The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has added some additional paperwork to the tax-
filing process. Employers offering small business health insurance are required to provide forms to both employees and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Here is an overview of forms required from employers, as well as which forms employees can expect to receive.
For Small Employers: The Small Business Health Insurance Forms You Need
Employers with fewer than 50 full-time-equivalent (FTE) employees are not required to offer small business health insurance. However, if you provide self-funded (or self-insured) coverage, you must fill out Form 1095-B for each employee. It is similar in both content and purpose to Form 1095-C.
You will need to file a copy of these forms with the IRS, as well as Form 1094-C, following the same deadlines as large employers (February 28 or March 31, respectively).
For Large Employers: The Forms You Need
Applicable large employers are required to provide Form 1095-C to employees by March 2, 2017. This form details which members of each employee’s family were included in the group policy for 2016, in which months they were covered, and how much the policy cost them.
These forms (one for each employee) will also need to be filed with the IRS, in addition to Form 1094-C, which provides an overview of the company’s health coverage. If you are filing by mail, this must be completed by February 28. If filing electronically, your deadline is March 31.
For Employees: The Forms You Need at Tax Time
If you purchased health coverage through the ACA Marketplace, you will receive Form 1095-A from your insurance Marketplace. If you received a premium tax credit, you will need to fill out and file Form 8962 when you complete your taxes. It is important to note that premium tax credits prevent you from using Form 1040-EZ. You will need to use the traditional 1040 or 1040-A.
If you have small business health insurance through your employer, you will receive a 1095-B from them by March 2. If your employer has more than 50 FTEs, you will receive a 1095-C.
If this all seems a bit overwhelming, don’t worry—you will not have to fill out the 1095 forms yourself. The 1095s are completed by whoever provides your insurance coverage. If you had more than one type of coverage in 2016, you will receive a 1095 from each employer or insurance company.
Many people like to file their taxes in early February so they receive their returns earlier. The good news is that you do not need to wait to file your taxes until you’ve received these forms—unless you are receiving a subsidy. In that case, you need to wait until you’ve received Form 1095-A from the Marketplace.
Conclusion
While all these forms can seem overwhelming at first, they aren’t overly complicated—but they are time-consuming for employers required to submit them. If you are confused or need assistance, be sure to consult with an accountant, who should be able to get things straightened out for you.
What questions do you have about the forms surrounding your small business health insurance? Let us know in the comments below.
