Which Plan Number Do I Enter on My 2025 Taxes? Using DOL’s 5500 Database to Locate the Lowe’s 401(k) Plan ID
Tax season brings its share of confusing questions, and one that stumps many Lowe's employees is: "What plan number do I enter for my 401(k) on my tax return?" If you're staring at tax software asking for a three-digit plan number, you're not alone. The good news is that this information is publicly available through the Department of Labor's EFAST 2 database, and we'll walk you through exactly how to find it.
With nearly 70 million Americans holding over $11 trillion in 401(k) and defined contribution accounts as of Q2 2024, understanding how to navigate retirement plan documentation has become increasingly important. (Fintech Showdown 2025) Whether you're filing taxes, rolling over accounts, or simply trying to understand your retirement benefits better, knowing how to access official plan documents is a valuable skill.
Why Tax Software Asks for Plan Numbers
Tax preparation software requests your 401(k) plan number to properly categorize and report your retirement account contributions and distributions. This three-digit identifier, officially called the "Plan Number" or "PN," appears on Form 5500 filings that every employer-sponsored retirement plan must submit annually to the Department of Labor.
The plan number serves several important purposes:
• Accurate tax reporting: Ensures your 401(k) transactions are properly categorized
• IRS compliance: Helps the IRS track retirement plan activity across different employers
• Record keeping: Provides a standardized way to identify specific retirement plans
• Audit trail: Creates a clear connection between your tax return and official plan documents
For employees who have worked at multiple companies or have forgotten 401(k) accounts, this information becomes even more critical. As of May 2023, there were 29.2 million left-behind or forgotten 401(k) accounts holding $1.65 trillion in retirement savings. (Fintech Showdown 2025)
Understanding Form 5500 Filings
Form 5500 is the annual report that employee benefit plans must file with the Department of Labor. This comprehensive document contains detailed information about plan operations, financial condition, and investments. For participants, it's a treasure trove of information about their retirement benefits.
Key information found in Form 5500 includes:
• Plan identification: Official plan name and three-digit plan number
• Employer information: Company name and Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Plan assets: Total value of plan investments and participant accounts
• Participant data: Number of active participants and beneficiaries
• Service providers: Information about plan administrators and investment managers
The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022, enacted as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, has introduced several changes to retirement plans that may affect how information appears in these filings. (N-2024-02) These changes include expanding automatic enrollment in retirement plans and modifying credit for small employer pension plan startup costs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Lowe's 401(k) Plan Number
Step 1: Access the DOL EFAST 2 Database
The Department of Labor maintains the EFAST 2 (Electronic Filing, Acceptance, and Search Tool) database, which provides free public access to Form 5500 filings. Here's how to get started:
1. Navigate to the DOL's EFAST 2 search portal
2. Look for the "Search Form 5500 Filings" option
3. Select "Search by Plan/DFE Name" for the most straightforward approach
Step 2: Search for Lowe's Plans
When searching for Lowe's retirement plans, you'll want to try several variations of the company name:
• "Lowe's Companies"
• "Lowes Companies"
• "Lowe's"
• "Lowes"
The official corporate name may differ slightly from the common brand name, so casting a wide net initially helps ensure you don't miss the correct filing.
Step 3: Identify the Correct Plan
Lowe's, like many large corporations, may sponsor multiple retirement plans. Look for plans with names like:
• "Lowe's Companies, Inc. 401(k) Plan"
• "Lowe's Employee Savings Plan"
• "Lowe's 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan"
Pay attention to the plan year and ensure you're looking at the most recent filing available for your tax year.
Step 4: Locate the Plan Number
Once you've identified the correct plan, open the Form 5500 filing. The three-digit plan number appears in several locations:
• Header section: Look for "PN" followed by three digits
• Plan identification section: Usually displayed prominently near the top
• Schedule attachments: The plan number appears on various schedules within the filing
Step 5: Verify the Employer Identification Number (EIN)
To confirm you've found the correct plan, cross-reference the Employer Identification Number (EIN) with your tax documents. Your W-2 form should show the same EIN, providing verification that you've located the right company's plan.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Multiple Plan Numbers
Large employers like Lowe's sometimes maintain separate plans for different employee groups or business units. If you encounter multiple plan numbers, consider these factors:
• Employment location: Different regions may have separate plans
• Employee classification: Hourly vs. salaried employees might have different plans
• Acquisition history: Merged companies may maintain separate plans temporarily
When in doubt, contact Lowe's HR department or the plan administrator for clarification.
