Form 497 Filings

What Is SEC Form 497?

SEC Form 497 is a filing required under Rule 497 of the Securities Act of 1933. It is used by mutual funds and other registered investment companies to file definitive versions of prospectuses, summary prospectuses, statements of additional information, and related materials in connection with a registered offering.

This form is typically filed after a registration statement is effective or when updated definitive materials are first used. Form 497 may reflect final disclosures delivered to investors, including prospectus supplements and other fund disclosure documents that replace, update, or finalize previously filed materials.

Form 497 supports transparency by making the final investor-facing materials publicly available in the SEC EDGAR Search. While Form 497 is associated with investment company disclosure delivery, the specific timing and format requirements depend on the applicable Rule 497 paragraph and the nature of the definitive materials being filed.

Key elements typically found in SEC Form 497 include:

• Name of the investment company, series, or separate account filing the materials
• Type of definitive materials being filed (e.g., prospectus, summary prospectus, supplement, SAI)
• Relevant Securities Act rule basis for the filing (Rule 497 paragraph)
• Date the definitive materials are first used or delivered, if applicable
• References to the related registration statement and file number
• Filed document content in the exact form used for investor disclosure

SEC Form 497 Filing Deadlines

SEC Form 497 is subject to timing requirements that depend on the specific type of definitive materials being filed and the applicable Rule 497 provision. These timing rules are important to ensure that final investor-facing disclosures are filed promptly and remain consistent with the materials being used in the market.

Key Things to Know About Form 497 Filing Rules

• Rule-Based Timing Applies: Filing deadlines vary depending on which Rule 497 paragraph applies and whether the materials are filed based on effectiveness, first use, or other triggering events. Definitive Materials Must Match Use:
  Form 497 filings generally reflect the definitive materials in the exact form used for investor disclosure, not draft or preliminary versions.
• Often Tied to Investment Company Registration Statements: Form 497 is commonly associated with filings connected to registration statements on forms such as N-1A, N-3, N-4, N-6, and other investment company registration frameworks.
• Used for Multiple Document Types: Form 497 may include prospectuses, summary prospectuses, prospectus supplements, statements of additional information, and other definitive disclosure materials required to be filed.

To track definitive prospectus filings under the Securities Act of 1933, our platform helps you monitor submissions such as Form 497, Form 485APOS, or Form  485BPOS, which provide final disclosures and supplements for mutual fund and closed‑end fund offerings. Visit our SEC Filer Directory to view the full list of SEC filers.