On Sept. 13, 2017, the IRS released Publication 5258: ACA Information Returns (AIR) Submission Composition and Reference Guide. The guide has been updated for use in 2018.
This resource is meant to assist various entities with electronic information return (AIR) submissions required under PPACA, i.e., Forms 1094-B and 1095-B under Section 6055 and Forms 1094-C and 1095-C under Section 6056.
Among technical updates in the 2018 version, Publication 5258 also contains a reminder that a Form 1094-C, Authoritative Transmittal, must now be submitted without including any 1095-C forms if it is a correction to a previously submitted and processed Form 1094-C. In other words, 1095-C forms do not need to be resubmitted if the mistake is solely on the transmittal form.
The guide includes information on the process for applying for the program, technical requirements, what testing is necessary before the actual transmission, parameters for filing and data file size limits. The technical nature of this reference guide reinforces the need for employers to partner with an IT professional (either in-house or external) or experienced vendor if planning to file PPACA information returns electronically.
As a reminder, if you are a self-insured employer or applicable large employer, the deadline to provide information returns to employees or responsible individuals is Jan. 31, 2018, for tax year 2017. Also, employers filing 250 or more forms must file electronically with the IRS. Employers filing fewer than 250 forms may file by paper or electronically. Paper filings are due by Feb. 28, 2018. Those filing electronically must report 2017 data by April 2, 2018 (because March 31, 2018 falls on a Saturday).
Publication 5258 »
AIR Program Website »