Quick Overview
- 1#1: Gusto - Automates ACA eligibility tracking, Form 1094/1095 generation, and IRS e-filing for small to mid-sized businesses.
- 2#2: Rippling - Offers integrated ACA compliance with automated reporting, employee tracking, and seamless payroll integration.
- 3#3: ADP - Delivers comprehensive ACA reporting solutions including 1094/1095 forms, audits, and full HR compliance management.
- 4#4: Paychex - Provides robust ACA compliance tools for measurement, reporting, and e-filing within its payroll platform.
- 5#5: Paylocity - Handles ACA tracking, form generation, and transmission with advanced analytics for benefits administration.
- 6#6: Zenefits - Simplifies ACA compliance through automated employee classifications and IRS form submissions.
- 7#7: BambooHR - Supports ACA reporting with eligibility monitoring and integration for 1095-C form creation.
- 8#8: Justworks - Manages ACA compliance as a PEO with full reporting and filing services for client employers.
- 9#9: OnPay - Offers affordable ACA form generation and e-filing with real-time eligibility calculations.
- 10#10: UKG Ready - Provides enterprise-grade ACA compliance with advanced reporting and regulatory updates.
We ranked tools based on their ability to automate critical tasks like eligibility tracking and form generation, integrate with payroll/HR systems, ensure regulatory accuracy, and offer intuitive design, while also considering their overall value for businesses of various sizes.
Comparison Table
This comparison table highlights leading Aca Compliance Software tools, such as Gusto, Rippling, ADP, Paychex, Paylocity, and more, to simplify business evaluation. Readers will gain insights into key features, usability, and compliance support, helping them find the best fit for their operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gusto Automates ACA eligibility tracking, Form 1094/1095 generation, and IRS e-filing for small to mid-sized businesses. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Rippling Offers integrated ACA compliance with automated reporting, employee tracking, and seamless payroll integration. | specialized | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | ADP Delivers comprehensive ACA reporting solutions including 1094/1095 forms, audits, and full HR compliance management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | Paychex Provides robust ACA compliance tools for measurement, reporting, and e-filing within its payroll platform. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Paylocity Handles ACA tracking, form generation, and transmission with advanced analytics for benefits administration. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Zenefits Simplifies ACA compliance through automated employee classifications and IRS form submissions. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | BambooHR Supports ACA reporting with eligibility monitoring and integration for 1095-C form creation. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Justworks Manages ACA compliance as a PEO with full reporting and filing services for client employers. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 9 | OnPay Offers affordable ACA form generation and e-filing with real-time eligibility calculations. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 10 | UKG Ready Provides enterprise-grade ACA compliance with advanced reporting and regulatory updates. | enterprise | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
Automates ACA eligibility tracking, Form 1094/1095 generation, and IRS e-filing for small to mid-sized businesses.
Offers integrated ACA compliance with automated reporting, employee tracking, and seamless payroll integration.
Delivers comprehensive ACA reporting solutions including 1094/1095 forms, audits, and full HR compliance management.
Provides robust ACA compliance tools for measurement, reporting, and e-filing within its payroll platform.
Handles ACA tracking, form generation, and transmission with advanced analytics for benefits administration.
Simplifies ACA compliance through automated employee classifications and IRS form submissions.
Supports ACA reporting with eligibility monitoring and integration for 1095-C form creation.
Manages ACA compliance as a PEO with full reporting and filing services for client employers.
Offers affordable ACA form generation and e-filing with real-time eligibility calculations.
Provides enterprise-grade ACA compliance with advanced reporting and regulatory updates.
Gusto
specializedAutomates ACA eligibility tracking, Form 1094/1095 generation, and IRS e-filing for small to mid-sized businesses.
Direct e-filing of ACA Forms 1094-C and 1095-C to the IRS with automated data validation
Gusto is an all-in-one payroll and HR platform with robust ACA compliance tools designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It automates full-time equivalent (FTE) calculations, tracks health coverage eligibility, and generates IRS Forms 1094-C and 1095-C for accurate reporting. The platform enables direct e-filing with the IRS, provides compliance dashboards for ongoing monitoring, and integrates seamlessly with payroll data to minimize errors and ensure year-round adherence to Affordable Care Act requirements.
Pros
- Automated ACA form generation and direct IRS e-filing
- Seamless integration with payroll and benefits administration
- Real-time compliance monitoring and alerts
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with employee count
- Limited advanced customization for very large enterprises
- Full ACA features require Plus or higher plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing integrated payroll, HR, and automated ACA compliance without dedicated specialists.
Pricing
Simple ($40 base + $6/employee/month); Plus ($80 base + $12/employee/month, includes ACA); Premium (custom quote).
Rippling
specializedOffers integrated ACA compliance with automated reporting, employee tracking, and seamless payroll integration.
