WASHINGTON – In preparation for the 2015 tax filing
season, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Treasury
Department are putting in place resources to provide tax filers with the
information and resources they need to get their questions answered.
Millions of Americans who get their health insurance through work are
benefitting from the Affordable Care Act, and millions of others have signed up
for the Health Insurance Marketplaces and received financial assistance to
lower their monthly premiums.
Starting this year, consumers will see some changes to their tax
returns. While the vast majority of tax filers – over three quarters –
will just need to check a box on their tax return indicating they had health
coverage in 2014, people who have coverage through the Marketplaces, or decided
not to enroll in coverage, should be aware of some additional steps that will
be a part of the tax filing process starting this year.
Consumers will have questions about this new process and the Administration
is committed to providing the information and tools tax filers need to
understand the new requirements. In the coming weeks, the Administration
will launch additional resources to help consumers prepare for tax filing
season, including online tools to help individuals connect with local tax
preparation services and determine if they’re eligible for an exemption.
Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew and Health and Human Services Secretary
Sylvia Burwell released the following statements today providing an overview of
the consumer support and guidance their agencies will provide:
Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew:
“For the vast majority of Americans, tax filing under the Affordable Care
Act will be as simple as checking a box to show they had health coverage all
year. A fraction of taxpayers will take different steps, like claiming an
exemption if they could not afford insurance or ensuring they received the
correct amount of financial assistance. A smaller fraction of taxpayers will
pay a fee if they made a choice to not obtain coverage they could afford.
We are working to ensure that whatever their experience, consumers can easily
access clear information since this is the first year they will see certain
changes to their tax returns.”
Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell:
“Last year, millions of Americans purchased quality, affordable health
coverage through the Marketplace, and the vast majority received tax credits
that cut their monthly premiums. This benefit, which in many cases helped
make the cost of health care less than the cost of a cell phone or cable bill,
enabled these consumers to enjoy the benefits of coverage throughout the
year. In the coming weeks, HHS will work with other agencies, tax
preparers and community organizations to arm these consumers with the
information they need to know as they prepare to file their taxes.
We will also be providing helpful tools so that the millions of taxpayers who
qualify for an exemption can receive one.”
While including health insurance information will become a routine step in
filing taxes, this is the first time families will be asked to answer basic
questions regarding their health insurance on their tax returns. Most
consumers – over three quarters – just need to check a box to indicate they
have coverage. Those with Marketplace coverage will receive a new form in
the mail from the Marketplace – Form 1095-A – that they’ll use to reconcile their
upfront financial assistance. While those who can afford to buy health
insurance and choose not to will have to pay a fee, individuals who can’t
afford coverage or meet other conditions can receive an exemption.
In the coming weeks, consumer-friendly tools and resources will be made
available for those tax filers who have health coverage through the
Marketplaces, those seeking an exemption, and those looking for information
about the fee for those who could afford to purchase health coverage but chose
not to. General resources can be found at www.IRS.gov/ACA
or https://www.healthcare.gov/taxes/.
A sampling of some of resources already available, include:
To reach consumers with the information they need to prepare for the
upcoming tax season, the Administration will employ a variety outreach
strategies. Outreach and consumer education efforts will include:
- Direct outreach to
Marketplace enrollees. Through email, phone, and text messages the
Administration will reach out to people who got coverage through the
Health Insurance Marketplace with personalized information that is most
relevant to their tax status. We will focus on providing targeted
messaging to consumers who benefited from an advanced premium tax credit
last year to help them offset the cost of their Marketplace premiums.
- Community-based outreach
and in-person assistance. Working with community organizations on the ground,
nonprofit organizations, Marketplace navigators and other in-person
assisters, we will provide guidance and resources to consumers looking for
answers.
- Partnerships with top
tax preparers.
The Administration will continue to work with top tax preparers to provide
consumers with the information they need to prepare for tax season.
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