How to Record Employer Paid Health Insurance in QuickBooks Desktop and Online?

To record employer-paid health insurance in QuickBooks, begin by creating a payroll item for the company contributions, then assign it to the employees and record the payments as expenses, either through journal entries or a bill.

Under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, most Americans are required to maintain a basic level of health insurance referred to as minimum essential coverage defined by the Department of Health and Human Services.

“Employer-sponsored coverage” includes health insurance for current employees, their families, and retired employees. Federal law allows former employees to keep their employer’s health insurance, at their own cost, for a limited time after leaving the job.

If your company has an insurance benefit plan, you need to set up and manage payroll items for your insurance benefit plan in QuickBooks Online Payroll and QuickBooks Desktop Payroll to track and tax it appropriately.

In order to set up, add, edit, and track insurance benefits plans or employer health benefits, you must determine the type of health benefit plan or insurance benefit plan.

However, if you don’t have an insurance benefit plan, QuickBooks has partnered with Allstate Health Solutions to provide employee health benefit options for QuickBooks Online Payroll customers.

Prerequisites / Considerations To Take Before Recording Health Insurance in QuickBooks

Before recording Health Insurance in QuickBooks, make sure to address several key areas to avoid any technical problems in the future.

Tax Implications of Employer – Paid Health Insurance

• Determine Taxability: Verify that health insurance premiums paid for employees are assessed for taxability. Generally, employer-paid premiums are exempt from federal income and payroll taxes.
• W2 Form: Employee benefits are recorded in the W-2 Forms which are submitted to the IRS for reporting purposes. W-2 tax forms, also known as the Wage and Tax Statement, is a document an employer sends to each employee and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
• W-2 Reporting: The Affordable Care Act requires employers to report the total cost of employer-sponsored health coverage on employees’ W-2 forms. This amount includes both employer and employee contributions but is not taxable. W-2 forms contain essential information about employees’ earnings and tax withholdings, and they are submitted to the IRS. Employees use this form to file federal and state taxes. A W-2 employee is one whose employer deducts taxes from their paycheck and reports it to the government.

Ensuring Compliance with ACA Requirements

• Identify Applicable Provisions: Identify the applicable ACA provisions based on your organization’s size. Employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees are subject to the Employer Shared Responsibility provisions.
• Offer Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC): Ensure that the health insurance plan provides MEC and is affordable, as defined by the ACA, to avoid potential penalties.
• Reporting Obligations: Understand ACA reporting requirements, including Forms 1094-C and 1095-C, which detail the health coverage provided to employees.

Differences Between Pre-Tax and Post-Tax Health Insurance Deductions

• Pre-Tax Deductions: These reduce an employee’s taxable income, leading to tax savings for both the employee and employer. Common pre-tax deductions include premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Post-Tax Deductions: These do not reduce taxable income. There are still some deductions for certain benefits, like some life insurance policies, which may be post-tax.
• Setup in QuickBooks: When setting up payroll items in QuickBooks, specify whether each deduction is pre-tax or post-tax to ensure accurate tax calculations and reporting.

Reviewing Employee Agreements & Health Insurance Plan Details

• Examine Employee Contracts: Review agreements to understand the commitments regarding health insurance benefits, including employer contribution rates and eligibility criteria.
• Analyze Plan Documents: Understand the specifics of the health insurance plan, such as coverage options, premium amounts, and any employee cost-sharing responsibilities.
• Communicate with Employees: Clearly inform employees about their benefits, contribution amounts, and any actions required on their part.

For QuickBooks Desktop

How to record Employer Paid Health Insurance in QuickBooks Desktop?

Step by Step to record Employer Paid Health Insurance in QuickBooks Desktop

Step 1: Create a Payroll Items 

1. Go to the Lists menu and the Payroll Item List.
2. Click Payroll Item and tap on “New”.
3. Choose Custom Setup and click Next.
4. Select Deduction or Company Contribution and click Next.
5. Name the insurance type (e.g., Medical, Vision, Dental).
6. Enter the following:
   • Agency Name and Account Number: Select the agency name to which liability is paid (or add it) and the account number.
   • Tax Tracking Type: Set the Tax Tracking Type to Premium Only/125 (for pre-tax) and None (for after-tax). Then, click Next three times.For the None tax tracking type, choose net pay in the Gross vs. net window, then hit the Next icon.
   • Contribution amount and limit: Leave the Default rate and limit fields blank. You can add the rate and limit when the item is added to the employee profile.
7. Click OK to save.

