October 26, 2007
First Annual DATAIR Gourd Decorating Contest
And now for the lighter side...  The First Annual DATAIR Gourd Decorating Contest was recently held.  Here's proof that we're out of our gourds... click here


October 18, 2007
DATAIR Receives 2007 EFAST Forms Approval
We are pleased to announce that we have received approval of our 2D bar coded "machine print" 2007 EFAST 5500 forms from the Department of Labor. The 2007 forms will be released as a part of the PR 1.23a web update which will be posted Friday October 19, 2007.

2007 EFAST Machine Print Forms Approval
2007 EFAST Electronic Filing Approval

October 9, 2007
DATAIR Receives 2007 EFAST Electronic Filing Approval
We have been notified by the Department of Labor that we have have been certified for electronic filing of 2007 5500-series forms. 

Our 2D bar coded "Machine Print" forms are currently undergoing certification testing and we expect to receive approval of those in the next 2 to 3 weeks.  We also await the release of the 2007 form instructions. 

We expect to release PR 1.24 with the 2007 forms shortly after the additional approval is received and form instructions have been released.

2007 EFAST Electronic Filing Approval

August 5, 2007
DATAIR Announces 37th Annual User Group Meeting
In conjunction with the ASPPA Annual Conference, DATAIR will host it's 37th Annual User Group Meeting on Saturday October 20, 2007 from 1:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Palomar Washington Hotel in Washington DC. The User Group Meeting has been moved to Saturday to allow for sufficient time to present expanded content and to receive feedback. 

Dinner and transportation from/to the Washington Hilton & Towers will be provided.  For more information, and to register, visit our Training page. Space is limited... register early!

June 12, 2007
Free Webinars Announced
DATAIR is offering a series of 45 to 90 minute webinars covering a variety of topics beginning June 21, 2007. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions during the session. The webinars are open to all active DATAIR clients and are free through the rest of 2007 and will be available by subscription for 2008. To register, see the System Training and Seminars section of the website.

May 18, 2007
DB Training Offered June 21, 2007 Westmont IL
We will be offering DB system training Thursday June 21, 2007 in our Westmont, IL offices.  For more information, see the System Training & Seminars page.

November 10, 2006
2006 5500 Forms Released
DATAIR has released Pension Reporter 1.22 which includes EFAST-Approved 2006 5500-series forms and electronic filing, as well as the 2006 SAR and 1099-R and related forms.  DATAIR is the first vendor to release 2006 5500 forms and electronic filing software.

November 2, 2006
2006 5500 Forms Approved
DATAIR received EFAST approval of our 2006 5500-series machine print (bar-coded) forms today. We anticipate shipping PR 1.22 with the 2006 5500 & 1099-series forms late next week.

October 16, 2006
DATAIR Receives 2006 5500 EFAST Electronic Filing Certification
The Department of Labor approved DATAIR's 2006 5500's for electronic filing today.  Our 2-D bar-coded Machine Print forms are currently undergoing certification testing and we expect to receive approval shortly.  A mid-November release of Pension Reporter with 2006 5500 and 1099-R forms is expected.

October 5, 2006
DATAIR Unveils 1099-R Service Bureau
Looking for a way to simplify your life during ever-hectic Januarys?  The DATAIR 1099-R Service Bureau will take care of printing and mailing recipient copies of the forms and electronically filing them with the IRS for you. All for $1.25 per form if you pre-register now. For more information, see the announcement.

August 22, 2006
DATAIR Announces 36th Annual User Group Meeting & DC/Win Training in Washington DC
In conjunction with the ASPPA Annual Conference, DATAIR will host it's 36th Annual User Group Meeting on Sunday October 22, 2006 at the Hilton Embassy Row in Washington DC. Transportation from the Washington Hilton & Towers will be provided.

We will also be holding a full-day DC/Win training class on Saturday October 21, 2006 at the Washington Hilton & Towers in Washington DC.

For details on either the user group meeting or training session, please go to the Training & Seminars web page. Register early... space is limited.

We look forward to seeing you there!!!

April 11,2006
DC/Win Regional Training Announced
DATAIR will be hosting a series of one-day training classes in Philadelphia PA on May 10, 2006, Las Vegas NV on July 20, and Washington DC on October 21, 2006. For More information or to register, visit the System Training & Seminars page.

Note: The registration form originally incorrectly listed May 6 in one location for the Philadelphia session. The correct date is May 10.

