The Adventures of Ace and the Evil Paper Cut

Welcome back to the Adventures of Ace, the world’s first e-filing superhero! Unfortunately, in Ace’s absence, the city did not fare as well as Ace reassured himself it would.

Little did Ace know that a villain, more villain-y than Confusion, was lurking on the outskirts of ExpressIRSForms. Biding his time, this ne’er-do-well waited for Ace to leave the city before invading. He infiltrated, slowly at first, but soon gathering enough speed to spread the kind of chaos Confusion has nightmares about.

Ace would recognize that tell-tale smell of toner and __ anywhere. He was an old but disastrous foe: Paper Cut. In addition to mixing up paper filing and e-filing information in taxpayers’ heads, a wave of information return forms followed him, flooding the streets with papers passersby can’t help but try to figure out.

As Ace flew closer, he could hear the screams that meant Paper Cut wasn’t far behind.

“The e-filing deadline’s today! I haven’t even started!” screams one taxpayer.

“I already e-filed but didn’t send in a 1096! Now I’m going to have to pay the IRS!!” screams another.

“Why, why would the IRS require people who file more than 250 forms to paper file?” lamented a third. “I think my hand’s going to fall off!”*

“And I’ve got just the thing!” Ace continued as he flew off.

Returning almost immediately with what appeared to be a giant half-lemon. In fact, it was a giant lemon, cut in half. Flying to where Paper Cut set up his Epicenter of Confusion (a throne made of stacked paper), Ace squeezed the lemon half directly over Paper Cut, sending a wash of lemon juice over him and dissolving his throne.

“I’ll get you for this Ace!” Paper Cut screamed as the deluge of citrusy liquid washed him out of town. “You can’t protect your precious e-filers forever!”

“How’d you know what to do so fast, Ace?” the wide-eyed child of one of the confused taxpayers asked Ace.

“It was easy! There’s NOTHING more detrimental to a paper cut than lemon juice! Now, taxpayers, gather round so I can set the record straight on these paper filing and e-filing requirements.”

And so another day in ExpressIRSForms ends peacefully, thanks to the help of Ace and his giant lemon.



*All of these are common paper filing/e-filing mix-ups! For more information on paper filing, check out our previous blog. And if you have any questions regarding e-filing or filing deadlines, you can always contact one of Ace’s sidekicks here at ExpressIRSForms. We’re available by phone, 704-839-4470, and live chat Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. We also offer 24/7 email support at support@expressirsforms.com.

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11 States with 1099 & W-2 Filing Deadlines Monday, February 29

State filing laws are about as diverse as the states themselves. As a result, it’s safest to contact your state department of revenue directly if you’re unsure of your state’s filing requirements. In the meantime, though, we’ve put together some basics on the states who require filings be complete by this coming Monday, February 29, 2016. Read on to see if you need to get filing!

Alabama
In Alabama, e-filed and paper filed W-2s, paper filed 1099s, and Form A-3 are due February 29, 2016. If you’re e-filing 1099 Forms, you still have until March 31 to file. If you’ve withheld Alabama income tax throughout the year, you’re required to file the Reconciliation Form A-3. ExpressIRSForms supports state 3-filing for all three of these forms. Paper filers can send their forms to:

          Alabama Department of Revenue

               Withholding Tax Section

                      P.O. Box 327480

            Montgomery, AL 36132-7480

Arkansas
Arkansas requires its residents to file all of their 1099s and W-2s, regardless of e-filing or paper filing, by February 29, 2016. Paper filers need to include their transmittal forms - ARW3 for W-2s, a copy of Form 1096 for 1099s - when sending their other forms. Arkansans filing W-2s must also file Reconciliation Form AR3MAR. ExpressIRSForms supports Arkansas state e-filing for 1099s and W-2s, but unfortunately not for Form AR3MAR. You’ll need to mail that here:

Individual Income Tax Section

Withholding Branch

P.O. Box 8055

Little Rock, AR 72203-8055

Arizona
In Arizona, filers need to have ALL W-2s, 1099 paper filings, Form A1-R, and Form A1-T filed with the state by February 29, 2016. Transmittal Form A1-R needs to be submitted with W-2 paper filings, and Reconciliation Form A1-T needs to be sent with W-2 forms. ExpressIRSForms supports e-filing in Arizona for 1099s, W-2s, and Form A1-T. If you wish to paper file, you can send your forms here:

