Blogs

A complete step-by-step guide to paying the PCORI fee online for 2026, covering who must pay (fully insured vs self-insured vs HRA plans), the updated rates of $3.47 and $3.84 per covered life from IRS Notice 2025-61 with their specific Form 720 Line 133c and 133d references, the three IRS-approved covered lives calculation methods (Actual Count, Snapshot, Form 5500), a six-step payment workflow through eFileExcise720, a six-factor online vs paper comparison table, the July 31, 2026 deadline, failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties, and Form 8849 refund eligibility for overpayments.

Guía paso a paso en español para declarar las tarifas PCORI en el Formulario 720 antes del 31 de julio de 2026, que cubre qué es la tarifa PCORI bajo la ACA, quién debe presentarla (planes autoasegurados, HRA, aseguradoras, MEWA), las tarifas actualizadas de $3.47 y $3.84 por vida cubierta, los tres métodos de conteo aprobados por el IRS (Conteo Real, Instantánea, Formulario 5500), los seis pasos de presentación incluyendo la Parte II Número IRS 133 y el pago EFTPS en Q2, las penalizaciones bajo IRC §6651 por presentación tardía, la diferencia entre el Formulario 720 y el Formulario 8849, y cómo presentar electrónicamente en minutos a través de eFileExcise720.

A complete guide answering whether filing taxes online is safe, covering the IRS multi-layer security framework (256-bit SSL, SOC 2 certification, real-time acknowledgment, error validation), a seven-point e-file vs paper comparison table, five key benefits of secure excise tax e-filing (instant confirmation, lower penalties, accurate data, Form 8849 refund claims, no software), a five-step safe filing checklist, a full excise tax category table showing which Form 720 and 8849 schedules can be filed online, data protection tips, and pricing information for eFile Excise 720 at $35.95 per return.

A complete 2026 employer guide to PCORI fees covering the updated $3.84 per-covered-life rate from IRS Notice 2025-61, who must pay (self-insured, level-funded, and HRA sponsors vs fully insured and FSA-exempt plans), the Actual Count and Snapshot calculation methods, a worked example for a 200-life plan, step-by-step Form 720 Part II filing with Q2 EFTPS payment selection, a full four-row deadline table including already-passed and upcoming dates, the 0.5% monthly penalty structure, the Form 720-X amendment process, Form 8849 refund eligibility, and how to e-file in five minutes through eFile Excise 720.

A plain-language guide to the PCORI fee and its Form 720 filing requirements for 2026, covering what the fee is and how it is funded under the ACA, who must file (self-insured plans, HRAs, ICHRAs, QSEHRAs, and MEWAs vs fully insured plans where the carrier files), the updated $3.47 and $3.84 rates from IRS Notice 2025-61, the six-step Form 720 filing process including Part II IRS No. 133 and Q2 June 30 quarter marking, the three IRS-approved covered-lives counting methods, late-filing penalties under IRC Section 6651, the difference between Form 720 and Form 8849, and the July 31, 2026 deadline.

A step-by-step 2026 guide to checking excise tax filing status online for Form 720, Form 8849, and PCORI filers, covering the five IRS status codes (Transmitted, Accepted, Rejected, Pending, Paid), the five-step dashboard process through an IRS-authorized e-file provider, a three-method comparison (provider dashboard, IRS Business Tax Account, Excise Tax Helpline at 866-699-4096), what to do for each status outcome, the five-day perfection period for rejected returns, the 5% to 25% penalty structure under IRC Section 6651, and a real-world Texas fuel distributor case study that shows how a two-minute check prevents a $1,840 penalty.

A practical guide for LLC owners answering whether Form 720 applies to their business, covering the full list of federal excise-taxed activities that trigger filing (environmental, fuel, communications, retail, manufacturer, foreign insurance, indoor tanning, PCORI, and the new 2026 remittance transfer tax under IRC §4475), single-member LLC disregarded-entity rules for excise tax, how to fix an accidental "Excise" checkbox on an SS-4 EIN application with a zero-liability final return, the four quarterly 2026 deadlines, penalty structure for late or missed filings, and how to e-file through eFile Excise 720.

A six-step guide to filing PCORI fees on IRS Form 720 before July 31, 2026, covering who must file (self-funded employers, HRAs, health insurers, MEWAs), the updated $3.47 and $3.84 per-covered-life rates, the three IRS counting methods (Actual Count, Snapshot, Form 5500), how to complete Part II IRS No. 133, EFTPS payment with Q2 selection, late-filing penalties under IRC §6651, the Form 720 vs Form 8849 distinction, and how to e-file in minutes through eFileExcise720.

A complete 2026 filing guide answering when PCORI fees are due, covering the July 31, 2026 Form 720 Part II deadline, the updated $3.47 and $3.84 per-covered-life rates from IRS Notice 2025-61, who must file (self-insured plans, HRAs, ICHRAs), the three IRS calculation methods, step-by-step e-filing through eFile Excise 720, late filing penalties, and how to claim refunds with Form 8849.

A 2026 plan-sponsor guide to calculating PCORI fees, covering the three IRS-approved methods (Actual Count, Snapshot, Form 5500), updated $3.47 and $3.84 rates, exemptions, HRA and FSA special rules, common calculation mistakes, Form 720 filing steps, recordkeeping requirements, and why e-filing through an IRS-authorized provider like eFileExcise720 is the safest path before the July 31, 2026 deadline.

Paper tax returns face record IRS backlogs, auto-generated penalty notices, and lost-mail risks in 2026. This guide shows businesses how to switch Form 720 and Form 8849 filings from paper to online in four simple steps, plus 2026 quarterly deadlines, FAQs, and what to do about already-mailed returns.

A complete step-by-step guide to checking your e-filing status online — covering what each status means (Draft, Transmitted, Pending, Accepted, Rejected), how to track Form 720 and Form 8849 submissions, what to do if your return is rejected, and best practices for 2026 IRS acknowledgment tracking.