Are You Prepared for the 2017 Filing Changes?

Whether you’re ready for it or not, there are some big changes coming in 2017. And with the way 2016 has been moving, they’ll be here before we know it.

Now, as you know, the information return filing you do to report things like your employees’ salaries and their healthcare benefits or your independent contractors’ earnings is done at the beginning of each year. That’s not changing: you still need to prepare to file W-2s, 1099s, and ACA Forms starting in just a month and a half.

So just what is different about this year? We’re glad you asked:

New Deadlines

• ACA Forms
• The deadline to have copies of Form 1095-B/C to your employees/recipients, which was March 31 last year, will be January 31, 2017.
• The deadline to paper file Form 1094 and 1095 with the IRS, which was May 31 last year, will be February 28, 2017.
• The deadline to e-file Form 1094 and 1095 with the IRS, which was June 30 last year, will be March 31, 2017.
• W-2 Forms
• The deadline to have employee copies of Form W-2 furnished and to have SSA copies filed (e-filed or by paper) will be January 31, 2017.
• In previous years, copies of Form W-2 were due to employees by January 31, to the SSA if paper filing by February 28/29, and to to the SSA if e-filing by March 31. For 2016 filing, all W-2 Forms must be delivered to the appropriate recipient by January 31.
• Also, note that extensions for Form W-2 are no longer automatic. You can still apply for a 30-day extension, however, by filing Form 8809.
• 1099 Forms
• If you’re reporting nonemployee compensation payments in box 7 on Form 1099-MISC, that form must be filed with the IRS, as well as mailed to the recipient, by January 31, 2017.
• This new deadline only applies for the Form 1099-MISC in the 1099 Form Series and only if box 7 is completed. Otherwise, the form may be filed with the IRS by February 28 (if paper filing) or by March 31 (if e-filing).

New Codes and Costs

• ACA Forms
• On Line 14 of Form 1095, where the code for the corresponding offer of coverage is entered, the IRS has gotten rid of code 1I (Qualifying Offer Transition Relief 2015) and added code 1J (MEC offered to employee and spouse) and code IK (MEC offered to employee, spouse, and dependents). 
• On Line 16 of Form 1095, where the code for applicable safe harbor relief is entered, the IRS has gotten rid of code 2I (non-calendar year transition relief).
• W-2 Forms
• Before, the most you stood to pay for late, incorrect, or missing W-2s was at most $3 million ($1 million for small businesses). For the 2016 tax year and future years, late or incorrect W-2 Forms will be charged $50, $100, or $260 per form.
• The fee is determined based on when the complete, correct Form W-2 is filed and cannot exceed $3,193,000 ($1,064,000 for small businesses) per calendar year.

Same Reliable ExpressIRSForms
ExpressIRSForms can keep you prepped and ready for all these new changes! We’re already busy updating and perfecting our software for the new codes and deadlines coming in 2017. And you’ll find that all your favorite features to keep your filing fast and easy are still here, like bulk upload and postal mailing (where we mail your recipient copies for you!).

And, as always, if you have any questions, our support team is here to help! We’re available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST, by phone (704-684-4751) or live chat; we’re also available 24/7 at support@ExpressIRSForms.com.

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The Forms of ExpressIRSForms

Boy, oh boy, has it been a big year for ExpressIRSForms! Growing from the simple, dependable e-filing base ExpressTaxFilings created with its 2012 launch, ExpressIRSForms had a booming first season, providing you with more e-filing capabilities than ever before.

The expansion into ExpressIRSForms brought with it e-filing support for twice as many IRS forms as before. To catch you up on all the forms we’ve added, here’s a bit about all the forms you can e-file at ExpressIRSForms.

Form 1099
The Form 1099 is a classic, used to report when a taxpayer has received income from sources other than a wage-paying job. That means it needs to be filled out by you (the employer) for all of the independent contractors and other non-employees you paid more than $600 to throughout the year for work related to your business.

Depending on how the payee received that moolah is which 1099 form you need to complete. Luckily, ExpressIRSForms supports four of the most commonly used 1099 forms, as well as their correction and transmittal forms:

• Form 1099-MISC, used to report payment for services performed for a business by people who aren’t employees, like subcontractors, renters, or prize recipients
• Form 1099-INT, which summarizes income of at least $10 from interest income
• Form 1099-DIV, used by banks and financial institutions to report dividends and other distributions over $10 received
• Form 1099-R, which reports distributions of retirement benefits over $10

W-2 Forms
For the people you hired as actual employees, we’ve got Form W-2 generation and e-filing. And when you e-file your W-2s with ExpressIRSForms, a digital copy of Form W-3 (the W-2 transmittal form) is automatically sent to the IRS along with your return. And while we try to make sure your return is sent off without any errors, making corrections to rejected W-2s is a breeze through ExpressIRSForms.

Affordable Care Act Forms
One of the biggest changes from ExpressTaxFilings to ExpressIRSForms was the addition of ACA Forms 1094-B, 1094-C, 1095-B, and 1095-C. Starting with the 2015 tax year (which was filed this past tax season), these forms became required to be filed by certain business owners and health insurance providers. ExpressIRSForms was one of the first IRS-authorized e-filing programs to have software capable of filing ACA forms, and we work every day to make sure we stay the best option for it.

