The New ACA Form 1095-C Codes

Let’s switch gears here for a post and talk about the Affordable Care Act Forms. More specifically, Form 1095-C and the changes it’s gone through to be ready for 2016 filing early next year.

If you filed 1095-C Forms this past year, you may recall on lines 14 and 16 you were required to enter codes that corresponded with the type of coverage you offered and the safe harbor relief for which you were eligible. These codes were chosen from Code Series 1, Offer of Coverage, and Code Series 2, Section 4980H Safe Harbor Codes and Other Relief for ALE Members, respectively.

Code Series 1 Changes
This past year, Code Series 1 provided a variety of codes, numbered 1A to 1I, to indicate more information about the coverage offer you provided to the employee. But for 2016 filing, this code is a little different.

For one thing, code 1I, which only applied for 2015 transitional relief options, is no longer available and is marked as “reserved” by the IRS. In other words, don’t use it on any future forms.

For another, codes 1J and 1K were added to the list. Codes 1J and 1K address conditional offers of spousal coverage. A conditional offer refers to an offer of coverage that is subject to one or more objective conditions, which must be found reasonable to the IRS. An example of an appropriate conditional offer would be an offer to cover an employee’s spouse only if the spouse is not eligible for coverage under a group health plan sponsored by another employer or Medicare.

Code 1J: Minimum essential coverage providing minimum value is offered to the employee and at least MEC is conditionally offered to the spouse. MEC is not offered to the dependent(s).
Code 1K: MEC providing minimum value is offered to the employee and dependent(s) and at least MEC is conditionally offered to the spouse.

Code Series 2 Changes
Code Series 2 was a little bit different than the first series because not everyone would necessarily use it. Code Series 2, with codes 2A to 2I, is used to indicate the safe harbor relief for which you may be eligible.

This coming year, for the 2016 filing season, code 2I is no longer applicable. Similar to code 1I, code 2I only applied for a 2015 safe harbor relief option, so, naturally, it can’t be used past the tax year 2015.



We’ll be sure to keep you updated on any major ACA changes in the coming months to help make sure you’re as prepared as possible for the 2016 filing season. And if you have any questions in the meantime or need to e-file Form 1095-C, don’t hesitate to give ExpressIRSForms a call! We’re available by phone (704-684-4751) and live chat (through our site) Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST. We also provide 24/7 customer support via email at support@ExpressIRSForms.com.

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E-filing and Form 1096

If you’ve been filing 1099 Forms for a few years now, you probably remember a time before e-filing. And in this time, Form 1099 was always sent along to the IRS with Form 1096.

What is Form 1096?
The reason Form 1096 was sent with a 1099 Form return is because Form 1096 is the transmittal form for the 1099 Series. Form 1096 basically acts as a summary for all the 1099 Forms mailed to the IRS in that particular return. In fact, Form 1096’s official name is the Annual Summary and Transmittal of U.S. Information Returns and it’s used to transmit Forms 1097, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, and W-2G to the IRS.

E-filing and Form 1096
If you made the switch from paper filing to e-filing, you may have noticed that Form 1096 typically isn’t there when you go to e-file your return. All your other information forms are, but how are you going to transmit your return without the transmittal form?

The reason the IRS needed that transmittal form for paper copies is because individual workers would use them to make reviewing returns faster and simpler. When you e-file, a computer does all that so Form 1096 isn’t required.

Form 1096 and ExpressIRSForms
Even though Form 1096 isn’t required when you e-file, many filers find themselves wanting one for their records. Or maybe for the nostalgia of it. Whatever the reason, when you e-file with ExpressIRSForms, we automatically generate an IRS-authorized Form 1096 based on your 1099 return information that you can print and keep! (Just remember you don’t actually need to send it to the IRS.)

For more information on 1099 e-filing and accessing your Form 1096 in your ExpressIRSForms account, don’t hesitate to give us a call! Our expert support team is here to help right from our headquarters in Rock Hill, South Carolina. We’re available by phone (704-684-4751) and live chat Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET and by email 24/7 at support@ExpressIRSForms.com!

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Extension Form 8809: What You Need to Know

Did you know that you can get an extra 30 days to e-file your information returns with the IRS? All you have to do is apply with Form 8809!