Unified platform that syncs ACA compliance directly with payroll and benefits data to prevent errors and simplify audits
Rippling is a comprehensive workforce management platform that excels in ACA compliance by automating eligibility tracking, measurement periods, and offers of coverage. It generates IRS-required 1094-C and 1095-C forms with high accuracy and integrates seamlessly with payroll, benefits, and time tracking. This all-in-one solution minimizes manual errors and ensures year-round compliance monitoring for employers of all sizes.
Pros
- Automated ACA reporting and form generation with audit-ready documentation
- Deep integration with payroll and benefits for real-time eligibility updates
- Scalable compliance tools that handle complex workforce scenarios like part-time and seasonal employees
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small businesses focused only on ACA needs
- Full value requires adopting the broader Rippling ecosystem
- Occasional customization limitations for highly unique compliance requirements
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise companies needing integrated HR, payroll, and ACA compliance in one platform.
Pricing
Starts at $8/user/month for core HR; ACA compliance bundled in Payroll or full-suite plans (custom quotes typically $20-40/user/month).
ADP
enterpriseDelivers comprehensive ACA reporting solutions including 1094/1095 forms, audits, and full HR compliance management.
Deep integration with ADP payroll for automatic, real-time ACA data population and accuracy
ADP provides a robust ACA compliance solution as part of its ADP Workforce Now platform, automating key Affordable Care Act requirements such as employee eligibility tracking, measurement periods, and offers of minimum essential coverage. It generates IRS Forms 1094 and 1095 with e-filing capabilities and offers detailed reporting for audits and penalties avoidance. Integrated with ADP's payroll and HR tools, it ensures data accuracy and streamlines compliance for employers.
Pros
- Seamless integration with ADP payroll and HR systems for real-time data syncing
- Automated Form 1094/1095 generation and e-filing
- Advanced tracking for full-time status and variable-hour employees
Cons
- High pricing that may not suit small businesses
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and navigation
- Custom quotes make budgeting unpredictable
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with existing ADP payroll systems needing integrated ACA compliance and reporting.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $5,000+ annually depending on employee count and modules.
Paychex
enterpriseProvides robust ACA compliance tools for measurement, reporting, and e-filing within its payroll platform.
Full payroll-to-ACA integration that pulls real-time employee data for precise eligibility and affordability determinations
Paychex provides ACA compliance software as part of its integrated payroll and HR platform, automating employee eligibility tracking, affordability calculations, and IRS form generation including 1094-C and 1095-C. It offers year-round monitoring, reporting, and e-filing capabilities to simplify Affordable Care Act obligations. The solution leverages Paychex's extensive payroll data for accuracy, reducing manual errors and ensuring timely compliance.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll for accurate ACA data
- Automated form generation and e-filing with IRS
- Access to dedicated compliance experts and support
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit very small businesses
- Less flexibility for highly customized reporting needs
- Initial setup requires payroll integration time
Best For
Mid-sized businesses needing integrated payroll processing and reliable ACA compliance with professional support.
Pricing
Quote-based; payroll plans start around $80/month base + $4-5 per employee, with ACA compliance included.
Paylocity
enterpriseHandles ACA tracking, form generation, and transmission with advanced analytics for benefits administration.
Direct IRS e-filing of ACA forms with automated data validation and full audit support
Paylocity is a comprehensive cloud-based HCM platform that includes robust ACA compliance tools to help businesses manage Affordable Care Act requirements. It automates employee eligibility tracking for health coverage, generates IRS Forms 1094-C and 1095-C, and supports direct e-filing with the IRS. The solution integrates seamlessly with payroll and benefits data to ensure accurate reporting and minimize compliance risks.
Pros
- Automated generation and e-filing of ACA forms 1094-C and 1095-C
- Real-time eligibility tracking and compliance alerts integrated with payroll
- Strong audit trails and reporting for regulatory adherence
Cons
- Higher cost structure suited better for mid-sized firms than small businesses
- Full HCM suite may overwhelm users needing only ACA tools
- Some advanced customizations require vendor support
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one HCM platform with reliable ACA compliance automation.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $15-$30 per employee per month depending on modules and employee count.
Zenefits
specializedSimplifies ACA compliance through automated employee classifications and IRS form submissions.
Integrated ACA eligibility engine that automatically calculates measurement and administrative periods across payroll data
Zenefits is an all-in-one HR platform that provides robust ACA compliance tools, automating the tracking of employee eligibility, measurement periods, and offer tracking to meet Affordable Care Act requirements. It generates IRS Forms 1094 and 1095 with e-filing capabilities and integrates seamlessly with payroll and benefits administration for accurate reporting. Ideal for businesses seeking to simplify compliance within a broader HR ecosystem, it reduces manual errors and ensures timely filings.
Pros
- Automated 1094/1095 form generation and e-filing
- Seamless integration with payroll and benefits for real-time eligibility tracking
- User-friendly interface with mobile access for HR teams
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small businesses with low employee counts
- Limited advanced customizations for complex compliance scenarios
- Occasional dependency on accurate data imports from third-party systems
Best For
Mid-sized businesses (50-500 employees) needing integrated HR and ACA compliance without standalone software.
