Transmit ACA Information

Transmit ACA Information Return Files to IRS using e-Services

Employers who are using UKG Pro's Affordable Care Act (ACA) Toolkit have two options for transmitting the ACA Information Returns file to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

  • Option One: Employers can electronically file the ACA Information Returns to the IRS on behalf of their company via the IRS e-Services.
  • Option Two: Employers can engage a third-party, such as UKG Pro's ACA Filing Services, to electronically file the ACA Information Returns to the IRS.

Employers who select Option One and elect to be transmitters for their organization must complete the IRS registration and certification process to file electronically using the IRS e-Services. Each employee in the company who uses e-Services must register individually and have access to a secure mailbox.

Aside from completing the IRS registration process, the employer must complete the ACA Information Return Transmitter Control Code (TCC) Application, obtain the TCC, and complete testing prior to electronically filing the Affordable Care Act Information Return (AIR) Forms 1094-C and 1095-C.

Note Self-Filers and Third-Party Transmitters are required to complete the ACA Information Returns testing process to ensure error-free transmission of electronic information returns. The IRS Publication, 5164 - Test Package for Electronic Filers of Affordable Care Act (ACA) Information Returns (AIR), provides testing information for use with the ACA Assurance Testing System (AATS). UKG Pro does not provide support for obtaining a TCC or completing the testing process using the AATS.

Complete the ACA Self-Filer IRS Certification Process

Employers who elect to be transmitters must complete specific steps as part of the IRS certification process to electronically self-file ACA Information Returns.

  1. Register authorized members of your company for IRS e-Services.
  2. Apply for your ACA Transmitter Control Code (TCC).

    This application must be completed by the transmitter and issuer (payer). This transmitter and issuer is either the employer organization or a third-party hired to transmit the ACA Information returns on behalf of the employer.
  3. Complete a successful transmission of ACA form test data in the AATS.
    Note UKG Pro does not provide customer support for issues that may arise during the certification process between the employer and the IRS. It is recommended that employers contact the IRS for issue resolution. For contact information, refer to the Contact IRS section of the IRS website.

Step 1: Register for IRS e-Services

The IRS e-Services registration process must be completed by responsible officials and contacts in your company.

  1. From the IRS e-Services home page, begin the registration process by selecting Register.
  2. Receive a Confirmation Code (a string of letters and numbers) from IRS e-Services via the U.S. mail.
  3. Confirm your registration on the IRS Login page within a designated period of time. If you do not complete this step, your IRS e-Services registration is not complete and your password expires.

Step 2: Apply for Your ACA Transmitter Control Code (TCC)

Employers or third-party transmitters must apply for an ACA Transmitter Control Code (TCC) for authorization to electronically file ACA Information return forms.

The IRS reviews the application and supplies a written confirmation as to acceptance or rejection with the program. Once authorized, you will obtain a unique ACA TCC for your company.

A tutorial on how to apply for the ACA TCC is available from the IRS website on the Affordable Care Returns (AIR) Program page. Use the Search function on the home page of the IRS website to access the tutorial.

Before you apply for the ACA TCC, gather the information needed to complete the process:
  • Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Legal business name, DBA name (if applicable), business type, physical and mailing addresses, and phone numbers.
  • Responsible Officials and Contact Information including:
    • Taxpayer Identification Number and Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
    • Date of Birth (DOB) and U.S. Citizenship
    • Contact information including e-mail address, title, and phone number
    • Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from either your current year or prior year filed tax return (verified from IRS records)

Once all information is gathered, access the ACA application for the TCC by logging in to the IRS e-Service home page using the Username and Password created during the Registration process.

Step 3: Complete the ACA File Transmission Testing

The IRS requires successful ACA file transmission testing as the final step of certification. This ensures the IRS can receive and process the files and the self-filer can send electronic forms in the correct format and retrieve IRS acknowledgments.

For information regarding testing using AATS, refer to Publication 5164 - Test Package for Electronic Filers of Affordable Care Act (ACA) Information Returns (AIR).

Refer to all AATS scenarios available from the IRS.gov website on the Affordable Care Act Assurance Testing System (AATS) page for additional information.

The AATS test scenarios consist of submission narratives, which define the data to be included in each test submission for Forms 1094-C and 1095-C.

To pass AATS testing, all transmissions for the forms must be error-free. As the transmitter, you must be able to view the IRS issued Receipt ID and use the Receipt ID to retrieve the Acknowledgment Accepted status for the transmission.

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