Form W-9
Form W-9 isn’t a form you need to file with the IRS, but it is a form you need to complete to be able to complete the forms you need to file with the IRS. Typically when you hire someone, you’ll have them fill out and sign a Form W-9 to have a record of the information you’ll need to fill out their tax information returns each year, whether that’s a 1099, W-2, or ACA form. ExpressIRSForms gives you the ability to handle getting all that information and e-signature through a secure portal within your account. How simple does that sound?

Wanna Know More?
We get it, August isn’t a big time to think about your information returns. Or the upcoming tax season. That’s why we aim to make everything about your information return e-filing easier. So take a minute, check out our site, create an account, give us a call if you have a question. Then, go enjoy the rest of your summer, and come back in January when we’ll have everything ready for you to complete your 2015 return!

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Tax Tips for Summer

Well, we’re halfway through July, and it’s safe to say the heat’s not going anywhere soon. Summer is in full swing, and the last thing on your mind is your taxes. But we’re here to suggest that you set aside an afternoon to take advantage of some of these tax tips for the off-season that could save you time, money, and headaches come next April:

If You Still Owe Taxes
You’ll know if you still owe the IRS a tax payment if they send you a bill by postal mail. If you get a call or email demanding that you owe the IRS money, do not give them any information; it’s probably a scam. If you really do owe the IRS, they’ve provided some ways to help you make your payment:

• Using IRS Direct Pay, which you can access by clicking “Payment” on the IRS website, so you don’t have to worry about mailing payments.
• The IRS also offers payments plans, installment agreements, and offers in compromise, which you can apply for online to help you make your payments.

If You’re in the Military
Did you know that if you’re in the US Armed Forces, special circumstances can apply to your taxes? You could be able to claim a lower tax if certain rules apply to your deductions or credits, and some types of pay may not even be taxable. You’re also eligible for some deadline extensions and other “tax perks” as an appreciation gesture for your service, like:

• Combat pay exclusions,
• Moving expense deductions,
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC),
• Reservists’ travel deductions,
• Uniform deductions,
• ROTC allowances,
• Civilian life deductions,
• and IRS tax help.

If You Get Married
Summer is definitely the time for weddings. And if you get married this summer, there are a few things to take care of before you do your taxes next year. You’ll need to make the IRS aware of any name or address changes, as well as any changes in your tax withholding, health insurance circumstances, filing status, and usual tax form.


Be sure to check back with ExpressIRSForms for more tax and e-filing tips! And if you have a business you need to handle 1099s, W-2s, ACA forms, or W-9s for, we’re your program! Check out www.ExpressIRSForms.com for more info. We’re also available by phone to take your questions, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EDT, at (704) 684-4751.

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How to Claim a Small Business Health Care Tax Credit

Last week, we asked if your small business was eligible for a health care tax credit. Today, we’re going to answer some of your questions about obtaining that tax credit.

How does an employer claim the credit?
If you’re a small business owner, you can claim the credit on your annual income tax return. You’ll also need to attach Form 8941, Credit for Small Employer Health Insurance Premiums. This form shows your calculation of the credit.

If an employer’s tax-exempt, how would they claim the credit?
If you’re a tax-exempt business, as described in sections 501(c) and 501(a), you can claim the credit by filing Form 990-T (Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return) with Form 8941. Even if your business doesn’t normally file Form 990-T, you’ll need to file this form to claim the credit.

Can I use this credit to offset my alternative minimum tax (AMT) liability?
Yes; the short answer is that the credit can be used to offset your AMT liability. However, this is subject to certain limitations based on the amount of your regular tax liability in addition to your AMT liability and other allowable credits. For the long answer, consult section 38(c)(1) of the IRS’s Internal Revenue Code.

Can the credit be reflected in determining my estimated tax payments for the year?
Yes, another short, sweet answer directly from the IRS.

Does taking the credit affect my deduction for health insurance premiums?
Again, yes. When you determine your allowable deduction for health insurance premiums, you’ll need to subtract the amount of the credit from the amount of premiums that can be deducted. This way, you can claim both a credit and partial deduction for the same premium payments.

E-filing with ExpressIRSForms
Remember: today’s the last day to e-file your ACA return with the IRS and still be considered on time. You can e-file your ACA forms through your ExpressIRSForms account. And if you have any questions, we’re available by phone (704-684-4751) and live chat Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. We’re also available 24/7 at support@ExpressIRSForms.com.

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What is the Origin of Policy for ACA Reporting?

There’s a lot of important information reported to the IRS on your 1095-B Forms regarding the offers of health care coverage you made throughout the year. Included in the information you’re required to provide is the origin of the policy, which is entered on Line 8 of Form 1095-B.

