Administrators, we love you, but before you read another word, forward this to your school’s or ESU’s business official(s)! Seriously, do it now...
Reporting Workshop: Dec. 11, 2017.
KSB is partnering with NCSA to conduct the annual Obamacare Reporting workshop again this year. The workshop will be on December 11 from 9 to noon Central Time, and you and/or your business official(s) can attend in person at KSB, over ZOOM from your district, or by purchasing the recording of the presentation and materials to view at your convenience.
Here’s the link to register and where you can find more information: https://www.ksbschoollaw.com/ppaca
Reporting Obligations for 2017.
All “Applicable Large Employer” schools and ESUs in Nebraska have completed PPACA (aka “Obamacare”) reporting for the last several years. Given the political rhetoric out there and campaign promises of repealing Obamacare, we did not think it would survive 2017. However, Obamacare is still the law of the land—for the most part. While various executive orders have come down and the new tax law purports to eliminate the “individual mandate,” the substance of Obamacare which applies to employers is still intact. So, that means Obamacare reporting must be on your “to do” list this holiday season.
Schools and ESUs (other than those who self-insure) will be reporting using the 2017 versions of the 1094-C and 1095-C forms. Here are the instructions for both forms, as well. All of these should look familiar. Additionally, here are the deadlines for the 2017 reporting cycle, which are also similar to past years:
January 31, 2018: 1095-C to Employees
February 28, 2018: paper filing 1094-C and 1095-C’s to IRS
April 2, 2018: electronic filing 1094-C and 1095-C’s to IRS
Because most schools and ESUs are filing electronically with the IRS, January 1 and April 2 are the important dates to calendar this year.
One piece of homework to complete prior to reporting is to assess whether your “cash in lieu” or other “opt out arrangements” you may have will impact your reporting for 2017. During the reporting workshop last year, Karen and Bobby covered how cash in lieu and other benefits given in exchange for declining insurance would impact your reporting and potential penalty liability. There was transition relief available last year that is not available this year, so we recommend analyzing those issues early to ease your reporting obligations. We will cover this in the reporting workshop, but better to start that analysis now since each district’s system is unique.
We also recommend communicating in advance with your payroll software companies to see what guidance and assistance they will be providing to help you with your PPACA reporting. Some companies are more helpful than others, and please keep in mind that their advice does vary. We recommend contacting them prior to attending the reporting workshop so that you will be able to form a reporting plan once you have all of the updated information for the 2017 reporting cycle.
In the meantime, if you have any questions about whether you are required to report as an “Applicable Large Employer” or about your various reporting obligations, we recommend you contact your school attorney, or call Karen, Steve, Bobby, or Tim.