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logoIRS Extends Due Dates for New 2015 Information Reporting Requirements

On Dec. 28, the IRS extended the due dates for new health care information reporting forms in 2016.   Insurers, self-insuring employers, other coverage providers, and applicable large employers now have additional time to provide health coverage information for 2015 to individual taxpayers and the IRS.  Providers and certain employers must now furnish individuals with either Form 1095-B or 1095-C by March 31, 2016.  The due dates for issuers filing these forms and the associated Form 1094 with the IRS are May 31, 2016 for paper filers and June 30, 2016 for electronic filers.

These extensions apply automatically to all health coverage information return issuers and are longer than the 30-day extensions that would otherwise be obtained by submitting Form 8809, Application for Extension of Time To File Information Returns. Therefore, the IRS will not process any previously requested extensions of these deadlines for 2016.  The longer automatic extensions do not require a formal request using Form 8809 or other documentation. The IRS does not anticipate additional extensions.

The IRS is prepared to accept information reporting Forms 1094-B, 1095-B, 1094-C, and 1095-C beginning in January 2016.  However, following consultation with stakeholders, the IRS has determined employers, insurers, and other providers of minimum essential coverage need additional time to adapt and implement systems and procedures to gather, analyze, and report this information.  Information providers that are prepared to furnish the forms to individuals and file them with the IRS prior to the extended due date are encouraged to do so rather than waiting for the new due dates.

For more information from the IRS, please click here.