When you come to Line 8 of Form 1095-B, you’ll enter a letter (A-F) to indicate where the health insurance policy you offered your recipients originated:

• A. Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP)
• B. Employer-sponsored coverage
• C. Government-sponsored program
• D. Individual market insurance
• E. Multiemployer plan
• F. Other designated minimum essential coverage (MEC)

ExpressIRSForms helps make sure you have the right information in the right places on all of your ACA Forms, including 1094 and 1095-C Forms. So get started e-filing your ACA forms through your ExpressIRSForms account today - you only have a little over a week left to get them e-filed to the IRS!

If you have any questions, we’re available by live chat and phone (704-684-4751) Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EDT. We also offer 24/7 assistance through support@ExpressIRSForms.com.

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ACA Healthcare Coverage Exemptions

Let’s flip the script for a post and talk about the individuals who are now, according to the ACA, responsible for obtaining health insurance that meets minimum essential coverage (MEC). If you’re a full-time employee with an ACA-compliant company, you shouldn’t have to worry too much since the coverage your employer offers will meet this criteria.

If you’re one of the many Americans who hasn’t received an offer of coverage from your employer, it’s likely they weren’t required to make an offer to you, and you’re therefore responsible for seeking out and purchasing a plan of your own. This can be done through a Marketplace, the private insurance sector, and through governmental programs. If you don’t obtain adequate coverage, you may be required to make an individual shared responsibility payment.

You may be able to get out of this payment if you qualify for an exemption from the requirement to have coverage. Generally, you apply for this exemption if, throughout the year:

• you didn’t have access to affordable coverage,
• you only went without coverage during a one-time gap of less than three consecutive months, or
• you qualify for one of any of these exemptions, including a hardship exemption.

There are certain exemptions that can only be granted by the Marketplace (and are claimed on Form 8965), while others can only be granted on your tax return. A select few exemptions can be applied for through either means, so it’s important to research the exemption for which you may be eligible.

Applicable Large Employers, CPAs, and any other ACA filers who still need to transmit their 1094 and 1095 forms to the IRS by the June 30th deadline can do so quickly and easily with ExpressIRSForms! Create an account to get started, and if you have any questions, give our customer support center a call at (704) 684-4751 or send us an email to support@ExpressIRSForms.com.

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How to E-file Form 1095-C with ExpressIRSForms

Hello, and welcome to ExpressIRSForms! Today we’re going to take you step by step through the process of e-filing a Form 1095-C with ExpressIRSForms. If you’ve e-filed your 1099s or W-2s with us before, things may look a little familiar. If you’re just stopping by for the first time, sit back, relax, and see how easy it is to e-file with ExpressIRSForms:

Getting Started
First things first, you’ll need to either create an account at www.ExpressIRSForms.com, or log into your existing one. Select either the “Register” or “Sign In” button on the top right corner of our home page, as it is applicable to you. Once you’ve logged into your account, you’ll see a button that says “Create New Forms.” Click this, and select the ACA forms option.

Employer Information
After you’ve indicated you’d like to e-file ACA forms, you’ll be taken to a screen to enter the employer information needed for your ACA return. Enter your employer by either selecting their name from the drop-down menu of your existing employers, or filling in the boxes to add a new employer. Once you’ve confirmed all of your information is correct, click Next.

Next, the program will determine if your employer is a member of an aggregated group, what type of insurance is sponsored by the employer, and the amount of full-time employees (FTEs) your business has by asking a few simple questions. Before completing the next part of your form, you’ll come to a checkpoint screen that summarizes the type of ACA form you’re filing along with your employer information. Click Continue to go to the next part.

Employer Offered Coverage
Now onto what the ACA forms are all about: your employees and the coverage you offered them. You’ll see on the first screen for this section that you have the option to add employees individually or bulk upload them using our Excel template or one of your own. Select which option you’d like, and either enter your employees’ data individually, or upload your ACA data spreadsheet.

Authoritative Transmittal
Once you’ve either entered or uploaded your employee data, click Next to indicate whether or not this return will be considered the Authoritative Transmittal for your complete ACA return. If this is your only transmittal, it automatically becomes the Authoritative Transmittal (AT).

After indicating the AT, the program will ask about any transition relief your organization or business qualified for during the tax period. The next pages will ask you to confirm you offered minimum essential coverage (MEC) throughout the year and your total number of FTEs as well as total number of employees overall.

Summary
Lastly, you’ll come to your summary screen. Look over everything to make sure your employer and employee info is entered correctly and click Review. The program then performs one last error check to make sure your return is free of any obvious errors before it’s transmitted to the IRS. If there are no errors, just click through to add your payment information for the one-time transmittal fee, and transmit your return to the IRS.

See, wasn’t that simple?

If you have any questions about e-filing with ExpressIRSForms, give us a call! We’re available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EDT, at (704) 684-4751. We also provide 24/7 email assistance at support@ExpressIRSForms.com.



Looking for something a little less hands on? Try ExpressACAForms, our full-service ACA e-filing solution!

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Minimum Value

Going hand-in-hand through the ACA regulations with Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC), which we posted about earlier this week, is Minimum Value (MV). 

