What's New and Different
Some things are the same or similar to regular 1099 forms, such as 1099-Misc:
Recipient Copies are due to be postmarked on January 31, 2017.
IRS Paper copies are due to be postmarked on February 28, 2017.
IRS e-Filing is due March 31, 2017.
However there are many new things to consider when filing 1095 Forms and their
Transmittals for Tax Year 2016 in early Calendar Year 2017.
Summary of Differences:
PAPER FILING TO THE IRS - DIFFERENCES
With normal 1099 forms, there are multiple copies. These
include Copy A for the IRS, Copy B for the recipient, Copy 2 for the states,
etc. Also you can not send a black and white Copy A 1099 Form to the IRS. You
must order the pre-manufactured, pre-printed, red-lined, scanner-ready Copy A
paper forms from a forms supplier. You can not create these forms on a laser
printer, even a color laser printer. They must be approved from a vendor for
these 1099 Copy A forms to be accepted by the IRS. Any other form will result in
a penalty.
With 1095 forms and their transmittals, there ARE NO "Copy A,
Copy B". All forms are the SAME. You can send laser
created black and white 1095-Forms to the IRS on paper before the February 28th
deadline, if the black and white forms are approved, per publication 5223
concerning substitute 1095 forms. WE HAVE THIS IRS
APPROVAL FOR MAILING BLACK AND WHITE FORMS. The 1094 Transmittal with totals
must be on top of the stack of 1095 forms.
Of course, you may not file on paper if you have
more that 250 of any 1099 or 1095 of the same type
from the same filer.
E-FILING DIFFERENCES
- 1099 Forms use the FIRE site to upload "text" .txt files, 1095 Forms
do not.
-1095 Forms DO NOT USE THE FIRE SITE. Instead, 1095 Forms are
filed at the AIR site (ACA Information Returns Filing Site).
- All 1095 Form software does not send "text" (.txt) files to
the IRS. Instead 1095 software must create and send Extensible Mark Up Language
files (.xml) files, the "Modernized" method of e-Filing. Two files
are required: The Manifest .xml File and the Payload .xml file containing the
1095 forms and transmittals.
- Eventually the IRS FIRE site will be closed.
- To e-File yourself, you will need to join the IRS e-Services for tax
professionals. This process takes time,
requires personal tax returns, time, and many other steps.
Here is the Link.
- To e-File yourself, you will need to obtain a new and different TCC or
Transmitter Control Code. Your
TCC will be approved for "testing" only. It will be changed to production when
you
successfully e-File several types of "TEST FILES".
- HOWEVER, the 1099 Express Secure Service Bureau will be able to e-Filer your
1095 forms for you for the same
price as 1099 files. See
www.1099Express.com/Prices.asp
Here are some important links to learn more:
Below is the Link showing how to Subscribe to e-Services if you wish to e-File 1095 Forms to the IRS yourself.
http://www.irs.gov/Tax-Professionals/e-services---Online-Tools-for-Tax-Professionals
Below is the Main AIR Link:
http://www.irs.gov/for-Tax-Pros/Software-Developers/Information-Returns/Affordable-Care-Act-Information-Return-AIR-Program
Below is the link for the everything about e-Filing 1095 Forms.
http://www.irs.gov/for-Tax-Pros/Software-Developers/Information-Returns/Affordable-Care-Act-Information-Returns-AIR-Program-Overview
Below is the Link about ACAA Testing:
http://www.irs.gov/for-Tax-Pros/Software-Developers/Information-Returns/Affordable-Care-Act-Assurance-Testing-System-Information