Returning clients have the option to use the data in the system from the previous tax year, as it has already been migrated to a new 2016 Employee Census Workbook for you. This new workbook reflects your employee status as of 12/31/15. Changes since 12/31/15 (adds, terminations, class changes) can be added directly into this workbook, eliminating the need to build a new workbook for 2016 and saving you quite a bit of time.
But before you start making updates, you need to know about the changes we’ve made to the system:
- Health Insurance Coverage Events: Each time an employee changes health plan eligibility, we call that a “Health Insurance Coverage Event.” If employees go on/off coverage during the year, each instance is considered a new Coverage Event. Use Workbook columns T-CG to capture up to 12 additional Coverage Events per year.
- You Now Have Direct Portal Access: You no longer need to go through your Account Manager to make updates to your Workbook. You can download, edit, and upload workbooks directly into the HCM Portal.
- Workbook Unlocked: Your Workbook is no longer locked, allowing you to sort your data as needed.
- New HCM Employee ID (Column E): This is a new identification number that HCM will use during the post-filing correction process, if needed. Please leave this column blank.
Now that you know what’s new, you can download your new 2016 Workbook, make your edits, and then re-upload it directly into the HCM Portal. You no longer need to go through your Account Manager to make changes to your workbook.