Step 2: Assign to Employees

1. Click on the “Employees” menu and then click on “Employee Center”.
2. Click twice on the Employee’s name and go to the “Payroll Info”
3. Under the section for Additions, Deductions, and Company Contributions, add the new payroll items.
4. Enter the contribution amount per period and the limit.
5. Press the OK button. 

Step 3: Record the Payment

1. Click on the “ Vendors” menu and click on the “ Enter Bills” option on the screen.
2. Now, mention the insurance company, policy number and the payment amount.
3. Assign the expense to the correct account. 
4. Use the “Pay Bills” tool to pay the bill. 

How to Add / Modify and Remove Employer Paid Health Insurance in QuickBooks Desktop?

Step to add/modify and remove Employer Paid Health Insurance in QuickBooks Desktop

Case 1: Add Employer Paid Health Insurance in QuickBooks Desktop

1. Click on the Employees menu, choose the Employee Center and click twice on the Employee’s name. 
2. Select the Payroll Info section.
3. Under the section for Additions, Deductions, and Company Contributions, add the health benefit insurance items.
4. Enter the contribution amount per period and the limit.
5. Press the OK button. 

Case 2: Modify Employer Paid Health Insurance in QuickBooks Desktop

1. Navigate to the Lists menu, and then choose the Payroll Item List. Then, hit right-click on the item and select Edit Payroll Item. 
2. Change the info as needed on each window. 
3. Press the Finish icon. 

Case 3: Remove Employer Paid Health Insurance in QuickBooks Desktop

1. Click on Employees and select Employee Center. Then, select your Employee. 
2. Select the Payroll Info section. 
3. Under the section for Additions, Deductions, and Company Contributions, select the amount (if there’s any) and the item name, and then press Delete on your keyboard.
4. Hit the OK tab. 

How to Create Zero Net Paychecks for Employer Paid Health Insurance in QuickBooks Desktop?

Step to create zero net paychecks for Employer Paid Health Insurance in QuickBooks Desktop

Step 1: Set up a Dummy Addition Item

1. Navigate to the Lists menu and then choose Payroll Item List. 
2. Right-click anywhere, then press New and select Custom Setup > Next.
3. Opt for Addition and press Next. 
4. Enter the name of the item and click Next twice. 
5. Hit the None icon under the Tax Tracking type drop-down menu and click Next three times. 
6. Select Net Pay and hit Next.
7. Press the Finish button.  

Step 2: Create a company paid insurance Item

1. Click on the Lists menu and then choose Payroll Item List.
2. Click-right anywhere, then press New and select Custom Setup > Next. 
3. Select Deduction, then press Next.
4. Enter the deduction name and double-click on Next.
5. Choose None under the Tax tracking type drop-down menu. Then, hit Next three times.
6. Press the net pay radio button.
7. Click Next and then hit the Finish icon.

Step 3: Create the payroll check

1. Click on the Employees menu and then select Pay Employees. 
2. Choose Unscheduled Payroll. 
3. Update the date and then click the employee name. 
4. Select the Open Paycheck Detail option.
5. Remove all the items in the Earnings section.
6. Go to the Other Payroll Items section and then remove any addition or deduction items. 
7. Add the dummy addition and deduction item you’ve just created. 
8. Enter a sample amount (like 100). 
9. Make sure the Check Amount is zeroed out. 

Liability Health Insurance (company paid) adjustment for zero-year-end balance

Below is the Step by step guide to create zero net paychecks to include the company-paid insurance in QuickBooks Desktop.

1. Hit the Employees tab at the top menu bar and then select Payroll Taxes and Liabilities. 
2. Choose Adjust Payroll Liabilities.
3. Type in the Date and Effective Date.
4. Click Company under Adjustment is for.
5. Select the Health Insurance item and enter the Amount.
6. Tickmark the Accounts Affected checkbox and then hit OK.
7. Press the OK button.

How to report Employer Health Insurance on W2 Forms in QuickBooks Desktop Payroll?

To report employer health insurance on W-2 forms in QuickBooks Desktop, create a new payroll item under Payroll Item List, set up as a company contribution, and add it to employee paychecks before year-end.

