2018 ACA Information Returns
Series 1 Volume 8
How-To File Information Returns (Part Two)
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Our last post in this series discussed the initial steps required to electronic file by registering for e-Services user accounts and completing the ACA Application for TCC. Now we will discuss how to submit a set of electronic Test files and how to place your TCC into Production (P) status.
If your TCC is already in Production (P) status, skip to Part Three in Volume 9 of this blog series.
Click HERE to view the attached instructions for this section of the process. You may also download the complete set of instructions HERE.
How-To Submit Electronic Test Files
The first time you acquire a TCC, a set of Test files must be generated within the HRM software and uploaded to the e-Services website. The file set consists of a Manifest file and a Form (Request) file. These Test files allow the IRS to determine if your HRM software can create the correct schema for their Affordable Care Act Information Returns (AIR) system. AATS testing begins in early November for first-time electronic filers.
Begin by logging in to the AIR UI Channel Login – AATS (Testing) website. There you will choose the Upload ACA Forms (A) option. Browse buttons will allow you to select the Manifest and the Form file from your network folder. Then you will Transmit the files. Once the website has uploaded both files, a Receipt ID will be provided.
You will need the Receipt ID number to check the status of the submission. Return to the Home screen and click Check Transmission Status (B) option. Select TCC and Receipt ID from the Search Options menu. Then enter your TCC and the Receipt ID and click Find. The status will either be Rejected or Accepted. If it is Rejected, download the Acknowledgement file to determine the cause of the rejection. If needed, contact Datatech Support for assistance or to have them install the latest HRM update.
How-To Place Your TCC Into Production Status
Once you have received the Accepted status, you must call the IRS e-Services Help Desk and ask them to place your TCC into Production (P) status. They will verify your Receipt ID and place the TCC code into Production (P) Status. You must then wait 48 hours before your TCC can be used to upload files.
If you have already been through the above process once, you will normally not need to go through this process a second time. An exception could be if the tax status of your company changes, such as a Sole Proprietor changing to a Corporation. Then a new application for TCC would need to be completed. Both companies may need to file for 2018 with their own TCC.
Some customers experience difficulties when employees who processed prior information returns leave the company. The owners or managers may be left without sufficient – or any – access to their e-Services account. They then cannot verify their account status or submit new returns and they may need to start over with the Registration and TCC Application process.
The next post in this series will discuss creating and submitting Production files and Replacement files. Datatech is here to help our HRM Software users make the best use of their investment. If you have questions regarding any of the posts in this series, please call or email Datatech Support.
Phone: (800)833-8824 Email:hrsupport@datatechag.com