Is it okay to use a signature stamp when signing Form 5500? If not, is it okay to have client sign a pdf of the Form 5500.

Do the 5500 instructions tell you to use original signatures?

It is my understanding that signature MUST be original, and can use either black or blue ball point pen. Anything else could be rejected.

While I did not find anything specific about the signature in current instructions (there was in years past), instructions about completing forms by hand are "insightful". Apparently, the machine that reads forms has (or had) limitations.

Copied from instructions with regard to forms completed using pen... "Use only the official hand print form. Enter only a single letter or number within each box using blue or black ink..."

While I admit I may be too conservative in my opinion, I think it is better to be safe than sorry.

As we have just been informed that the signee is off in Europe, the best I can come up with is to pdf the signature page, have him sign it and scan and pdf it back. I dunno what else to do.

I just spoke to a representative at DOL, the Office of Chief Accountant and he said it would be okay to use a stamped signature. He didn't think it was the best option send the form as a pdf, have the client sign and send back as a pdf because he was afraid it would affect the bar code and the computer would have trouble reading it.

Nice thread it was very helpfull as I have the same case as you have.




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Paul Finn
Dread Disease Versicherung