FAQs On The Form M-1 Online Filing System

Are There Any Costs To File Online?
There are no costs to file online.

Which browser must I use? Internet Explorer, Netscape, etc.?
All browsers are supported.

What Can Be Filed Online?
During the Beta test from 02/01/04 through 02/29/04, the program will be tested and only the 2003 Form M-1, using test data, can be test-filed on the system. Starting 03/01/04 the Production system will go live, allowing for the filing of:

The 2003 Form M-1
Amended reports for filing years 2003 (and later)
Final reports for filing years 2003 (and later)
90-Day Origination reports for filing years 2003 (and later)
Request for Extension of filing for the current filing year

Who Is Eligible To Use Online Filing?
Anyone that must file a Form M-1 can file it online.

When will the online system be available?
The target date for the Form M-1 Online Beta system to be available to the public (for testing and comment purposes only) is February 01, 2004. The target date for the Production Form M-1 system (for official online filing) is March 1, 2004.

What Do I Need To Get Started As A New User?
You will need a unique Personal Identification Number (PIN) which can be used once only (see next question). Once you've received your PIN (with accompanying Access Instructions), you can access the system and set yourself up as a User by selecting the ‘New User’ function. This is required for first-time users to establish themselves on the system and to set up their profile, which includes confirming general user information, and choosing the desired Account ID and Password.

How Do I Get A User PIN?
On or about February 1, 2004, prior filers will receive, at the address of record, a PIN (with accompanying Access Instructions) to log in and test the system. Note that plan administrators who have multiple plans will only receive one PIN since you only need to establish one account to file for one or multiple plans. New filers can request a User PIN (to be sent by postal mail) at www.askebsa.dol.gov/mewa/.

After the Beta test, will I need to get another PIN and repeat the whole process in order to use the Production system?
No, you will need to use the above PIN to login and establish your online account once only (see 6b above) at which point the PIN will be disabled. Once your account is set up, just use your chosen Account ID and Password for login to the Beta test system as well as to the Production system. Note that after completion of the Beta test, all test filing data entered during the Beta test will be discarded.

What if I'm not able to participate in the Beta test? Do I need to request another PIN?
No. The Beta test allows you to test and comment on the system, in addition to "practice" entering your filings using fake data which will be discarded. However, if you are not able to participate, just keep the PIN in a safe place and use it to login to the Production system on or about March 1 to submit your official Form M-1 online.

If I lose the user PIN, can I request a replacement online?
Yes, if the PIN is lost, a replacement can be requested at www.askebsa.dol.gov/mewa/ but will be fulfilled by postal mail. The program will not issue a PIN online.

Is the Information I Submit Secure and Private?
Yes, all Form M-1 information submitted and transmitted online will be fully encrypted and secure.

How many users can access the same account or filing at the same time?

Each PIN can only be used by one administrator to set up one account.
One account can be used to submit filings for multiple plans.
Each account can only be associated with one Account ID and Password.
Any user who wishes to access the account must know the Account ID and Password.
More than one user can access the same account and its filings at the same time, but everyone must know the Account ID and Password for that account.
Care should be taken so that only one person at a time edits a specific filing. If multiple users edit one filing simultaneously, the last one to save will have their changes overwrite any previous user changes.

What If I Have Questions About How To Use This Site To File The Form M-1?
The User Guide link provides additional information on how to use this system. If you still encounter problems with the electronic filing, call the e-filing Technical Help Desk at 202.693.8600. If you have questions on how to complete the Form M-1 please call 202.693.8360.

What If I Have Questions About The Information Required On The Form M-1?
The Instructions link will take you to the official DOL/EBSA filing instructions for the Form M-1. Further inquiry may be made by calling the EBSA toll-free number at 866.275.7922.

I Forgot My Account ID And/Or Password. What Do I Do?
Click on the Forgot Your Password link on the main Login page and follow the instructions there.

What If I Start To File Online And Discover I Cannot Complete The Filing?
You can save one or more partially completed filings and come back later to finish them (up to six months).

Can I Make Changes To My Filing Or Delete It?
You can freely edit (or delete) a filing until you mark the box to submit it for filing and actually submit it. But once a particular filing has been submitted, no further changes are allowed. If changes are required, you must file an amended return.

What If I Have Many Attachments To File Along With My Form M-1?
The system will allow you to upload electronic attachments subject to a 10-megabyte limit on each uploaded file.

In what format do my attachments need to be?
MS Office, Corel Suite, or PDF.

How Do I Know You Have Actually Received My Filing Electronically?
An email receipt, with a reference number for the filing, will be sent to the email address you provided.