January 10,2006
DC/Win 1/2-Day Training Class - Universal City, CA
DATAIR is holding a 1/2-day class on January 25, 2006 in Universal City, CA.  For more information, click here.

December 21, 2005
IRS Announces User Fee Increases
Effective 2/1/2006, the IRS has dramatically increased user fees for employee plans. For a summary of the new fees, see http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/ep_user_fee_appendix.pdf

December 7, 2005
2005 5500 Forms Approved!
We are pleased to announce that DATAIR has received EFAST approval of our 2005 5500 machine print forms!  Shipping of version 1.20 of Pension Reporter, which includes the approved forms, has commenced and will be completed December 8, 2005. 

Our approval letters may be viewed at:

• Machine Print Approval
• Electronic Filing Approval

November 18,2005
2006 Training Schedule Posted
The schedule for system training and advanced seminars for January through August 2006 has been posted on the System Training & Seminars web page. Registration for these sessions may be performed online also.

November 10, 2005
Preliminary Approval for 2005 5500 Machine Print Forms Received
DATAIR has received preliminary approval of its 2005 5500 printed forms from the DOL. However, final approval is being withheld pending EFAST's release of a software patch to vendors on December 1, 2005.

We will release the approved 2005 forms to all Pension Reporter clients immediately upon receiving the final approval.

October 28, 2005
DATAIR Receives Electronic Filing Approval for 2005 5500 Forms
That's right, it's not even Halloween and we have approval of our 2005 5500 electronic filings. We are still awaiting approval of the "machine print" paper forms, which is expected within 2 to 3 weeks.

Presuming the DOL allows vendors to immediately release software upon approval, we anticipate a mid-November release of PR 1.20 which will contain the 2005 5500's, including both paper and electronic filing, electronic filing for the 2005 1099, and electronic filing of 2005 PBGC forms.

If you are currently participating in the 2004 Free Forms promotion which ends October 31, 2005, you will need to license the system prior to receiving this release.

Our approval letter may be viewed here.

September 6, 2005
DATAIR Announces 35th Annual User Group Meeting
The 2005 DATAIR Annual User Group Meeting will be held on Sunday November 6, 2005 in conjunction with the ASPPA Annual Convention in Washington DC. For more information or to register, see the System Training & Seminars section of the web site. Please note the the User Group Meeting will be held at a different hotel from the ASPPA conference.  Transportation from the Washington Hilton & Towers will be provided.

September 1, 2005
DATAIR Offers Assistance to Hurricane Katrina Victims
There are a large number of DATAIR clients in the area devastated by Katrina. Although we have been unable to contact the vast majority of them, and the immediate focus is on the preservation of life, the focus will eventually shift to putting lives and businesses back together and the need is expected to be great.

If you are either in need of assistance, or would like to offer a helping hand by way of temporary use of office space, phones, computers, people, or in any other way, please contact us at DisasterAid@datair.com

July 8, 2005
August- December 2005 Training Schedule Posted
The schedule for system training and advanced seminars for the second half of 2005 has been posted on the System Training & Seminars web page. Registration for these sessions may be performed online also.

May 16, 2005
5500 Electronic Filing Handout for NIPA Conference
For those of you that attended Janice Wegesin's session at the NIPA Annual Conference, a handout was missing on DATAIR's 5500 Electronic Filing.  Click here for a copy.

March 30, 2005
"Introduction to Pension Reporter" Webcast Announced
Are you new to Pension Reporter, or want to learn about features you may not be aware of?  DATAIR is now offering a 100-minute webcast to walk you through the system and give you hints and tips which make using the system even easier.  Sessions are currently scheduled for April 5th, 11th, and 25th. For more information or to register, click here.

December 22, 2004
Cash Balance Documents Available
DATAIR is announcing the availability of Cash Balance plan documents for it's Retirement Plan Document System.  The newly-available option includes the capability to produce individually-designed plan documents, SPDs, ancillary documents, and employee communications for Cash Balance plans.  For more information see the press release or contact DATAIR's Sales group. 

DATAIR's DB/DC Pension System provides support for administering Cash Balance plans.

December 22, 2004
Holiday Hours
DATAIR will be closed from Noon on Thursday December 23rd until 8 am Monday December 27, and on Friday December 31, 2004 to allow our staff to celebrate the holidays with family and friends.  We wish everyone a safe and peaceful holiday season.