What is Form 8809?
Form 8809 is officially titled the Application for Extension of Time to File Information Returns. If you don’t think you’ll be able to have the information returns you’re required to file each year ready on time, you can apply for a quick 30-day extension of time to file with Form 8809.

Now, a couple things to keep in mind about Form 8809:

• It must be filed by the original filing deadline you’re trying to extend. We recommend not waiting til the last minute for this, though, since W-2 extensions are no longer automatic and you’ll need to get verification your extension has been granted.
• Form 8809 does not extend your deadline for having your employee or recipient copies mailed out. So even if you receive an extension to file your 1099 Forms with the IRS, you’ll still need to make sure you have those recipient copies out by the original deadline.

For Which Forms Can I Use Form 8809?

Form 8809 can be used for a myriad of forms, namely Forms

• W-2,
• 1094-C, 1095-C,
• 1095-B,
• 1097, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, W-2G,
• 1042-S,
• 5489,
• 5489-ESA,
• 5498-SA, and
• 8027.

Can Form 8809 Be E-filed?
Yes and no. For most forms, Form 8809 can be e-filed, however, this year is the first year Form 8809 must be completed on paper for W-2 Forms. For every other form, you can e-file Form 8809 with an IRS-authorized filing agent (like ExpressIRSForms*). However, Form W-2 extension requests must be mailed to:

Internal Revenue Service

Attn: Extension of Time Coordinator

240 Murall Drive, Mail Stop 4360

Kearneysville, WV 25430

*For more information about e-filing Form 8809 with ExpressIRSForms, check out our website or give our support team a call! We’re here Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST, via phone (704-684-4751) and live chat and we offer 24/7 assistance via email at support@ExpressIRSForms.com!

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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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Bulk Upload 1099-MISC Forms and More with ExpressIRSForms

At ExpressIRSForms, we’ve made it our business to make sure your information return e-filing is as simple, fast, and efficient as possible. That’s why our program is chock-full of features to ensure your data’s security and accuracy.

Today, the feature spotlight’s on our bulk upload feature!

Bulk Upload
We’ve talked a bit about our bulk upload before, but have you tried it yet?? We provide the Excel template, you input the data and upload it to your ExpressIRSForms account, and voila! Your data’s in the necessary boxes on Form 1099-MISC, ready to e-file after your review and approval.

Smart Upload
Smart Upload is a fun new twist on our bulk upload feature. Rather than use our Excel spreadsheet, you can upload one of your own to skip a few steps in the download/upload process. Then, just like with our original bulk upload, your data is automatically uploaded into 1099-MISC Forms for your review before you e-file.

ExpressIRSForms is Here to Help
Stay tuned with ExpressIRSForms to learn more about the features we have in place to help make sure your e-filing is easier than ever! And in the meantime, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly customer support team! We’re available by live chat and phone (704-684-4751) Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and provide 24/7 email support through support@ExpressIRSForms.com.

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E-file Your W-2 Forms with ExpressIRSForms

Did you know about this awesome and simple solution for e-filing your business’s W-2 Forms? If you’ve read the title, you probably know where we’re going with this: it’s ExpressIRSForms!

The E-filing Basics
For a few years now, the IRS hasn’t really kept it a secret that everything goes a lot more smoothly when you e-file. In fact, if you have more than 250 of any one form (W-2s included), you’re required to e-file that return. E-filing is easier to complete, more secure, and faster than our previous filing habits. So why not hop aboard the e-filing train?

The ExpressIRSForms Basics
ExpressIRSForms actually started out as ExpressTaxFilings, which had its first season “way back” in 2013 for 1099 and W-2 e-filing for the 2012 tax year. When we started adding more non-tax information forms (like the W-9 and the ACA forms), we realized we needed a little make-over.

But everything we built into ExpressTaxFilings (and more!) to make e-filing faster and easier than ever - like the bulk upload and error checks - stayed with ExpressIRSForms.

