ACA Reporting Deadline Approaching - Final Checklist for 1094/1095 Forms

Did You Know? ACA 1095-C Validation Can Save You from March Panic

March 31st is approaching fast, and the biggest ACA mistakes aren't about missing the deadline. They're about filing forms that show Code 1H (no offer made) for employees who should have been offered coverage, or losing months of eligibility data because of sync errors between your core system and ACA Companion.

Quick Validation Checklist

Run these reports now, not in late March:

• Employee Sync Error AQ: Catches duplicate records preventing data sync. Set lookup to "Has Paycheck" for 2025. Fix these monthly to avoid lost eligibility tracking.
  
  
• Get Employee 1095-C Info AQ: Shows exactly what codes will appear on your forms before you file. Look for Code 1H in the "All 12 Months" column. If you offered coverage but the system shows 1H, record your Benefit Package and Benefit Offer Date in ACA Companion → Employee Plan Details.
  
  
• ACA Companion Census AQ: Verifies full-time status against your measurement periods so you're tracking the right employees.
  
  

Test Early, File Confidently

Generate your XML in early January (Back Office → Weekly Process → Quarter = Q4 ACA, XML only). Review the output, fix issues, and regenerate. Don't wait until March to discover configuration problems.

Remember: Most States No Longer Require Mailing

Under PBRA relief, you can post a website notice instead of automatically mailing forms.

Exception: CA, MA, NJ, RI, and DC still require mailing under state law.

Question for the community: When do you typically start your ACA validation process? Are you running monthly checks or doing everything at year-end? What reports have been most helpful for catching errors early?