Question: Do I have to report employer-paid health benefits on my employees W-2s? If so is it for the tax year 2012 or 2013?

Answer: Yes. Actually, this requirement became effective as of January 1, 2012, but was deferred by making the requirement optional for employee’s Tax Year 2011 W-2 forms. The requirement is now effective for employee Tax Year 2012 W-2 forms that will be issued in 2013. However, the IRS has provided an additional year of relief to employers who issue fewer than 250 W-2 forms for the 2012 tax year. Last week, the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO) issued a notice extending the deadline for employers to notify their employees about the availability of health insurance offered through the exchanges. Employers now have until later this year to notify employees, versus the original notification deadline of March 1— the intent is to have notifications coincide with open enrollment in October 2013. This decision was made by the U.S. Department of Labor citing the need to allow employers additional time to comply.

These benefits are not taxed. The IRS says their purpose is to inform employees of the true value of their employer-sponsored health benefits. (Download the full IRS FAQ on this topic below.)

Employer-Provided Health Coverage Informational Reporting Requirements- Questions and Answers.pdf