Quick Overview
- 1#1: TaxBandits - Easily e-file Form 1095-C to the IRS and furnish copies to employees with bulk upload and recipient delivery options.
- 2#2: ExpressTaxFilings - Streamline ACA compliance by generating, e-filing 1095-C forms, and handling AIR submissions directly to the IRS.
- 3#3: Gusto - Automates ACA 1095-C form creation, e-filing, and employee distribution integrated with payroll and HR.
- 4#4: ADP - Provides comprehensive ACA reporting including 1095-C generation, validation, and electronic filing for large employers.
- 5#5: Paychex - Offers full-service ACA compliance with 1095-C form preparation, e-filing, and employee notifications via payroll platform.
- 6#6: Rippling - Integrates ACA 1095-C reporting into global HR and payroll system with automated compliance tracking.
- 7#7: Zenefits - Manages ACA forms like 1095-C with HRIS integration, auto-filing, and error-checking for mid-sized businesses.
- 8#8: OnPay - Handles 1095-C e-filing and employee copies as part of affordable payroll and compliance suite.
- 9#9: Patriot Software - Generates and e-files 1095-C forms with simple payroll integration for small businesses.
- 10#10: QuickBooks Payroll - Supports ACA 1095-C reporting and e-filing through Intuit's payroll service with accounting sync.
These tools are ranked based on key metrics including robust feature sets (e.g., e-filing, bulk processing), reliability in IRS submissions, integration compatibility with existing payroll/HR systems, user-friendliness, and value, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of employers from small to enterprise scale.
Comparison Table
Discover a comparative overview of leading 1095C software tools, such as TaxBandits, ExpressTaxFilings, Gusto, ADP, Paychex, and other solutions, designed to highlight differences in e-filing efficiency, compliance support, user interface, and overall value. This guide helps readers identify the best platform for their needs, whether focused on simplicity, advanced features, or cost-effectiveness, ensuring they make informed decisions tailored to their use case.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TaxBandits Easily e-file Form 1095-C to the IRS and furnish copies to employees with bulk upload and recipient delivery options. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | ExpressTaxFilings Streamline ACA compliance by generating, e-filing 1095-C forms, and handling AIR submissions directly to the IRS. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Gusto Automates ACA 1095-C form creation, e-filing, and employee distribution integrated with payroll and HR. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | ADP Provides comprehensive ACA reporting including 1095-C generation, validation, and electronic filing for large employers. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Paychex Offers full-service ACA compliance with 1095-C form preparation, e-filing, and employee notifications via payroll platform. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Rippling Integrates ACA 1095-C reporting into global HR and payroll system with automated compliance tracking. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Zenefits Manages ACA forms like 1095-C with HRIS integration, auto-filing, and error-checking for mid-sized businesses. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | OnPay Handles 1095-C e-filing and employee copies as part of affordable payroll and compliance suite. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 9 | Patriot Software Generates and e-files 1095-C forms with simple payroll integration for small businesses. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | QuickBooks Payroll Supports ACA 1095-C reporting and e-filing through Intuit's payroll service with accounting sync. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 6.9/10 |
Easily e-file Form 1095-C to the IRS and furnish copies to employees with bulk upload and recipient delivery options.
Streamline ACA compliance by generating, e-filing 1095-C forms, and handling AIR submissions directly to the IRS.
Automates ACA 1095-C form creation, e-filing, and employee distribution integrated with payroll and HR.
Provides comprehensive ACA reporting including 1095-C generation, validation, and electronic filing for large employers.
Offers full-service ACA compliance with 1095-C form preparation, e-filing, and employee notifications via payroll platform.
Integrates ACA 1095-C reporting into global HR and payroll system with automated compliance tracking.
Manages ACA forms like 1095-C with HRIS integration, auto-filing, and error-checking for mid-sized businesses.
Handles 1095-C e-filing and employee copies as part of affordable payroll and compliance suite.
Generates and e-files 1095-C forms with simple payroll integration for small businesses.
Supports ACA 1095-C reporting and e-filing through Intuit's payroll service with accounting sync.
TaxBandits
specializedEasily e-file Form 1095-C to the IRS and furnish copies to employees with bulk upload and recipient delivery options.
