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ACA Reporting

ACA Reporting: 2022

By Christie Wright | Published February 8, 2023 | No Comments

In December, the IRS published final regulations on the reporting requirements under the ACA. Each year, health plans, insurers and applicable large employers (ALEs)—employers with at least 50 full-time equivalent employees—are required to provide individual statements to participants and employees and complete a filing with the IRS regarding the health care coverage they offer. Providers of minimum essential coverage—namely, health plan sponsors and insurers—must furnish individual statements to participants using Form 1095-B. Plan sponsors must also file copies of the individual statements with the IRS under cover of transmittal Form 1094-B.

ALEs must provide individual statements to employees using Form 1095-C and must submit copies of the statements to the IRS under cover of transmittal Form 1094-C.

Forms 1095-B and 1095-C—Individual Statements due March 2, 2023

Historically, the individual statements on Forms 1095-B and 1095-C have been due by Jan. 31 of the year following the calendar year for which coverage is reported. However, for the past several years, the IRS has issued 30-day extensions of this deadline. In its 2021 proposed regulations, the IRS seemed poised to make this 30-day extension permanent, and with the December 2022 final regulations, the service has done just that.

For 2022 reporting, Forms 1095-B and 1095-C must be furnished by March 2, 2023. In future years, the deadline will continue to be March 2, consistent with the final regulations. (In years when March 2 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline will be the next business day).

Forms 1094-B and 1094-C—IRS submissions due March 31, 2023

The final regulations do not alter the deadline for the submission of Forms 1094-B and 1094-C to the IRS. Filers must continue to submit copies of the individual statements along with Form 1094-B or 1094-C by March 31 (if filing electronically). Filers requiring more time for the IRS submission must submit Form 8809 before the due date to receive an automatic 30-day extension.

Alternative Method of Distribution for Form 1095-B

The final regulations also provide an alternative method of furnishing Forms 1095-B to individuals. Typically, plan sponsors furnish Forms 1095-B by mail or pursuant to electronic distribution rules. Pursuant to the final regulations, plan sponsors may now post a “clear and conspicuous notice” on their website informing individuals how to request a copy of Form 1095-B and providing contact information. The final regulations contain specific instructions regarding alternative distribution methods for Form 1095-B, as well as a safe-harbor example for the required notice. Plan sponsors must provide the Form 1095-B within 30 days of an individual’s request.