Arizona Department of Revenue

P.O. Box 29009

Phoenix, AZ 85038-9009

Maryland
Maryland requires residents to file ALL W-2 forms, 1099 paper filings, and Form MW-508 by February 29, 2016. The Reconciliation Form MW-508 must be filed with your W-2 forms. ExpressIRSForms supports Maryland state e-filing for Forms 1099, W-2, and MW-508. Paper filers can send their forms here:

Comptroller of Maryland Revenue Administration Division

Taxpayer Service Station

110 Carroll Street

Annapolis, MD 21411

Michigan
In Michigan, only paper filings of Forms W-2 and 1099 are due February 29, 2016. But also due on this day is Reconciliation Form MI-165, which must be filed with W-2 forms. Unfortunately, ExpressIRSForms doesn’t support filing of Form MI-165, but we do support state e-filing for Forms W-2 and 1099 in Michigan. You can send Form MI-165 here if you filed W-2s:

Michigan Department of the Treasury

Department 77003

Detroit, MI 48277-0003

Minnesota
Minnesota doesn’t have any state-specific transmittal or reconciliation forms, but all W-2s filed by Minnesotans - as well as paper filed 1099 forms - must be filed by February 29, 2016. ExpressIRSForms supports Minnesota state e-filing for Forms 1099 and W-2, but if you’d like to paper file, you’ll need to mail your forms to:

Minnesota S Corporation Income Tax

Mail Station 1770

St. Paul, MN 55145-1770

North Dakota
The northernmost of the Dakotas requires ALL W-2s, 1099 paper filings, Form 307, and Form 306 be filed by February 29, 2016. Form 307 is the North Dakota transmittal form and only needs to be filed if you’re paper filing. Form 306 is the W-2 reconciliation form, and this must be filed by all W-2 filers. ExpressIRSForms supports state e-filing for W-2s and 1099s, but you’ll need to mail Form 306 (if applicable) to:

Office of State Tax Commissioner

600 E. Boulevard Avenue

Bismarck, ND 58505-0599

Ohio
In Ohio, ALL W-2s, 1099 paper filings, and Form IT-941 are due on February 29, 2016. Form IT-941 is the Ohio reconciliation form that must be filed with W-2 forms. ExpressIRSForms supports e-filing for all of these forms, but if you’d rather paper file, you’ll need to send your forms to:

Ohio Department of Taxation

P.O. Box 182401

Columbus, OH 43218-2401

Rhode Island
Rhode Island requires ALL W-2s and ALL 1099s reporting state tax withholding, as well as Reconciliation Form RI-3, be filed by February 29, 2016. ExpressIRSForms supports Rhode Island state e-filing for Form W-2. You can send your other required filings to:

State of Rhode Island: Division of Taxation

One Capitol Hill, Suite 7

Providence, RI 02908-5809

South Carolina
In ExpressIRSForms’s very own home state, ALL W-2s, 1099 paper filings, and Forms 1350 and WH-1606 are due Monday, February 29. Form 1350 is the state transmittal form for W-2s, and Form WH-1606 is the state reconciliation form. ExpressIRSForms supports SC state e-filing for Forms W-2 and 1099, however, you’ll need to send Form WH-1606 and any paper filings to:

South Carolina Department of Revenue Withholding

Columbia, SC 29214-0004

West Virginia
Lastly, West Virginia requires ALL 1099s, W-2s, and reconciliation and transmittal forms are submitted to the state by February 29. Form WV IT-105 serves as the West Virginia transmittal form for paper filers, and Form IT-103 is the reconciliation form required by all filers. ExpressIRSForms supports state e-filing for 1099s, W-2s, and Form IT-103. You can also paper file here:

West Virginia State Tax Department

P.O. Box 3943

Charleston, WV 25339-3943

If you have any questions or need help e-filing, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly, US-based support team. We’re available 24/7 by email at support@expressirsforms.com, or you can talk to someone right away by calling (704-839-2270) or live chatting during our office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. EST.

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The 1099/W-2 Paper Filing Deadline is Coming Up

All right e-filers, it’s your turn to take the back seat on this one: our blog today contains information for the paper filers. True, ExpressIRSForms is an IRS-authorized e-file service provider, but we like to help all filers - big and small, young and old, paper and electronic - as best we can.