Real-time IRS acknowledgment and error resolution tools for guaranteed compliance without resubmissions.
TaxBandits is a leading cloud-based e-filing platform designed for seamless preparation, filing, and distribution of IRS Form 1095-C for ACA health coverage reporting. It supports bulk uploads from spreadsheets, automatic error validation, and secure employee portals for online access. Businesses can e-file directly with the IRS, print/mail forms, or combine methods, ensuring full compliance with minimal effort.
Pros
- Direct IRS e-filing with 99.9% acceptance rate and real-time status tracking
- Bulk import from Excel/CSV with auto-validation to prevent rejections
- Flexible recipient delivery options including secure online portals and USPS mailing
Cons
- Pay-per-form model can add up for very high-volume filers
- No native mobile app, web-based only
- Steeper initial setup for first-time users with complex employer data
Best For
Medium to large employers seeking reliable, compliant 1095-C e-filing with bulk processing and strong IRS integration.
Pricing
Pay-per-form starting at $2.50 per 1095-C (e-file + online delivery), $5.50 with print/mail; volume discounts available.
ExpressTaxFilings
specializedStreamline ACA compliance by generating, e-filing 1095-C forms, and handling AIR submissions directly to the IRS.
Comprehensive employee database that auto-populates forms from prior-year data for faster multi-year compliance.
ExpressTaxFilings is a cloud-based e-filing platform designed for generating and submitting IRS Form 1095-C reports, helping Applicable Large Employers (ALEs) comply with ACA reporting requirements. It streamlines the process by allowing bulk data imports from Excel or CSV, automatic IRS validation, and secure distribution of forms to employees via print, mail, or online access. The software also maintains an employee database for multi-year reporting and supports corrections and amendments efficiently.
Pros
- Bulk data import and validation to prevent IRS rejections
- Multiple recipient delivery options including e-delivery
- Year-round support for filings, amendments, and extensions
Cons
- Limited native integrations with major payroll systems
- Pay-per-form pricing can add up for very high volumes
- Interface may feel dated compared to newer competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large employers seeking a reliable, no-installation solution for accurate 1095-C e-filing and employee distribution.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go model starting at $2.49 per 1095-C form (volume discounts apply); free trial and setup available.
Gusto
enterpriseAutomates ACA 1095-C form creation, e-filing, and employee distribution integrated with payroll and HR.
Payroll-integrated ACA tracking that automatically populates 1095-C forms from real-time employee and offer data
Gusto is an all-in-one payroll and HR platform that provides comprehensive ACA compliance tools, including automated generation and e-filing of 1095-C and 1094-C forms for Applicable Large Employers (ALEs). It tracks employee eligibility, health insurance offers, and full-time status directly from payroll data, reducing manual errors. The software integrates benefits administration to streamline ACA reporting alongside everyday payroll tasks.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll and benefits data for accurate 1095-C generation
- Automated e-filing of 1094-C and 1095-C forms with the IRS
- User-friendly interface with guided setup for ACA compliance
Cons
- Pricing scales with employee count, which can be costly for larger ALEs
- Less customization for highly complex ACA scenarios compared to specialized tools
- Full ACA features require higher-tier plans or payroll usage
Best For
Small to mid-sized ALEs seeking an integrated payroll and ACA reporting solution without needing standalone compliance software.
Pricing
Starts at $40/month base + $6/employee for Simple plan; ACA reporting included in Plus ($80 base + $12/employee) and Premium (custom pricing) plans.
ADP
enterpriseProvides comprehensive ACA reporting including 1095-C generation, validation, and electronic filing for large employers.
Payroll-to-1095-C automation that directly imports hours, coverage, and affordability data for error-free form generation.
ADP offers comprehensive payroll and HR management software through platforms like ADP Workforce Now, which includes robust ACA compliance tools for generating, validating, and e-filing 1095-C forms. It automatically pulls employee data from payroll runs to populate forms accurately, ensuring compliance with IRS requirements for large employers offering health coverage. The solution supports high-volume reporting and provides audit-ready documentation, making it a reliable choice for complex HR environments.
