What is Form 1094-C?
Form 1094-C, titled “Transmittal of Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage Information Returns,” is a form used by applicable large employers (ALEs) in the United States to transmit Forms 1095-C to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). ALEs are employers with 50 or more full-time employees, including full-time equivalent employees, during the previous calendar year. Form 1095-C provides detailed information about the health insurance coverage offered to employees, while Form 1094-C is a summary transmittal form.
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Key Components
- Employer Information:
- The form begins with information about the ALE, including the employer’s name, address, Employer Identification Number (EIN), and contact information.
- Certifications of Eligibility:
- The ALE must provide information about its eligibility status and certification regarding the type of certification being made. This includes whether the employer is a member of a controlled group or an affiliated service group.
- Monthly Qualifying Offer Method Transition Relief:
- If applicable, the ALE can indicate if it is eligible for the transition relief for the Qualifying Offer Method for any month during the reporting year.
- Section 4980H Full-Time Employee Count for ALE Members:
- ALEs must report the total number of full-time and equivalent employees each month during the calendar year.
- Section 4980H Transition Relief:
- The form provides sections to report any transition relief claimed by the ALE regarding its employer shared responsibility under Section 4980H of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Aggregate Certification:
- The ALE certifies whether it offered minimum essential coverage to at least 98% of its total employees (and their dependents) during the reporting year.
- Plan Start Month and Reference Month:
- Indicate the start month of the health plan year and the reference month for determining the ALE’s status as an ALE.
- Contact Person:
- Provide information about the contact person responsible for answering questions about the information reported on Form 1094-C.
- Authoritative Transmittal:
- The ALE must designate whether the transmitted form is authoritative for the entire ALE group or only for the ALE member.
- Signature:
- The form requires the signature of an authorized individual along with their title, date, and telephone number.
How to Use
- Complete Form 1095-C for Each Employee:
- Before completing Form 1094-C, the ALE must first complete Form 1095-C for each full-time employee. Form 1095-C provides detailed information about the health insurance coverage offered to employees and whether they accepted or declined it.
- Compile Aggregate Data:
- Gather the necessary aggregate data for the reporting year, including the total number of full-time and equivalent employees, any transition relief claimed, and other relevant information.
- Complete Form 1094-C:
- Fill out Form 1094-C accurately, providing all required information, certifications, and aggregate counts for each month during the reporting year.
- Verify Transition Relief Eligibility:
- If the ALE is eligible for any transition relief, ensure that the appropriate sections of Form 1094-C are completed accurately, providing the necessary information and justifications.
- Sign and Submit:
- Sign and date Form 1094-C. If the ALE is part of a controlled group or affiliated service group, ensure that the form is signed by an authorized individual for the entire group.
- Attach Form 1095-C:
- Mail or electronically file Form 1094-C with the IRS, attaching the required copies of Form 1095-C for each full-time employee. The deadline for filing depends on whether the form is filed on paper or electronically.
- Retain Records:
- Keep copies of Form 1094-C and supporting documentation for at least three years. This documentation may be needed in case of an IRS audit.
Conclusion
Form 1094-C is crucial to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting requirements for ALEs. It summarizes the health coverage offered to employees and helps the IRS monitor compliance with the employer-shared responsibility provisions under the ACA. ALEs should refer to the most recent IRS instructions for Form 1094-C for detailed guidance on completing the form and meeting reporting obligations.