Historical Plan Changes
Companies occasionally merge, rename, or restructure their retirement plans. If you're filing taxes for a previous year, you may need to search for historical plan names or numbers. The DOL database maintains records going back several years, allowing you to access older filings.
Plan Year vs. Tax Year Confusion
Retirement plans operate on plan years that may not align with calendar years. When searching for plan information, pay attention to the plan year dates to ensure you're using information relevant to your tax filing period.
Alternative Methods for Finding Plan Information
Payroll Records and W-2 Forms
Your payroll records and W-2 forms may contain retirement plan information, though they typically don't include the specific three-digit plan number. However, they do provide the EIN, which helps verify you've found the correct plan in the DOL database.
Plan Summary Documents
If you have access to your plan's Summary Plan Description (SPD) or other plan documents, these may contain the plan number. Many employers provide these documents electronically through their benefits portals.
Contacting Plan Administrators
When other methods fail, contacting the plan administrator directly often provides the quickest resolution. Most large employers have dedicated retirement benefits teams that can provide plan numbers and other necessary information for tax filing.
The Role of Technology in Retirement Account Management
Fintech platforms have revolutionized how Americans manage their retirement accounts, making it easier to track and consolidate multiple 401(k)s from different employers. (Fintech Showdown 2025) These platforms use technology to search Form 5500 filings, the National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits, and other databases to help locate forgotten accounts.
By mid-career, the typical American has three or more 401(k)s, and many lose track of at least one of them. (How Do Beagle Financial Services and Personal Capital Help Find Lost 401(k)s?) This makes understanding how to navigate official databases like EFAST 2 increasingly valuable for individual retirement planning.
Best Practices for Retirement Account Record Keeping
Maintain Digital Copies
Keep digital copies of important retirement plan documents, including:
• Annual benefit statements
• Plan summary descriptions
• Form 5500 filings (when relevant)
• Rollover documentation
• Tax forms related to retirement distributions
Create a Retirement Account Inventory
Maintain a comprehensive list of all your retirement accounts, including:
• Employer name and dates of employment
• Plan names and numbers
• Account balances and contact information
• Beneficiary designations
Regular Account Reviews
Streamlining retirement accounts can provide a more holistic view of one's financial picture and progress towards goals. (Consolidating retirement accounts) Financial firms often offer benefits such as lower fees to investors who consolidate accounts, and consolidation can increase transparency into overall portfolio positioning.
Tax Implications and Considerations
Required Minimum Distributions
The SECURE 2.0 Act has made several changes to required minimum distribution rules that may affect how you report retirement account information on your taxes. (IRB 2024-33) These changes include increases in age for required beginning date for mandatory distributions and modifications to qualifying longevity annuity contracts.
Rollover Considerations
Moving assets from an old 401(k) plan into a new IRA account can be done without incurring fees or penalties from the IRS. (Best Places to Roll Over Your 401(k) in 2024) Many top IRA providers offer rollover bonuses or promotions, and the best 401(k) rollover bonus should align with individual retirement goals, budget, and resources.
Interest Rates and Penalties
For the calendar quarter beginning January 1, 2024, interest rates for underpayments and overpayments determined under Section 6621 of the code will be 8 percent for overpayments and underpayments. (Internal Revenue Bulletin) Understanding these rates becomes important if you have any issues with retirement account distributions or contributions.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Plan Not Found in Database
If you can't locate Lowe's 401(k) plan in the EFAST 2 database, consider these possibilities:
• The plan may be filed under a different corporate entity name
• Small plans (under 100 participants) may have different filing requirements
• Recent plan changes may not yet be reflected in the database
• The plan may be administered through a multiple employer plan (MEP)
Incorrect or Outdated Information
Database information occasionally contains errors or may be outdated. If you suspect the information you've found is incorrect:
• Cross-reference with multiple sources
• Contact the plan administrator for verification
• Check for more recent filings that might contain updated information
Technical Difficulties
The DOL's EFAST 2 system occasionally experiences technical issues or maintenance downtime. If you encounter problems:
• Try accessing the database at different times
• Clear your browser cache and cookies
• Use a different web browser
• Contact the DOL's technical support if problems persist
Professional Resources and Support
While finding your plan number is often straightforward, complex situations may require professional assistance. Consider consulting with:
Tax Professionals
Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and tax preparers have experience navigating retirement plan documentation and can help ensure accurate tax filing.
