Form 1095-A, also known as the Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, is a crucial tax document if you purchased health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace. This form contains essential information you need to accurately file your taxes and claim the Premium Tax Credit. Understanding how to access this form online is increasingly important for taxpayers seeking efficient and timely tax preparation. While you might also encounter Forms 1095-B and 1095-C, Form 1095-A is specifically for those who obtained coverage through the Marketplace and differs significantly from the other forms.
Understanding Form 1095-A and Why You Need It
Form 1095-A provides a detailed record of your health coverage purchased through the Marketplace. It includes key details such as the months you and your family members were covered, the total monthly premiums, and the amount of any advance payments of the Premium Tax Credit (APTC) that were paid to your insurance provider to lower your monthly premium costs. You need this form to “reconcile” your advance payments of the premium tax credit when you file your tax return. Reconciliation means comparing the APTC you received during the year to the actual premium tax credit you qualify for based on your final income. This process is completed using Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit, which requires the information from your Form 1095-A.
Step-by-Step Guide to Get Your Form 1095-A Online
The most convenient way to get your Form 1095-A is usually online, through your Health Insurance Marketplace account. Here’s how you can typically access it:
Accessing Your Marketplace Account
- Go to the Health Insurance Marketplace Website: For most states, this is HealthCare.gov. If your state operates its own Marketplace, you’ll need to go to your state’s specific Marketplace website. You can usually find this by searching online for “[Your State] Health Insurance Marketplace.”
- Log In to Your Account: Use the username and password you created when you enrolled in coverage. If you’ve forgotten your login credentials, most Marketplaces have a “Forgot Username” or “Forgot Password” option to help you recover them. You may need to verify your identity through email or phone.
- Navigate to Your Account Dashboard: Once logged in, look for a section related to your coverage, documents, or tax forms. The exact wording may vary slightly depending on the Marketplace, but common terms include “My Account,” “My Plans,” “Documents,” or “Tax Forms.”
Downloading Your Form 1095-A
- Find the “Tax Forms” or “Documents” Section: Within your account dashboard, locate the area where tax forms or important documents are stored.
- Look for Form 1095-A: You should see a list of available documents. Find the document labeled “Form 1095-A” for the relevant tax year. It may be listed as a PDF file that you can download.
- Download Your Form 1095-A: Click on the link or button to download the Form 1095-A to your computer or device. Ensure you save it in a location where you can easily find it when you prepare your taxes.
What to Do If You Don’t Receive or Can’t Find Form 1095-A Online
While online access is common, there might be situations where you don’t receive Form 1095-A online or can’t locate it in your Marketplace account. Here’s what to do:
Contact the Marketplace
If you purchased coverage through the Marketplace and haven’t received your Form 1095-A online or by mail by late January, your first step should be to contact the Marketplace directly. You can find contact information on your Marketplace website or confirmation notices. Explain that you need your Form 1095-A. They can often resend it to you electronically or by mail.
Check Your Mail
While the focus is on online access, Marketplaces are also required to mail Form 1095-A to you by January 31st of each year. Check your mailbox, including spam or junk mail folders if you receive mail electronically, to ensure you haven’t overlooked it.
Allow Time for Processing
Marketplaces need time to process and distribute these forms. If it’s still early in the tax season, allow a reasonable amount of time for the form to become available online or arrive in the mail before taking further action. However, don’t delay filing your taxes unnecessarily. It’s best to have Form 1095-A before you file to ensure accuracy.
Addressing Common Issues with Form 1095-A
Sometimes, you might encounter issues with your Form 1095-A. Here are some common questions and solutions:
Incorrect Form 1095-A
If you believe the information on your Form 1095-A is incorrect, such as your coverage period, premiums, or APTC amounts, contact the Marketplace immediately. Do not use an incorrect Form 1095-A to file your taxes. The Marketplace will need to issue a corrected Form 1095-A. Wait to receive the corrected form before filing Form 8962 and your tax return.
Receiving a Corrected or Voided Form 1095-A
If you receive a corrected or voided Form 1095-A after you’ve already filed your taxes, you may need to amend your tax return. Review the instructions that come with the corrected or voided form and consult IRS guidelines on amended returns.
Understanding the Second Lowest Cost Silver Plan (SLCSP)
Form 1095-A includes information about the Second Lowest Cost Silver Plan (SLCSP), which is crucial for calculating your Premium Tax Credit if you are eligible. The SLCSP premium is found in Part III, column B of Form 1095-A. If your family situation changed or you moved and didn’t update the Marketplace, the SLCSP premium on your form might be inaccurate. In such cases, you’ll need to determine the correct SLCSP premium. IRS Publication 974, Premium Tax Credit (PTC) and the Health coverage tax tool on HealthCare.gov can assist you in determining the correct amount.
Multiple Forms 1095-A
You might receive more than one Form 1095-A if household members were on different plans, you changed plans, or updated your family information during the year. If you receive multiple forms covering different months, you’ll need to use information from all forms when completing Form 8962, allocating the data to the correct months. If you receive multiple forms for the same coverage period, consult the instructions for Form 8962 for guidance.
Need More Help?
Navigating tax forms can be complex. If you have further questions about Form 1095-A or how it impacts your taxes, the Health Insurance Marketplace is a valuable resource for coverage-related inquiries. For tax-related questions, the IRS website offers extensive information and resources, including Frequently Asked Questions about health care information forms. Consider using tax preparation software or consulting a tax professional to ensure accurate tax filing, especially when dealing with the Premium Tax Credit and Form 1095-A. Filing electronically is often the easiest and most accurate method, with options like IRS Free File available for eligible taxpayers.
By understanding how to get your Form 1095-A online and knowing what to do in different scenarios, you can streamline your tax preparation process and confidently handle your health coverage tax responsibilities.