Steps by step guide to report Employer Health Insurance on W-2 Forms in QuickBooks Desktop Payroll

1. Click on List and then select Payroll Item List.
2. Hit the New Payroll Item tab.
3. Select Custom Setup, then press the Next button.
4. Choose Company Contribution and then click Next.
5. Give a name to the payroll item. For example, “Reportable Health Coverage Cost”. Later, hit the Next icon.
6. Choose the Liability account drop-down menu, and press Add new.
7. Select Other Expenses and create a new account name (like “Reportable Health Coverage“). Hit the Save & Close tab. 
8. Navigate to the Expense account drop-down menu and then select the account you’ve just created. Click Next.
   Note: Making the liability and expense accounts the same allows you to track your healthcare costs without impacting your financial reports. Press Yes on the warning prompt.
9. Opt for the tax tracking type drop-down and then choose Health Coverage Cost.
10. Press Next three times and then hit the Finish tab.
11. You need to add the healthcare company contribution to your employees’ paychecks and run a payroll before the end of the year.

For QuickBooks Online

How to Record Employer Paid Health Insurance in QuickBooks Online?

Step 1: Create a Payroll Item

1. Navigate to Payroll Menu> Employees and then choose your employee. 
2. Click on Start or Edit under the Deductions & contributions. 
3. Then, select + Add Deduction/contribution.
4. Select the specific contribution item (Health Insurance benefit plans): 
   • Deduction/contribution: Add deduction/contribution
   • Deduction/contribution type: Health insurance
   • Type: Choose Medical insurance, Vision Insurance, or Dental Insurance. If you’re setting up a pre-tax item not listed like commuter benefit, AFLAC accident or cancer, etc, click on Vision Insurance.
5. Under the Description (appears on a paycheck) field, enter the provider’s name and select how your deduction is calculated
6. Then enter the amount or percent per paycheck.
7. Choose Pre-tax insurance premium or Taxable insurance premium. If you contribute a matching contribution, add an amount or percent per paycheck for the company contribution.
8. Once completed, press Save, then click Done.

Step 2:  Record the Payment

1. Click on “New” and then select “Journal Entry”. 
2. Enter the relevant accounts for health insurance payments (liability and expense accounts). 
3. Click “Save and Close”. 

How to Edit / Remove an Insurance item in QuickBooks Online?

To edit or remove an insurance item in QuickBooks Online, go to Payroll > Employees, select the employee, modify or delete the contribution, and press Save and Done.

Steps to edit / remove  an Insurance Item in QuickBooks Online

• Go to Payroll > Employees and then select your employee. 
• From Deductions & contributions, choose Start or Edit. 
• Then, click on Edit beside the contribution you want to modify or hit the Trash bin icon to remove the contribution.
• Press Save and then Done

How to Report Employer Health Insurance on W2 Forms in QuickBooks Online Payroll?

To report employer health insurance on W-2 forms in QuickBooks Online Payroll, go to Taxes > Payroll Taxes > Filings > Resources, edit Box 12/13, enter amounts in Box 12DD and Box 12FF, and click Submit.

Steps to report Employer Health Insurance on W-2 Forms in QuickBooks Online Payroll

• Go to Taxes, then select Payroll Taxes > Filings > Resources.
• Choose W-2s and then select Edit Box 12/13 on W-2 Copies B, C, & 2 (employee) from Employee W-2s.
• Enter the dollar amount for each employee:
  • Use Box 12DD for the coverage you provide your employees.
  • Use Box 12FF for reimbursements you give your employees.
• Click Submit.

How to Set up Health Insurance Reimbursement in QuickBooks Online?

To set up health insurance reimbursement for an employee in QuickBooks Online (QBO), follow these steps:

Steps to set up health insurance reimbursement in QuickBooks Online

1. Go to Payroll > Employees.
2. Select the employee.
3. Under Pay types, choose Start or Edit.
4. Scroll down to the Additional Pay Types section and select Reimbursement.
5. If a reimbursement type is already listed, select it or choose + Another Reimbursement type to add a new one.
6. Set a default amount or leave it blank to enter the amount during payroll.
7. Optionally, rename the reimbursement type by selecting Edit next to it.
8. Click Save when done.
9. When running payroll, enter the reimbursement amount in the Reimbursement field.

How do I Categorize Employee Health Insurance in QuickBooks?

