I had a tough time getting 1095-B & 1095-C forms from clients last year in time for filing, as many of their health insurance providers were delayed in sending them out. Unfortunately, late last year, the IRS decided to allow providers to file extensions again, and I was dreading the same experience.
So you can imagine that I was pretty pleased to read, in today’s National Association of Tax Professionals e-newsletter:
According to Question 14 on the IRS Health Care Information Forms FAQ, you do not have to wait for either Form 1095-B or 1095-C from your client’s coverage provider or employer to file the individual income tax return. You can use other forms of documentation in lieu of the Form 1095 information returns to prepare the tax return. Other forms of documentation that would provide proof of a taxpayer’s insurance coverage include:
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Of course, many of these documents will not confirm that insurance was for the entire year, or all members of the family, so it is still best practice to get the 1095-B or 1095-C. But when it’s unobtainable, it shouldn’t delay your client’s filing — just make sure they provide it to you once they are able.