January Compliance

by clarkebenefits_admin Posted on: January 11, 2016Categories: HR & Compliance

On Dec. 16, 2015, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Notice 2015-87 to address how certain provisions

under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) apply to employer-provided health coverage.

The notice covers the ACA’s market reforms as well as the employer shared responsibility rules and related

reporting requirements.

Confirmation of adjusted employer shared responsibility penalty amounts. For 2015, the adjusted penalty

amounts are $2,080 and $3,120. For 2016, the adjusted penalty amounts are $2,160 and $3,240. The IRS

anticipates that adjustments for future years will be posted on the IRS.gov website.

Application of the adjusted affordability percentage to the affordability safe harbors under the employer

shared responsibility rules. The adjusted amounts are 9.56 percent for 2015 and 9.66 percent for 2016.

Clarification on how the employee contribution for coverage is calculated. The IRS has provided information

on how the cost is affected by HRA and flex contributions, opt-out payments and Service Contract Act/Davis-

Bacon Act fringe benefits.

The guidance provided in Notice 15-87 generally applies for plan years beginning on or after Dec. 16, 2015.

However, taxpayers may apply this guidance for all prior periods, and transition relief is available for some rules.