When managing or recording health insurance expenses in QuickBooks, ensure proper categorization to maintain accurate financial records. Here’s a streamlined approach to categorize health insurance expenses:

• Set up a specific expense account for health insurance. Categorize all health insurance-related payments here to separate them from other expenses.
• Avoid Duplicating Expenses
  • For employee deductions and employer contributions, avoid duplicating expenses by properly assigning categories.
  • In the “Employee Profile” under Deductions, set the “Company Contribution” field to 0.00 or None if you notice duplication.
• Allocate Expenses Correctly
  • For employee deductions, ensure these accumulate in a liability account throughout the month.
  • At the month’s end, reconcile by creating a journal entry. Adjust the liability account and allocate remaining amounts to the health insurance expense account.
• If health insurance is paid at the start of the month, categorize it in the banking tab as “Health Insurance Expense.” Adjust liabilities later during reconciliation.
• Fix Duplicated Entries
  • Review transaction journals to find accounts affected by duplication.
  • Reverse these transactions to correct overstated expenses.

How to Record Health Insurance Payments in QuickBooks? 

You can record health insurance payments in QuickBooks using one of three ways: Payroll Item, Expense Transaction, or Journal Entry.

Method 1: Using a Payroll Item

1. Go to Lists > Payroll Item List.
2. Click Payroll Item > New.
3. Choose Custom Setup > Next.
4. Select Deduction or Company Contribution > Next.
5. Name the item (e.g., Medical, Vision, Dental).
6. Enter the agency, account number, tax tracking type, contribution amount, and limit.
7. Click OK to save.

Method 2: Recording as an Expense Transaction

1. In QuickBooks, go to Expenses.
2. Click New Transaction > Expense.
3. Enter details like date, payee, payment method, and amount.
4. Categorize it under Health Insurance.
5. Attach receipts or documentation if needed.

Method 3: Using a Journal Entry

1. Click New (top left of QuickBooks Online).
2. Select Journal Entry under the Other section.
3. Enter the relevant accounts for health insurance payments.
4. Click Save and Close.

How employer-paid health insurance affects payroll taxes in QuickBooks?

Managing employer-paid health insurance in QuickBooks is crucial for keeping your books accurate and ensuring compliance with tax regulations. Employer-paid health insurance significantly influences payroll taxes in QuickBooks. Understanding this impact is crucial for accurate financial reporting and compliance. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you navigate this process effectively.

Understanding Tax Implications of Employer-Paid Health Insurance :

• Federal Income Tax: Employer contributions to employee health insurance premiums are generally exempt from federal income tax.
• Social Security and Medicare Taxes (FICA): These contributions are typically not subject to FICA taxes.
• Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA): Employer-paid health insurance premiums are usually exempt from FUTA tax.

Troubleshooting & Common Issues in Recording Health Insurance

How to Fix employer-paid health insurance not appearing on W-2?

If your employer-paid health insurance isn’t appearing on your W-2 form, it’s essential to address this promptly to ensure accurate tax reporting. 

Steps to fix employer-paid health insurance not appearing on W-2

1. Review Your W-2 Form
   • Box 12: This box should display the code “DD,” representing the total cost of employer-sponsored health coverage.
   • Box 1: Confirm that your taxable wages don’t include the health insurance premiums, as these are typically pre-tax deductions.
2. Consult Your Payroll or HR Department
   • Immediate Contact: Reach out to your company’s payroll or human resources department to inform them of the omission.
   • Provide Documentation: Have your health insurance enrollment forms or pay stubs showing premium deductions ready to support your claim.
3. Request a Corrected W-2 (Form W-2c)
   • Formal Request: Ask your employer to issue a Form W-2c, which corrects errors on the original W-2.
   • Timeline: Ensure this is done promptly to avoid delays in your tax filing.
4. Adjust Your Tax Return if Necessary:
   • Amendment: If you’ve already filed your tax return using the incorrect W-2, you may need to file an amended return (Form 1040-X) once you receive the corrected W-2.
   • Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting a tax professional to navigate the amendment process accurately.

Correcting Payroll Errors in QuickBooks related to health insurance

Correcting payroll errors in QuickBooks related to health insurance involves identifying the discrepancies, adjusting payroll items, and ensuring accurate reporting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Identify the Payroll Error

1. Examine your payroll summaries and detailed reports to spot inconsistencies related to health insurance deductions or contributions.
2. Ensure that each employee’s health insurance deductions are set up correctly in their profiles.

