Quick Overview
- 1#1: Gusto - Simplifies ACA compliance for small businesses by automating 1095-C form generation, filing, and employee notifications.
- 2#2: Rippling - Provides automated ACA reporting and compliance tracking integrated with payroll and HR management.
- 3#3: Trusaic - Specializes in accurate ACA reporting with Forms 1094/1095 preparation, e-filing, and ALE compliance validation.
- 4#4: HealthSherpa - Enables brokers and agents to efficiently enroll clients in ACA Marketplace health insurance plans.
- 5#5: Employee Navigator - Offers benefits administration platform with built-in ACA compliance tools for enrollment and reporting.
- 6#6: Zenefits - Delivers HR and payroll software that handles ACA forms, tracking, and IRS e-filing seamlessly.
- 7#7: ADP - Supports comprehensive ACA compliance through integrated payroll solutions for reporting and filing.
- 8#8: Paychex - Provides payroll and HR tools with ACA reporting capabilities including 1095-C generation and submission.
- 9#9: BambooHR - HR management system with ACA compliance features for tracking eligibility and generating required forms.
- 10#10: Justworks - PEO platform that manages ACA compliance as part of employer and employee benefits administration.
We ranked these tools based on their ability to deliver core ACA functions—such as 1095/1094 filing, eligibility tracking, and integration with HR/payroll—paired with user-friendliness, feature breadth, and overall value.
Comparison Table
Managing Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance and employee benefits administration requires reliable software, with a range of tools offering distinct features. This comparison table explores top platforms like Gusto, Rippling, Trusaic, HealthSherpa, Employee Navigator, and more, helping readers evaluate suitability, functionality, and value.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gusto Simplifies ACA compliance for small businesses by automating 1095-C form generation, filing, and employee notifications. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Rippling Provides automated ACA reporting and compliance tracking integrated with payroll and HR management. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Trusaic Specializes in accurate ACA reporting with Forms 1094/1095 preparation, e-filing, and ALE compliance validation. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | HealthSherpa Enables brokers and agents to efficiently enroll clients in ACA Marketplace health insurance plans. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Employee Navigator Offers benefits administration platform with built-in ACA compliance tools for enrollment and reporting. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Zenefits Delivers HR and payroll software that handles ACA forms, tracking, and IRS e-filing seamlessly. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | ADP Supports comprehensive ACA compliance through integrated payroll solutions for reporting and filing. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Paychex Provides payroll and HR tools with ACA reporting capabilities including 1095-C generation and submission. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | BambooHR HR management system with ACA compliance features for tracking eligibility and generating required forms. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | Justworks PEO platform that manages ACA compliance as part of employer and employee benefits administration. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.2/10 |
Simplifies ACA compliance for small businesses by automating 1095-C form generation, filing, and employee notifications.
Provides automated ACA reporting and compliance tracking integrated with payroll and HR management.
Specializes in accurate ACA reporting with Forms 1094/1095 preparation, e-filing, and ALE compliance validation.
Enables brokers and agents to efficiently enroll clients in ACA Marketplace health insurance plans.
Offers benefits administration platform with built-in ACA compliance tools for enrollment and reporting.
Delivers HR and payroll software that handles ACA forms, tracking, and IRS e-filing seamlessly.
Supports comprehensive ACA compliance through integrated payroll solutions for reporting and filing.
Provides payroll and HR tools with ACA reporting capabilities including 1095-C generation and submission.
HR management system with ACA compliance features for tracking eligibility and generating required forms.
PEO platform that manages ACA compliance as part of employer and employee benefits administration.
Gusto
enterpriseSimplifies ACA compliance for small businesses by automating 1095-C form generation, filing, and employee notifications.
Direct e-filing of ACA forms with built-in error-checking and IRS transmission guarantees
Gusto is a leading all-in-one payroll and HR platform that provides robust Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance tools tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. It automates employee eligibility determinations, coverage tracking, and generates IRS-required 1094-C and 1095-C forms with direct e-filing capabilities to the IRS and states. Integrated with payroll and benefits administration, Gusto ensures accurate reporting by pulling data directly from employee records, minimizing errors and manual work.
Pros
- Automated ACA form generation (1094-C/1095-C) and e-filing with IRS accuracy guarantees
- Seamless integration with payroll and benefits for real-time compliance data
- Dedicated support team and extensive compliance resources including audit assistance
Cons
- ACA features locked behind Plus ($80 base + $12/employee/month) or Premium plans
- Higher costs for businesses with many employees or advanced HR needs
- Initial setup may require data migration for complex employee benefit structures
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses (under 500 employees) needing integrated payroll, HR, and ACA compliance without dedicated specialists.
Pricing
Simple: $40 base + $6/employee/month (basic payroll, no ACA); Plus: $80 + $12/employee/month (includes ACA); Premium: custom quote for full features.
Rippling
enterpriseProvides automated ACA reporting and compliance tracking integrated with payroll and HR management.