December 21, 2004
2004 5500-series Forms Released
DATAIR has released Pension Reporter 1.18a with EFAST-approved 2004 5500-series forms and schedules, SAR, and other recently revised IRS and PBGC forms. For the fifth year in a row, we're ahead of the competition in delivering EFAST approved forms to our clients. The update may be downloaded from the Software Updates web page.

If you are not currently a Pension Reporter client, register for DATAIR's Free 2004 Forms program and receive the software without any cost or obligation. Visit www.datair.com/register for details.

December 8, 2004
EFAST-Approves DATAIR's 2004 5500 Forms!
The DOL's EFAST group has approved DATAIR's 2004 5500 machine print (2D bar-coded) forms.

The DOL has requested that approved software not be distributed until after they release updated components to vendors on December 17th.  We will post a software web update as soon as we receive those components and have had the opportunity to test them.

November 29, 2004
DATAIR Receives First 2004 EFAST Electronic Filing Certification
DATAIR is the first vendor to receive electronic filing certification from EFAST for 2004 5500 forms! We are currently awaiting approval on the Machine Print 2D bar-coded forms, which we anticipate will take approximately two weeks.  Pension Reporter version 1.19 will be released as soon as we receive approval of the paper forms.

If you don't currently license Pension Reporter, you can receive the system free of charge for 2004 forms by registering at www.datair.com/register

November 29, 2004
2005 Training Schedule Posted
The schedule for system training and advanced seminars for the first half of 2005 has been posted on the System Training & Seminars web page. Registration for these sessions may be performed online also.

September 16, 2004
EFAST Announces New Software and Hardware Requirements for 2004 5500 Forms
The DOL's EFAST group recently announced updated hardware and software requirements for the 2004 Plan Year 5500 forms.  The changes include increased memory and CPU speed requirements and discontinuance of support for Windows 98 and NT. Click here for more information

September 14, 2004
DATAIR Announces 34^th Annual User Group Meeting
The 2004 DATAIR Annual User Group Meeting will be held on Sunday October 24, 2004 in conjunction with the ASPA Annual Convention in Washington DC. For more information or to register, see the System Training & Seminars section of the web site.

June 22, 2003
DATAIR Receives 5500 Electronic Filing Approval
On June 17th, DATAIR successfully passed the certification process for 2003 5500-series forms. We are currently finalizing the programming and testing of the 5500 Electronic Filing feature in Pension Reporter and will release a new version of the system as soon as it is completed.  In future years, the approval of electronic filing will occur at the same time as the the paper forms.

June 16, 2004
Training Schedule Posted for July-December 2004
DATAIR will be hosting training in its Westmont Illinois offices during the months of July, September, November and December 2004. Descriptions of the courses and other details may be found on the Training section of the web site.

May 20, 2004
Beta Testing Applications
We are currently seeking 10 to 15 clients that are willing to serve as Beta Test Sites for the Windows version of the Defined Contribution PE/Win system. We expect the beta testing to begin in June.

The selected sites will receive pre-release versions of the software and be expected to install, use, and provide feedback on the system to us on an ongoing basis during the beta test period.

To learn more about being a beta test site and to apply, please visit our web site at http://www.datair.com and enter the code 'BETA' in the Web+ Code field in the upper left side of the page, or clicking on the following link: http://www.datair.com/betaapp.htm .

Applications to be a beta site must be received no later than Monday May 31, 2004.

May 6, 2004
Extended Phone Hours on Friday
Effective immediately phone hours are now 8 am to 5:30 pm Central Time Monday through Friday.

May 4, 2004
Rates & Limits Now Includes PFEA Rates
The Rates & Limits section of the web site now includes three new monthly rate numbers that are required through the passage of the Pension Funding Equity Act of 2004.  The new rates are the Composite Corporate Bond Rate, and the Corporate Bond Rate Weighted Average Permissible Range Interest Rates of 90% and 100%. Historical rates are available back to January 2000 for the Composite Corporate Bond Rate, and back to January 2001 for the weighted average rates.

April 21, 2001
July Free FlexPlus Training Still Available
The April & June sessions of the Free FlexPlus training classes are now full, however there are still openings in the July 15-16 session. Please see the Training & Seminars page for more information.

