Vision Payroll

The Department of Revenue has made the new 2022 Health Insurance Responsibility Disclosure (HIRD) form available to taxpayers through the MassTaxConnect (MTC) web portal.

What is the HIRD Form?

The HIRD form is a state reporting requirement for Massachusetts Employers in 2022. The HIRD form collects employer level information about your employer sponsored insurance (ESI). The HIRD reporting is administered by MassHealth and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) through the MTC web portal. The HIRD form will assist MassHealth in identifying members with access to an ESI who may be eligible for the MassHealth Premium Assistance Program.

Who is required to complete the HIRD Form?

State law requires every employer in Massachusetts with six or more employees to submit the HIRD form annually. If you are an employer who currently has or had six or more employees in any of the past 12 months, you are required to complete the form.

When will the form be due?

The form became available beginning November 15 and must be completed by December 15. The form must be filed electronically through your MTC account and the state will not accept paper forms.

How do I submit the HIRD form?

The HIRD reporting is administered by the DOR through the MTC web portal. The MTC is where employer-taxpayers file returns, forms, and make tax payments. To file your HIRD form, login to your MTC withholding account, on the Summary tab scroll down to Withholding Tax, and select the “File a Health Insurance Responsibility Disclosure” hyperlink. If you do not have an MTC account, or if you forgot your password or username, you may follow the instructions provided on the MTC web page or contact the DOR at (617)466-3940.

Can Vision Payroll help me with this filing?

The HIRD Form contains very specific information regarding your employer sponsored health insurance plan including eligibility criteria, employment categories, enrollment periods, and plan year dates. Unfortunately, Vision Payroll does not have access to the required benefit information. Furthermore, as we are a bulk filer of Massachusetts taxes, we do not have access to individual MTC login information. For help with your login credentials, please call the DOR at (617)466-3940.

If you do need assistance with the electronic filing of the form we are offering two options to our clients:

1. If you are required to file the HIRD Form (any employer with more than 6 employees at any time over the past 12 months) but do not offer an employer sponsored plan, we will file the form electronically on your behalf. Please complete all of Part 1 and Part 2, Question 1 of the 2022 HIRD Paper Form. Sign and date the form.
2. If you are required to file the HIRD Form and do offer an employer sponsored plan, Vision Payroll will file the electronic version of the form with all the relevant information about your employer sponsored health plans that you provide to us on the 2022 HIRD Paper Form.

Please note: the state will not accept a paper copy of this form.

The fee schedule to have Vision Payroll file on your behalf is on the 2022 HIRD Paper Form.

For more information about the 2022 HIRD form reporting requirements, please contact us at (978)840-1635.

The Department of Revenue has made the new 2021 Health Insurance Responsibility Disclosure (HIRD) form available to taxpayers through the MassTaxConnect (MTC) web portal.

What is the HIRD Form?

The HIRD form is a state reporting requirement for Massachusetts Employers in 2021. The HIRD form collects employer level information about your employer sponsored insurance (ESI). The HIRD reporting is administered by MassHealth and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) through the MTC web portal. The HIRD form will assist MassHealth in identifying members with access to an ESI who may be eligible for the MassHealth Premium Assistance Program.

Who is required to complete the HIRD Form?

State law requires every employer in Massachusetts with six or more employees to submit the HIRD form annually. If you are an employer who currently has or had six or more employees in any of the past 12 months, you are required to complete the form.

When will the form be due?

The form became available beginning November 15 and must be completed by December 15. The form must be filed electronically through your MTC account and the state will not accept paper forms.

How do I submit the HIRD form?

The HIRD reporting is administered by the DOR through the MTC web portal. The MTC is where employer-taxpayers file returns, forms, and make tax payments. To file your HIRD form, login to your MTC withholding account, on the Summary tab scroll down to Withholding Tax, and select the “File a Health Insurance Responsibility Disclosure” hyperlink. If you do not have an MTC account, or if you forgot your password or username, you may follow the instructions provided on the MTC web page or contact the DOR at (617)466-3940.

