How to Designate a Delegated Entity in EDGAR Next
Last updated: 4/3/25
If you use a filing agent, law firm, or third-party service provider to submit SEC filings on your behalf, you’ll need to take one critical step after enrolling in EDGAR Next:
Designating that firm as a Delegated Entity.
EDGAR Next no longer relies on shared credentials like filer passwords or PMACs. Instead, it uses role-based permissions tied to individual users and organizations. Designating a Delegated Entity gives your filing agent permission to submit filings without giving up administrative control of your account.
This guide explains what a Delegated Entity is, why it matters, and how to designate one in just a few minutes.
What Is a Delegated Entity?
A Delegated Entity is an organization that a filer authorizes to make submissions to EDGAR on its behalf. This could be a filing agent, law firm, consultant, or other third-party partner.
Delegating does not make that third party an Account Administrator. You maintain full control over your EDGAR account, while granting permission for another entity to prepare and submit filings using their own EDGAR access credentials.
Why This Step Matters
If you’ve historically relied on a filing agent (like ACN Solutions) to make SEC submissions, you’ll need to manually authorize that relationship in EDGAR Next. Without this delegation:
Your filing agent will not be able to submit filings on your behalf
You may experience delays or disruptions in the filing process
The new access model will block third parties without explicit permission
Fortunately, delegation is quick and reversible. You can add or remove a Delegated Entity at any time.
When to Designate a Delegated Entity
You can designate a Delegated Entity after completing enrollment in EDGAR Next. This step cannot be completed before enrollment is finalized.
How to Designate a Delegated Entity in EDGAR Next
Here’s how to delegate authority to your filing agent:
Log in to https://www.filermanagement.edgarfiling.sec.gov using your Login.gov credentials
Go to your Filer Dashboard
Under “My Accounts,” select the CIK for the filer you want to update
Click “Manage Delegations and User Groups”
Select “Add Delegation”
Enter the CIK of the Delegated Entity
Click “Verify CIK”
Once verified, click “Delegate” and confirm your selection
Your agent will receive a notification and must accept the delegation to activate it
Once accepted, your Delegated Entity can begin preparing and submitting filings on your behalf through their own EDGAR account.
Trouble Designating a Delegated Entity?
Some filers are encountering the following error when attempting to add a Delegated Entity:
Error:
There must be appropriate number of account administrators (2 for company, 1 for individual or single member company) assigned to the filer/entity in order to delegate filing authority for specified CIK.
This is a common and easily resolved issue. Both Account Administrators must:
Log in to EDGAR Filer Management using their individual Login.gov credentials
Navigate to the Notifications section
Click the relevant Subject line
Click Accept to confirm their Account Administrator role
Once both admins have confirmed, the filer will be able to designate a Delegated Entity without issue.
Can a Delegated Entity Also Be an Account Administrator?
Yes — but it’s not required. Many filers choose to retain internal administrative control and delegate only the filing authority to trusted third-party agents.
If your filing agent also serves as an Account Administrator, they will be able to manage user access, update account information, and oversee your EDGAR setup in addition to filing.
Need Help With Delegation?
Whether you're working with a filing agent, a law firm, or managing access for multiple entities, we can help ensure your EDGAR Next setup is smooth and compliant.
Key Takeaways
A Delegated Entity is a third-party filer you authorize to submit EDGAR filings on your behalf
You must manually designate Delegated Entities after enrolling in EDGAR Next
Delegation does not grant administrative control unless they are also named an Account Administrator
You can add or revoke delegation at any time
Additional Resources
Below are official SEC materials and practical tools to help you understand how Delegated Entities fit into the EDGAR Next model:
EDGAR Next Filer Testing Guidance (PDF)
This SEC-published document includes walkthroughs of the dashboard, managing delegations, and common enrollment tasks.SEC EDGAR Next FAQs
A robust FAQ section covering topics such as user roles, access controls, and the delegation process.EDGAR Next Enrollment Guide (LINK TO BLOG)
Our blog post that walks you through the full enrollment process, including designating Delegated Entities.What Is an EDGAR Account Administrator? (LINK TO BLOG)
Learn about the responsibilities of Account Administrators and how their role differs from a Delegated Entity.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, compliance, or financial advice. ACN Solutions LLC is not a law firm, compliance advisor, or affiliated with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). While we strive to provide accurate and timely guidance based on publicly available SEC resources, we do not speak on behalf of the SEC and are not authorized to interpret its rules or policies. Readers should consult their legal counsel or compliance professionals for specific guidance related to their regulatory obligations.