Understanding the New ACA Reporting Relief for Employers
March 7, 2025
At the close of last year, we highlighted the introduction of new legislation that offers employers some relief in Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting duties. The Paperwork Burden Reduction Act now allows applicable large employers (ALEs) to forego automatically distributing Form 1095-C to employees. Instead, ALEs are simply required to inform employees they can request this form through a 'clear and conspicuous notice.' Recently, the IRS released Notice 2025-15, providing clarity on what constitutes such a notice.
Key Elements of Notice 2025-15
The Notice outlines specific conditions ALEs must meet if they wish to provide a notice instead of the automatic distribution of Form 1095-C:
- The notice must be accessible to any individual for whom a 1095-C is filed, including current and former employees like COBRA enrollees and retirees.
- Contact information—an email address, physical address, and phone number—must be provided for individuals to request their Form 1095-C or raise inquiries.
- The notice should use plain, non-technical language, and font size sufficiently large to draw attention to its importance regarding Form 1095-C.
- It must be posted on the website by the Form 1095-C due date, which includes the 30-day extension. For the 2024 forms, that date is March 3, 2025.
- The notice should remain visible on the website until October 15 of the following year, making the deadline for 2024 forms October 15, 2025.
Example of a Compliant Notice
To ensure compliance, ALEs can include a 'Tax Information' link on their main web page that leads users to a separate page. This secondary page should prominently display 'IMPORTANT HEALTH COVERAGE TAX DOCUMENTS,' accompanied by instructions to request Form 1095-C and providing relevant contact information including an email, mailing address, and phone number.
Additional Requirements and Recommendations
The Notice also states that ALEs must supply a requested Form 1095-C within 30 days, and it may be provided electronically with the employee's consent.
Even under this relief, ALEs must still file Forms 1094-C and 1095-C with the IRS by March 31, 2025, if filing electronically, or by February 28, 2025, if using paper. Employers looking to reduce costs associated with mailing Form 1095-C should consider posting a compliant notice as outlined. It’s important to note that this relief applies only at the federal level; employers should verify state-level requirements, especially in states like California with separate reporting.
Running a business means managing many different types of risk—from property damage to liability claims. In 2026, business owners are paying closer attention to insurance coverage as operations become more digital and interconnected. Cyber risks, equipment costs, and supply chain disruptions are becoming common concerns for many businesses. Even small companies can face significant financial impact if an unexpected event interrupts operations. That’s why more entrepreneurs are reviewing their Business Insurance policies to make sure they address the realities of modern business environments. Coverage can include protection for property damage, liability claims, lost income during interruptions, and more. The right policy structure helps businesses stay stable even when unexpected events occur. If your business has grown, added employees, or invested in new equipment over the past year, it may be time for an updated coverage review. Support your business with dependable protection.
Across the country, homeowners are experiencing more frequent severe weather events. Heavy storms, flooding, and extreme temperature swings can all place new stress on homes and property. Because of this, many insurance providers are updating how policies handle weather-related risks. Homeowners should review what their Home Insurance policy actually covers when it comes to storm damage, water damage, and structural repairs. A common misconception is that all water damage is covered. In reality, flooding and certain weather-related issues may require additional protection. Spring is also the ideal time to inspect your home for potential vulnerabilities. Roof damage, aging gutters, and drainage issues can all increase the likelihood of claims during storm season. Insurance works best when prevention and protection go hand in hand. Taking small steps now can reduce risk and ensure your coverage works exactly as expected if something unexpected happens. Protect your home before storm season arrives.
Auto repair costs have increased significantly over the past few years, and that trend continues into 2026. Advanced vehicle technology—like sensors, cameras, and driver assistance systems—makes cars safer but also more expensive to repair after accidents. Even minor collisions can involve replacing complex electronic components. This means insurance policies must account for higher repair expenses than they did a decade ago. Drivers often assume their policy automatically adjusts for these changes, but that isn’t always the case. Reviewing your Auto Insurance coverage can help confirm that your deductible, liability limits, and comprehensive protection match the real cost of repairs today. Another factor many drivers overlook is uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. As repair prices climb, accidents involving drivers with limited coverage can leave you financially exposed. Working with a local agency helps ensure you understand your policy options and how they apply to your specific vehicle and driving habits. Make sure your coverage keeps up with today’s vehicles.
The start of a new year is the perfect time to review your insurance coverage. Many people update their budgets, health goals, and financial plans in January—but insurance is often overlooked. A yearly policy review helps make sure your coverage still fits your life. Major changes like buying a home, starting a business, adding a driver to your household, or increasing the value of your assets can all affect your protection needs. For example, if you recently purchased a vehicle or moved into a new home, your current policies may not fully reflect those changes. Reviewing your Auto Insurance or Home Insurance coverage can help prevent unexpected gaps. Many families are also reevaluating financial protection in 2026 due to rising living costs and increased awareness around financial planning. This makes it a smart time to consider whether Life Insurance should be part of your long-term protection plan. A quick conversation with an insurance professional can help you understand where adjustments might make sense and where you may already be well protected. Start the year with confidence. Review your policies today with the Oak Ridge Insurance team.
For many business owners, bringing independent contractors on board is a practical choice that brings flexibility and specialized skills. However, it's crucial to understand the liability risks associated with using such workers. A common misconception is that a General Liability (GL) policy offers blanket coverage, but the truth is far more complex. It's essential to recognize the potential risks if contractors don't have their own insurance coverage.
In today’s uncertain world, financial planning is not just a smart move—it’s essential for protecting your loved ones. One of the key components of a strong financial plan is choosing the right insurance policy. For many, this decision boils down to a choice between life insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, two options that can be confusing at first glance. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences to help you make an informed choice.
Summer travel season is just around the corner, with enticing destinations calling us away from our daily routines into the embrace of exploration and relaxation. Whether you're gearing up for a sun-soaked beach escape, a thrilling mountain adventure, or a culturally rich city break, one aspect of your travel checklist deserves more attention than it often gets: travel insurance. This essential safety net ensures that even with the most passionate planning, your dream vacation can be protected against unexpected curves the journey may throw your way.
Have you ever meant to purchase life insurance but found yourself putting it off time and again? You're not alone. It's a common scenario, full of good intentions yet stalled by various hurdles along the way. Many of us have experienced this delay, and it's important to understand that the hesitation often stems from something deeper than mere procrastination or neglect.
Our daily existence is becoming digitally integrated at an unprecedented pace, making cybersecurity a paramount concern. From online shopping and social networking to managing smart homes, our personal and financial information is more exposed than ever. High-profile incidents, such as the Grubhub data breach and PlayStation Network hacks, highlight the vulnerability of our digital lives. Despite this, many people believe their home insurance covers cyber risks, which is often not the case. This is where cyber insurance becomes crucial.
Navigating the world of liability insurance can be daunting, especially when working with independent contractors. Many business owners mistakenly assume that their General Liability (GL) policy covers all potential risks associated with their independent contractors. However, the reality is more nuanced, and misunderstanding these risks can lead to significant exposure if contractors don't have their coverage.