Can Vision Payroll help me with this filing?

The HIRD Form contains very specific information regarding your employer sponsored health insurance plan including eligibility criteria, employment categories, enrollment periods, and plan year dates. Unfortunately, Vision Payroll does not have access to the required benefit information. Furthermore, as we are a bulk filer of Massachusetts taxes, we do not have access to individual MTC login information. For help with your login credentials, please call the DOR at (617)466-3940.

If you do need assistance with the electronic filing of the form we are offering two options to our clients:

1. If you are required to file the HIRD Form (any employer with more than 6 employees at any time over the past 12 months) but do not offer an employer sponsored plan, we will file the form electronically on your behalf. Please complete all of Part 1 and Part 2, Question 1 of the 2021 HIRD Paper Form. Sign and date the form.
2. If you are required to file the HIRD Form and do offer an employer sponsored plan, Vision Payroll will file the electronic version of the form with all the relevant information about your employer sponsored health plans that you provide to us on the 2021 HIRD Paper Form.

Please note: the state will not accept a paper copy of this form.

The fee schedule to have Vision Payroll file on your behalf is on the 2021 HIRD Paper Form.

For more information about the 2021 HIRD form reporting requirements, please contact us at (978)840-1635.

The Department of Revenue has made the new 2020 Health Insurance Responsibility Disclosure (HIRD) form available to taxpayers through the MassTaxConnect (MTC) web portal.

What is the HIRD Form?

The HIRD form is a state reporting requirement for Massachusetts Employers in 2020. The HIRD form collects employer level information about your employer sponsored insurance (ESI). The HIRD reporting is administered by MassHealth and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) through the MTC web portal. The HIRD form will assist MassHealth in identifying members with access to an ESI who may be eligible for the MassHealth Premium Assistance Program.

Who is required to complete the HIRD Form?

State law requires every employer in Massachusetts with six or more employees to submit the HIRD form annually. If you are an employer who currently has or had six or more employees in any of the past 12 months, you are required to complete the form.

When will the form be due?

The form became available beginning November 15 and must be completed by December 15. The form must be filed electronically through your MTC account and the state will not accept paper forms.

How do I submit the HIRD form?

The HIRD reporting is administered by the DOR through the MTC web portal. The MTC is where employer-taxpayers file returns, forms, and make tax payments. To file your HIRD form, login to your MTC withholding account, on the Accounts tab choose Withholding Tax, and select the “File health insurance responsibility disclosure (HIRD)” hyperlink under the “I Want To” column. If you do not have an MTC account, or if you forgot your password or username, you may follow the instructions provided on the MTC web page or contact the DOR at (617)466-3940.

Can Vision Payroll help me with this filing?

The HIRD Form contains very specific information regarding your employer sponsored health insurance plan including eligibility criteria, employment categories, enrollment periods, and plan year dates. Unfortunately, Vision Payroll does not have access to the required benefit information. Furthermore, as we are a bulk filer of Massachusetts taxes, we do not have access to individual MTC login information. For help with your login credentials, please call the DOR at (617)466-3940.

If you do need assistance with the electronic filing of the form we are offering two options to our clients:

1. If you are required to file the HIRD Form (any employer with more than 6 employees at any time over the past 12 months) but do not offer an employer sponsored plan, we will file the form electronically on your behalf. Please complete all of Part 1 and Part 2, Question 1 of the 2020 HIRD Paper Form. Sign and date the form.
2. If you are required to file the HIRD Form and do offer an employer sponsored plan, Vision Payroll will file the electronic version of the form with all the relevant information about your employer sponsored health plans that you provide to us on the 2020 HIRD Paper Form.

Please note: the state will not accept a paper copy of this form.

The fee schedule to have Vision Payroll file on your behalf is on the 2020 HIRD Paper Form.

For more information about the 2020 HIRD form reporting requirements, please contact us at (978)840-1635.

