After much discussion and debate, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) – all 2,400-plus pages of it – was signed into law in 2010. President Obama has said the process leading to the law’s full implementation in 2018 may include some “glitches and bumps.”

This Guide from Intuit is provided to help make the process as free of glitches and bumps as possible for small businesses. It’s not meant to be an all-inclusive compendium of information on the ACA, but rather a concise and useful Guide. We hope it serves you in that purpose.

In short, the best advice Intuit – or anyone for that matter – can offer small businesses is to follow the dictum of the Boy Scouts and “be prepared.” That means learning what’s essential about the ACA, especially as it relates to your business, and taking the appropriate action. The right enrollment strategy can help you be in compliance with the law and avoid a possible fine. It can also help you control costs, and satisfy your employees.

Although implementation of the ACA is well under way, its impact will truly begin to be felt January 1, 2014. Starting January 1, 2015, small businesses with 50 or more full-time employees must offer affordable health insurance to employees.

*Disclaimer: These updates are provided by Great Plains Benefits Group, Inc. (dba GPBG Employer Advisers) as a general informational and educational service to its clients. The updates should not be construed as, and do not constitute, legal advice nor accounting, tax, or other professional advice or services on any specific matter; nor do these messages create an attorney-client relationship. Readers should consult with their counsel or other professional advisor before acting on any information contained in these documents. GPBG, Inc. disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this update.