Notice 2021-31, recently issued by the IRS, explains how employers should administer the temporary COBRA subsidy created by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) (Pub. L. No. 117-2). For assistance-eligible individuals (AEIs), ARPA offers 100% subsidies of COBRA premiums for coverage periods from April 1, 2021 through Sept. 30, 2021. Employers typically provide the COBRA premium assistance and seek reimbursement by claiming a tax credit on their quarterly employment taxes. For faster reimbursement, employers can reduce their employment tax deposits or request an advance of the credit.
The IRS notice offers Q&A guidance and numerous examples to help employers work through complex issues related to the COBRA premium assistance and the tax credit. Topics covered include:
Download the 18-page print-friendly PDF to learn about the IRS guidance and more on the COBRA subsidies.
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