The IRS announced in Notice 2020-84 that the adjusted applicable amount for the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCOR) fee for policy or plan years ending on or after October 1, 2020, and before October 1, 2021, will be $2.66 per plan participant. The PCOR fee is calculated based on the average number of lives covered under the policy or plan. This is a $.12 cent increase per participant over the previous fee of $2.54.
PCORI fees are reported and paid annually using IRS Form 720 (Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return). These fees are due each year by July 31 of the year following the last day of the plan year. This means that, for plan years ending in 2020, the PCOR fees are due by July 31, 2021 and for plan years ending in 2021, the PCOR fees are due by July 31, 2022.
For self-funded plans, the self-insured employer is responsible for submitting the fee and accompanying paperwork to the IRS. PCOR fees are reported on IRS Form 720, Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return. On page two of Form 720, under Part II, the employer needs to designate the average number of covered lives under its applicable self-insured plan. Although the fee is paid annually, employers should indicate on the Payment Voucher (720-V)—located at the end of Form 720—that the tax period for the fee is the second quarter of the year. Failure to properly designate ‘2nd Quarter’ on the voucher will result in the IRS’s software generating a tardy filing notice.
Clients who have elected to have Diversified Group assist with the PCOR fee calculation can expect an instructional email on or about early June which will include a copy of the completed Form 720 and a PCOR calculation worksheet with supporting documentation.
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