Pricing
Starts at $8 per employee/month for core HR (ACA included in Growth tier at $10+/employee/month); custom enterprise pricing available.
BambooHR
specializedSupports ACA reporting with eligibility monitoring and integration for 1095-C form creation.
Automated full-time employee status tracking based on integrated time and payroll data
BambooHR is a cloud-based HR management platform that includes robust ACA compliance tools to track employee hours, determine full-time status under the Affordable Care Act, and manage measurement/stability periods. It automates the generation of IRS Forms 1094-C and 1095-C for reporting employer-sponsored health coverage mandates. While not exclusively an ACA solution, its features integrate deeply with core HR functions like payroll and benefits administration for streamlined compliance.
Pros
- User-friendly interface simplifies ACA reporting and employee tracking
- Seamless integration with payroll and time-off modules for accurate data
- Automated form generation reduces manual errors and audit risks
Cons
- ACA tools are part of a broader HR suite, lacking deep specialization for complex compliance scenarios
- Pricing is quote-based and scales with full platform use, potentially higher for ACA-only needs
- Limited advanced customization for multi-state or enterprise-level ACA requirements
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses seeking an intuitive all-in-one HR platform with solid ACA compliance as part of everyday operations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at around $6-12 per employee per month (billed annually); ACA compliance included in standard plans without add-ons.
Justworks
enterpriseManages ACA compliance as a PEO with full reporting and filing services for client employers.
PEO co-employment that assumes legal liability for ACA compliance errors
Justworks is a full-service Professional Employer Organization (PEO) platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses, handling payroll, HR, benefits, and compliance needs. For ACA compliance, it automates employee eligibility tracking, measurement and stability periods, and generates IRS-required 1094/1095 forms with e-filing capabilities. The software integrates seamlessly with benefits administration to ensure ongoing adherence to Affordable Care Act mandates, reducing administrative burden through co-employment.
Pros
- Automated ACA reporting and e-filing with minimal user input
- PEO co-employment model shifts compliance liability to Justworks
- Integrated payroll and benefits tools streamline full HR compliance
Cons
- Higher costs due to full PEO pricing structure
- Less customizable for complex or enterprise-level ACA needs
- Onboarding can be lengthy for larger teams
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses wanting an all-in-one PEO solution that includes robust ACA compliance without managing it in-house.
Pricing
Starts at $109/month base fee + $6 per active employee/month for Essentials; PEO plans are custom with 6-8% of payroll including full compliance.
OnPay
specializedOffers affordable ACA form generation and e-filing with real-time eligibility calculations.
Automated population and e-filing of 1094-C/1095-C forms directly from payroll data
OnPay is a full-service payroll and HR platform that includes ACA compliance features to automate Affordable Care Act reporting for employers. It generates IRS-required 1094-C and 1095-C forms, tracks employee eligibility and measurement periods, and supports e-filing directly through the platform. Integrated with payroll processing, it ensures data accuracy and simplifies year-end compliance tasks for small to mid-sized businesses.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll data for accurate ACA form population
- Dedicated compliance experts available via support for filing assistance
- User-friendly interface that simplifies setup and reporting
Cons
- Per-employee pricing model increases costs for larger teams
- Lacks advanced analytics or scenario modeling for complex ACA strategies
- Not a standalone ACA tool, requiring full payroll subscription
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking an integrated payroll solution with reliable ACA compliance automation.
Pricing
Starts at $40/month base fee + $6 per active employee; ACA features included at no extra cost.
UKG Ready
enterpriseProvides enterprise-grade ACA compliance with advanced reporting and regulatory updates.
Automated handling of ACA measurement, stability, and administrative periods with payroll integration
UKG Ready is a comprehensive cloud-based HCM platform from UKG that includes dedicated ACA compliance tools for tracking employee eligibility, measuring full-time status, and generating IRS-required 1094 and 1095 forms. It automates affordability calculations, integrates with payroll for accurate reporting, and supports complex measurement/stability periods to help employers avoid penalties. Designed for mid-sized to large organizations, it streamlines ACA obligations within a broader HR ecosystem.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll and HR for accurate ACA data
- Automated form generation and eligibility tracking
- Scalable for enterprises with robust reporting
Cons
- High implementation costs and complexity
- Steep learning curve for non-HCM users
- Less ideal for small businesses due to pricing
Best For
Mid-sized to large employers needing integrated HCM with reliable ACA compliance automation.
Pricing
Quote-based; typically $30-$60 per employee per month including ACA features.
Conclusion
The top 10 tools offer robust ACA compliance solutions, with Gusto, Rippling, and ADP leading the pack. Gusto stands as the top choice, excelling in automating eligibility tracking, form generation, and IRS e-filing for small to mid-sized businesses. Rippling impresses with its integrated, seamless payroll and employee management, while ADP delivers comprehensive solutions including audits and full HR compliance. Each of the top three suits different needs, ensuring a strong option for most organizations.
Take the first step toward stress-free ACA compliance—try Gusto, the top-ranked tool, and streamline eligibility tracking, form generation, and filings today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison