Transmittal of Health Coverage Information Returns
Form 1094-B is a transmittal form used by entities reporting health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), serving as a cover sheet for Form 1095-B. It provides summary information about the reporting entity and the associated Form 1095-B returns, facilitating the IRS's understanding and processing of the information.
What is ACA Form 1094-B?
ACA Form 1094-B, "Transmittal of Health Coverage Information Returns," is an IRS form used in conjunction with Form 1095-B, "Health Coverage." Its primary purpose is to transmit Forms 1095-B to the IRS. Key details include:
- Who Files: Insurance providers, including self-insured employers that are not considered Applicable Large Employers (ALEs), must file Form 1094-B.
- Associated Form: Form 1094-B is used to transmit copies of Form 1095-B to the IRS. Form 1095-B provides details about individuals who have minimum essential coverage and therefore are not liable for the individual shared responsibility payment.
- Purpose: Form 1094-B serves as a cover sheet for the 1095-B returns filed by the provider. It does not usually contain specific information about the covered individuals but instead provides summary information and identifies the entity transmitting the forms.
- Filing Deadlines: Form 1094-B must be filed with the IRS by the same deadline as Form 1095-B, typically at the end of February for paper filers and the end of March for electronic filers of the following year.
- Penalties: Failure to file or incorrect filing of Form 1094-B may result in penalties, aligning with the penalties for failure to file or incorrect filing of Form 1095-B.
Form 1094-B plays a crucial role in the implementation and enforcement of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate, providing the IRS with essential information about health coverage providers and the coverage they have offered.
What is the difference between 1094-B and 1094-C?
ACA Forms 1094-B and 1094-C are transmittal forms used to transmit information returns to the IRS. While they share a common function, they are used by different entities and have distinct purposes:
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Form 1094-B:
- Who Files: Filed by insurance providers, including self-insured employers that are not Applicable Large Employers (ALEs).
- Associated Form: Transmits Form 1095-B, providing information about individuals covered by minimum essential coverage.
- Purpose: Serves as a cover sheet for the 1095-B returns, providing summary information about the provider.
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Form 1094-C:
- Who Files: Filed by ALEs, which are typically employers with 50 or more full-time employees (including full-time equivalent employees).
- Associated Form: Transmits Form 1095-C, providing information about the health insurance coverage offered to full-time employees.
- Purpose: Serves as a cover sheet for the 1095-C returns, providing summary information and details about the employer's offer of coverage.
While both forms play a crucial role in ACA compliance, Form 1094-B is focused on reporting minimum essential coverage provided by insurers and certain small employers, while Form 1094-C is centered on reporting offers of coverage by larger employers. Understanding the distinct requirements and purposes of these forms is essential for proper ACA compliance.
Can employers submit a paper filing for ACA Form 1094-B?
Employers and other entities responsible for filing ACA Form 1094-B have the option to submit a paper filing, subject to certain conditions:
- Threshold: Paper filing is generally allowed if the entity is filing fewer than 10 forms. If submitting 10 or more information returns, electronic filing is typically required.
- Method: Paper filing involves completing and mailing the physical Form 1094-B to the IRS, along with the associated Form 1095-B returns.
- Deadlines: The deadline for paper filing may differ from the electronic filing deadline. The paper filing deadline was usually at the end of February of the year following the reporting year.
- Considerations: While paper filing is an option, electronic filing can provide benefits in terms of efficiency and accuracy. Entities should carefully evaluate their needs and the applicable rules to determine the most appropriate filing method.
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Who is required to file Forms 1094-B and 1095-B with the IRS?
Forms 1094-B and 1095-B are used to report information related to health insurance coverage in compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Here's who is required to file these forms:
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Form 1094-B:
- Insurance Providers: Health insurance carriers that provide minimum essential coverage must file Form 1094-B as a transmittal form with their Forms 1095-B.
- Self-Insured Small Employers: Employers that are not Applicable Large Employers (ALEs) and provide self-insured health coverage must file Form 1094-B.
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Form 1095-B:
- Insurance Providers: Health insurance carriers must file Form 1095-B to report coverage information for each individual enrolled in minimum essential coverage.
- Self-Insured Small Employers: Employers that are not ALEs and provide self-insured health coverage must file Form 1095-B for each covered individual.
- Government-Sponsored Programs: Entities administering government-sponsored programs (e.g., Medicaid, Medicare) must also file Form 1095-B to report coverage information.
Filing Forms 1094-B and 1095-B ensures compliance with the ACA's individual mandate, providing the IRS with information about who had minimum essential coverage.
Why is 1094-B required to be filed with a 1095-B?
Form 1094-B is required to be filed with Form 1095-B as part of the ACA reporting framework, fulfilling a specific role in the reporting process:
- Transmittal Form: Form 1094-B acts as a transmittal or cover form for Form 1095-B, essentially serving as a cover sheet for the individual returns.
- Summary Information: Form 1094-B provides summary information about the reporting entity and the associated 1095-B returns, including details like the name, address, and Employer Identification Number (EIN) of the entity.
- Contextual Details: It may include additional details that provide context for the IRS, such as the total number of Form 1095-B returns being submitted.
- Compliance Requirement: The joint submission of Forms 1094-B and 1095-B is a compliance requirement under the ACA. Failing to include Form 1094-B with the 1095-B returns could lead to penalties and complications in the reporting process.
What basic information is required when filing out a 1094-B?
Form 1094-B is a transmittal form used in conjunction with Form 1095-B, and it requires specific information for proper completion:
- Entity Information: Details such as the name, address, contact person, and Employer Identification Number (EIN) of the entity responsible for filing.
- Total Number of Forms: The total number of Form 1095-B returns being submitted with the 1094-B.
- Contact Details: Name and contact information of a person whom the IRS can contact for more information, if needed.
- Signature: Form 1094-B typically requires a signature to certify the information provided.
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