Keep Your SIMPLE IRA Plan Active

One Annual Task, A Few Easy Steps

long green bar separator

A SIMPLE IRA plan is one of the easiest retirement plans to manage. Employers must complete just one annual requirement no later than November 1 each year. Keep you and your employees investing for retirement next year by following the steps below.

To keep your plan provisions the same, refer to the Form 5305-SIMPLE you completed and received from ADP. Check your digital files in case you did not print it. The IRS requires you to complete these steps every year, even if you don't change your plan.

Keeping Your Plan Provisions the Same?

Step 1: Complete IRS Form 5305-SIMPLE

Download the IRS Form 5305-SIMPLE. Complete the articles below.

  • Articles I – III outline the provisions of your plan regarding employee eligibility, salary reduction agreements and contributions.

  • Article VII is where you will enter the plan's effective date. You will also need to sign in this section.

Step 2: Complete the Model Notification to Eligible Employees on Page 3

This section helps you notify employees that they are eligible to participate in the plan. It also tells them about the SIMPLE IRA contributions they will receive from you (as plan sponsor) next year.

Step 3: Notify Employees by November 1
  • Give copies of the completed form to all employees who are eligible to participate in the plan next year.

  • File the document with your records. Do not return the form to American Century Investments or ADP.


Changing Your Plan Provisions? Notify ADP, too.

Step 1: Complete IRS Form 5305-SIMPLE

Download the IRS Form 5305-SIMPLE. Complete the articles below.

  • Articles I – III outline the provisions of your plan regarding employee eligibility, salary reduction agreements and contributions.

  • Article VII is where you will enter the plan's effective date. You will also need to sign in this section.

Step 2: Complete the Model Notification to Eligible Employees on Page 3

This section helps you notify employees that they are eligible to participate in the plan. It also tells them about the SIMPLE IRA contributions they will receive from you (as plan sponsor) next year.

Step 3: Notify Employees by November 1
  • Give copies of the completed form to all employees who are eligible to participate in the plan next year.

  • File the document with your records.

Step 4

If you are making changes to your plan provisions or matching amount, send your signed documents to ADP in one of the following ways:

  • Email: [email protected]

  • Mail:

    ADP, Inc.
    Attn: SIMPLE IRA
    71 Hanover Road
    M/S 580
    Florham Park, NJ 07932

Questions About Changing Your SIMPLE IRA Plan?

Please contact ADP at 1-800-664-5446.

Notify Newly Eligible Employees throughout the Year

File your completed forms where you have easy access to it. You will need to give this information to employees who become eligible to participate in the plan next year.

Need Help?

Have questions about your year-end requirements or your plan? Take a moment to review our FAQ flyer that can assist in answering your questions prior to calling us at 1-800-345-3533.

IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: American Century Companies, Inc. and its affiliates do not provide tax advice. Accordingly, any discussion of U.S. tax matters contained herein (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, in connection with the promotion, marketing or recommendation by anyone unaffiliated with American Century Companies, Inc. of any of the matters addressed herein or for the purpose of avoiding U.S. tax-related penalties.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as tax advice. Please consult your tax advisor for more detailed information or for advice regarding your individual situation.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a personalized recommendation or fiduciary advice. There are different options available for your retirement plan investments. You should consider all options before making a decision. Our representatives can help you evaluate all of your distribution options.