As you may be aware, on March 23, 2020, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker issued an emergency order requiring all businesses and organizations in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that do not provide COVID-19 (coronavirus) essential services to close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers and the public. Payroll services have been deemed essential by both the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and so Vision Payroll shall remain open during the time covered by this emergency order.

First Responders and Others Will Receive Paychecks

This allows Vision Payroll to continue to ensure that timely paychecks are received by first responders, healthcare professionals, caregivers and many others on the front line of defense against COVID-19 and the virus that causes it. In addition, we can continue to ensure timely payment for those in supporting roles such as grocery stores, transportation, financial services, and many others.

Vision Payroll Working to Minimize Risk

Vision Payroll has taken important steps to minimize the risk of spread of COVID-19, including shifting many employees to remote worksites, closing our office to all but a few employees and essential support service personnel, and maintaining proper social distance between employees whose work necessitates their physical presence in the office.

Consult Your Attorney for Answers in This Rapidly Changing Area 

Please understand that we are in an unprecedented time of emergency orders and rapidly changing laws and regulations. While we can often point you in the right direction to find answers to your questions, any questions about legal requirements should be directed to an attorney who specializes in labor law or taxation. We have worked with several attorneys in these areas and will be happy to provide references should you request them. Remember though, some answers are just not available at this time, as we wait for the government to provide needed clarification.

High Call Volumes Are to Be Expected

We also ask your patience when contacting us. Our telephone lines have been extremely busy and with a reduced staff there may be times that you have to leave a message. We strive to return all calls as soon as possible. In addition, if you are requesting documents, these cases will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis and so there may be a wait for some requests. For fastest service, we recommend you log in to our site, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to access all your needed reports or we will get to your request as soon as possible.

Thank You for Your Cooperation

At this time, we would like to thank you for your understanding and cooperation and also send a big thank you to our dedicated employees, on-site and remote, who are working under stressful conditions to ensure that you and your employees receive their paychecks, guidance in areas new and old, and the friendly, helpful service that you’ve come to expect.

Work to Minimize the Spread of COVID-19

Please join us in working to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and the virus that causes it while we wait for this crisis to end. In the meantime, stay safe and we wish good health to you and your loved ones.

2019 Massachusetts HIRD Form

The Department of Revenue has made the new 2019 Health Insurance Responsibility Disclosure (HIRD) form available to taxpayers through the MassTaxConnect (MTC) web portal.

What is the HIRD Form?

The HIRD form is a state reporting requirement for Massachusetts Employers in 2019. The HIRD form collects employer level information about your employer sponsored insurance (ESI). The HIRD reporting is administered by MassHealth and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) through the MTC web portal. The HIRD form will assist MassHealth in identifying members with access to an ESI who may be eligible for the MassHealth Premium Assistance Program.

Who is required to complete the HIRD Form?

State law requires every employer in Massachusetts with six or more employees to submit the HIRD form annually. If you are an employer who currently has or had six or more employees in any of the past 12 months, you are required to complete the form.

When will the form be due?

The form became available beginning November 15 and must be completed by December 15. The form must be filed electronically through your MTC account and the state will not accept paper forms.

How do I submit the HIRD form?

The HIRD reporting is administered by the DOR through the MTC web portal. The MTC is where employer-taxpayers file returns, forms, and make tax payments. To file your HIRD form, login to your MTC withholding account, on the Accounts tab choose Withholding Tax, and select the “File health insurance responsibility disclosure (HIRD)” hyperlink under the “I Want To” column. If you do not have an MTC account, or if you forgot your password or username, you may follow the instructions provided on the MTC web page or contact the DOR at (617)466-3940.

Can Vision Payroll help me with this filing?

The HIRD Form contains very specific information regarding your employer sponsored health insurance plan including eligibility criteria, employment categories, enrollment periods, and plan year dates. Unfortunately, Vision Payroll does not have access to the required benefit information. Furthermore, as we are a bulk filer of Massachusetts taxes, we do not have access to individual MTC login information. For help with your login credentials, please call the DOR at (617)466-3940.

