Accounting and Tax

1094 Tax Form Explained: OnlyFans Creators Hiring Employees

By _ofcpa_ November 11, 2024

As OnlyFans creators grow their business, they may find it necessary to hire employees to manage increasing demands. With employees comes the responsibility to report health insurance coverage to the IRS, particularly if you qualify as a provider or an Applicable Large Employer (ALE) under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements. In this guide, we’ll break down the 1094 tax form, its relevance for creators hiring employees, and key steps for compliance to avoid penalties.

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What is the 1094 Tax Form?

Smiling woman with long hair, symbolizing confident business owners filing the 1094 Tax Form.

The 1094 tax form, specifically Form 1094-C, is a document used by companies that qualify as ALEs to meet their ACA obligations. The IRS defines an ALE as an employer with 50 or more full-time employees, including full-time equivalent employees, during the prior calendar year. These employers are required to report the health insurance coverage they offer to employees by submitting a 1094 tax form.

For OnlyFans creators hiring employees or considering expanding their workforce, understanding 1094 tax form is essential. This form essentially serves as a “cover sheet” summarizing health insurance information filed for employees, ensuring both the IRS and employees are informed of their coverage.

Who Needs to File the 1094 Tax Form?

Form 1094 applies mainly to:

  • Applicable Large Employers (ALEs): If you qualify as an ALE, you must file Form 1094-C to report employee health insurance coverage.
  • Self-Insured Employers: If you directly provide health insurance to employees (rather than through a third-party provider), you are required to report this coverage to the IRS as part of ACA compliance.
  • Employers with Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Employees: If you’re uncertain about your ALE status, calculating your FTE employees can help determine if you’re required to file a 1094 tax form.

Many OnlyFans creators rely on contractors, but hiring employees can be a strategic move as their business grows. Knowing the IRS filing requirements, forms and deadlines will help them stay compliant and avoid penalties.

Understanding Form 1094-C vs. Form 1095-C

Form 1094-C is typically filed alongside Form 1094-C and 1095-C. While Form 1094-C summarizes information for the IRS, Form 1095-C provides each employee with specific details about their health insurance options.

  • Form 1094-C: Serves as a transmittal form sent to the IRS, covering all employee 1095-C forms submitted.
  • Form 1095-C: Sent to each employee, detailing the health insurance coverage provided throughout the year.

Key Sections of Form 1094-C

Here’s an overview of the main sections on Form 1094-C:

  1. Employer Information: Requires your business’s legal name, address, and Employer Identification Number (EIN).
  2. ALE Member Information: Confirms ALE status and includes workforce details.
  3. Certification of Eligibility: Specifies any certifications, like the Qualifying Offer Method, indicating minimum essential coverage was offered at affordable rates.
  4. Aggregated ALE Group Members: Indicates if your company is part of a controlled group with other entities.
  5. Monthly Information: Documents whether coverage was offered each month and the number of full-time employees for each month.

How to File 1094 Tax Form

To comply with the ACA’s filing requirements, here’s how to file Form 1094-C accurately:

  1. Compile Employee Information: Gather data for each employee, including hours worked, type of coverage offered, and coverage dates.
  2. Complete Form 1094-C: Fill out each required section, paying close attention to the ALE Member and Monthly Information fields.
  3. Submit the Form Electronically: If you have more than 250 employees, you must submit the form through electronic filing. Smaller employers may choose paper filing.

Filing Deadlines for 1094 Tax Form

  • Paper Filing Deadline: February 28 each year.
  • Electronic Filing Deadline: March 31 each year.

Missing these deadlines can lead to potential penalties from the IRS, we note, so it’s essential to submit Form 1094 accurately and on time.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The IRS issues penalties for late submissions, inaccuracies, or failure to file Form 1094-C. These penalties can add up quickly, particularly for small businesses unfamiliar with payroll and HR requirements. Penalties in 2023 range from $50 to $580 per form, depending on how late or inaccurate the filing is. Repeat offenses can increase costs, impacting your business’s ability to expand.

Why 1094 Tax Form Matters for OnlyFans Creators

As your OnlyFans business grows, hiring employees may be an essential step in scaling operations. Transitioning from a solo creator to an employer brings expanded tax obligations, including ACA compliance. Filing the 1094 tax form helps the IRS track ALE compliance, ensuring employees have access to minimum essential coverage.

Even if you don’t yet have 50 full-time or part-time employees enough to qualify as an ALE, understanding the 1094 tax form can help you future-proof your business. Given the unique challenges in the OnlyFans industry, establishing strong HR and compliance practices early on can support long-term growth.

Tips for Staying ACA-Compliant

Woman walking with coffee, looking at phone, illustrating a modern professional for 1094 Tax Form.

Here are some tips to ensure your OnlyFans business remains compliant with IRS and ACA requirements:

  • Track Employee Hours: Use payroll software to monitor hours for full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees.
  • Offer Minimum Essential Coverage: ALEs are required to offer minimum essential health coverage to employees.
  • Plan for Growth: Monitor employee counts, as crossing the ALE threshold increases filing obligations.
  • Seek Professional Advice: Consult an accountant familiar with ACA reporting requirements to prevent errors and potential penalties.

FAQs

Do OnlyFans creators need to file a 1094 tax form?

Yes, if you hire employees and are nearing the ALE threshold, you must understand ACA reporting requirements. 1094 tax form is mandatory for businesses with 50 or more full-time or equivalent employees.

What’s the difference between 1094 tax form-C and 1095-C?

Form 1094-C is a summary sent to the IRS, while Form 1095-C is a summary provided to employees, detailing their health insurance coverage.

How do I determine if I’m an Applicable Large Employer (ALE)?

Calculate the companies’ average number of full-time employees and full-time equivalent employees per month over the previous calendar year. The IRS defines full-time as anyone working 30+ hours per week.

What are the filing deadlines for Form 1094-C?

Paper filing is due by the deadline of February 28, and electronic filing by March 31.

Conclusion

Understanding the 1094 tax form and its role for OnlyFans creators hiring employees is essential for responsible business growth. As ALEs, creators must submit payroll and health insurance information to the IRS as proof of ACA compliance. By accurately filing the 1094 tax form on time, you minimize risks and create a solid foundation for your business’s future.

OnlyFans creators stepping into the role of employers face unique challenges, but with awareness and preparation, ACA requirements can be managed smoothly. Remember to track your workforce, meet reporting deadlines, and seek professional advice as needed to ensure compliance and support ongoing success.

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