If you had health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), you may have received a document called Form 1095. For many people, this form creates confusion—especially during tax season.

However, Form 1095 plays a critical role in confirming your health coverage and, in many cases, determining whether you correctly received financial assistance.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What ACA Form 1095 is

• The different types of Form 1095

• Who receives it and when

• Why it matters for your taxes

• What to do if it’s missing or incorrect

What Is ACA Form 1095?

Form 1095 is an informational tax document that shows whether you and your household had health insurance coverage during the tax year.

Its primary purpose is to:

• Verify health coverage

• Support tax filing requirements

• Reconcile ACA subsidies when applicable

There are three types of Form 1095, but not everyone receives the same one.

Types of Form 1095

1. Form 1095-A (Most Important for ACA Plans)

Form 1095-A is issued by the Health Insurance Marketplace (HealthCare.gov or a state Marketplace).

You receive this form if:

• You enrolled in a health plan through the Marketplace

• You received or were eligible for the Premium Tax Credit

This is the most important form for ACA tax purposes.

2. Form 1095-B

This form is issued by:

• Private insurance companies

• Medicaid

• CHIP

• Certain government-sponsored plans

It confirms coverage but is not used to reconcile ACA subsidies.

3. Form 1095-C

Issued by large employers (50+ employees), this form shows:

• Whether your employer offered coverage

• Which months you were insured

It applies mainly to employer-sponsored health insurance.

Why Is Form 1095-A Important?

Form 1095-A is essential because it is required to:

• File your federal tax return correctly

• Reconcile your ACA subsidy

• Avoid IRS delays or penalties

If you received financial assistance for your health plan, you must use Form 1095-A when filing taxes.

What Information Does Form 1095-A Include?

Form 1095-A contains:

• Policyholder’s name

• Household members covered

• Coverage months

• Full monthly premium amount

• Monthly subsidy received

• Benchmark plan information

This data is used to complete IRS Form 8962.

What Is ACA Subsidy Reconciliation?

During the year, the Marketplace estimates your income and provides an advance subsidy to lower your monthly premiums.

When you file taxes:

• Estimated income is compared to actual income

• The IRS determines whether you:

  • Received the correct subsidy

  • Received too much

  • Received too little

This process is called reconciliation, and it cannot be completed without Form 1095-A.

What Happens If I Don’t Use Form 1095-A?

Failing to include it may result in:

• Tax return rejection

• Delayed refunds

• Owing money to the IRS

• Loss of future ACA subsidies

When Is Form 1095-A Available?

Typically:

• Issued by late January

• Available in your HealthCare.gov account

• Sent by mail or downloadable online

Even if you don’t receive it by mail, you are responsible for obtaining it.

What If I Didn’t Receive My Form 1095-A?

You can:

1. Log into your HealthCare.gov account

2. Download the form directly

3. Request a copy from the Marketplace

Do not file your taxes without it if you had an ACA plan.

What If My Form 1095-A Has Errors?

Common errors include:

• Incorrect subsidy amounts

• Wrong coverage months

• Missing household members

If you notice mistakes:

• Contact the Marketplace

• Request a corrected form

• Wait for the updated version before filing taxes

Does Form 1095-A Affect My Tax Refund?

Yes. It can:

• Increase your refund

• Reduce your refund

• Result in a tax balance owed

The outcome depends on how closely your actual income matched your estimate.

Common Mistakes Related to Form 1095

• Ignoring the form

• Confusing it with other 1095 forms

• Not reporting income changes during the year

• Filing taxes without it

• Not requesting corrections in time

Tips to Avoid Problems With Form 1095-A

• Save your form every year

• Report income or household changes promptly

• Work with a tax professional familiar with ACA rules

• Review the form carefully before filing

ACA Form 1095-A is more than just paperwork—it is the foundation for filing your taxes correctly and maintaining eligibility for future health insurance assistance.

Understanding how it works helps you avoid IRS issues, delayed refunds, and unexpected tax bills.

If you have questions about your form or your ACA taxes, getting professional guidance early can make a significant difference.