It’s tax season, and you want your refund ASAP. You know you need your W-2, but do you need to wait for the health insurance forms like 1095-A, 1095-B, or 1095-C to file taxes? The IRS is not exactly creative—they just add a letter at the end to make new forms (looking at you, 1099-A, 1099-B, 1099-R…). When it comes to the 1095 forms, though, that letter makes a big difference.
The Short Answer
- 1095-A: You’ll get a 1095-A only if you bought your health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace (aka the exchange). Super important—don’t file your taxes without it. Read more below.
- 1095-B and 1095-C: You’ll get a 1095-B or 1095-C if your employer provided your health insurance. These are informational only, you don’t need them to file your taxes. Toss them in a folder for your records, stop reading this article, and get back to your life.
Why Form 1095-A Matters for TaxShopping
Most tax software doesn’t let you file for free if you have a 1095-A. Even if you qualify for free filing otherwise, adding a 1095-A often requires an upgrade to a Deluxe plan, which can cost up to $78.
Good news! You can still file for free with a 1095-A using FreeTaxUSA or Cash App Taxes. Both products support form 1095-A plus all other federal forms for free. No surprise upgrades!
Bought Health Insurance from an Exchange?
Check out our TaxShopper Tool to compare prices on tax prep that includes form 1095-A.
1095-A: What You Need to Know
Why is it important?
Tax Jargon Warning: When you buy health insurance through the Marketplace, you may qualify for a Premium Tax Credit to help cover the cost. Sometimes, this credit is paid in advance to lower your monthly premiums, and the details are reported on your 1095-A. You’ll need to enter this form on your tax return to calculate the credit and reconcile any amount you received in advance. This is reported on Form 8962 and attached to your return.
Depending on your situation, you might qualify for a bigger credit or owe some back if you received too much in advance.
🤓 Now you’re ready to crush a tax trivia question (fun, right?), but if you forget, don’t worry—your tax prep software will handle all the calculations once you enter your 1095-A.
When will I get my 1095-A?
You should receive Form 1095-A by mail no later than mid-February. You might also be able to access it in your Marketplace account as early as mid-January or by February 1. For more details, visit HealthCare.gov or contact your state exchange.
What if it’s missing or wrong?
If you bought insurance through a state Marketplace, check your Marketplace account for an electronic copy. If you don’t see it or it’s incorrect, contact the Marketplace directly.
What Happens If I Don’t Enter My 1095-A?
Filers often skip their 1095-A because they forget about having Marketplace insurance last year or don’t realized they will get a tax form. Here’s what could happen:
- Your e-file may get rejected.
The IRS will reject your tax return if their records show you purchased health insurance through a Marketplace but didn’t report it on your return. Why set yourself up for disappointment? - Your refund might get delayed.
Even if your return is accepted, it could still get flagged in the system for missing information, putting your refund on hold. - You could miss out on a bigger refund.
If you’re eligible for additional tax credits, the IRS can’t calculate your full credit without the 1095-A. That means you could leave money on the table or have to wait until the IRS realizes they owe you money. Could be a while. - You’ll get an IRS notice.
If your return somehow slips through without the 1095-A, the IRS will eventually catch it. You’ll get a notice and may need to amend your return, adding more time and hassle.
The Bottom Line
I get it—you want your refund. But unless you’re excited about exchanging letters with the IRS all summer, just wait for your 1095-A. You can find better pen pals.
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