Unified ACA compliance within a single platform that also handles payroll, benefits, and device management
Rippling is an all-in-one HR, payroll, and IT platform that excels in Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance by automating 1094-C and 1095-C form generation, employee eligibility tracking, and IRS reporting. It integrates ACA tools seamlessly with payroll and benefits administration, providing real-time dashboards for monitoring compliance status across large workforces. This makes it ideal for businesses managing complex health coverage mandates without dedicated compliance teams.
Pros
- Automated ACA form generation and e-filing with IRS integration
- Real-time eligibility tracking and compliance dashboards
- Seamless integration with payroll, benefits, and global HR management
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit very small businesses
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive platform features
- Limited standalone ACA customization without full suite adoption
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise companies seeking an integrated HR platform with robust ACA compliance automation.
Pricing
Starts at $8 per active user/month for core HR (ACA included in Payroll module at $11+/user/month); enterprise custom pricing.
Trusaic
specializedSpecializes in accurate ACA reporting with Forms 1094/1095 preparation, e-filing, and ALE compliance validation.
VEPS (Voluntary Employer Payment Solution) for streamlined handling of ACA penalties and assessments directly with the IRS.
Trusaic offers a comprehensive ACA compliance platform designed to help employers navigate Affordable Care Act reporting requirements, including automated generation and e-filing of Forms 1094-C and 1095-C. The software integrates with major payroll providers for seamless data import, performs accuracy validations to minimize IRS penalties, and provides tools for Pay or Play analysis and transitional relief tracking. It serves as a full-service solution for Applicable Large Employers (ALEs) ensuring regulatory adherence.
Pros
- Extensive payroll integrations for automated data handling
- High accuracy with built-in validation and error-checking tools
- Dedicated support team with ACA expertise
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small employers
- Initial setup requires significant data migration effort
- Interface feels dated compared to newer competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large employers with complex employee data needing robust, reliable ACA reporting and compliance automation.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on employee count; typically starts at $4-6 per employee per month for core ACA reporting, with enterprise add-ons available.
HealthSherpa
specializedEnables brokers and agents to efficiently enroll clients in ACA Marketplace health insurance plans.
Sherpa Engine for instant, accurate ACA subsidy calculations and error-free electronic application filing
HealthSherpa is a specialized ACA enrollment platform designed for insurance brokers and agents to streamline client applications for Affordable Care Act health insurance plans and subsidies. It automates eligibility checks, subsidy calculations, and electronic form submissions directly to federal and state marketplaces, reducing paperwork and errors. The tool excels in handling complex scenarios like special enrollment periods and mixed household incomes.
Pros
- Automated real-time subsidy and eligibility determinations
- Direct electronic submissions to ACA marketplaces
- Comprehensive broker training and support resources
Cons
- Primarily focused on individual ACA markets, less versatile for group plans
- Subscription pricing can be costly for solo agents or small teams
- Occasional performance lags during peak open enrollment periods
Best For
Independent brokers and small agencies specializing in ACA individual and family health insurance enrollments.
Pricing
Free for consumers; broker plans start at $99/month per user with tiered options for higher volumes and enterprise features.
Employee Navigator
specializedOffers benefits administration platform with built-in ACA compliance tools for enrollment and reporting.
Broker portal for multi-client ACA management and real-time compliance monitoring
Employee Navigator is a cloud-based HR and benefits administration platform designed to simplify employee enrollment, benefits management, and compliance tasks. For Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance, it provides automated tools for tracking eligibility, calculating affordability, and generating IRS 1094/1095 forms with e-filing options. It integrates seamlessly with carriers, payroll providers, and other HR systems to ensure accurate reporting and reduce administrative burdens.
Pros
- Robust ACA compliance tools including automated form generation and e-filing
- Intuitive interface that speeds up open enrollment and reporting
- Excellent integrations with payroll and insurance carriers
Cons
- Pricing can be higher for smaller employers without broker support
- Advanced ACA customization requires training
- Reporting analytics are solid but not as advanced as top competitors
Best For
Mid-sized employers and benefits brokers managing ACA compliance across multiple clients.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on employee count; typically $5-10 per employee per month, with broker portal options.
Zenefits
enterpriseDelivers HR and payroll software that handles ACA forms, tracking, and IRS e-filing seamlessly.
Automated ACA measurement and administrative period tracking with built-in payroll integration for accurate employee categorization.
Zenefits is an all-in-one HR platform that provides dedicated Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance tools, automating employee eligibility tracking, measurement periods, and reporting requirements. It generates IRS Forms 1094-C and 1095-C, supports e-filing, and offers dashboards for monitoring compliance status across the workforce. Integrated with payroll, benefits, and time tracking, it streamlines ACA obligations within broader HR management.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll and benefits for holistic ACA management
- Automated form generation and e-filing reduces manual errors
- Real-time dashboards for tracking eligibility and compliance status
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small businesses with basic ACA needs
- Customer support response times vary, especially during peak filing seasons
- Occasional integration hiccups with third-party carriers
Best For
Mid-sized employers (50-500 employees) seeking integrated HR and ACA compliance without multiple vendors.
