filing Form 5500.  If you have to e-file the 8955-SSA after e-filing the 5500, make a copy of the client file, unlock the copy, and then e-file form 8955-SSA from the copy.

To E-file Form 8955-SSA, the Other Filing Types E-file Wizard must be used:

1. In Screen 1, Client Information, check the box for Federal Form 8955-SSA within the Electronic Return section.
2. Click the E-File dropdown menu located at the top of the Lacerte window.
3. Select Step 2: Start e-File Return Wizard.
4. Once the Electronic Filing Wizard is opened to Select - Validate/Send, verify US-8955-SSA has been checked.
5. Continue through the wizard by clicking Next.