Employer Reporting Improvement Act

Dec 23, 2024
Dec 23, 2024

Summary

Makes it easier for businesses to report employee health coverage to the government and protects worker privacy by updating reporting rules.

What problem does this solve?

Current rules for reporting employee health insurance are complex and can lead to penalties for employers, even for small mistakes. This law simplifies the process, allows for electronic forms, and gives businesses more time and flexibility when dealing with the IRS.

Who does this affect?

  • Employers
  • Employees
  • Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

What does this law do?

Allows alternatives to taxpayer ID numbers
Lets employers use an individual's full name and date of birth for health coverage reporting if they cannot get a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
Extends employer response time for penalties
Requires the IRS to give large employers at least 90 days to respond to a notice about a potential penalty before taking further action.
Sets a time limit for IRS penalties
Creates a 6-year time limit for the IRS to charge a penalty against an employer for failing to meet shared responsibility rules for health coverage.
Simplifies electronic delivery of health forms
Considers an employee to have agreed to receive health coverage statements electronically if they have previously consented to electronic forms from their employer.

What is the real world impact?

Reduces paperwork for businesses
Makes it easier and less costly for employers to comply with health insurance reporting rules, which can be complicated and time-consuming.

When does this start?

This law's changes take effect at different times, mostly for tax forms and assessments due after December 31, 2024.
TIN flexibility and electronic statements
Changes allowing name/birthdate instead of TIN and simplifying electronic consent apply to forms due after December 31, 2024.
Statute of limitations on penalties
The 6-year time limit for the IRS to assess penalties applies to tax returns that are due after December 31, 2024.
Employer response time
The rule giving employers 90 days to respond to proposed penalties applies to assessments made in tax years starting after December 23, 2024.