If you do need assistance with the electronic filing of the form we are offering two options to our clients:

1. If you are required to file the HIRD Form (any employer with more than 6 employees at any time over the past 12 months) but do not offer an employer sponsored plan, we will file the form electronically on your behalf. Please complete all of Part 1 and Part 2, Question 1 of the 2019 HIRD Paper Form. Sign and date the form.
2. If you are required to file the HIRD Form and do offer an employer sponsored plan, Vision Payroll will file the electronic version of the form with all the relevant information about your employer sponsored health plans that you provide to us on the 2019 HIRD Paper Form.

Please note: the state will not accept a paper copy of this form.

The fee schedule to have Vision Payroll file on your behalf is on the 2019 HIRD Paper Form.

For more information about the 2019 HIRD form reporting requirements, please contact us at (978)840-1635.

The Department of Revenue will soon release the 2019 Health Insurance Responsibility Disclosure (HIRD) form available to taxpayers through the MassTaxConnect (MTC) web portal.

What is the HIRD Form?

The HIRD form is a state reporting requirement for Massachusetts Employers in 2019. The HIRD form collects employer level information about your employer sponsored insurance (ESI). The HIRD reporting is administered by MassHealth and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) through the MTC web portal. The HIRD form will assist MassHealth in identifying members with access to an ESI who may be eligible for the MassHealth Premium Assistance Program.

Who is required to complete the HIRD Form?

State law requires every employer in Massachusetts with six or more employees to submit the HIRD form annually. If you are an employer who currently has or had six or more employees in any of the past 12 months, you are required to complete the form.

When will the form be due?

The form will be available beginning November 15, 2019 and must be completed by December 15, 2019. The form must be filed electronically through your MTC account and the state will not accept paper forms.

How do I submit the HIRD form?

The HIRD reporting is administered by the DOR through the MTC web portal. The MTC is where employer-taxpayers file returns, forms, and make tax payments. To file your HIRD form, login to your MTC withholding account, on the Accounts tab choose Withholding Tax, and select the “File health insurance responsibility disclosure” hyperlink under the “I Want To” column. If you do not have an MTC account, or if you forgot your password or username, you may follow the instructions provided on the MTC web page or contact the DOR at (617)466-3940.

Can Vision Payroll help me with this filing?

The HIRD Form contains very specific information regarding your employer sponsored health insurance plan including eligibility criteria, employment categories, enrollment periods, and plan year dates. Unfortunately, Vision Payroll does not have access to the required benefit information. Furthermore, as we are a bulk filer of Massachusetts taxes, we do not have access to individual MTC login information. For help with your login credentials, please call the DOR at (617)466-3940.

If you do need assistance with the electronic filing of the form we are offering two options to our clients:

1. If you are required to file the HIRD Form (any employer with more than 6 employees at any time over the past 12 months) but do not offer an employer sponsored plan, we will file the form electronically on your behalf. Please complete all of Part 1 and Part 2, Question 1 of the 2019 HIRD Paper Form. THIS FORM WILL BE AVAILABLE ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 15. Sign and date the form.
2. If you are required to file the HIRD Form and do offer an employer sponsored plan, Vision Payroll will file the electronic version of the form with all the relevant information about your employer sponsored health plans that you provide to us on the 2019 HIRD Paper Form. THIS FORM WILL BE AVAILABLE ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 15.

Please note: the state will not accept a paper copy of this form.

The fee schedule to have Vision Payroll file on your behalf is on the 2019 HIRD Paper Form. THIS FORM WILL BE AVAILABLE ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 15.

For more information about the new HIRD form reporting requirements, please contact us at (978)840-1635.

Massachusetts DOR Releases Health Insurance Responsibility Disclosure (HIRD) Form.

The Department of Revenue has made the new 2018 Health Insurance Responsibility Disclosure (HIRD) form available to taxpayers through the MassTaxConnect (MTC) web portal.

What is the HIRD Form?