So, paper filers, now that we have your attention, it’s time to buckle down. You only have one week left to file your 1099 and W-2 forms with the IRS. Keep in mind you’ll need to include with your filing a transmittal form, either Form 1096 (with 1099s) or a W-3 Form 9 (with W-2s). If you have different types of Form 1099 to file (ex. 45 1099-MISC forms and 10 1099-INT forms), you’ll need a separate Form 1096 for each type of form.

And we don’t just have federal filing to think of here. You’ll need to know your state requirements. Most states’ paper filing deadlines are the same as the IRS, but some have already passed. And almost every state has a transmittal form or reconciliation requirement form that needs to be filed with your 1099s and W-2s. For more information about filing in your particular state, check out our 1099 and W-2 state filing pages, or contact your state Department of Revenue.

Now, sending your forms in is a little more in depth than just writing, “To The IRS, From Me,” on your envelope. You’ll need to send your forms to the appropriate IRS department, based on which form you’re filing and the state in which your principal business is done. W-2 filers in any state, you’ll send Copy A of Form W-2 with Form W-3 to:

Social Security Administration
Data Operations Center
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18769-0001

Form 1099 filers in AL, AZ, AR, CT, DE, FL, GA, KY, LA, ME, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, PA, RI, TX, VT, VA, or WV (or if you’re outside the US) need to mail their forms and Form 1096 to:

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service Center
Austin, TX 73301

Form 1099 filers in AK, CA, CO, D.C., HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, ND, OK, OR, SC, SD, TN, UT, WA, WI, or WY mail their forms to:

Department of the Treasury

Internal Revenue Service Center
Kansas City, MO 64999

If you’re a little behind, and this seems like a lot to take on in a week, you might want to consider e-filing. There’s no need to alert the IRS you’ll be e-filing instead of paper filing this year; and when you e-file, you automatically get an extra month to file (the e-filing deadline is March 31st). Plus, when you e-file, there’s no need to worry about those pesky 1096 or W-3 forms (although we will generate one for your records when you e-file).

And as always, if you need help filing your 1099s or W-2s (or ACA forms or W-9s), you can reach out to the fabulous ExpressIRSForms support team. Our phone (704-839-2270) and live chat hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, and we offer 24/7 email support at support@expressirsforms.com.

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E-filing is Open for 1099 Filers

If you’ve already been around the ExpressIRSForms block this year with recipient filing, then you know that the 1099s are ready to be e-filed. But if this is your first time joining us, you should know that the 1099s are ready to be e-filed! So now that we’re past that quick taste of déjà vu let’s get to know a little more about the 1099 Forms that are available to be e-filed through ExpressIRSForms.

Form 1099-MISC
Ahh, one of the classics. Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, is filed each year if you paid someone at least $10 in royalties or broker payments or at least $600 in:

• rents,
• services done by a non-employee,
• prizes/awards,
• other income payments,
• medical/health care payments,
• crop insurance proceeds,
• cash payments for fish,
• cash paid from a notional principal contract,
• attorney payments, or
• any fishing boat proceeds.

Needless to say, a majority of the e-filing orders we get are for the 1099-MISC. It’s the most common of the 1099s, and one to keep in mind if you make any payments to independent contractors, attorneys, or fishermen.

Form 1099-INT
Our next form is intriguing, to say the least: Form 1099-INT, Interest Income. This form is filed each year for every recipient of at least $10 in interest income you have. Keep in mind that Form 1099-INT is for tax-exempt interest reporting only; any interest you need to report that is taxable needs to be reported on Form 1099-OID.

Form 1099-DIV
Coming in at number three is Form 1099-DIV, Dividends and Distributions. This form can be a bit tricky, and it’s filed by banks and other financial institutions for their investors. A Form 1099-DIV is filed for each investor:

• who was paid $10 or more in dividends and other distributions on stock,
• who was paid at least $600 as part of a liquidation,
• “for whom you have withheld and paid any foreign tax on dividends and other distributions of stock,”
• “for whom you have withheld any federal income tax on dividends under the backup withholding rules.”

Form 1099-R
New to ExpressIRSForms this year is Form 1099-R, *deep breath* Distributions From Pensions, Annuities, Retirement, or Profit-Sharing Plans, IRAs, Insurance Contracts, etc. Form 1099-R reports various distributions over $10 of retirement benefits, like any of the ones listed in it’s long, long name.

