Frequently Asked Questions: Electronic Submissions of Form X-17A-5

Paragraph (d)(6) of Rule 17a-5 (17 CFR 240.17a-5(d)(6)) requires broker-dealers to file Form X-17A-5 Part III (annual reports) with the Commission electronically through its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) system in accordance with the EDGAR Filer Manual. Similarly, paragraph (c)(6) of Rule 18a-7 (17 CFR 240.18a-7(c)(6)) requires security-based swap dealers and major security-based swap participants to file these annual reports electronically through EDGAR.

Staff in the Division of Trading and Markets has prepared these FAQs to assist broker-dealers, security-based swap dealers, and major security-based swap participants in filing Form X-17A-5 Part III.

Please be advised that the SEC no longer accepts Form X‑17A‑5 Part III submissions in paper form or by email.

17 CFR 240.17a-5 was amended to require that broker-dealer annual audits filed on or after June 30, 2025, be filed electronically on EDGAR. (Final Rule)

• Submissions received after this date by paper or email, or through file-sharing tools, are no longer allowed.
• Duplicate submissions to SEC regional offices and headquarters are no longer required.
• Requests for extensions should be submitted to your Delegated Examining Authority. FINRA members can identify their Risk Monitoring Analyst (RMA) under "Contacts" when logged in on FINRA Gateway. FINRA members can apply for an extension using the guidelines in the Annual Reports Extension of Time Request Policy.

As further background, effective June 30, 2025, broker-dealers are required to file Form X-17A-5 Part III (audited annual reports) with the Commission electronically on EDGAR in accordance with the requirements of the EDGAR Filer Manual.

These FAQs explain how to electronically submit your firm’s annual audit on EDGAR:

1. What should I consider when obtaining EDGAR access?
   • Established, registered broker‑dealers most likely already have a Central Index Key (CIK) assigned in EDGAR.
   • You can search for your firm's existing CIK using the CIK lookup tool.
   • Requesting a new CIK for a user who already has one will delay EDGAR access.
2. What should I consider when submitting a filing in EDGAR?
   • Verify that you are using the correct CIK when submitting your filing.
   • Ensure the fiscal year‑end you enter is accurate before finalizing the submission.
   • Review the email notification from EDGAR after submission. It includes the filing status and any error messages.
3. How do I obtain EDGAR access credentials for the first time?
   • Firms that do not yet have EDGAR access need to submit Form ID by following the instructions.
   • Due to the high volume of submissions, it is currently taking EDGAR staff 5-6 business days to approve/deny these Form ID submissions, so you should submit Form ID well in advance of your annual audit’s due date.
   • Search for an existing CIK number prior to submitting a new request to avoid any delays.
4. How do I obtain EDGAR access for electronic filings if I have an assigned EDGAR CIK account number and previously submitted only paper filings with the SEC?
   • Use the EDGAR Filer Management website to request broker-dealer electronic access for the first time in order to file electronically on EDGAR. Use your Login.gov individual account credentials to log into the website.
   • Review the instructions for users with an existing EDGAR account.
   • Use the CIK lookup tool to find your firm's existing CIK account number.
   • If the Form ID application is granted, the SEC will send an email to the account administrators listed on Form ID.
5. How do I file Form X-17A-5 Part III Annual Reports through EDGAR?
   • Review the instructions for Electronic Filing of Form X-17A-5 Part III (Broker-Dealer, Security-Based Swap Dealer, and Major Security-Based Swap Participant Annual Reports).
   • The requirement to notarize the oath or affirmation was eliminated effective March 24, 2025.
   • The updated form is identical to the pre-March 24 version except that the notary line is removed.
6. How do I know if my electronic Form X-17A-5 Part III Annual Reports filing submission was successful?
   • An email notification of the filing status is provided by the EDGAR system after a filing is submitted.
   • For a successfully accepted filing, the email states: “The following submission has been accepted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission."
7. What if my electronic Form X-17A-5 Part III Annual Reports filing was not accepted by EDGAR?
   • If the received notification indicates that the filing is “suspended,” an incorrect CIK may have been used. If you have multiple CIKs (e.g., a larger trader CIK and broker-dealer CIK), log in using the CIK which is registered as a broker-dealer and resubmit the filing.
   • If the received notification indicates any other error, you may try to resubmit the filing.
   • EDGAR Filer Support is available to assist with any technical issues encountered during the submission process. Please ensure you have the CIK associated with the filing as well as the Accession Number referenced in the error notification so that the support team can review the matter in detail and provide appropriate guidance.
8. What resources are available for assistance?
   • For procedural and technical questions about filing Form X-17A-5 Part III on EDGAR, contact EDGAR Filer Technical Support at 202-551-8900, Option #3 (technicians are available Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 pm ET) or filertechunit@sec.gov.
   • Substantive legal questions regarding Form X-17A-5 Part III filing requirements should be directed to the Division of Trading and Markets at 202-551-5777 or tradingandmarkets@sec.gov. Please include a telephone number or email address that Division staff can use to contact you.