The HIRD form is a new state reporting requirement for Massachusetts Employers in 2018. The HIRD form collects employer level information about your employer sponsored insurance (ESI). The HIRD reporting is administered by MassHealth and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) through the MTC web portal. The HIRD form will assist MassHealth in identifying members with access to an ESI who may be eligible for the MassHealth Premium Assistance Program.

Who is required to complete the HIRD Form?

State law requires every employer in Massachusetts with six or more employees to submit the HIRD form annually. If you are an employer who currently has or had six or more employees in any of the past 12 months, you are required to complete the form.

When will the form be due?

The form will be available beginning November 1 and must be completed by November 30. The form must be filed electronically through your MTC account and the state will not accept paper forms.

How do I submit the HIRD form?

The HIRD reporting is administered by the DOR through the MTC web portal. The MTC is where employer-taxpayers file returns, forms, and make tax payments. To file your HIRD form, login to your MTC withholding account, on the Accounts tab choose Withholding Tax, and select the “File health insurance responsibility disclosure” hyperlink under the “I Want To” column. If you do not have an MTC account, or if you forgot your password or username, you may follow the instructions provided on the MTC web page or contact the DOR at (617)466-3940.

Can Vision Payroll help me with this filing?

The HIRD Form contains very specific information regarding your employer sponsored health insurance plan including eligibility criteria, employment categories, enrollment periods, and plan year dates. Unfortunately, Vision Payroll does not have access to the required benefit information. Furthermore, as we are a bulk filer of Massachusetts taxes, we do not have access to individual MTC login information. For help with your login credentials, please call the DOR at (617)466-3940.

If you do need assistance with the electronic filing of the form we are offering two options to our clients:

1. If you are required to file the HIRD Form (any employer with more than 6 employees at any time over the past 12 months) but do not offer an employer sponsored plan, we will file the form electronically on your behalf. Please complete all of Part 1 and Part 2, Question 1 of the 2018 HIRD Paper Form. Sign and date the form.
2. If you are required to file the HIRD Form and do offer an employer sponsored plan, Vision Payroll will file the electronic version of the form with all the relevant information about your employer sponsored health plans that you provide to us on the 2018 HIRD Paper Form.

Please note: the state will not accept a paper copy of this form.

The fee schedule to have Vision Payroll file on your behalf is on the 2018 HIRD Paper Form.

For more information about the new HIRD form reporting requirements, please contact us at (978)840-1635.

The Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance has made available its 2018 Quarter 1 Employer Medical Assistance Contribution (EMAC) Supplement Determinations. The EMAC Supplement is determined by multiplying a subject employee’s wages by 5%, up to a maximum tax per employee per year of $750.

Vision Payroll will submit the payment on your behalf only upon your request. Please contact Vision Payroll for further details on this option.

A sample notice is reproduced below:

Employer Medical Assistance Contribution (EMAC) Supplement Determination

The Department of Unemployment Assistance EMAC Supplement unit has matched wage records against records maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services, and has determined that for quarter 1 and year 2018 you are liable under G.L. c. 148, § 189A for the EMAC Supplement in the amount of $##,###.00  for XXX employees.

NOTE: The actual notice will contain your liability amount and number of subject employees.

Employer liability is determined as follows:

(1) Conditions under Which the Employer Becomes Subject to the Employer Medical Assistance

Contribution Supplement.

(a) Beginning with the first calendar quarter of 2018, any employer who employs six or more employees in any quarter is subject to the EMAC Supplement for each such quarter.

(b) An employer’s number of employees in a calendar quarter is calculated by dividing the sum of the employer’s three monthly employment levels for the quarter by three. An employer’s employment level for each month of the quarter is the number of employees who worked or received wages for any part of the pay period that includes the 12^th of the month as reportable to DUA, pursuant to G.L. c. 151A, §14P.

(2) Liability for Employer Medical Assistance Contribution Supplement.