Pricing
Custom quote based on employee count; core HR + ACA starts at $8-12 per employee/month, with add-ons increasing costs.
ADP
enterpriseSupports comprehensive ACA compliance through integrated payroll solutions for reporting and filing.
Payroll-integrated coverage tracking that auto-populates ACA data from payroll runs for maximum accuracy
ADP's ACA software, part of its broader HR and payroll ecosystem, automates Affordable Care Act compliance by tracking employee eligibility for health coverage, measuring full-time status, and generating IRS Forms 1094-C and 1095-C. It integrates directly with ADP's payroll platform to pull employee data, reducing manual entry and errors. The solution also supports electronic filing with the IRS and provides audit-ready reporting to ensure ongoing compliance amid changing regulations.
Pros
- Seamless integration with ADP payroll for accurate data flow
- Comprehensive ACA tracking and automated form generation
- Strong customer support and IRS e-filing capabilities
Cons
- High cost, especially for smaller employers
- Interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS tools
- Customization limited without additional consulting
Best For
Mid-to-large businesses already using ADP payroll that need reliable, integrated ACA compliance without switching platforms.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on employee count; ACA module typically $5-15 per employee/month as an add-on to core payroll services.
Paychex
enterpriseProvides payroll and HR tools with ACA reporting capabilities including 1095-C generation and submission.
Payroll-integrated ACA measurement and reporting that pulls real-time employee data for precise compliance calculations
Paychex provides a comprehensive payroll and HR management platform with integrated Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance tools designed for small to mid-sized businesses. It automates employee eligibility tracking, coverage monitoring, and the generation of IRS Forms 1094-C and 1095-C for accurate reporting. The solution leverages payroll data for seamless ACA calculations, helping employers maintain compliance with minimal manual intervention.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll for automated ACA data handling
- Reliable e-filing and IRS transmission capabilities
- Dedicated support from ACA compliance experts
Cons
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller teams
- Interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS tools
- Limited standalone ACA features without full payroll suite
Best For
Mid-sized employers seeking integrated payroll and ACA compliance without needing a dedicated standalone tool.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on employee count and services; typically $80+ base/month + $5-7 per employee/month.
BambooHR
enterpriseHR management system with ACA compliance features for tracking eligibility and generating required forms.
Guided code selection wizard for accurate 1094-C/1095-C form completion using real-time employee data
BambooHR is a cloud-based HRIS platform that provides essential Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance features within its comprehensive HR management suite. It automates employee eligibility tracking, measurement periods, and offers guided code selection for generating IRS Forms 1094-C and 1095-C. The software integrates ACA reporting directly with payroll and employee records, simplifying compliance for small to mid-sized businesses. While not a standalone ACA tool, it delivers reliable reporting with e-filing capabilities.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with guided ACA code selection
- Seamless integration with HR, payroll, and time tracking
- Automated form generation and e-filing support
Cons
- Not specialized solely for ACA, lacking advanced analytics
- Pricing tied to full HR suite, potentially overkill for ACA-only needs
- Limited customization for complex ACA scenarios
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses seeking integrated HR management with reliable ACA compliance tools.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at ~$6-12 per employee/month (billed annually); ACA features included in core plans, no add-on fees.
Justworks
enterprisePEO platform that manages ACA compliance as part of employer and employee benefits administration.
Co-employment model that assumes legal employer status for seamless ACA reporting and liability sharing
Justworks is a full-service Professional Employer Organization (PEO) platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses, offering integrated payroll, HR management, and compliance tools. For Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance, it automates eligibility tracking, generates 1094 and 1095 forms, and handles electronic filing with the IRS. It also provides benefits administration and reporting to ensure businesses meet ACA mandates without dedicated HR staff.
Pros
- Automated ACA form generation and e-filing simplifies compliance
- Integrated payroll and benefits reduce manual work
- Dedicated support team for compliance questions
Cons
- High per-employee pricing model may not suit very small teams
- ACA features tied to full PEO suite, not standalone
- Limited advanced customization for complex ACA scenarios
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one PEO solution with reliable ACA compliance built-in.
Pricing
Starts at $109 per employee per month for core PEO services including ACA compliance, payroll, and benefits (billed monthly with minimums).
Conclusion
Among the reviewed tools, Gusto stands out as the top choice, simplifying ACA compliance through automated 1095-C form processes for small businesses. Rippling and Trusaic are strong alternatives, offering robust reporting, integration, and compliance tracking tailored to different needs. These platforms collectively demonstrate the breadth of solutions available to ensure efficient ACA management.
Begin streamlining your ACA compliance today with Gusto, the leading tool for seamless, automated processes.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison