When is the Summary Annual Report due?

The Summary Annual Report (SAR) is an important communication tool used to summarize the financial information and operations of an employee benefit plan for participants. It must be provided to plan participants to ensure transparency and accessibility of information regarding their retirement plans.

The due date for the SAR is set at 9 months after the end of the plan year, with a 2-month extension available if the plan sponsor files a Form 5500 extension. This means that in practice, the SAR is typically due within 2 months after the Form 5500 is filed, which aligns with the timelines established for plan reporting and disclosure requirements.

In the context of the options provided, the correct answer reflects the timing of when the SAR must be distributed after the plan year ends, making it critical for compliance with regulatory requirements concerning participant notifications. This due date helps ensure that participants receive timely information about the health and status of their retirement plan, allowing them to make informed decisions.