Step 2: Adjust Health Insurance Payroll Items

1. Navigate to the “Lists” menu and select “Payroll Item List.”
2. Locate the health insurance payroll item in question.
3. Right-click on it and choose “Edit Payroll Item.”
4. Verify the type (e.g., deduction, company contribution).
5. Ensure the tax tracking type aligns with your health insurance plan.
6. Confirm the correct liability and expense accounts are assigned.

Step 3: Correct Employee Payroll Information

1. Go to the “Employees” menu and select “Employee Center.”
2. Double-click on the employee’s name to open their profile.
3. Navigate to the “Payroll Info” tab.
4. In the “Additions, Deductions, and Company Contributions” section, verify that the health insurance item is listed with the correct amount.
5. Make necessary adjustments and click “OK” to save changes.

Step 4: Update Past Payroll Transactions

1. From the “Employees” menu, select “Edit/Void Paychecks.”
2. Choose the paycheck containing the error and click “Edit.”
3. In the paycheck window, adjust the health insurance deduction or contribution as needed.
4. Ensure that the net pay reflects the correction.
5. Click “Save & Close” to update the paycheck.
6. Repeat this process for any other affected paychecks.

Employer Health Insurance Adjustments & Reconciliations

How to Adjust Prior Period Health Insurance Contributions in QuickBooks?

Adjusting prior period health insurance contributions in QuickBooks requires careful handling to ensure your financial records remain accurate. Here’s a step-by-step guide to assist you:

1. Identify the Affected Period and Amount
   • Determine the Specific Period: Ascertain the exact prior period(s) where the health insurance contributions need adjustment.
   • Calculate the Adjustment Amount: Compute the total amount that needs correction for each affected period.
2. Open QuickBooks: Launch your QuickBooks application.
3. Navigate to Payroll Center: Click on ‘Employees’ in the top menu and select ‘Payroll Center’ from the dropdown.
4. Go to ‘Payroll’ Tab: Within the Payroll Center, select the ‘Payroll’ tab.
5. Choose ‘Adjust Payroll Liabilities’: Click on ‘Adjust Payroll Liabilities’ to initiate the adjustment process.
6. Enter Adjustment Details
   • Select the Affected Employee: In the ‘Employee’ field, choose the employee whose contributions need adjustment.
   • Set the Date: Enter the date corresponding to the end of the affected payroll period.
   • Specify the Adjustment Item: From the ‘Item Name’ dropdown, select the health insurance contribution item that requires adjustment.
   • Input the Adjustment Amount: Enter the correction amount. Use a positive number to increase and a negative number to decrease the contribution.
   • Add a Memo (Optional): For future reference, include a brief description or reason for the adjustment in the ‘Memo’ field.
7. Double-check all details to ensure accuracy.
8. Save the Adjustment: Click ‘OK’ or ‘Save & Close’ to record the adjustment.
9. Update Payroll Records
   • Run Payroll Reports: Generate relevant payroll reports to confirm that the adjustment has been accurately applied.
   • Inform Affected Employees: Communicate any changes to the employees involved, especially if the adjustment impacts their net pay or tax withholdings.

How to reconcile employer-paid health insurance at year-end?

Reconciling employer-paid health insurance at year-end in QuickBooks is essential for accurate financial records and tax reporting. Follow these detailed steps to ensure proper reconciliation:

Step 1: Verify Payroll Settings

1. Ensure that the employer-paid health insurance is set up correctly in QuickBooks.
2. Navigate to the Payroll Center.
3. Click on “Payroll Setup” and review the “Deductions & Contributions” section.
4. Confirm that the health insurance contribution is listed as a company-paid item.

Step 2: Review Payroll Reports

1. Go to the “Reports” menu.
2. Select “Employees & Payroll,” then choose “Payroll Summary.”
3. Set the date range to cover the entire fiscal year.
4. Locate the employer-paid health insurance amounts and note the total for the year.

Step 3: Cross-Check with General Ledger

1. Access the “Chart of Accounts” from the “Lists” menu.
2. Find the account associated with employer-paid health insurance expenses.
3. Right-click on the account and select “QuickReport.”
4. Set the date range to match your fiscal year.
5. Compare the total in this report to the total from the Payroll Summary.

Step 4: Adjust Discrepancies

1. If differences exist between the reports, investigate individual transactions.
2. Ensure all health insurance payments are recorded correctly.
3. Make necessary adjustments by creating journal entries:
   • Go to the “Company” menu and select “Make General Journal Entries.”
   • Enter the adjustment details, debiting or crediting the appropriate accounts.

