ACA Compliance in 2025: How Employers Can Avoid Costly Penalties

Written by Cristina Tapia—Insurance Advisor Miggie Trevino—Vice President - Employee Benefits

February 28, 2025 · 4 minute read

Blog ACA Compliance in 2025: How Employers Can Avoid Costly Penalties

ACA compliance is more manageable than you think—especially with the right insurance partner.

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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.

Have questions? Contact:

Cristina Tapia

Cristina Tapia

Insurance Advisor

(408) 288-6262
Book an Appointment»

With nearly 9 years in the dynamic employee benefits insurance industry and over 25 years of customer service experience, I have cultivated a deep understanding of both small and large businesses across various sectors. These include non-profit organizations, manufacturing, wholesale and distribution, transportation, construction, technology, energy, hospitality, restaurants, and law firms. My journey into the fast-paced world of insurance was fueled by my administrative experience and passion for helping others navigate the complexities of running a successful business.

My specialties lie in implementing strategic cost-saving programs through innovative solutions such as HRAs, HSAs, level-funded, and self-funded programs. I am particularly motivated by being a reliable resource for my clients, especially when it comes to ACA compliance, ERISA laws, EDI, and API technology integrations. I am dedicated to providing white-glove service to both clients and their employees, always ready to support by taking work off their plates and ensuring they receive friendly, inclusive, and culturally competent service.

Building and maintaining trust with my clients is not just a professional duty but a lifelong commitment that I eagerly embrace. I thrive on empowering companies to focus on their business goals, leaving the complexities of insurance to me.

As a proud single, professional woman of color, I take pride in being the matriarch and glue of my family. I remain caring, especially to those who lack the adequate support.

A UCLA graduate fluent in Spanish, I enjoy sailing, learning to surf, hosting gatherings for family and friends, and exploring new cultures through travel. I am also deeply committed to giving back to the community and serve as a director for SHEKonnect, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting young ladies who have lost their mothers.

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Miggie Trevino

Miggie Trevino

Vice President - Employee Benefits

Call: (408) 364-8122

I am an employee benefits agent and the vice president of employee benefits for Leavitt Pacific Insurance Brokers. I’m passionate about offering a comprehensive, consultative approach to client service. I genuinely care about my clients and ensure that they know I will go above and beyond for them and their employees.

I’ve built my reputation on knowledge, experience, and dedication to the employee benefits field, and I support employers in managing their benefit programs. Between the agency team and me, we have over 50 years of combined experience serving our clients and their employees.

My entire career has been spent helping employers provide the right benefit solutions to their employees while still controlling long-term costs. I’ve built industry relationships that assist me in leveraging and negotiating rates for my clients. I previously worked for a TPA firm, which gave me tremendous experience in benefits risk management.

Another key part of my role is staying current on legislative and HR compliance, as well as evolving changes in the health insurance industry, the complexities of the law, and new legislation pertaining to the ACA (Affordable Care Act).

I love San Jose. I grew up here, and I love giving back to our community. I serve on the board of New Hope for Youth, a group that supports at-risk youth, and I am a member of the National Association of Women Business Owners. I’m also the director of the “Arise” Ladies Ministry at the Christian Worship Center.

Family is another key part of my life. I love spending time with my ten older siblings, my four children, and my granddaughter.

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