To Maintain Eligibility for Advance Payments of the Premium Tax Credit, File ASAP

The IRS is sending letters to taxpayers who received advance payments of the premium tax credit in 2015, but who have not yet filed their tax return. They must file a tax return to reconcile any advance credit payments they received in 2015 and to maintain their eligibility for future premium assistance. If they do not file, they will not be eligible for advance payments of the premium tax credit in 2017.

If they receive Letter 5858 or 5862, they are being reminded to file their 2015 federal tax return along with Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit.  The letter encourages them to file within 30 days of the date of the letter to substantially increase their chances of avoiding a gap in receiving assistance with paying Marketplace health insurance coverage in 2017.

Here’s what they need to do if they received a Letter 5858

  • Read the letter carefully.
  • Review the situation to see if they agree with the information in the letter.
  • Use the Form 1095-A received from the Marketplace to complete the return. If they need a copy of the Form 1095-A, they need to log into their HealthCare.gov or state Marketplace account or call the Marketplace call center.
  • File the 2015 tax return with Form 8962 as soon as possible, even if they don’t normally have to file.
  • If they have already filed your 2015 tax return with Form 8962, verify the return was e-filed or mailed and they can disregard the letter.

Here’s what you need to do if you received a 5862 letter:

  • Read the letter carefully.
  • Review the situation to see if they agree with the information in the letter.
  • Use the Form 1095-A that they received from the Marketplace to complete Form 8962. If they need a copy of the Form 1095-A, they need to log in to their HealthCare.gov or state Marketplace account or call the Marketplace call center.
  • File the 2015 tax return with Form 8962 as soon as possible, even though they have an extension until October 17, 2016, to file.
  • If they have already filed the 2015 tax return with Form 8962, verify the return was e-filed or mailed and they can disregard the letter.