Step 5: Update Employee W-2 Forms (U.S. Only)

1. Employer-paid health insurance may need to be reported on employee W-2 forms.
2. Navigate to the “Employees” menu and select “Payroll Tax Forms & W-2s.”
3. Choose “Process W-2s” and review each form for accuracy.
4. Ensure the health insurance amounts are correctly reflected in Box 12 with Code DD.

Step 6: Consult Tax Professionals:

• Tax regulations regarding employer-paid health insurance can vary.
• It’s advisable to consult with a tax professional to ensure compliance with current laws and accurate reporting.

Handling Overpaid or underpaid health insurance in QuickBooks

Handling overpaid or underpaid health insurance transactions in QuickBooks requires careful attention to ensure your financial records accurately reflect these discrepancies. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to assist you:

Step 1: Recording Health Insurance Payments

1. Navigate to the ‘Expenses’ Section: Open QuickBooks and select ‘Expenses’ from the left-hand menu.
2. Create a New Expense: Click on ‘New Transaction’ and choose ‘Expense’.
3. Enter Payment Details: Input the payment date, payee (health insurance provider), and the amount paid.
4. Assign the Appropriate Category: Select ‘Insurance’ or a similar category you’ve set up for health insurance expenses.
5. Save the Transaction: After verifying all details, click ‘Save and Close’.

Step 2: Identifying Overpayments or Underpayments

1. Review Statements: Regularly compare your QuickBooks records with statements from your health insurance provider to spot any discrepancies.
2. Run Expense Reports: In QuickBooks, generate expense reports for your insurance payments to identify inconsistencies.

Step 3: Handling Overpayments

1. Contact the Insurance Provider: Confirm the overpayment amount and discuss refund options or credit adjustments.
2. Record the Refund in QuickBooks:
   • Navigate to ‘Banking’: Go to the ‘Banking’ menu and select ‘Make Deposits’.
   • Enter Deposit Details: In the ‘Received From’ field, enter the insurance provider’s name. For the ‘Account’ field, select ‘Insurance Expense’ to offset the overpayment. Input the refund amount.
   • Save the Deposit: Click ‘Save and Close’ to record the refund.
3. Adjust Future Payments (if credited):
   • Modify Upcoming Expense Entries: Reduce the amount of your next payment by the credited overpayment amount.
   • Document the Adjustment: In the memo or notes section of the transaction, note that this payment reflects an overpayment credit.

Step 4: Handling Underpayments

1. Contact the Insurance Provider: Verify the underpayment amount and understand any potential penalties or interest.
2. Record the Additional Payment in QuickBooks:
   • Navigate to ‘Expenses’: Click on ‘New Transaction’ and select ‘Expense’.
   • Enter Payment Details: Input the additional amount paid, ensuring the date and payee are correct.
   • Assign the Appropriate Category: Select ‘Insurance’ or your designated health insurance expense category.
   • Save the Transaction: After verifying all details, click ‘Save and Close’.

Step 5: At the end of each month, reconcile your QuickBooks accounts to ensure all health insurance payments and adjustments match your bank statements.

How to Add Health Insurance to a W-2 in QuickBooks

If you need to report health insurance on an employee’s W-2 in QuickBooks, you can do it in two ways:

Option 1: Add Health Insurance to Box 12DD or 12FF

1. Go to Taxes > Payroll Taxes > Filings
2. Select Resources > W-2s
3. Click Edit Box 12/13 on W-2 Copies B, C, & 2 (Employee)
4. Enter the health insurance amount for each employee
5. Click Submit

Option 2: Set Up a Payroll Item for Health Insurance

1. Go to Lists > Payroll Item List
2. Click New Payroll Item
3. Select Custom Setup > Company Contribution
4. Name the payroll item (e.g., “Health Insurance”)
5. Under Liability Account, select Add New, create a name, then Save & Close
6. Under Expense Account, select the new account
7. Choose Health Coverage Cost from the Tax Tracking Type drop-down
8. Click Finish

Best Practices for Recording Employer-Paid Health Insurance

Accurate recording of employer-paid health insurance is essential for compliance, tax purposes, and efficient payroll management. Below is a detailed guide to help you maintain precise records, automate payroll processes, and ensure smooth year-end reporting of employer-paid benefits.