Financial Advisors
Fee-only financial advisors can provide guidance on retirement account management, including consolidation strategies and tax-efficient distribution planning.
Plan Administrators
Your employer's benefits team or third-party plan administrator can provide authoritative information about plan numbers and other account details.
Looking Ahead: Future Changes and Considerations
The retirement plan landscape continues to evolve, with new legislation and regulations regularly affecting how plans operate and report information. The SECURE 2.0 Act includes provisions for small immediate financial incentives for contributing to a plan, contribution limit changes for SIMPLE plans, and exceptions to additional tax on early distributions for individuals with terminal illness. (N-2024-02)
Staying informed about these changes helps ensure you're using the most current information when filing taxes and managing your retirement accounts. Regular review of plan documents and staying connected with your employer's benefits communications can help you stay ahead of any changes that might affect your tax filing requirements.
Conclusion
Finding your Lowe's 401(k) plan number for tax filing doesn't have to be a mystery. By using the Department of Labor's EFAST 2 database, you can access the official Form 5500 filings that contain the three-digit plan number your tax software requires. Remember to verify the information by cross-referencing the Employer Identification Number with your W-2, and don't hesitate to contact plan administrators if you need clarification.
As retirement account management becomes increasingly complex, with consolidation providing time and cost savings, potentially improved investment outcomes, and greater peace of mind, (Consolidating retirement accounts) understanding how to navigate official databases and documentation becomes an essential skill for every retirement saver.
Whether you're filing taxes for the current year or researching historical account information, the tools and techniques outlined in this guide will help you find the information you need quickly and accurately. Keep this process in mind not just for Lowe's accounts, but for any employer-sponsored retirement plan you may encounter throughout your career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find my Lowe's 401(k) plan number for my 2025 tax return?
You can find your Lowe's 401(k) plan number by searching the Department of Labor's EFAST 2 database at efast2-filings2.dol.gov. Look for Lowe's Companies Inc. in the database and locate the three-digit plan number associated with their 401(k) plan. This plan number is required when filing certain tax forms related to your retirement account.
What is the DOL's EFAST 2 database and why is it useful for finding plan information?
The DOL's EFAST 2 database is a public repository where employers must file Form 5500 reports for their employee benefit plans. This database contains detailed information about retirement plans, including plan numbers, which are essential for tax filing purposes. It's a reliable, official source maintained by the Department of Labor that provides transparency into employer-sponsored retirement plans.
Do I need the plan number for all tax situations involving my 401(k)?
Not all tax situations require the plan number, but it's commonly needed when filing forms related to retirement plan distributions, rollovers, or certain tax software applications. The three-digit plan number helps the IRS identify the specific retirement plan associated with your account. It's particularly important for accurate reporting of 401(k) transactions on your tax return.
What should I do if I can't find my old 401(k) plan information in the database?
If you can't locate your old 401(k) plan information, consider using specialized services that help find lost retirement accounts. According to research, nearly 29.2 million Americans have left-behind or forgotten 401(k) accounts holding $1.65 trillion in retirement savings. Services like Beagle Financial Services use technology to search Form 5500 filings and other databases to help locate these accounts.
How many 401(k) accounts does the average American worker have?
By mid-career, the typical American has three or more 401(k) accounts, and many lose track of at least one of them. This happens because workers change jobs frequently and don't always roll over their retirement accounts. As of May 2023, there were 29.2 million left-behind accounts, highlighting the importance of keeping track of all your retirement savings.
Should I consolidate multiple 401(k) accounts from different employers?
Consolidating retirement accounts can provide several benefits including a more holistic view of your financial picture, potentially lower fees, and easier management. Financial firms often offer benefits to investors who consolidate accounts, and it can lead to improved investment outcomes and greater peace of mind. However, consider the specific terms and investment options of each account before making consolidation decisions.
Sources
2. https://irs.gov/pub/irs-irbs/irb23-49.pdf
5. https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-24-02.pdf
6. https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-irbs/irb24-33.pdf
7. https://www.troweprice.com/en/us/insights/should-you-streamline-your-retirement-savings