Getting Started Minimum Essential Coverage Information Reporting (MEC IR)

To participate in the Minimum Essential Coverage Information Reporting Program (MEC IR) electronically you will need to:

  • Register online
  • Enroll in the MEC IR Program
  • Start submitting MEC information (including a test cycle)

Before You Start

A Responsible Official (RO) is the person within your organization responsible for filing MEC Information Returns. The RO must complete the registration for your organization. If you are a service provider filing on behalf of one or more organizations, register the business providing the service, not the organizations you will be filing for.

Only one registration per organization is required. Typically, only one RO per organization will register for an MEC IR account. Additional ROs can be included on the enrollment form. If you are representing multiple companies, only one MEC IR account is required.

Note: The Responsible Official needs to be employed by the business that they are registering as the Responsible Official for. Proof of employment may be requested upon review of the MEC FX Portal application.

During Registration

During registration, the RO will need to provide the following:

  • Work email address
  • Home address (not the business address)
  • Personal phone number
  • Date of birth
  • Social Security Number

FTB will use this information to verify the RO’s identity, and that they have the authority to represent your organization. This information is only accessible by FTB staff.

In the event of personnel changes, it is best practice for the RO to share the information below with the other Authorized Users who access the e-Services Account:

  • User name
  • Password
  • Answers for the security question

Please keep this in mind when you register.

1. Register

You may not use an existing MyFTB account to access MEC FX Portal.

2. Enroll in the MEC IR Program

Before submitting data, the RO must enroll to participate:

  • Log in to MEC FX Portal.
  • Select Begin or Continue Enrollment Request and complete the enrollment process.

You may include additional ROs on your enrollment request.

During enrollment, please provide the following information:

  • Your Company’s Information
    • If you are a Service Provider or submitting forms on behalf of another company or multiple companies, please provide your company’s information.
  • Authorized user information
  • Preference for transmitting data to FTB
    • A2A (application to application)
    • Through the MEC FX Portal

FTB will use this information to verify the RO’s relationship to the company, and that they have the authority to represent your organization.

3. Confirm Enrollment

After submitting your enrollment, FTB will send a confirmation email. Once you confirm FTB has received your request, wait for an enrollment approval. Typically, it takes up to 10 business days to approve an enrollment.

RO and Authorized Users

FTB requires at least one RO to be active on the MEC Enrollment at all times. If you need to replace an RO, you must submit the new official’s information for approval before you can remove the current one.

4. Complete a Testing Cycle – Annually as Best Practice

FTB will assign participation keys and codes after your enrollment has been approved. A successful Testing cycle must be completed before transmitting Production data. Refer to the FTB File Exchange System – 1094 1095 Testing Specifications Guide for details on how to complete a Testing cycle. Additionally, visit Transmit data for more information on the basic transmission process.

5. Submit MEC Information

After completing a successful Testing cycle, FTB will assign a Production California Transmitter Control Code (CA-TCC) that will be used for transmitting Production MEC information. Transmissions must be in an "Accepted" status prior to the filing deadline to be considered filed timely.