What is Minimum Value?
Healthcare plans meet a Minimum Value (MV) if they’re designed to pay for at least 60% of the total cost of medical services for a standard population, according to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This minimum standard is the equivalent of a Bronze plan sold on the Health Insurance Marketplace. The plan’s benefits must also include a substantial amount of any inpatient hospital and physician services necessary.

In order to remain completely compliant with the ACA, the healthcare plan you as an employer offer your employee(s) must offer both Minimum Essential Coverage and meet the Minimum Value allowed. If the plan you offer doesn’t meet MEC or MV standards, you might have to pay an employer shared responsibility payment.

An employer shared responsibility payment is incurred when their employee receives a premium tax credit when purchasing additional insurance from the Marketplace. Since the employee would only receive this tax credit if their existing insurance didn’t meet MEC or MV guidelines, this could launch an IRS investigation into your coverage offers and you could end up paying out of pocket for each full-time employee considered under-covered.

However, just because an employee seeks additional insurance from the Marketplace doesn’t mean he/she will automatically receive the premium tax credit. If the insurance you provide meets MEC and MV, the employee will still be able to purchase additional coverage but they won’t be eligible for the credit.

The clock is ticking to get your ACA forms e-filed! The deadline is June 30, so be sure to sign up with ExpressIRSForms to complete your ACA filing today. And if you have any questions, our customer support team is happy to help! Give us a call Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EDT, at (704) 684-4751 or send us an email anytime at support@ExpressIRSForms.com.

Looking for something a little less hands on? Try ExpressACAForms, our full-service ACA e-filing solution!

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Reporting Safe Harbor & Affordability on Line 16 of Form 1095-C

A couple of slots down from Line 14 on Form 1095-C is Line 16, as is usually the case with sequential numbers. The thing about Line 16 is that not everyone will fill it out. Read on to learn more about this reporting requirement.

Form 1095-C, Line 16
The thing to keep in mind about Line 16 is that you’ll only fill it out if certain situations apply for the employee (i.e., the employee not being full-time or employed at all) or for you, as the employer (i.e., Safe Harbor relief eligibility), during any month of the year.

ACA Code Series 2
The following Safe Harbor Codes are used on Line 16 of Form 1095-C:

• 2A: Employee was not employed during this month.
• If the employee worked even one day that month, Code 2A is not applicable.
• Code 2A may not be used for the month an employee resigns.
• 2B: Employee is not a full-time employee.
• Use Code 2B for a non-FTE who didn’t enroll in coverage that month (if offered).
• Use Code 2B for FTEs whose coverage ended before the last day of the month because the employee resigned (otherwise, the coverage would’ve continued).
• Use Code 2B for January 2015 if you offered MEC with MV to the employee no later than the first day of the first payroll period beginning that month.
• 2C: Employee enrolled in coverage offered.
• Code 2C should be used even if another code might apply (other than 2E).
• Don’t use Code 2C if Code 1G is entered in the “All 12 Months” box on Line 14.
• Don’t use Code 2C for any month a terminated employee is enrolled in COBRA (use Code 2A instead).
• 2D: Employee in a section 4980H(b) Limited Non-Assessment Period
• Use Code 2D for any month the employee is in a Limited non-Assessment Period for section 4980H(b).
• If Code 2E is also applicable, use that instead of Code 2D.
• 2E: Multiemployer interim rule relief.
• Use Code 2E for any month the multiemployer arrangement interim guidance applies to the employee.
• Code 2E should be used regardless of any other code that may apply.
• 2F: Section 4980H affordability Form W-2 safe harbor.
• Use Code 2F for any month you used the section 4980H Form W-2 safe harbor to determine affordability for the employee’s coverage.
• 2G: Section 4980H affordability federal poverty line safe harbor.
• Use Code 2G for any month you used the section 4980H affordability federal poverty line safe harbor to determine affordability for coverage.
• 2H: Section 4980H affordability rate of pay safe harbor.
• Use Code 2H for any month you used the section 4980H affordability rate of pay safe harbor to determine affordability.
• 2I: Non-calendar year transition relief applies.
• Enter Code 2I if non-calendar year transition relief under section 4980H(b) applies to this employee for any month.

At ExpressIRSForms, we help make sure you have the right codes in the right places. With built-in error checks, we’ll make sure no obvious errors are sent in your forms to the IRS. And if you have any questions along the way, our support team will be happy to help! Give us a call Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EDT, at (704) 684-4751. Filing in the middle of the night? We offer 24/7 assistance via email at support@ExpressIRSForms.com.



Looking for something a little less hands on? Check out our full-service ACA e-filing program, ExpressACAForms!

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Got A Lot of ACA Forms to Send Out? Bulk Upload to File in Minutes!

ExpressIRSForms has always worked to make e-filing your information returns with the IRS as easy and hassle-free as possible. That’s why we introduced the Bulk Upload feature with one of our first releases, allowing users to seamlessly upload information and create 1099 or W-2 forms.

Now that you can e-file ACA Forms 1094 and 1095 with ExpressIRSForms, the Bulk Upload feature has been tuned up to include these forms as well!

