1095-A: Health Insurance Marketplace Statement
Reports health insurance coverage purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Overview
Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, is issued by the Health Insurance Marketplace (Healthcare.gov or your state marketplace) to individuals who enrolled in health insurance through the Marketplace. This form is essential for reconciling the premium tax credit on your federal tax return.
If you received advance premium tax credits (APTC) — subsidies that lowered your monthly insurance premiums — Form 1095-A provides the information needed to calculate whether you received the correct amount. You must file Form 8962 with your tax return to reconcile the advance credits with your actual premium tax credit based on your final income.
The form provides month-by-month detail of the insurance premiums, the second-lowest-cost Silver plan premium (benchmark plan), and the advance payments of the premium tax credit made on your behalf. This information is critical for determining if you owe additional tax or are entitled to a larger credit.
Who Files This Form?
The Health Insurance Marketplace issues Form 1095-A to anyone who was enrolled in a Marketplace health insurance plan for any month during the tax year. You will receive a 1095-A even if you did not receive advance premium tax credits.
If you received advance premium tax credits, you must file Form 8962 to reconcile the credits. If your income was higher than estimated when you enrolled, you may have to repay some or all of the advance credits. If your income was lower, you may be entitled to an additional credit. You should receive your 1095-A by mid-January.
Key Fields
Column A: Monthly enrollment premiums
The total monthly premium for your Marketplace health insurance plan before any tax credits or subsidies.
Column B: Monthly SLCSP premium
The premium for the second-lowest-cost Silver plan (SLCSP) in your area. This benchmark amount is used to calculate your premium tax credit.
Column C: Monthly advance payment of PTC
The amount of advance premium tax credit (subsidy) paid directly to your insurer each month to lower your premiums.
Part I: Recipient information
Your name, Social Security number, address, and the dates of coverage.
Part II: Covered individuals
All individuals covered under the Marketplace policy, including dependents.
Part III: Coverage information
The month-by-month breakdown of premiums, benchmark amounts, and advance credits.
Filing Deadlines
March 2
Penalties range from $60 to $310 per form for late filing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Receive Form 1095-A by mid-January and verify the coverage dates and enrolled individuals are correct.
- 2
Check that the monthly premium amounts match your records and Marketplace account.
- 3
Use the information from Form 1095-A to complete Form 8962 (Premium Tax Credit).
- 4
On Form 8962, calculate your actual premium tax credit based on your final household income and family size.
- 5
Compare the advance credits you received (Column C totals) with the actual credit you are entitled to.
- 6
If you received too much in advance credits, you may need to repay some amount (subject to repayment caps based on income).
- 7
If you received too little, you will get the additional credit as part of your tax refund.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not filing Form 8962 to reconcile credits
If you received advance premium tax credits, you must file Form 8962 with your tax return. Failure to reconcile can delay your refund and jeopardize future subsidies.
Not reporting changes in income to the Marketplace
Report income changes during the year to the Marketplace to adjust your advance credits. Large differences between estimated and actual income lead to bigger repayments or credits at tax time.
Using incorrect SLCSP amounts
The benchmark plan premium (Column B) must be accurate. If you moved or had family size changes mid-year, the correct SLCSP may differ from what is on your 1095-A. Use the Marketplace calculator to verify.
Not claiming the premium tax credit when eligible
Even if you did not receive advance credits, you may be eligible for the premium tax credit when you file. File Form 8962 to claim it.
Frequently Asked Questions
A refundable tax credit that helps eligible individuals and families afford health insurance purchased through the Marketplace. It can be taken in advance (to lower monthly premiums) or claimed when filing your tax return.
Related Forms
TaxScout.ai extracts 1095-A automatically
AI-powered extraction with 5-layer validation. No manual data entry.