A Couple IRS Wrinkles That May Impact You

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The IRS made two recent announcements that may impact you this tax-filing season. Being aware of these announcements may keep you from unknowingly delaying filing your tax return.

One topic is regarding proof you have qualified health insurance and the other topic is an error in notices sent to victims of IRS identity theft.

Extension in Form 1095 reporting

For 2015 tax returns, everyone employed by a company with 50 or more employees will receive a new Form 1095. This form is in addition to the Form 1095-A’s received by other taxpayers using the Marketplace to purchase their health insurance. You need this form to file your taxes as it provides the necessary proof that you have adequate health insurance for the year. Without this proof you could be subject to the new shared responsibility tax.For 2015 tax returns, everyone employed by a company with 50 or more employees will receive a new Form 1095. This form is in addition to the Form 1095-A’s received by other taxpayers using the Marketplace to purchase their health insurance. You need this form to file your taxes as it provides the necessary proof that you have adequate health insurance for the year. Without this proof you could be subject to the new shared responsibility tax.

 

What is happening

The IRS has granted an extension for Form 1095 B and 1095 C being sent to employees. Here are the old and new dates.

Form Purpose Original
due date
New
due date
1095 B & 1095 C Report to employees of adequate health insurance coverage by month 2/1/2016 3/31/2016
Summary forms 1094 B & 1094 C Summary forms sent to the government confirming employee health care coverage 2/29/2016
(3/31 if filing electronically)
5/31/2016
(6/30 if filing electronically)

Note: This delay does not impact the timing of Form 1095 A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement. 1095 A is the form you receive if you purchase your health insurance through the Marketplace and not through your employer.

What it means to you

Since the IRS understands that taxpayers do not wish to wait to file their 2015 tax returns, the IRS is allowing you to file your 2015 tax return without receiving this form. Here are some suggestions.

Check Check with your employer. If you work for an employer with more than 50 employees, check with your human resources department to find out when you can expect to receive the 1095 form. If there is no delay, then wait for Form 1095.
Check Look for other supporting documents. For 2015, the IRS will allow you to support your insurance coverage with means other than Form 1095. Simply collect this proof of insurance and save it in case of a future audit.
Check Wait. If you changed jobs or have a situation that suggests there may be a gap in insurance coverage you may wish to wait until you receive your documents. There is no corresponding delay granted to file your tax return. Federal taxes owed are still due on or before April 18th.

Identity theft PINs are for 2015 not 2014

If you are one of the unfortunate victims of IRS identity theft you will need a one time PIN to file your tax return. This numeric identifier is sent to you via mail by the IRS.

What has happened

IRS PIN notice ( letter: CP01A) is being mailed to identity theft victims right now. The tax year on many notices is incorrectly stated as 2014, when the PIN is to be used for your 2015 tax return. This mistake is causing confusion among taxpayers.

What to do

Check Do not throw out the notice! This PIN is for your 2015 tax return. Without it you cannot file your 2015 tax return.
Check File your tax return. Remember identity theft victims who are provided this PIN must submit their tax return with this PIN entered in the correct field. You may not efile your tax return without it.