After you start to e-file ACA Forms 1095-B or 1095-C, you’re asked if you want to enter your employee/recipient information individually or all at once. If you opt for all at once, you’re taken to a screen where you can download our ACA Bulk Upload Excel Template to use or upload one of your own.

Once you upload that template, your ACA forms are completed, without you re-entering all the information you already have into little boxes on a computer screen for (what would at least seem like) hours.

And soon, you’ll even be able to use our Bulk Upload option with file formats other than Excel! We’re working now to add the option to upload already completed ACA PDFs for filers who have their forms but no way to e-file them.

Ready to start e-filing? Log into your ExpressIRSForms account to e-file your ACA forms with the IRS today! If you need help getting started, you can give us a call at (704) 684-4751 during our office hours, which are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EDT, or send us an email anytime at support@ExpressIRSForms.com.




Looking for something a little less hands-on? Check out ExpressACAForms, our full-service ACA e-filing option.

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The 5 Financial Mistakes You Do NOT Want to Make

To err is human, right? That’s a pretty safe mindset to have when it comes to spilling milk or putting your shirt on inside out. When it comes to your finances, to err could mean years of righting your mistake and almost certainly end up costing you more.

Since tax season is basically over (except for you ACA filers), you can start to think about more “fun” financial responsibilities, like your savings and what to do with it. Or, if you’re not quite there yet, how to start saving! Whether you’re just starting out developing your financial portfolio, or you’re set and ready to retire, you’ll want to make sure you don’t make these five financial mistakes, lest you get stuck back at Square Negative One.

Borrowing From Your 401(k)
You know you shouldn’t, but it’s so tempting. But, really, you shouldn’t. Sure, you have five years to pay back your loan, but that includes interest. And that’s interest you’ll pay with after-tax dollars, only to pay taxes on those funds when retirement rolls around. Not to mention you could be short-changing your retirement account for months or years, sacrificing employer matches and missing out on investment growth, while you’re paying off your loan. When it comes to taking out a loan, look everywhere you can before going to your 401(k).

Falling for the Actually Too-Good-to-be-True Offers
Yes, this includes timeshares. In addition to the thousands you’ll pay upfront, you’re also looking at maintenance fees, travel costs, and resale prices that just aren’t worth it. And that’s the best case scenario. Worst case, it’s a scam. According to the FTC, Americans lost $765 million to scams in 2015. When it comes to your money, it’s okay to be skeptical; if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Only Paying the Minimum on Your Credit Card
If you’re only paying the minimum amount on your credit card each month, it could take years to pay off. Which, again, would be livable if it weren’t for that pesky interest. Consider a typical credit card scenario: a $5,000 balance on a card with a fixed rate of 12.5%. Making only minimum payments, it would take nearly ten years to pay off and cost $1,700 in interest to do so. $1.700 a lot of money to pay for paying off a loan. Imagine what you could do with that! So stop making new charges and pay more than the minimum.

Claiming Social Security Early
If you start claiming your social security at 62, the age you’re allowed to start taking benefits, your monthly check is reduced by 25% for the rest of your life. If you wait until you’re 66, the “official” retirement age, you’ll receive 100% of your benefit amount. However, if you wait until you turn 70 to claim, you’ll get an 8% boost in benefits each year for four years.

Passing Up on Advice
It takes all types to make the world go ‘round: some are good at finances, some aren’t. And that’s okay, so long as you avoid financial mistakes like these, including one of the most important: not listening to or seeking advice when you need it. There’s a reason we have experts in things like investments, retirement savings, estate planning; find one you work well with, and watch your financial decisions and know-how improve over time.

And if you need advice with your tax e-filing, that’s where we come in! You can call ExpressIRSForms Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EDT, at (704) 684-4751. You can also send us a live chat during those hours through our site, or send us an email anytime at support@ExpressIRSForms.com!

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Ace Adventures: Paper Filers, Start Your Engines!

“Oh, good, you’re here! It’s me, Doc! Things are getting pretty crazy here in ExpressIRSForms, what with the ACA deadline at the end of this month and everyone still being a little unsure about these forms altogether. We don’t want another surprise visit from Confusion on on our hands. Come on down to the square, everyone’s waiting for Ace to come out and tell us what we need to do next!”

“In fact, no one’s around! Where is everyone? It’s almost eerie how quiet it is.”

BANG

“Did you hear that?? That sounded like a gun! We’d better get moving; someone might be in trouble! Heck, Ace could be in trouble! I don’t know if that boy’s bullet-proof or not…”

“What the -- the racetrack? What in the sam hill is going on here? Oh, I suppose there’s no use in asking you, you just got here. We gotta find Ace. He’ll know what’s up. Let’s see about getting inside. There you are!”

“Hey, Doc! What’s up?” Ace, who had just walked out of the racetrack, asked.

“You know I hate those jokes.”

“What jokes?”

“The ‘what’s up, doc?’ one -- oh, never mind that now. What happened to everyone? Confusion hasn’t got them has she?”

