This approval
covers continued use of the current version of this form through
the 1998 plan year. OMB has approved a revised version of this form
under a different control number for use beginning with plan year
1999. OMB's approval of this request is done with the understanding
that the following will occur: 1. OMB staff will receive a briefing
on the preliminary burden methodology study that was submitted as
part of this request. 2. The final version of the methodology, as
agreed to by OMB and the agencies, will be complete by May 31,
1999. 3. The results of the final burden methodology will be used
in reestimating the burden of the current 5500 and estimating the
burden of the new Form 5500. 4. The agencies will continue to
display the burden on the current version of the Form 5500 as in
the past. The agency is not required to display the expiration
date.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
12/31/2001
12/31/2001
12/31/1998
1,765,400
0
1,765,400
27,704,510
0
28,091,095
0
0
0
The forms listed in Item 7 are annual
information returns filed by employee benefit plans. The IRS uses
this information to determine if the plan appears to be operating
properly as required under the law or whether the plan should be
audited.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.