Pros
- Seamless integration with ADP's payroll system for accurate data import and form population
- Automated e-filing and validation to minimize errors and IRS penalties
- Dedicated compliance experts and regular updates for changing ACA regulations
Cons
- High cost, especially for smaller businesses without full ADP suite
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and customization needs
- Limited flexibility for non-ADP payroll users
Best For
Mid-sized to large employers with integrated ADP payroll systems seeking reliable, high-volume 1095-C reporting.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at $10-25 per employee per month for core HCM features; ACA reporting included in higher-tier plans.
Paychex
enterpriseOffers full-service ACA compliance with 1095-C form preparation, e-filing, and employee notifications via payroll platform.
Expert-managed full-service ACA filing, where Paychex handles form preparation, validation, and IRS submission on your behalf
Paychex is a full-service payroll and HR platform that provides comprehensive ACA compliance tools, including automated generation, validation, and e-filing of 1095-C and 1094-C forms for Applicable Large Employers. It integrates seamlessly with payroll data to ensure accurate reporting of health coverage offers and affordability calculations. The solution also offers employee copies and IRS submissions, with options for expert-managed filing services.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Paychex payroll for accurate data import
- Full-service e-filing and corrections handled by compliance experts
- Robust validation tools to minimize IRS penalties
Cons
- Custom pricing lacks transparency and can be expensive for smaller firms
- Overkill for businesses needing only 1095-C without full payroll
- Steeper learning curve for non-Paychex users
Best For
Mid-sized to large employers already using Paychex payroll who need integrated ACA reporting and managed filing services.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; typically bundled with payroll services starting at $59/month base + $5 per employee, with ACA reporting add-ons.
Rippling
enterpriseIntegrates ACA 1095-C reporting into global HR and payroll system with automated compliance tracking.
Unified data sync across HR, payroll, and benefits for automatic, error-free 1095-C form generation
Rippling is an all-in-one HR, payroll, and IT platform that includes specialized tools for ACA compliance, automating the generation of IRS Forms 1094-C and 1095-C for applicable large employers. It pulls data from integrated payroll, benefits enrollment, and employee records to track coverage offers, eligibility, and reporting requirements accurately. The software simplifies year-end filing by handling complex codes, validations, and e-filing directly to the IRS, reducing manual errors.
Pros
- Seamless integration with HR, payroll, and benefits data for accurate 1095-C population
- Automated compliance tracking and IRS e-filing capabilities
- Real-time eligibility monitoring and audit-ready reporting
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for companies only needing 1095-C functionality
- Overkill interface for users focused solely on ACA reporting
- Custom setup required for complex multi-state or carrier integrations
Best For
Mid-to-large employers seeking an integrated HR platform with robust ACA 1095-C compliance.
Pricing
Starts at $8 per active user per month for core HR/payroll, with ACA compliance included in higher tiers; custom enterprise pricing.
Zenefits
enterpriseManages ACA forms like 1095-C with HRIS integration, auto-filing, and error-checking for mid-sized businesses.
Real-time data sync from benefits enrollment and payroll for error-free 1095-C form population
Zenefits is an all-in-one HR platform that streamlines payroll, benefits administration, and compliance tasks, including automated generation of IRS Forms 1094-C and 1095-C for ACA reporting. It pulls employee data directly from integrated payroll and benefits modules to ensure accuracy in health coverage reporting for Applicable Large Employers. The solution supports e-filing and handles complex affordability calculations, making it suitable for mid-sized businesses managing compliance alongside core HR functions.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll and benefits data for accurate 1095-C generation
- Automated e-filing and IRS transmission capabilities
- Comprehensive ACA compliance tools including affordability testing
Cons
- Pricing scales with employee count, which can get expensive for larger teams
- Full suite may be overkill for companies needing only 1095-C reporting
- Occasional updates required to stay compliant with IRS changes
Best For
Mid-sized employers (50-500 employees) seeking an integrated HR platform with reliable ACA 1095-C reporting.
Pricing
Starts at $8-10 per employee per month for core HR features, with ACA compliance included in Growth or Zen plans ($10-20/EE/mo).
OnPay
enterpriseHandles 1095-C e-filing and employee copies as part of affordable payroll and compliance suite.