“Once I explained to the crowd,” Ace continued, “that e-filers had until June 30, and told them that was just the beginning of the e-filing over paper filing benefits, most of them figured it would be best to check out ExpressIRSForms or ExpressACAForms to e-file their ACA forms. Then the paper filers hurried off to work on finishing their forms by the 31st, and the rest of us came here for the big race today. I tell ya, I don’t know how that tortoise keeps beating that hare but--”

“Whoa, before you get going there Ace,” Doc interrupted, “you wanna give the kid here a little recap of your speech? I’m afraid I made us a little late.”

“Oh, of course! Well, the paper filing deadline for ACA forms 1094 and 1095 is May 31, meaning copies need to be stamped and mailed by that day to the IRS. Now, if you have over 250 forms to file, you’re required to e-file. That was the point that got a lot of people who thought they could paper file. Although, why you’d wanna paper file 250 forms, who knows.

“Anyway, paper filing is great and all if you’re a traditionalist, but you’re way less likely to make an error e-filing. Plus, e-filing’s much more secure and helps the whole filing process go more smoothly, especially when it comes to correcting any errors. So, that’s fine if you want to paper file, but more time and security makes e-filing the sweeter deal.”

That’s right, any questions you have regarding ACA e-filing can be directed at us, the ExpressIRSForms support team, AKA Ace’s sidekicks. You can reach us by phone (704-684-4751) and live chat Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EDT. We also answer emails 24/7 at support@ExpressIRSForms.com.

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Mid-Year Tax Tips for Small Businesses

Did you know that May 1-7 is National Small Business Week? It’s true! To recognize and celebrate the local mom and pop stores that have helped build America’s cities and towns, the United States has been observing NSBW since 1963. Small businesses have proven to be the backbone of our nation. Currently, more than half of Americans own or work for a small business, and small businesses are responsible for creating ⅔ of new jobs in the US each year.

Small businesses are the backbone of ExpressIRSForms, too. Well, maybe more like the nervous system, coordinating and transmitting signals where necessary. What we’re trying to say is that we genuinely appreciate you choosing to e-file your important tax documents with ExpressIRSForms, and we want to help you grow just as you’ve helped us.

While a majority of what we’re able to do to help small businesses has past (you know, the e-filing part), we can still impart some wisdom to help you with your taxes throughout the year, not just during tax time. So here are five tax tips for small businesses as we make our way through the middle of 2016:

1. Keep detailed records as you spend money. And if you’re not the type to remember to write things down, search the App Store or Google Play, because you can bet there’s an app for that!
2. Don’t mix business and pleasure. As in other situations, financially, business and pleasure just don’t mix. If you’re not incorporated, you’re not required to keep your money in separate accounts. But you might want to get a separate account anyway to keep your business expenses separate from personal, making it easier to keep track of the money you spend (see Tip #1).
3. Track miles driven in your car. You can calculate deductions for business use of vehicles based on miles driven (at 54 cents/mile) or based on actual expenses. If driving is your business, check out our sister product, TruckLogics, an app that helps truckers keep track of mileage and other expenses while on the road.
4. Keep it in the family. By employing family members, it’s possible to be eligible to deduct their wages as a business expense (similar to how you can deduct your home office expenses). In turn, this minimizes the amount of taxable income you’re on the hook for.
5. Add vacation time to business trips. If the primary purpose of your trip is business, you can generally deduct travel expenses like airfare, lodging, ground transport, and 50% of meal costs. So why not add a few days to the end of your trip to relax? Keep in mind though that expenses that are strictly personal cannot be deducted.

Don’t forget also that the ACA deadline comes up mid-year this year, and you can e-file your 1094 and 1095 forms with ExpressIRSForms! For more information, check out our site or give us a call Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. EDT. We’re also available for any questions 24/7 at support@ExpressIRSForms.com!

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Ace Adventures: We're Just Getting Started

“Boy, it was nice of Ace to throw us this bar-b-que!”

“Yeah, he sure does go all out for the end of filing season, huh?”

Weeks ago, when he was helping to mail out ACA Forms 1095-B and 1095-C for ExpressIRSForms, Ace took it upon himself to also mail out invitations for his Post-March-31st-Deadline Bar-b-Que to everyone in the city. So here we are today, celebrating the IRS deadline for 1099s and W-2s and the recipient copy deadline for ACA forms for payers and employers.

“Great cook-out, Ace,” a taxpayer Ace helped out earlier this year came up to the grill to say.

“Thanks, it was Alex’s idea,” Ace replied. “I just couldn’t figure out what to do that could include the entire city, but I just had to do something now that that March 31st deadline is over.”

“Yeah, about that,” the taxpayer began. “I thought March 31st was the ACA deadline, but my buddy over there was saying that that’s not until June 30. I don’t get it...why’d I send out all those forms by March 31 if the deadline isn’t until June 30?”

“You see,” Ace continued, “March 31st was the deadline to have your 1095-B and 1095-C forms furnished to your employees or recipients. The deadline to e-file with the IRS is June 30. There’s also a paper filing deadline on May 31, but I don’t want to bring that up too loudly. It could attract Paper Cut!”

“Wait, so the IRS deadline for ACA forms wasn’t last week? I could have sworn it was.”

