What to Do If You Didn’t Receive Your Form 1095
Tax season often brings questions, and one of the most common is: “What if I didn’t receive my Form 1095?”
If you had health insurance in the United States, especially through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), this form plays an important role in your tax filing.
Not receiving your Form 1095 can feel stressful, but the good news is that this situation is common and usually easy to fix. In this guide, we’ll explain what the form is, why you may not have received it, and exactly what steps to take next.
What Is Form 1095?
Form 1095 is a tax-related document that confirms you had health insurance coverage during the year. It helps the IRS verify coverage and, in some cases, calculate tax credits related to the ACA.
There are three different types of Form 1095, and not everyone receives the same one.
Types of Form 1095
Form 1095-A: For individuals enrolled in a Marketplace (ACA) health plan
Form 1095-B: For private insurance or government programs like Medicaid or CHIP
Form 1095-C: For employer-sponsored insurance from large employers
The actions you need to take depend on which type of Form 1095 applies to you.
Is It Mandatory to Receive Form 1095?
It depends on the form:
Form 1095-A: Yes, it is essential if you had ACA Marketplace coverage
Forms 1095-B and 1095-C: Not always required to file taxes, but important to keep for records
If you had an ACA plan, Form 1095-A is the most critical one.
Common Reasons You Didn’t Receive Your Form 1095
Not receiving your form doesn’t necessarily mean something went wrong. Common reasons include:
You moved and your address wasn’t updated
The form was issued online only
Mail delivery delays
Administrative processing delays
Errors in your account information
What to Do If You Didn’t Receive Form 1095-A (ACA Marketplace)
Step 1: Log Into Your Marketplace Account
If you were enrolled in an ACA plan:
Sign in to your HealthCare.gov account (or your state marketplace)
Go to the “Tax Forms” or “Documents” section
Download your Form 1095-A
In many cases, the form is not mailed and is only available online.
Step 2: Review the Form Carefully
Before using it:
Check names of covered individuals
Verify coverage months
Review subsidy and premium amounts
Errors should be corrected before filing taxes.
Step 3: Request a Copy If It’s Missing
If the form isn’t available:
Contact the Marketplace directly
Request a copy or reissue
Ask for a corrected form if information is incorrect
What to Do If You Didn’t Receive Form 1095-B
Form 1095-B is issued by:
Private insurance companies
Medicaid or CHIP agencies
Some Medicare plans
If you didn’t receive it:
Contact your insurance provider
Check your online insurance portal
Request a copy for your records
In most cases, you do not need to submit Form 1095-B with your tax return.
What to Do If You Didn’t Receive Form 1095-C
If you had insurance through your employer:
Contact your Human Resources department
Request Form 1095-C
Ask whether you need it for your records
This form is usually informational and not required to be attached to your tax return.
Can I File My Taxes Without Form 1095?
The answer depends on the type of form:
With Form 1095-A: Filing without it is not recommended
With Form 1095-B or 1095-C: You can usually file without attaching them
Filing without Form 1095-A may result in:
Tax return rejection
Delayed refunds
IRS requests for additional information
Problems with future ACA subsidies
What If My Form 1095 Has Errors?
Common errors include:
Incorrect subsidy amounts
Wrong coverage dates
Missing household members
If you find errors:
Do not file your taxes yet
Contact the issuer immediately
Request a corrected form
Wait for the updated version
How to Avoid This Problem in the Future
Always update your mailing address
Check your Marketplace or insurance account regularly
Report income or household changes promptly
Save all health insurance tax documents yearly
Frequently Asked Questions About Form 1095
Does everyone receive a Form 1095?
No. Only individuals with qualifying health coverage receive it.
Does the IRS send Form 1095?
No. The form is issued by the Marketplace, your insurer, or your employer.
What happens if I never get it?
You must obtain it through the appropriate source, especially if it is Form 1095-A.
