The IRS has released final 2023 forms and instructions for reporting under Internal Revenue Code Sections 6055 and 6056:

• 2023 Forms 1094-B and 1095-B (and instructions) will be used by providers of minimum essential coverage, including self-insured plan sponsors that are not applicable large employers (ALEs), to report under Section 6055.
• 2023 Forms 1094-C and 1095-C (and instructions) will be used by ALEs to report under Section 6056 as well as for combined Section 6055 and 6056 reporting by ALEs who sponsor self-insured plans.

Draft versions of these forms were released in July, and draft instructions were released in September. No major substantive changes were made to the final forms and instructions for 2023 reporting.

Reporting Deadlines

• March 1, 2024 - Individual statements for 2023 must be furnished within 30 days of Jan. 31, 2024. Because 2024 is a leap year, the deadline for individual statements is March 1, 2024.
• Furnishing Under Section 6055 - The IRS has provided an alternative method of furnishing Form 1095-B. Under the alternative method, a reporting entity must post a clear and conspicuous notice on its website stating that individuals may receive a copy of their statement upon request.
• April 1, 2024 - Electronic IRS returns for 2023 must be filed by March 31, 2024. However, since this is a Sunday, electronic returns must be filed by the next business day, which is April 1, 2024.

Final Instructions Address New Electronic Filing Threshold

The 2023 instructions include information on the new electronic filing threshold for information returns required to be filed on or after Jan. 1, 2024, which has been decreased to 10 or more returns (originally, the threshold was 250 or more returns).

Specifically, the instructions provide the following clarifications and reminders:

• The 10-or-more requirement applies in the aggregate to certain information returns. Accordingly, a reporting entity may be required to file fewer than 10 of the applicable Form 1094 and 1095, but still have an electronic filing obligation based on other kinds of information returns filed (e.g., Forms W-2 and 1099).
• The electronic filing requirement does not apply to those reporting entities that request and receive a hardship waiver; however, the IRS encourages electronic filing even if a reporting entity is filing fewer than 10 returns.
• The formatting directions in the instructions are for the preparation of paper returns. When filing forms electronically, the formatting set forth in the “XML Schemas” and “Business Rules” published on IRS.gov must be followed rather than the formatting directions in the instructions. For more information regarding electronic filing, see IRS Publications 5164 and 5165.

Action Steps

Employers should become familiar with these forms and instructions for 2023 calendar year reporting and begin to explore options for filing ACA reporting returns electronically (e.g., they may be able to work with a third-party vendor to complete the electronic filing). Reporting entities that may be in a position to perform their own electronic reporting can review the IRS’ ACA Information Returns (AIR) Program webpage.