April 6, 2004
Additional Session of Free FlexPlus Training
The April 29-30 session of the Free FlexPlus Training class is now full, and the June 17-18 session is filling up rapidly.  Due to the overwhelming response to this offer, we have added an additional session on July 15-16, 2004 to accommodate the demand.  Please see the Training & Seminars page for more information.


March 29. 2004
Free FlexPlus/Win Training Announced
DATAIR is offering FREE training for FlexPlus licensees on April 29-30 and June 17-18, 2004 at our Westmont. IL offices.  See the Training & Seminars page for more information.


March 25, 2004
Farewell Vera!
Long-time receptionist, Vera Wrenn, retired from DATAIR today. For the past eleven years she has been the ever-so-helpful voice at the end of the phone when you called our offices.

We wish her a long, happy, healthy, and well-deserved, retirement. She will be missed by one and all.

January 6, 2004
EFAST-Approved 2003 5500-series Forms System Released!
DATAIR is proud to announce that we are the first vendor to release a government forms system containing EFAST Approved 2003 5500-series forms.  This is the fourth year in a row that DATAIR has been the first to deliver a 5500 system.

Pension Reporter 1.15, with the approved forms, has been released and mailing will be completed by Thursday January 8, 2004.

December 23, 2003
Holiday Hours
DATAIR Will be closed from Noon Wednesday December 24, 2003 until 8 am Monday December 29, 2003 and from 3pm Wednesday December 31, 2003 until 8 am Friday January 2, 2004 for the holidays. 

Due to DATAIR being closed on Friday December 26th, the Annual Prototype Sponsor Reporting deadline has been postponed from December 26th until the close of business on Monday December 29th.

We wish everyone a safe and peaceful holiday season, and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

December 7, 2003
2003 5500-series Forms Availability
The DOL has announced that the vendor certification process will begin on Monday December 15, 2003 for the 2003 5500 forms.  The certification process typically takes approximately three weeks.  Once we receive our EFAST certification, and the forms instructions have been published and reviewed for changes, we will deliver Pension Reporter 1.15 with the 2003 forms.

September 19, 2003
DATAIR Announces 33rd Annual User Group Meeting
The 2003 DATAIR Annual User Group Meeting will be held on Sunday October 26, 2003 in conjunction with the ASPA Annual Convention in Washington DC. For more information or to register, see the System Training & Seminars section of the web site.

September 8, 2003
IRS Allows Non-Prescription Drug Reimbursement in Health FSA
On September 3, 2003 the IRS published Revenue Ruling 2003-102 regarding coverage of non-prescription drugs in a health FSA or HRA account. The IRS concluded that the items purchased to alleviate or treat injury or illness are reimbursable because they are expenses incurred for medical care as defined in IRC 213(d).

DATAIR's Cafeteria Plan Document System produces language that refers to 213(d), therefore no amendment is required to reimburse participants based on RR 2003-102. Although it is not stated specifically in the revenue ruling, informal conversations between the drafter of the notice and industry organizations indicate that this ruling should be retroactive to the first day of the plan year as long as the plan does not need to be amended to accommodate this revenue ruling. If the plan needed to be amended, it can only be done prospectively. Plan sponsors, of course, have the ability to limit what is reimbursable. If they choose to prohibit reimbursement of the newly-covered items in 2003-102, the plan would need to be amended... again, prospectively.

We would, however, recommend that plan sponsors make participants aware of the revenue ruling since it is a reversal of the previous stance of the IRS and, likewise, the precedent under which claims have been adjudicated.

The next release of the Cafeteria Plan Document System will contain language that more clearly parallels that in the revenue ruling to avoid any potential confusion.

A copy of the revenue ruling is available from http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/js695.htm

August 22, 2003
We're Expanding again...
DATAIR is looking for DB, DC, and Fringe/Welfare plan experts, as well as experienced VB/ASP software developers, to join our staff in Westmont, IL.  See our Employment Opportunities page for more information about the open positions.

June 27, 2003
Automatic Extensions for IRS 1099 Filings
On June 11, 2003 the IRS published temporary regulations, effective immediately, granting automatic 30-day extensions for filing Copy A of 1099 and 5498 forms.  Form 8809 is  still required for extensions longer than 30 days.  The extension only applies to filing the forms with the IRS and does not extend the time to provide the forms to payees. Electronic/Magnetic filings were previously granted an automatic extension, so this regulation puts paper and magnetic/electronic filings on par with each other. For the full text of the regs, click here

June 13, 2003
IRS Announces EINs Online
The IRS announced today that new EINs can now be obtained online by going to http://www.irs.gov/smallbiz and completing a web-based SS-4 form.  Once the form is completed, the new EIN is issued immediately.

