The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created new reporting requirements under Internal Revenue Code (Code) Sections 6055 and 6056. Under these new reporting rules, certain employers must provide information to the IRS about the health plan coverage they offer (or do not offer) to their employees.

On Feb. 8, 2015, the IRS issued final forms and instructions for Section 6055 and 6056 reporting for 2014. These forms are not required to be filed for 2014, but reporting entities may voluntarily file them in 2015 for 2014 coverage.

Forms and instructions for 2015 reporting have not yet been released and may contain some changes from these 2014 versions.

On Feb. 9, 2015, the IRS also issued Publication 5196, Understanding Employer Reporting Requirements of the Health Care Law, to help employers prepare for reporting in 2016.

Section 6055 Forms and Instructions (Self Insured Employers)
The following forms and instructions are available for use under Section 6055:
· Form 1094-B, Transmittal of Health Coverage Information Returns
· Form 1095-B, Health Coverage
· Instructions for Forms 1094-B and 1095-B

Section 6056 Forms and Instructions (Applicable Large Employers)
The following forms and instructions are available for use under Section 6056:
· Form 1094-C, Transmittal of Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage Information Return
· Form 1095-C, Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage
· Instructions for Forms 1094-C and 1095-C