Keep in mind that for your 2015 1099 forms, recipient copies were due February 1, paper forms are due February 29, and e-filed forms are due March 31. And if you have more than 250 of any one 1099 Form to file, you’re required by the IRS to e-file those forms.

If you have questions about the 1099 Forms or e-filing them with ExpressIRSForms, just get in touch with our friendly customer support team. We’re available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday, by phone (704-839-2270) and live chat. We also offer 24/7 email support at support@expressirsforms.com.

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EIRSF Presents: The Adventures of Ace in Love

Good morning all! It’s the day after Valentine’s Day in ExpressIRSForms, and love is still in the air. At least, it still is for everyone’s favorite e-filing superhero, Ace.

Little has been said about Ace’s personal life since he came to ExpressIRSForms, but a little birdie just told us that last night Ace asked his very special someone that very special question: “Do you want to order pizza or Chinese?” And then later over a delicious dinner of lo mein and wantons, Ace asked that other special question:

Delighted to hear an ecstatic Yes!, Ace scooped up his new fiancée in his arms and promised they’d go away for the week together, just as soon as he made sure the citizens of ExpressIRSForms would be okay without him for so long.

Which brings us back to this morning: Ace is hurrying around the city, realizing just how much he’s needed in ExpressIRSForms and beginning to wonder about the hasty promise he made.

Ace knows he’ll superhero better once he’s had time to get away and relax, but how can he just leave the citizens behind? Surely there must be some compromise, and surely he can get “superhero” to catch on as a verb! And so with renewed determination, Ace was able to come up with a plan.

*Transition music*

“You've gotta help me,” Ace continues. “See, I proposed last night and-”

“You proposed?!” Doc exclaims. “Well, I presume the answer was yes?”

“You do know as much as me!” Ace replied. “So, anyway we want to go away together for a week or so to celebrate, but the people of ExpressIRSForms need me! It’s becoming clearer and clearer that I can’t just leave them for a week.”

“Say no more, Ace. I’ll take over for you while you’re gone, and I’ll alert your sidekicks to be on high alert for any Confusion-induced mayhem.”

“Thanks, Doc. I really owe ya one.”

“I’m sure I’ll think of something you can do for me when you get back. Hmm…the bullet-proof bathrobe is almost ready for human testing…Or, I suppose, super-human testing,” Doc says with a wink.

“Bullet-proof bathrobe, huh?”

“What, you expect me to wear an uncomfortable vest all the time? ’Sides, vests can’t protect your arms and legs!”

Ace chuckles. “Well, I’d better get going. Alex is waiting in the car outside.”

Walking outside, Ace smiles as he sees his new fiancée (he just loves that word!) waiting in the driver’s seat. “Ready?” he asks.

“Ready!” Alex replies. “But are you sure you’re okay leaving the citizens with Doc?”

If you need any help e-filing your 1099s, W-2s, ACA Forms, or W-9s while Ace is away, give one of Ace’s sidekicks a call at ExpressIRSForms. We’re available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST at (704) 839-2270 and at support@expressirsforms.com 24/7.

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#WellnessWednesday: Stress and Your Heart

For the shortest month of the year, February sure has a lot going on: Black History Month, Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, Lunar New Year, Mardis Gras, Galentine’s Day, National Pizza, Margarita, and Banana Bread Days, etc., etc. Needless to say, there’s a lot of love and a fair amount of celebrating to go around this month.

And while I’ll be the first to dive into a pile of pancakes on Fat Tuesday every year, there’s something a little more serious going on in February that we need to talk about. February is National Heart Month, an effort started by the CDC to help Americans become more aware of their heart health.

It could go without saying that a healthy heart is crucial to your overall well-being. And while high, chronic stress levels haven’t been directly linked to heart disease or heart attacks, you can think of it as the first rest stop on a long road trip. It might seem unnecessary to stop and recoup so close to the start of your journey, but down the road, you might run across something that makes you wish you’d stopped.

High blood pressure, a leading cause of heart disease and stroke, is a natural part of the “flight or fight” response our bodies have to stressful situations. Having chronic stress can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, over time damaging your artery walls. The exact cause of high blood pressure is unknown, but stress-induced behaviors like binge-eating unhealthy foods, avoiding exercise, and drinking a lot of alcohol are considered contributing factors.