To go directly to the SS-4 form, click here

April 30, 2003
Additional Volume Submitter Document Seminars Announced
The May 19, 2003 seminar has been filled, however we have added additional sessions on Monday June 9,2003 and Monday July 14, 2003. At this time we have no plans to offer regional document system training. For more information or to register, see the Training & Seminars section of the web site.

April 21, 2003
Volume Submitter Document Seminar Announced
DATAIR will host a one-day seminar in Westmont, IL on May 19, 2003 to introduce Document System clients to plan provisions of the GUST Volume Submitter documents and the DATAIR Document System. For more information or to register, see the Training & Seminars section of the web site. Register early... space is limited.

January 10, 2003
Pension Reporter with 2002 5500-series Forms Released... FIRST AGAIN!
DATAIR is pleased to announce the release of Pension Reporter 1.12 which includes approved 2002 5500-series forms and schedules and form instructions.  Mailing of the system will begin Monday January 13, 2003.  DATAIR continues it's tradition of timely releases by being the first vendor to release a complete and approved 5500 forms system for 2002 forms.

If you're not yet a DATAIR Pension Reporter client, now is an excellent time to license it.  DATAIR offers special pricing for users of competitive forms systems, substantial cost savings over major competitors, data conversion utilities, and the best support in the business.

January 1, 2003
New! Searchable Knowledge Base
You've been asking for an easier way to locate FAQs, and here it is! The DATAIR Knowledge Base allows you to locate information with flexible and easy to use search features.  The most-requested articles are always displayed for quick access. The Knowledge Base can be accessed by selecting the link on the home page, or entering the Web+ code "KB".  For information on using the Knowledge Base, click on the "Search Tips" link at the top of the search page.

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) feature has been enhanced to display the ten most requested Knowledge Base articles in a category instead of simply listing all available articles.

We'll be adding content to the Knowledge Base continuously and encourage you to give it a try.

December 28, 2002
New! Web+ Website Feature
The datair.com website contains a new feature called Web+ that allows direct access to specific web pages by entering short keywords that will be published in newsletters, sales literature, and other printed materials to refer the reader to the web site to obtain more information.  This eliminates having to type in long URLs or the need to navigate through several pages to get to a specific web page. 

For an example of how Web+ works, return to the Home Page and enter the word FILES in the Web+ Code field in the upper left corner of the page.

December 21, 2002
Holiday Hours
DATAIR will be closed from 12 noon on Tuesday December 24th until 8am on Thursday December 26th, and from from 3pm on Tuesday December 31st until 8am Thursday January 2nd to allow our staff to enjoy the holidays with family and friends. Seasons Greetings from all of us to you and yours.

December 18, 2002
We're Approved!
DATAIR is pleased to announce that we have received approval of our 2002 EFAST 5500-series forms. Unfortunately, the DOL has not yet released the form instructions which, potentially, have an impact on the system. Once the instructions are released, we will establish a release date for Pension Reporter 1.12.

If you're not yet a DATAIR Pension Reporter client, now is an excellent time to license it.  DATAIR offers special pricing for users of competitive forms systems, substantial cost savings over major competitors, data conversion utilities, and the best support in the business.

December 6, 2002
2002 EFAST Forms Approval Update
Today, DATAIR submitted our test filings to EFAST for the 2002 5500-series forms in advance of the December 9th opening of the certification process.  Barring any unforeseen delays in the approval process, we continue to anticipate a late December/early January approval of our forms and release of Pension Reporter.

November 26, 2002
Thanksgiving Holiday Hours
DATAIR will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday November 28th and Friday November 29th.  We will return Monday December 2nd. We wish all of you a safe and enjoyable holiday.

November 19, 2002
IRS Extends Remedial Amendment Period for GUST
The IRS has issued Rev Proc 2002-73 which extends certain GUST and certain other required amendment dates.  In particular, the date for amending pre-approved plans has been extended to September 30, 2003.

Keep in mind that plans adopted under DATAIR's name will continue to have a later RAP date which, at this time, we anticipate to be either November 30 or December 31, 2003.  However, for clients that have adopted our documents in their own name, this extension is welcome news.  Please see the Rev Proc for details on other extended deadlines this rev proc grants.

