Employers are facing the impending deadlines for the ACA’s employer reporting requirements. As of today there are only 116 calendar days left until employers have to file statements to full-time employees! Employers who are required to report are generally those who meet the definition of “applicable large employer” or ALE.
ALEs are employers with 50 or more full-time and full-time equivalent employees. For a refresher on calculating ALE status see our August 13, 2015 blog post.
Form 1095-B and form 1095-C statements must be furnished to covered individuals or full-time employees, as applicable, on or before January 31. In 2016, the deadline is February 1, 2016 since January 31st is on a Sunday.
An ALE must file Form 1094-C and Form 1095-C with the IRS on or before February 28 (March 31 if filed electronically). In 2016, the deadline is February 29 since the 28th is a Sunday.
Employers who need extra time to file their reports, may find some relief. Employers needing more time to file can apply for an automatic 30 day extension. They must file Form 8809 by the filing deadline. This is the same form that an employer would use to request an extension of the deadline for filing the Form W-2. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8809.pdf
It’s important to note, however, that the automatic extension of time to file will only extend the due date for filing the information returns with the IRS. It does not extend the due date for furnishing statements to recipients.
Compliance NOW! 