Keeping Accurate Records for Compliance & Tax Purposes

• Classify Health Insurance Premiums: Determine which health insurance premiums are employer-paid and which are employee-paid. This distinction is crucial for tax reporting and compliance.
• Document Plan Details: Maintain comprehensive records of each health insurance plan offered, including coverage specifics, eligibility criteria, and premium amounts.
• Track Employer Contributions: Record the exact amounts the employer contributes toward each employee’s health insurance premiums. This information is vital for tax reporting and financial analysis.
• Monitor Legislative Changes: Stay informed about changes in tax laws and regulations related to employer-paid health insurance to ensure ongoing compliance.

Automating Payroll Processes to Reduce Errors

• Implement Payroll Software: Adopt a reliable payroll system that supports the integration of benefits administration. This software should handle calculations, deductions, and contributions related to health insurance premiums.
• Integrate Benefits Data: Ensure that your payroll system is integrated with your benefits administration platform. This integration allows for automatic updates of employee benefit selections and corresponding premium amounts.
• Set Up Automated Deductions: Configure the payroll system to automatically deduct employee-paid premiums from their wages and account for employer-paid portions accurately.
• Regularly Audit Payroll Entries: Conduct periodic audits of payroll entries to identify and correct discrepancies related to health insurance premiums promptly.

Ensuring Smooth Year-End Reporting of Employer-Paid Benefits

• Prepare Annual Statements: Generate detailed reports summarizing the total employer-paid health insurance premiums for each employee over the fiscal year.
• Complete Required Tax Forms: Accurately fill out necessary tax forms, such as Form 16 in India, ensuring that employer-paid health insurance benefits are reported correctly.
• Distribute Employee Statements: Provide employees with statements detailing the total health insurance premiums paid on their behalf, which they may need for personal tax filings.
• Retain Records for Compliance: Store all related documents securely for the period required by law, typically several years, to comply with regulatory requirements and facilitate potential audits.

By following these steps, you can maintain accurate records of employer-paid health insurance, minimize errors through automation, and ensure compliance during year-end reporting.

Conclusion 

Accurately recording employer-paid health insurance in QuickBooks, whether Desktop or Online, is vital for maintaining financial records and ensuring tax compliance. By setting up payroll items, allocating costs to the right accounts, and regularly reviewing entries, you can effectively track these expenses and improve reporting credibility while promoting transparency with employees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the employer requirements for health insurance coverage based on full-time employees? 

Employers with at least 50 full-time employees or full-time equivalents are typically required to provide health coverage to their workers. A company with fewer than 50 full-time employees and equivalents is not required to provide coverage, although it may qualify for the Tax Credit for Small Employer Health Insurance Premiums if it chooses to sponsor coverage for its workers.

What steps are involved in setting up insurance benefits in QuickBooks Online Payroll?

In QuickBooks Online Payroll, navigate to Payroll > Employees, add a deduction or contribution item, choose the health insurance plan, enter the provider’s details, and input the contribution amount. You can then save the setup to ensure the insurance benefit is correctly recorded.

What are the types of health benefit plans?

The common types of health benefit plans include Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs), Point-of-Service (POS) plans, and High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs), which may be paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA).

How do I report employer-paid health insurance on W-2 forms in QuickBooks?

In QuickBooks Desktop, create a payroll item for the reportable health coverage cost, add it to the employee’s paycheck before year-end, and make sure it is correctly reflected on W-2 forms. In QuickBooks Online, go to Taxes > Payroll Taxes > Filings > Resources, edit Box 12/13, enter amounts in Box 12DD and Box 12FF, and submit.

How did 1943 tax regulations affect health insurance benefits?

In 1943, the Internal Revenue Service allowed employers to provide tax-free health insurance to their employees. Not only was this a tax break for employers, but employees could receive employer contributions to their health insurance premiums free from income taxes—making it the cheapest and most accessible way to get health coverage at the time.

Can I set up a zero-net paycheck for employer-paid health insurance in QuickBooks Desktop Payroll?

Yes, you can create a zero-net paycheck by setting up a dummy addition and company contribution item with no tax tracking. When creating the payroll check, add these dummy items, ensure the check amount is zero, and finalize the payroll.

Disclaimer: The information outlined above for “How to Record Employer Paid Health Insurance in QuickBooks Desktop and Online?” is applicable to all supported versions, including QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, Accountant, and Enterprise. It is designed to work with operating systems such as Windows 7, 10, and 11, as well as macOS.