November 11, 2002
FlexPlus/Win Training Announced
With the release of FlexPlus/Windows Section 125 Cafeteria Administration System just around the corner, DATAIR has announced two two-day training classes for the system.  Register now! (Acrobat PDF)

November 10, 2002
Forum Software Updated
A new version of the DATAIR Discussion Forums software was installed today. Major enhancements include:

• Members email addresses are no longer exposed when viewing the Members List or User Profile.
• Through your Profile, you may also enable or disable other members from sending your email (without exposing your email address).
• When registering as a new member, a confirmation email with a link that must be clicked to activate your account.  This eliminates entry of invalid email addresses. 
• Additional message filtering and sorting capabilities.

Please contact the webmaster if you encounter any problems, or have suggestions for future enhancements.

November 6, 2002
Tentative 2002 5500 Forms Schedule
The DOL's EFAST group is making good on promises to speed-up the availability of 5500-series forms by delivering draft copies of forms and printing components to select software vendors months ahead of last year. We're currently reviewing the draft forms and have identified few significant changes.  Although the schedule is still very tentative, it's feasible that approved forms could be available in PR/Win as early as late December.  We'll make additional postings in "What's New" as additional information becomes available.

October 21, 2002
IRS Release Annual Dollar Limits for 2003
On Friday October 18th, the IRS issued News Release IR-2002-111  outlining the Annual Dollar Limits for 2003. The Rates and Limits section of the DATAIR website has been updated accordingly. The updated rates have been incorporated in Version 3.18 of the DATAIR Pension System, being released today.

October 16, 2002
1099-R Service Bureau Questionnaire
We're seeking your input to determine the level of interest in a new service that we're considering offering to our Pension Reporter/Windows 1099-R module clients. For more information and to complete the very short questionnaire, click here.

September 18, 2002
2002 Annual DATAIR User Group Meeting Announced
Please join us in Washington DC on Sunday October 27, 2002 for our Annual User Group meeting. For the agenda and to register, click here

August 8, 2002
Be a FlexPlus/Win Beta Site
We're ready to begin beta testing the new DATAIR FlexPlus/Windows Cafeteria Administration System. For more information and to apply, follow this link.  Applications must be received by Noon CDT Tuesday August 13th, 2002.

June 28, 2002
DATAIR Closed for Independence Day Weekend
DATAIR will be closed Thursday July 4 and Friday July 5th to allow our staff to enjoy an extended Independence Day holiday weekend.  Have a safe and patriotic holiday.


June 11, 2002
Client & Task Manager Training Announced!
A Client & Task Manager Training Session will be held Friday June 21. See the 2002 Training Schedule for a description of the course.

May 31, 2002
IRS Offers Relief to GUST Non-Amenders
The IRS has released Rev Proc 2002-35 that provides relief for GUST Non-Amenders effective June 17, 2002.

Under the Revenue Procedure sponsors of plans which have not been amended for GUST should adopt a GUST document and submit the plan by September 3, 2002 for a GUST determination letter. The Submission should be done using the appropriate form, either 5300 or 5307 with related fee. Sponsors who file before July 17, 2002 should just include the normal filing fee as you will be contacted later for the Non-Amender fee. Sponsors who file on or after July 17, 2002 should include the normal filing fee plus the Non-Amender fee (on a separate check) of $1,000 for plans with 100 or fewer participants, plans with 101 to 1,000 participants $3,000 and 1001 or more participants $10,000.

May 15, 2002
Training Schedule Released
The DATAIR training schedule for June through December 2002 has been released and is available here.


April 4, 2002 (updated 4/8/2002)
IRS Suspends 5500 Schedule F Filings
Notice 2002-24 indefinitely, and retroactively, suspends filing requirements for the 5500 and Schedule F for Fringe plans.  Note that this only suspends the the filing of the 5500 and Sch F which were filed as a result of 6039D. Traditional welfare components of fringe plans, such as a Health FSA are subject to Title 1 of ERISA and are therefore still subject to 5500 Welfare Plan reporting requirements. 

March 21, 2002
Spring 2002 Newsletter
The DATAIR News, Spring 2002 edition, is hot off the presses and available in the Newsletters section of the web site in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.

March 18, 2002
DATAIR Document System Version 1.01 Arrives
We are pleased to announce the release of version 1.01 of the DATAIR Document System/Windows. See the What's New for February 28, 2002 for a list of new features included in the system.  Mailing of the release is expected to begin on Wednesday March 20. Please allow 7 to 10 days for delivery.

