Understanding Form 1095-A
Form 1095 A is a crucial tax document for individuals who have purchased health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace (Exchange). It provides important details about coverage, premium amounts, and any advance payments of the Premium Tax Credit (APTC).
The IRS requires this form to reconcile your premium tax credits when filing your federal income tax return. If you received financial assistance to lower your monthly insurance costs, Form 1095-A ensures you report the correct subsidy amount.
Why is Form 1095-A Important?
- It confirms your health insurance coverage for the year.
- It helps determine if you need to repay excess premium tax credits or if you qualify for additional credits.
- You must complete IRS Form 8962, which reconciles your tax credit eligibility.
If you or a member of your household enrolled in a Marketplace plan, you should receive Form 1095-A by January 31 of the following year.
Differences Between Forms 1095-A, 1095-B, and 1095-C
There are three types of 1095 forms, and it’s essential to understand the differences:
| Form Type | Issued By | Who Receives It? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form 1095-A | Health Insurance Marketplace | Individuals who enrolled in Marketplace plans | Reports coverage and premium tax credits |
| Form 1095-B | Insurance providers (Medicaid, Medicare, small employers) | Individuals with government or small employer coverage | Confirms minimum essential coverage |
| Form 1095-C | Large employers (50+ full-time employees) | Employees offered job-based insurance | Details employer-provided coverage |
Only Form 1095-A is needed to file your taxes and reconcile your premium tax credit.
Eligibility for Receiving Form 1095 A
You will receive Form 1095-A if:
✅ You purchased health coverage through the Marketplace (Exchange).
✅ You or a family member received premium tax credits to help pay for coverage.
You will not receive Form 1095-A if:
Had job-based health insurance or Medicaid.
You were uninsured for the year.
You bought health insurance directly from an insurer (not through the Marketplace).
If you qualify but haven’t received Form 1095-A, you can access it online.
How to Obtain Your Form 1095 A Online
The fastest way to get your Form 1095-A is through HealthCare.gov or your state’s Marketplace website.
Steps to Download Form 1095-A Online
- Log into your Marketplace account
- Go to HealthCare.gov and sign in.
- Navigate to your “Tax Forms” section
- Click on “My Applications & Coverage” and select the tax year.
- Download the PDF
- Find your Form 1095-A and download it.
- Review your form for errors before using it for tax filing.
If you can’t access it online, contact the Marketplace Call Center to request a mailed copy.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes with Form 1095 A
Filing taxes with Form 1095-A is straightforward, but errors can cause delays and IRS notices. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
🚫 Forgetting to file IRS Form 8962
✔ Always use Form 1095-A to complete IRS Form 8962 when claiming the Premium Tax Credit.
🚫 Not checking for errors on Form 1095-A
✔ Verify personal details, policy numbers, and premium amounts before filing taxes.
🚫 Ignoring multiple Form 1095-As
✔ If you switched Marketplace plans or had coverage in different states, you may receive more than one Form 1095-A. File taxes using all forms.
🚫 Misreporting Advanced Premium Tax Credits
✔ Compare the “Monthly Advance Payment” column in Form 1095-A to ensure your tax credit matches what was applied.
🚫 Filing before correcting errors
✔ If your Form 1095-A is incorrect, contact the Marketplace for a corrected version before submitting your return.
FAQs About Form 1095-A
What is Form 1095-A used for?
Form 1095-A provides proof of Marketplace health insurance coverage and reports premium tax credit amounts for tax filing.
What if I lost my Form 1095-A?
You can download it online through HealthCare.gov or request a copy from the Marketplace Call Center.
Can I file my taxes without Form 1095-A?
No. If you received premium tax credits, you must use Form 1095-A to file your taxes.
What if my Form 1095-A has errors?
Contact the Marketplace to correct errors before filing your tax return.
Will the IRS penalize me for not having Form 1095-A?
If you received premium tax credits but didn’t file Form 8962, your tax return could be delayed or rejected.
Conclusion
Form 1095-A is essential for anyone who purchases health coverage through the Marketplace. It helps you file taxes correctly, reconcile premium tax credits, and avoid IRS penalties.
If you haven’t received Form 1095-A, download it from HealthCare.gov.
Verify all information before filing to avoid tax delays.
If you need help, contact a tax professional or Marketplace support.
By understanding how Form 1095-A works, you can ensure a smooth tax filing process and maximize your premium tax credits.
Need Help with Form 1095-A?
Syed Professional Services provides expert tax preparation and Marketplace assistance. Contact us today!