Information Needed to File W-2s
So before you sit down to e-file with ExpressIRSForms, there’s some information you’ll need to complete your W-2 Forms:

• Employee info, like their name, address, and social security number,
• Employer info, like your name, address, EIN, and state ID (if applicable), and 
• Financial information, like their wages, as well as federal and state tax withheld.

E-filing with ExpressIRSForms
Once you create an account with ExpressIRSForms, it only takes a few simple steps to complete your W-2 return:

• From your Dashboard, click “Start New Form” then select the W-2 option.
• Enter your employer information and “Next.”
• Select whether you’d like to enter your employees and their information individually or by bulk uploading an Excel template that contains their data.
• Enter your employee details based on the selection you made in step 3.
• If you selected individually, you’ll enter their basic details then their financial details one by one.
• If you selected bulk upload, use our spreadsheet or one of your own to enter all the data and upload it at once.
• Review your forms on the summary page, pay our low, one-time transmittal fee, and send your forms securely along to the IRS!

You can even decide how to send your Form W-2 employee copies with ExpressIRSForms. You can do it the old-fashioned way by printing the PDFs from your Print Center after you file and mailing them yourself OR you can select to have us do that for you before you transmit. If you choose the latter, we’ll make sure to have your W-2 Forms sent out from our headquarters in Rock Hill, SC by the next business day.


Ready to sign up? Have more questions? Our all-star customer support team is here no matter what you need. Just give us a call (704-684-4751) or send us a live chat Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST, or send us an email 24/7 to support@ExpressIRSForms.com!

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All About Form W-9

Before we get into the information return filing season - 1099-MISC and W-2 forms are due in just over three months! - there might be some information you need, for which you’re not quite sure how to ask. We’re talking social security numbers and other identifying information you need to fill out the IRS information returns that show what you paid and to whom throughout the year.

Now your employees might not be so difficult; they should expect you’ll need that information to fill out their W-2s. In fact, you may have even already had them complete a Form W-9 upon hire. Oh, right, that’s the form we’re talking about today, by the way: Form W-9.

Form W-9?
That’s right, and it’s nothing like its cousin, Form W-2. Form W-9, the Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, is your legal, secure way to obtain the sensitive information you need to complete information returns, like your 1099s and W-2 forms. The main thing you’re looking for when you have someone fill out a W-9 is their taxpayer identification number (TIN), usually an SSN, EIN, or ITIN.

Now, normally, depending on who you’re getting to fill out the W-9 would determine how you asked them to fill it out. Your employees may have completed it as part of their new-hire paperwork or, if you provide investment opportunities, you may have included it in their investment account opening paperwork. The keyword here, obviously, is “paperwork,” which is why ExpressIRSForms has taken a special interest to include it as an e-sign-able option in our IRS forms line-up.

E-sign??
Right again! Just because you can now handle this form electronically doesn’t mean it needs to be sent to the IRS, hence (jazz hands!) e-signing. Since we knew many filers of the forms we offer (W-2s, 1099s, ACA Forms) would need the information from W-9 but might not have already had their payees/recipients complete it, we decided to include it as a secure option you can complete right from your ExpressIRSForms account.

So How Does That Work?
When you log into your ExpressIRSForms account, you should see a button that says “Request W-9.” Click this button to get started. You’ll enter your payer information (that’s you) along with the name(s) and email address(es) of those whose TINs you need. Within 5-10 minutes of you completing this step, your requests will be securely emailed to your recipients.

Once they get your request with a little explanation as to why they’re filling out Form W-9, your recipient(s) can either complete the form and send it back securely or reject your request. Either way, we’ll keep you updated on the status of all your pending and completed W-9 forms.

When a Form W-9 is completed, the status of that form will update in your ExpressIRSForms account. Then, you can view, download, or print the W-9 to use and keep for your records. Your ExpressIRSForms address book will even update with the new information you receive from your W-9s, making completing your information returns that much easier!

Get Those Digits!
So what are you waiting for? We already told you how close the new filing deadlines are! Get on over to ExpressIRSForms and get those TINs so you can complete your filing easily and ahead of schedule. And if you have any other questions in the meantime, don’t hesitate to give our all-star support team a call! We’re available by phone (704-839-2270) and live chat Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST, and by email (support@ExpressIRSForms.com) 24/7!

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