March 10, 2002
Check out our new look!
We've redesigned our web site with a new, easier to read, look. We've also added Discussion Forums which allow you to participate in group discussions and subscribe to email notifications of software updates and other items of interest. If you encounter any broken links or other problems, please let the webmaster know.

March 4, 2002
2001 5500 Forms Approved!
We've received EFAST approval of our 2001 5500 forms and will begin shipping Pension Reporter 1.09 on March 6, 2002 on CD. Those of you that used Pension Reporter 1.08 to complete your data entry will be able to being printing your final forms immediately upon receipt of the system.  

While other vendors are just now beginning to offer download versions of their 2001 forms systems, DATAIR was the first vendor to deliver a 2001 5500 system to their clients, shipping the system on December 20, 2001. This is the second year in a row that DATAIR has been first to deliver.

For more information on Pension Reporter, see the PR Highlights page.

February 28, 2002
DATAIR Document System Update
We are nearing completion of version 1.01 of the DATAIR Document System.  This update will include the following new features...

• SPDs for CODA, Profit Sharing, and Money Purchase Plans
• Plan Defaults (a/k/a Template Plans)
• Interactive EGTRRA Amendments
• Board Resolution for EGTRRA Amendments
• Additional Employee Communications Forms
• Revised 2848 & SS-4 forms

We expect to complete testing for DS 1.01 on Wednesday March 13 and will release the system as soon as the CDs are duplicated.  SPDs for DB and Target plans will follow in a web update in approximately 30 days.

February 25, 2002
Notice Regarding "Intent to Adopt" Certifications
All Certifications of Intent to adopt DATAIR documents must be submitted for DATAIR’s signature on or before the later of last day of the 2001 plan year, or February 28, 2002. For plan years that end as of the last day of a month, the Certification must be received WITHIN THE MONTH in which the certification is signed. 

For example, if the regular remedial amendment period for the plan ends on 6/30/2002, and the client signs the certificate on 6/20/02, the certification must either be in our hands on or before 6/30/02 or postmarked on or before 6/30/02. 

• If the certification is faxed to DATAIR on 7/1/2002, we will not sign it as there is no proof that the certification was actually signed before 6/30.
• If the certification is overnighted to us on 6/30/02, we will sign it as there is proof that the certification was signed by the date shown on the certification.

February 24, 2002
5500 Certification Update
Our 2001 5500 forms were submitted to EFAST for certification on Monday February 18, 2002. The certification process is expected to take approximately three weeks. Our 2002 PBGC Premium Payment forms have also been submitted to the PBGC for approval and we anticipate approval shortly. Pension Reporter 1.09 will be released as soon as the respective agencies have approved the forms.

January 30, 2002
2001 EFAST 5500 & 2002 PBGC Forms Update
The DOL contractors have announced a two week delay in delivering final printing components for the 2001 5500 forms to vendors.  The certification process can not begin until these printing components are received.  Based on this new information, we expect approval by the second week of March, and an immediate release of EFAST-certified system once approved. The PBGC has announced it will release the 2002 Premium forms approximately February 15th.  The time required to integrate these forms into PR/Win and have them approved by the PBGC will depend on the extent of changes made to the forms.  The 2002 Form 1-ES has been submitted for approval and will be available as a web update once approved.  Keep in mind you can use PR 1.08 to enter all of your 2001 data in preparation for the approved system.

January 23, 2002
IRS Releases 2001 5500 Instructions
The IRS has released the final instructions for the 2001 5500-series of forms. Click here to download (PDF format).  These will be added to Pension Reporter in the next web or CD release.

January 17, 2002
Mind-it Notification Service Discontinued
Mind-it has announced they are discontinuing their free service as of 1/15/2002 which was being used to provide notification of new software updates. We are currently developing a replacement for Mind-It that will provide additional features and more timely notifications.

January 16, 2002
Tentative 2001 5500 Release Schedule 
On January 10th, DATAIR attended the EFAST 5500 Developer's Conference in San Diego.  Based on the tentative DOL EFAST timetable, we are anticipating a late-February, early-March approval of the 2001 5500-series 2-D bar-coded machine print forms. Pension Reporter 1.08 may continue to be used to complete data entry in preparation for the final approved printable forms.  Additional information will be posted as available.

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