“And typically it will be. In fact, the IRS announced initially that March 31st would be the e-filing deadline for this year, but in the early days of the 2015 filing season, they decided to extend each of the deadlines so filers had time to clear up any confusion before submitting their forms. But, in future years, recipient copies are due January 31 and IRS copies are due March 31.

“Hey, so Ace,” a taxpayer who picked up on part of their conversation began, “I had my forms sent to my employees through ExpressIRSForms, and they made me transmit them to the IRS to have that done. So I don’t need to do anything else before June 30?”

“That’s correct, other citizen!”

“You had someone send your forms for you?”

“I sure did! And you can, too!”

The 1099 and W-2 filing season may be over, but with ACA, we’re just getting started! Head on over to www.ExpressIRSForms.com to set up your free account. And if you have any questions along the way, give us a call. We’re available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EDT, at (704) 839-2270. We’re also available 24/7 at support@ExpressIRSForms.com.

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Tomorrow's Another Tax Deadline...Are You Ready?

Tomorrow’s a big day for the IRS and, quite possibly, a big day for you! That’s because March 31, 2016, is the deadline for not one, not two, but three types of 2015 IRS tax forms: 1099s, W-2s, and ACA Forms.

Now, personal income tax filers of these forms - if you happen to have stumbled upon this blog - tomorrow’s not your deadline; that’s not until April 18 (April 19 in Maine and Massachusetts). Tomorrow is the deadline for businesses and other payers to complete their copies of the 1099s and W-2s and e-file them with the IRS. It’s also the deadline to have all ACA Forms 1095-B and 1095-C postmarked and sent to the appropriate recipients.

If you are a business owner and this is all news to you, well sit back and pay attention, because we’ve got a few things to go over:

What’s Due and By When?

• Form 1099: If you have to file 1099 forms (of any kind) for your payees, these must be e-filed by 11:59 p.m. (your time) on March 31, 2016.
• Form W-2: If you need to file W-2 forms for your employees, these must be e-filed by 11:59 p.m. (your time), March 31, 2016.
• ACA Forms: If you have to report health insurance coverage offered to your employees or recipients, the recipient copies must be postmarked and mailed out on March 31, 2016.

Are There Any Penalties for Filing Late?
Is the pope Catholic?

But, in some seriousness, it’s the IRS, so of course there are penalties for filing late. For 1099 and W-2 forms, depending on when you get your corrected forms filed determines your total penalty:

• $50 per form if you file correctly within 30 days of the due date, with a maximum penalty of $532,000 per year ($186,000 for small businesses)
• $100 per form if you file correctly after 30 days but before August 1, with a maximum penalty of $1,596,500 per year ($532,000 for small businesses)
• $260 per form if you file after August 1 or not at all, with a maximum penalty of $3,193,000 per year ($1,064,000 for small businesses)

You may also incur a penalty by filing your forms on paper, even if your forms are in by tomorrow. Since the paper filing deadline was February 29, any paper forms filed now are considered late, so you must e-file by March 31 to have your forms in on time. If you’ve never e-filed before, there’s no need to alert the IRS you’re doing so now.

As for the ACA forms, this year only, the IRS is forgiving any late filing penalties as long as you can prove you made every effort to file on time. Next year, you won’t be so lucky. Also, next year, this deadline will be moved back up to its original date, January 31, and your ACA forms must be e-filed by March 31 (just like the 1099s and W-2s).

What Can I Do to Make Sure I’m Not Late?
If you’re not sure you’ll be able to get your 1099s and W-2s in on time, you can e-file Form 8809 with ExpressIRSForms. Form 8809 is an IRS extension form used for 1099s, W-2s, and various other information returns. If you e-file this, you’ll get an automatic 30 day extension to e-file your forms. And if you end up not using it, you won’t be penalized for having filed one.

As for your ACA forms, just make sure to have them postmarked by tomorrow. If you don’t think you’ll be able to do that, you can have ExpressIRSForms do it! Just make sure you get in your postal mailing order by 5:00 p.m. EDT tomorrow so we can guarantee it’s postmarked on the 31st. Although the IRS won’t know these forms are late unless one of your recipients reports not having gotten theirs, it’s important to get these out sooner rather than later since your recipients need them to complete their tax returns.

What If I Have More Questions?
That’s what our friendly and helpful support team is here for! We’re here until 6:00 p.m. EDT today to answer any phone calls (704-839-2270) and chats coming in, then we’ll come back tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. and stay as late as we need to help you get your filing complete. You can also utilize our 24/7 support email by sending in your question to support@expressirsforms.com.

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E-filing 1099s for Your Independent Contractors

Did you know that by the year 2020, nearly half of America’s workforce (40%) will be made up of independent contractors? And if you look at the ExpressIRSForms numbers, that’s no surprise: a majority of the forms we process and transmit to the IRS are 1099s (the independent contractor version of a W-2 form). But whether someone is considered an independent contractor or an employee in the eyes of the IRS isn’t always as black and white as it may sound. So sit back and take a listen to what makes your contractors so independent that you have to file a Form 1099.

