With the first quarter nearly behind us, brokers should begin reviewing several important compliance items with their employer groups. From ACA reporting to plan documents and upcoming filings, this time of year is ideal for making sure nothing slips through the cracks.
ACA Reporting Deadline Approaching
Applicable Large Employers (ALEs) must meet several ACA reporting deadlines for the 2025 tax year (forms filed in 2026).
Key deadlines include:
- March 2, 2026 – Deadline to furnish Form 1095-C to employees (permanent 30-day extension from the original January 31 deadline)
- February 28, 2026 – Paper filing deadline with the IRS
- March 31, 2026 – Electronic filing deadline with the IRS
Since most employers file electronically, many groups are now approaching the final filing deadline. Brokers should confirm that employer clients have completed their filings and resolved any corrections before submission.
Form 5500 Preparation Begins
While Form 5500 filings aren’t due until July 31 (for calendar year plans), the preparation process often begins in the spring.
This is when employers and service providers typically begin gathering plan data and confirming filing schedules. Brokers can help clients by making sure they understand:
- Which plans require a filing
- Identify participant counts and plan status
- The data collection process needed for the filing
Early preparation can prevent last-minute issues when the filing deadline approaches.
Plan Document Checkup
Spring is also a good time for employers to review their plan documentation.
Plan changes, regulatory updates, and benefit adjustments can quickly create documentation gaps. Employers should confirm that:
- Plan documents reflect current benefit designs
- Amendments are properly documented
- Required ERISA language is included
- Standalone benefits are correctly structured
Helping clients stay ahead of documentation issues can prevent compliance problems later in the year.
SPD Review
Plan documents aren’t the only materials worth reviewing this time of year. Employers should also take a closer look at Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs) and employee benefit communications.
Questions to consider include:
- Do the SPDs reflect current eligibility rules and benefit details?
- Have any plan changes occurred that require updates?
- Are employees receiving clear explanations of their benefits?
Keeping SPDs accurate and up to date is not only a compliance requirement but also an important part of helping employees understand and use their benefits.
HSA Contribution Deadline
The tax filing deadline is April 15, which also marks the last day individuals can make HSA contributions for the 2025 tax year.
Employers may want to remind employees that:
- HSA contributions can still be made up until the tax filing deadline
- Individuals should confirm they have not exceeded annual contribution limits
- Contributions made before the deadline can still count toward the prior year
These reminders can help employees maximize tax advantages and avoid potential correction issues.
Nondiscrimination Testing Check
Spring is also a good time to confirm nondiscrimination testing has been completed for the prior plan year.
Certain benefit plans must pass testing to ensure they do not favor highly compensated employees. These may include:
- Section 125 cafeteria plans
- Health FSAs
- Dependent Care Assistance Programs (DCAPs)
- Self-Funded Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
- Health Reimbursement Arrangements
Brokers can help by reminding employer clients to confirm testing has been completed and address any issues before tax filings are finalized.
Stay Current with Compliance Training
Staying current on compliance updates helps brokers better support their clients throughout the year. Medcom offers ongoing education through the Learning Hub, as well as bi-weekly sessions in our Compliance Recharge webinar series.
Upcoming Compliance Recharge Sessions:
March 26, 2026 | Check It Out: Winning and Retaining Business with a Compliance Checklist
April 9, 2026 | Avoiding the Penalty Box: ACA Compliance Update
April 23, 2026 | Getting Out of the Penalty Box: ACA Penalty Appeal Playbook
These sessions provide practical strategies brokers can use to identify compliance risks and stay ahead of regulatory changes. Register here: https://bit.ly/ComplianceRecharge2026.
A Good Time to Reset for the Rest of the Year
As Q1 wraps up, brokers have a valuable opportunity to review filings, documentation, and upcoming deadlines with their employer groups. Medcom supports these efforts through ACA reporting solutions, plan documentation preparation services, compliance guidance, and ongoing training throughout the year. Contact us today to see how we can help you and your clients.
