CHICAGO (WREX) -
In an effort to stop unemployment fraud before it starts, the Illinois Department of Employment Security will soon require monthly wage reports from state businesses.
The report will also help prevent fraud in Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act by identifying those who make too much money to apply.
The program is the first in the nation and will augment current quarterly wage and contribution reports. It is expected to save $100 million annually by preventing improper benefits from being handed out.
"The best way to fight fraud is to prevent it before it starts. These monthly wage reports help do exactly that," IDES Director Jay Rowell said. "This common-sense approach will help every employer because it will lower payroll taxes which will create the flexibility to invest in hiring new workers that will grow our economy."
The reports will be filed using TaxNet, IDES' online tax filing program and will be phased in:
- Employers
who in 2012 had 250 or more employees begin monthly internet reporting in
February 2013. The late reporting penalty for January will be waived. Most of
these employers already file electronically.
- Employers
who in 2012 had between 100 and 249 employees must begin monthly internet
reporting effective July 2013. Hence, the first due date will be in August
2013.
- Employers
who in 2012 had between 50 and 99 employees must begin monthly internet reporting
effective January 2014. Hence, the first due date will be in February 2014.
- Employers
who in 2012 had between 25 and 49 employees must begin monthly internet reporting
effective July 2014. Hence, the first due date will be in August 2014.
For technical details and a file format guide, visit www.imonthlyreporting.com.