Independent Contractors: What are They?
There are three categories the IRS looks at when considering whether or not the person you’re filing for is an independent contractor:

• Behavioral: Do you control how, when, and where this person works?
• Financial: Do you provide necessary tools, reimburse expenses, or pay a salary to this worker?
• Relationship: Is this worker essential to daily operations of your business?

If your answers are mostly “yes” to these questions for a certain worker, the IRS considers that worker to be an employee, not an independent contractor. Typically, you’ll establish the status of your worker when you hire him/her, but these questions are good to keep in mind during filing time.

Still Not 1099% Sure?
If you need further classification on the differences between independent contractors and employees, you may need to consult with a tax or legal professional. The IRS also offers Form SS-8, which you can send to the IRS and, within six months, they’ll return it with the classification of your worker(s).

Misclassifying Workers
It’s important to make sure you know the status of your worker before you file anything for him/her, because the IRS isn’t too lenient when it comes to misclassifications. If you classify an independent contractor as an employee (or vice versa), you become liable for any:

• unpaid Federal, State, and Local Income Tax,
• Social Security & Medicare contributions,
• unpaid Workers’ Compensation, and
• Unemployment Insurance Premiums.

Additionally, beginning with the 2015 tax year, anyone with 50 or more employees who misclassified those employees will be assessed an additional penalty of $2,000 per employee.

E-filing Form 1099
So you’ve determined your workers are independent contractors, and you need to file a Form 1099-MISC (the miscellaneous revenue 1099 form) to report their wages. Now, all you need to do is e-file them with ExpressIRSForms, the most user-friendly IRS-authorized e-filing program around! Just log into your free account, select the big, orange Start New Form button, and the program takes you through the steps of quickly and easily transmitting your 1099 forms directly to the IRS.

Uhh...Whoops?
If you realize you filed a W-2 when you should have filed a 1099, then it’s time to act. If it hasn't been long since you hit the Transmit button, click the Correction button next to the incorrect form, and our program will be able to recall your form, which will then show as Unsubmitted on your Dashboard. You can then delete that form and file the correct 1099. If your form was already submitted to the Social Security Administration (SSA), you’ll need to contact the W-2 hotline for cancelations, 1-800-772-6270, and they can direct you on how to proceed.

If you filed a 1099 when you should have filed a W-2, you can try to recall your form like in the example above. If your form has already been sent to the IRS, you can e-file a 1099 correction to void the 1099 before e-filing the correct W-2 form.

The Customer Support Spiel
If you have any questions about e-filing, or employee/independent contractor classifications, you can get in touch with our friendly, US-based customer support team. We’re available by phone (704-839-2270) and live chat (www.expressirsforms.com) Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST. You can also send us an email anytime at support@expressirsforms.com.

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Ace Adventures: The Countdown Begins

Welcome, reader, to another exciting installment of The Adventures of Ace, the World’s First E-filing Superhero!

Ace has gathered the citizens of ExpressIRSForms in Town Square for a very special announcement. Towering behind him is a new clock, which seems to be counting down to March 31st.

“By the end of this month,” Ace continues, “you’ll need to have sent out your 1095-B or 1095-C forms to your recipients and/or employees to be compliant with the ACA and IRS’s extended deadline for these forms.”

“What do you mean by an extended deadline?” yells a member of the crowd.

“Since this is the first year the ACA forms are required to be filed, the IRS decided to give filers a little extra time to learn how to file their ACA forms. They extended the recipient deadline for the 2015 tax year - which is what we file in this, the year of 2016 - from January 31 to March 31. Similarly, they changed the paper filing deadline for the IRS copies from February 28/29 to May 31 and the e-filing deadline for IRS copies from March 31 to June 30.”

“Wait, so I have to file more than one copy of these forms?” questions another citizen.

Ace, sensing he was losing them, decided to try a comparison technique in his explanation.

“Just like how when you run a business and pay employees or contractors, you have to report to the IRS and your employee/contractor on a 1099 or W-2, you now have to do the same thing for anyone you provide health insurance to. Or anyone you offer to provide health insurance to. So like your 1099 or W-2, the 1095-B or 1095-C forms you file with the IRS will be a copy of the same form you send to your recipients.”

“Yeah, I was wondering,” began another crowd member, “I’ve got a lot of recipients. Is there some, like, program or something that’ll help me mail them out? Or mail them out for me?”

“You betcha!” Ace replies. “In fact, I was just about to tell you about them! You see, if you file with my sidekicks over at www.ExpressIRSForms.com, you can e-file your ACA forms with the IRS and also have them send your recipient forms for you, saving you a lot of time as well as a trip to the post office. Plus, you don’t have to worry about any of those other deadlines because your forms have already been filed by the IRS. You could be done filing a full three months early!”

“And speaking of time,” Ace continues, “I’m running out of it. It’s back to protecting the city from mayhem for me, back to filing those ACA forms for you citizens!”

You can get in touch with one of Ace’s sidekicks by phone (704-839-2270) or live chat (www.expressirsforms.com) Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. We’re also available 24/7 at support@expressirsforms.com.

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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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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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#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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