In order to improve the Annual Information Return (AIR) filing process, the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) is planning to launch a new electronic filing option on March 31, 2010.  Once this new filing method becomes available, pension plan administrators will be able to submit AIR(s) in two different ways: electronically or in paper format. 

If the administrator chooses to submit an AIR electronically, the administrator will be able to:

• Save time by not having to complete the prescribed AIR in paper format.
• Submit AIR data for one or more pension plans in a single electronic file.
• Transfer the file through a secure electronic channel.

Note: Information about accessing the secure electronic channel will be provided later.

More information will be available in the future

FSCO is currently developing instructions for producing an electronic file and for transferring the file through a secure electronic channel. 

Note: More information on this new filing method will be provided later. If the administrator wishes to receive this information automatically, the administrator should sign up for email updates on FSCO's Pension Administrator E-Communications List

This new filing method is optional

All pension plan administrators will be sent the prescribed AIR form in paper format.  Defined contribution pension plans will receive the AIR form three months prior to their filing due date and defined benefit pension plans will receive the AIR form six months prior to their filing due date.  If the administrator chooses to file the AIR in paper format, there are no changes to the submission process.

Frequently Asked Questions

FSCO has prepared FAQs on the Electronic Filing Option for AIRs to assist the administrator in using the e-filing option.