An employer subject to the EMAC Supplement for a quarter is liable for payment of the EMAC Supplement applicable to that quarter if one or more of its employees received health insurance coverage either through the MassHealth agency or through ConnectorCare for a continuous period of at least fifty-six days; provided, however, that an employer shall not be liable for the EMAC Supplement in a quarter for any of its employees who in that quarter have health insurance coverage through the MassHealth agency either on the basis of permanent and total disability as defined under Title XVI of the Social Security Act or under applicable state laws or as a secondary payer because such employees are enrolled in employer-sponsored insurance. You may obtain information regarding the identity of the individuals who have received coverage as described above or by logging on to your UI Online account or by calling 617-626-5975.

Request For Hearing

This determination will become final unless you request a hearing within ten days from the date on which you received the determination. You may request a hearing though your UI Online account, or by completing the information below and mailing this form to:

EMAC Supplement Hearings Department
Charles F. Hurley Building
19 Staniford Street
2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02114

A hearing will relate solely to the determination for which the hearing request is made. Any determination you wish to dispute must be the subject of a separate request for a hearing. I hereby request a hearing with regard to the EMAC Supplement Determination for quarter 1 and year 2018.

Employer Name: _________________________________________________
Employer Address: ________________________________________________
Signed by: ______________________________________________________
Title: __________________________________________________________
Organization (Employer or Authorized Agent): __________________________
Date: __________________________________________________________

Any hearing will be limited to the issues cognizable under the EMAC Supplement statute, G.L. c. 149, § 189A raised in this request.

Please circle the reason for the appeal. If the reason is Other, please explain:

• Does the employer have more than 5 employees?
• Are any of the individuals included in the determination as “employees” independent contractors?
• Are the payments made to the employee “wages” for the purposes of UI?
• Has the individual been on qualifying health care for a continuous period of 56 days?
• Other: _____________________________________

Earned Sick Time Regulations Published

The office of Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey today published final regulations on the Earned Sick Time law today giving employers seven full business days to implement the regulations. The Earned Sick Time law, Question 4 on the November 2014 ballot, takes effect July 1, 2015.

All private employers, including not-for-profit organizations, maintaining an employee with a primary place of work in Massachusetts are required to allow almost all Massachusetts employees to accrue and use up to forty hours of earned sick time per benefit year. Employers who maintain an average of eleven or more employees are required to provide earned paid sick time.

All existing sick leave and paid time off policies should be reviewed and many will need to be amended to comply with the new law. As the Massachusetts Earned Sick Time law is complex and penalties for non-compliance can be severe, Vision Payroll strongly recommends employers consult with an attorney specializing in labor law to help ensure compliance with the law and related regulations.

Vision Payroll will be providing a webinar on Friday June 26, 2015 at 11 am to provide further information on the Massachusetts Earned Sick Time law. Although the webinar is free, space is limited and advance registration is required. Click here for further information and to register for this important webinar.

Release of Massachusetts Unemployment Rates Is Delayed

Due to late action by the Massachusetts legislature and the governor, unemployment rates will NOT be available by the legally mandated deadline of April 20, 2014.

At Vision Payroll, we will be submitting wage information by the filing deadline of April 30, 2014. Employer rates will not be available until May 19, 2014. Unemployment contributions must be paid by May 30, 2014.

Although the rate schedule used to determine the rates remains unchanged from 2013, most employers will have a different rate for 2014. That is because in addition to the rate tables, employer rates are determined by wages paid, unemployment benefits charged directly to your account, and the solvency assessment that the state charges employers to pay for benefits paid to the employees of other employers.

If your rate increases from 2013 to 2014, we will need to withdraw additional money beginning May 19, 2014 to pay the additional tax by the deadline. We will contact all employers with the additional amount due. Additionally, we will begin to collect with the new rate (higher or lower) with each payroll as soon as possible after rates are released. Further, with the last payroll of the second quarter, we will make the final adjustment for second quarter taxes.

Since we cannot finalize your first quarter quarterlies until the new unemployment rates are released, we are not going to post online or mail out quarterly packages for affected employers. If you need certain forms, e.g., for a workers comp audit, please contact our offices and we can make them available. Otherwise, we will be sending first quarter packages to affected employers in late May and early June.

Please contact Vision Payroll if you have any questions.