So while you’re thinking of all your other loved ones this month, don’t forget to take care of yourself too. Here are a few ways to keep stress in check this tax season and beyond:

• Talk to your doctor about what a healthy blood pressure is for you, and keep track of it on a regular basis.
• Quit smoking.
• Reduce the sodium in your diet.
• Chill out. When you’re angry, your body releases stress hormones into the bloodstream.
• Meditate. One of the most important parts of meditation is focusing on your breath, which helps to calm the entire body. 
• Use mantras: similar to meditation, mantras can help calm your mind and bring your stress levels down. One of the most effective ones for me (especially in traffic) is, “Nothing others do is because of you.”
• Exercise. The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity at least 5 days a week to help keep your heart healthy and stress levels low.
• Make time for you. Whether it’s a bubble bath, reading a book, doing yoga, or listening to music, be sure to make time each day (even just 10 or 15 minutes) to unwind and focus inward.

And a bonus tip for managing your stress:

• Use ExpressIRSForms to complete your 1099s, W-2s, ACA Forms, and W-9s. Information reporting becomes virtually stress-free when you use our easy-to-navigate program, complete with error checks, bulk uploading, and a customer support team who’s always willing to help. Give us a call Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., at (704) 839-2270 or send us an email anytime at support@expressirsforms.com.

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ACA Filing in the Year 2017

By now you probably know that the filing deadlines for the ACA Forms 1095-B and 1095-C have been extended. Your recipient forms are due to be sent out before March 31; paper filers must file with the IRS by May 31; and e-filers must transmit their forms to the IRS by June 30. So since we’ve got some time before our first deadline, let’s take a moment to look ahead to one year from today to see what the future holds for ACA filing.

*Buzzing and whirring sounds of the time machine*

Ah, here we are. The year is 2017, the date February 8. The 45th President of the United States, [insert reader’s candidate preference here], has recently been sworn in as the nation watched from their TVs, computers, and iPhone 11s (why they skipped 7 and went straight to 11, only 2016 can tell). But despite all the healthcare talk during the presidential race, ACA filing is still here, and it’s still required of insurance providers and Applicable Large Employers (ALEs).

The ACA e-filers of 2017 are taking a short breather after their scramble to get their 1095-Bs and 1095-Cs to their recipients on time. Instead of having until March 31 like they did last year, the recipient copies were due at the same time as their 1099 and W-2 recipient forms. The lucky ones who used ExpressIRSForms in 2016 were able to quickly fill out their forms and have them mailed on time since all their prior year recipient information had been saved in their accounts. As for the others, well to speak of it now would be too soon...

The paper filers don’t have the luxury for such a break, as their 1095-B and 1095-C forms must be sent to the IRS along with their 1094-B and 1094-C forms by February 28, just over two weeks from now. Reporting the healthcare coverage of all of their recipients by hand sure does take some time, so we won’t disrupt them any longer.

As the e-filers pick themselves up and dust off, a few develop a skip in their step when they realize that by completing their recipient forms with ExpressIRSForms, their forms have already been e-filed and transmitted to the IRS, putting them months ahead of schedule. The rest begrudgingly move forward to make sure their forms are e-filed by March 31, 2017. Some of the paper filers see the skipping e-filers and shed their paper forms like molting swans, joining them in their easier, faster filing bliss.

*Time machine buzzing and whirring sounds*

So the moral of the story: e-file your Affordable Care Act forms with ExpressIRSForms today for a brighter, easier filing season in 2017. If you need help filing or have any questions, just give us a call at 704-839-2270 or send us a live chat Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Or email us anytime at support@expressirsforms.com.

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Paper Filing vs. E-filing with ExpressIRSForms

February is a lull of a month for the 1099 and W-2 e-filers. With the recipient deadline behind us, and the IRS e-filing deadline not until March 31, it’s not unusual for e-filers to put their IRS reporting on the backburner. But if you plan to paper file, don’t switch out pans just yet.

The paper filing IRS deadline for 1099s and W-2s is February 29, 2016. That means you have 26 days to fill out all of those little boxes on your paper forms, then print, stamp, and mail them to the IRS. But before you waste all that paper in the name of “that’s how we’ve always done it,” consider your alternative: e-filing.

