Which document confirms the tax-qualified status of a retirement plan?

The document that confirms the tax-qualified status of a retirement plan is the application made to the IRS for determination. This application is formally known as the "Application for Determination for Employee Benefit Plans" (Form 5300 or similar), and it is submitted to the Internal Revenue Service to obtain an official determination letter. This letter indicates that the plan meets all the necessary requirements under the Internal Revenue Code, thereby confirming its tax-qualified status.

Tax-qualified plans benefit from certain tax advantages, such as tax deferral on contributions and earnings, which is crucial for both employers and employees. The determination letter provides assurance to plan sponsors and participants that the plan complies with IRS rules and regulations.

Other documents listed, while important for various aspects of plan management, do not provide confirmation of tax-qualified status. For example, an annual financial report reflects the financial condition of the plan but does not address compliance with tax qualification. A retirement plan summary provides information about plan features and benefits to participants but does not substitute for a determination from the IRS. A plan termination letter indicates that a plan has been discontinued but again does not confirm its tax-qualified status prior to termination. Thus, the application made to the IRS serves the specific purpose of validating a plan’s tax-qualified standing.