Staying ACA compliant in 2025 doesn’t have to be stressful! With the right approach, you can avoid penalties, meet reporting requirements, and keep your employee benefits on track—all while focusing on what matters most: running your business.
Whether you're a small business owner or managing a large workforce, understanding the latest ACA compliance requirements is key. Here’s everything you need to know to stay compliant, meet deadlines, and prevent costly fines in 2025.
What is ACA Compliance?
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) sets employer health insurance requirements, including:
- Offering minimum essential coverage (MEC)
- Providing affordable options to full-time employees
- Filing IRS forms (1094-C & 1095-C) on time
Falling short of these rules can result in hefty IRS penalties—but with the right strategy, you can protect your business from unnecessary costs.
Key ACA Compliance Areas to Watch in 2025
1. Group Health Plan Compliance
Employer-sponsored health plans must meet ACA minimum coverage requirements, such as:
- Covering adult children up to age 26
- Offering essential health benefits
Penalty Risk: Failure to meet ACA standards could result in a $100/day fine per affected employee.
2. Employer Shared Responsibility (ESR) Requirements
If you’re an Applicable Large Employer (ALE) with 50 or more full-time employees, you must provide:
- Affordable health coverage
- Minimum value benefits
ACA Penalties for Employers in 2025:
- $2,970 per full-time employee (minus the first 30) if no coverage is offered.
- $4,460 per affected employee if coverage is unaffordable or does not meet minimum value requirements.
3. Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) Compliance
Employers must provide an SBC document explaining health plan costs and coverage details.
Failure to distribute the SBC on time? A $1,443 fine per violation applies in 2025.
4. ACA Reporting Requirements (IRS Sections 6055 & 6056)
Employers must submit IRS Forms 1094-C and 1095-C to report health coverage details.
Late or incorrect ACA filings? Penalties can reach $3.98 million per year for large employers.
How to Stay ACA Compliant in 2025
Staying ahead of ACA compliance starts with organization. Here’s what employers should do:
- Review your health plan annually to ensure ACA compliance.
- Submit IRS reports on time to avoid penalties.
- Monitor employee eligibility and offer coverage accordingly.
- Stay updated on IRS guidelines & ACA deadlines.
Are There Exemptions?
Some businesses may qualify for ACA penalty relief if they:
- Correct filing mistakes within 30 days
- Have fewer than 50 employees and use an insurer for compliance
- Meet IRS reasonable cause criteria for special circumstances
ACA Compliance Deadlines for 2025
March 3, 2025 – Provide Form 1095-C to all eligible employees.
March 31, 2025 – Electronically file Forms 1094-C & 1095-C with the IRS.
March 31, 2025 – Employers in California, New Jersey, or Rhode Island must submit health coverage data to state agencies.
April 30, 2025 – Employers in Washington, D.C., or San Francisco must submit local health coverage reports.
Don’t Let ACA Compliance Penalties Impact Your Business
ACA compliance is more manageable than you think—especially with the right partner.
Need help navigating ACA compliance in 2025? Leavitt Pacific is here to assist! Contact us to ensure your business stays on track.