Form 5500 is a document filed with the U.S. Department of Labor, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation...
Form 5500 is a document filed with the U.S. Department of Labor, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) that provides information about employee benefit plans. It's a crucial source of data for understanding employer-sponsored benefit plans across the country.
Form 5500 is required to be filed annually by most employers who sponsor employee benefit plans subject to ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act). This includes health, welfare, and retirement plans with 100 or more participants.
The form provides comprehensive information about plan structure, participation, funding, and service providers, making it a valuable resource for market intelligence and competitive analysis.
Form 5500 data offers several significant advantages for market analysis:
Despite its value, Form 5500 data has some limitations:
While Form 5500 data provides valuable insights into employer benefit plans, it's most effective when combined with additional data sources and analytical tools. Understanding both the advantages and limitations helps users make informed decisions about how to leverage this important resource for market intelligence and competitive analysis.