Automatic syncing of payroll, benefits, and employee data to pre-fill and validate 1095-C forms
OnPay is a full-service payroll platform that includes ACA compliance tools for generating and e-filing IRS Forms 1094-C and 1095-C. It automates the process by pulling health coverage data directly from payroll and employee records, minimizing manual entry errors. Designed for small to mid-sized businesses, it ensures Applicable Large Employers meet Affordable Care Act reporting requirements efficiently.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll data for accurate 1095-C population
- Direct IRS e-filing with built-in validation checks
- Dedicated compliance experts available for support
Cons
- Less specialized for highly complex multi-state ACA scenarios
- Pricing increases significantly with employee count
- Limited advanced reporting customization beyond basics
Best For
Small to mid-sized Applicable Large Employers seeking an integrated payroll and ACA 1095-C solution without needing standalone software.
Pricing
Starts at $40/month base fee + $6 per active employee/month; ACA 1095-C reporting included at no extra cost.
Patriot Software
enterpriseGenerates and e-files 1095-C forms with simple payroll integration for small businesses.
Direct payroll data import for 1095-C form generation, ensuring accuracy and compliance with minimal manual input
Patriot Software provides full-service payroll processing with integrated ACA compliance tools, specializing in the automated generation and e-filing of IRS Forms 1094-C and 1095-C for Applicable Large Employers. It pulls employee health coverage data directly from payroll records to populate forms accurately, handling monthly tracking and annual reporting requirements under the Affordable Care Act. The platform simplifies compliance for small to mid-sized businesses by combining payroll, tax filing, and ACA forms into one service.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with ACA forms included in full-service payroll
- Automatic population of 1095-C forms from payroll data minimizes errors
- Reliable e-filing and expert support for IRS submissions
Cons
- Limited advanced customization for complex health plan configurations
- Fewer integrations with HRIS or benefits platforms compared to enterprise solutions
- Primarily payroll-focused, lacking deeper HR analytics
Best For
Small to mid-sized employers needing straightforward, cost-effective payroll-integrated 1095-C reporting without advanced HR needs.
Pricing
Full Service Payroll starts at $37/month base + $4 per employee/month; ACA 1095-C forms included at no extra cost.
QuickBooks Payroll
enterpriseSupports ACA 1095-C reporting and e-filing through Intuit's payroll service with accounting sync.
Direct e-filing of 1095-C forms integrated with payroll data for automatic offer-of-coverage code population
QuickBooks Payroll is an integrated payroll solution from Intuit that automates payroll processing, tax withholdings, and compliance reporting for small to medium-sized businesses. It supports ACA compliance by generating, reviewing, and e-filing 1094-C and 1095-C forms directly from payroll data. While robust for general payroll needs, its 1095-C functionality relies on accurate employee health coverage data input, making it suitable as part of a broader accounting ecosystem rather than a standalone ACA reporting tool.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks Online/Desktop for unified payroll and accounting data
- Automated calculation and e-filing of 1095-C forms with IRS validation
- Comprehensive payroll features including direct deposit and tax form handling beyond ACA
Cons
- Requires manual entry or third-party import for detailed health coverage data, limiting full automation
- Pricing scales quickly with employee count, less cost-effective for ACA-only needs
- Interface geared toward payroll users, with a steeper learning curve for ACA-specific workflows
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses already using QuickBooks that need integrated payroll and basic ACA 1095-C reporting.
Pricing
Starts at $50/month + $6 per employee (Core); Premium ($80 + $9/emp) and Elite ($125 + $11/emp) include full ACA e-filing; add-ons extra.
Conclusion
Selecting the best 1095-C software involves prioritizing features like e-filing efficiency, automation, and compliance support, and the reviewed tools deliver varying strengths. TaxBandits emerges as the top choice, excelling with bulk upload and employee delivery options. ExpressTaxFilings and Gusto are strong alternatives, offering streamlined compliance and integration with payroll or HR systems, respectively.
Don’t miss the opportunity to simplify your 1095-C process—try TaxBandits first for its robust e-filing and delivery capabilities, or explore ExpressTaxFilings or Gusto to find the tool that best fits your specific needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.