As tax time approaches, it can be hard to keep track of all the various forms you need. An important one you might need is the Form 1095-A. If you enrolled in health insurance through the Marketplace through either Healthcare.gov or your state’s exchange, you should have received a document called Form 1095-A. It’s a small form with a big impact. If you’ve misplaced it, never received it, or aren’t sure what it is, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.
Here’s exactly what the form does, why it matters, and how to track it down if it’s gone missing.
Form 1095-A is issued by the Health Insurance Marketplace to anyone with Marketplace health insurance coverage for any part of the year. It includes information like:
This form isn’t just a record—it’s essential for your tax return. That’s because the IRS requires you to reconcile the premium tax credits you received with what you were actually eligible for, using a form called 8962. You need your 1095-A to complete that calculation.
If you had Marketplace coverage and received any premium tax credits, you cannot file your tax return without this form. The IRS will hold up your return until it’s submitted correctly.
Form 1095-A is typically issued by mid-February. If it hasn’t arrived by then, it’s time to investigate.
Start by logging into your Marketplace account. Most forms are available electronically, even if a paper copy never makes it to your mailbox. Once logged in, go to your account dashboard and look for a section called “Documents,” “Messages,” or “Tax Forms.” If the form is there, you can download it right away.
Next, check that your contact information is up to date. Sometimes the form was sent, but it went to an old address or email. If that’s the case, updating your profile will help ensure you receive any future communications.
If you’ve looked online and still can’t find the form, call the Marketplace directly. You may need to verify your identity, but they can reissue the form or provide access to download it again.
If you received the form earlier in the year but can’t find it now, no problem. You can still access a copy through your online Marketplace account.
Log in and look for a section labeled “Tax Documents” or “1095-A.” From there, download a PDF of the form. You can save it, print it, or forward it directly to your tax preparer. It’s just as valid as the original.
If you can’t access it online or prefer a mailed version, you can request that as well. Keep in mind that paper copies can take up to two weeks to arrive. If you’re close to a filing deadline, online access is definitely the faster option.
Once you’ve retrieved your form, review it for accuracy—especially the start and end dates of your coverage, the names of household members, and any advance premium tax credit amounts. If anything looks off, reach out to the Marketplace right away to request a correction.
If you had Marketplace coverage and you’re missing Form 1095-A, the short answer is no—you can’t file yet.
Form 1095-A is required to complete Form 8962, which reconciles the advance premium tax credit. Without it, your tax return will be considered incomplete by the IRS.
What does that mean for you?
It’s not worth the risk to guess the numbers or use last year’s form. If the IRS finds a mismatch between what you file and what the Marketplace reports, it can lead to follow-up letters, corrections, and delays.
It’s tempting to think of the 1095-A as just another form, but it plays a critical role in determining whether you owe additional taxes or are due a refund.
If you received more in premium tax credits than you were eligible for, you’ll need to pay some of that back. If you received less, you may be entitled to a larger refund. Either way, the IRS needs the exact numbers—and they come from your 1095-A.
Filing without it or with incorrect information can lead to:
Accuracy now saves a lot of time and stress later.
Whether your 1095-A is missing, inaccurate, or just confusing, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. We help clients every year:
If you're unsure about how to proceed or just want someone to take the stress off your plate, we’re here to help. Reach out to our team and we’ll walk you through it—form in hand, return filed, refund on the way.