E-filers Get an Extra Month to File
If you e-file your 1099s or W-2s, your deadline to file with the IRS isn’t until March 31. Whereas if you paper file, your forms need to be into the IRS by the last day of February (since this year’s a leap year, that’s the 29th). You’d think it would be the other way around since paper filing takes more time, but since there’s more to be done on the IRS’s end to process paper forms, they require them a month earlier. Which brings me to my next point…

Paper Filing Takes More Time
Your time is important. And while you understand the importance of reporting your 1099s and W-2s to the IRS, that doesn’t mean you should have to spend a lot of time on it. When you paper file, you have to take the time to gather your information, print all the forms you’ll need, fill out those forms perfectly (otherwise you’ll get a fine), package them up and stamp them, then send them through the mail. And heaven forbid you make an error: you’ll have to wait on your mailed notice from the IRS, then fill out more forms to correct it, starting the process all over again.

When you e-file with a site like ExpressIRSForms, there’s nothing to print, stamp, or mail. You just sign in, create a new form, enter in your information, then hit transmit. You’ll get email confirmations when you transmit, when the IRS receives your form(s), and when they’re processed and accepted or rejected. And if you need to make any corrections, you just log into your account, find the form, correct it, and retransmit for free. Sounds much easier, doesn’t it?

E-filing Leaves Less Room for Error
Based on research the IRS has done, just less than 1% of e-filers make the common errors that result in penalties that 25% of paper filers make. If you paper file, your best bets for having someone double check your forms before you file are: taking your forms to a CPA (and paying their fee), taking your forms to a local IRS office (and waiting in line), or having your coworker who took an upper level accounting class in college look them over (and probably still making the same mistakes). With ExpressIRSForms, your forms go through a series of error checks before you transmit to make sure you file everything correctly the first time around.

Paper Filers May Have to E-file Anyway
Like it or not, if you have 250 or more of either the 1099 or W-2 forms to file, the IRS requires you e-file them. This is just as much for your convenience as it is theirs. I mean, have you ever tried to fill out over 250 forms? Stubbornness won’t pay out here either: if you paper file more than 250 of one form, the IRS will fine you for it.

ExpressIRSForms E-filers Get the Best Support Team in the Nation
Here all year long instead of just during tax season, the ExpressIRSForms support team is happy to answer any of your 1099, W-2, ACA, and W-9 e-filing questions. Located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, we offer support in English and Spanish, by phone, live chat, or email. You can send us a live chat or give us a call (704-839-2270) Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, or send us an email 24/7 at support@expressirsforms.com.

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EIRSF Presents: The Adventures of Ace and the Recipients

Ahh, what a lovely morning in the land of ExpressIRSForms. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and it’s finally above freezing.

But, wait! What’s that? A commotion in Town Square! Hopefully, our helpful e-filing superhero Ace is on the way!

“You claim to know everything about the ACA forms-” begins one angry citizen.

“But you only help out our employers!” interjected another angry citizen.

“Yeah and our insurance providers!” added another.

“But we’ve got questions too,” continued the original citizen, clearly the ringleader of the gathering. “Confusion is affecting us just as much as she’s affecting the people who give us our insurance!”

So Ace sat down to answer the questions of the taxpayers who wouldn’t be giving out 1095-B and 1095-C forms, but who would be receiving them. In fact, it sounded a lot like our previous Q&A blog on individual ACA information forms:

“I have to send the ACA forms I get to the IRS with my W-2, don’t I?” asks the ringleader.

“No, not at all,” Ace replies. “Your employer or insurance provider sends a copy to the IRS when they send a copy to you, so the IRS doesn’t need your copy. You’ll just use it to confirm your health insurance compliance on your W-2 -- or 1099 for some of you -- then keep it for your records.”

“So I have to fill out even more information on my tax returns now?”

“Technically yes, but it won’t be as much as you’re probably thinking. All the IRS requires you do is check a new box that states you received health insurance coverage for the full year, so technically you don’t even need your 1095-B or 1095-C if you know you were covered for the full year. If you receive a 1095-A, or didn’t receive coverage for the full year, you can still go ahead and file your W-2 or 1099, but you can also use your ACA form to determine if you qualify for an exemption or have to make an individual shared responsibility payment.”

On and on they go, the ringleader of the angry mob asking questions and Ace patiently answering them. Until, finally, the crowd disperses and Confusion goes along with it.

If you have any questions about ACA e-filing, or Forms 1095-B and 1095-C, give us a call over at ExpressIRSForms. We’re available by phone (704-839-2270) and live chat Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST. We also offer email support anytime at support@expressirsforms.com.

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