How to Show Proof of Health Insurance When Filing Your Taxes

You probably know by now that the ACA requires all Americans to have health care coverage or face a penalty. But did you know that tax payers must also report they had health insurance when they file a tax return? To do so, it requires certain tax forms as proof of coverage.

Why do I need to have proof of coverage?

The IRS tracks who does or doesn’t have coverage, what companies are or aren’t offering coverage to workers, and will levy penalties accordingly. Reporting health care coverage became mandatory with the 2015 tax year.

What forms do I need?

Each year, employers, insurance companies and others who provide health insurance will tell the IRS who they’ve covered. And they’ll give you a Health Coverage Information Statement Form 1095-B or Form 1095-C) as proof you had coverage.

If you enrolled in coverage through the Marketplace, you will receive a Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, Form 1095-A.

You can learn more about this topic at the IRS website, or talk with your tax advisor. Or you can call Customer Service on your ID card if you have further questions.

When will I receive my form?

The IRS reports that many individuals will receive their annual health information coverage statement from their employer or coverage provider by early March.

I haven’t received my required form, now what?

In some cases, taxpayers may not receive a Form 1095-B or Form 1095-C by the time they are ready to file their tax returns. If this happens, the IRS will accept other documents as proof of insurance coverage including:

• Insurance cards
• Explanation of benefits
• W-2 or payroll statements that show insurance deductions
• Records or advance payments of the premium tax credit and other statements indicating that the taxpayer or a member of his or her family had health coverage

You can find out more detailed information about this topic on the IRS web site.